Aerosol generation device having a baffle

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (100) includes a heating chamber (108) having a tubular wall (114) extending about a central axis X, the tubular wall defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (108). The heating chamber (108) has an open end (110) and is positioned to receive a substrate carrier (130) including an aerosol substrate (132) through the open end (110) and into the interior volume of the heating chamber (108) along the central axis X. A heater (118) extends around the heating chamber (108) to supply heat to the heating chamber (108). The heating chamber (108) also includes a baffle (142) having a sealing surface (143) facing away from the open end (110). The baffle (142) is arranged to deform when the substrate carrier (130) is inserted into the heating chamber (108) such that the sealing surface (143) is biased to face more towards the central axis X and thus towards the sidewall of the substrate carrier (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device having a baffle for holding heated gas in a heating chamber. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol generating device that can be self - contained and operate at a low temperature. Such a device can heat tobacco or other suitable materials by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than burning them, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Background Art

[0002] (Also known as vaporizers) The popularity and use of risk - reduction devices or risk - modification devices have grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to support habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll - your - own tobacco. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems for heating or warming aerosolizable substances are available.

[0003] Generally available risk - reduction devices or risk - modification devices are substrate - heated aerosol generating devices or heat - not - burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing moist leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature in the range of 100°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning or igniting it, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but has fewer or no toxic and carcinogenic by - products resulting from burning and ignition.

[0004] Generally, it is desirable to rapidly heat the aerosol substrate to the temperature at which an aerosol can be released from the aerosol substrate without burning and maintain the aerosol substrate at that temperature. It will be apparent that the aerosol is released from the aerosol substrate into the heating chamber and provided to the user when there is an air flow passing through the aerosol substrate.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber having a tubular wall extending around a central axis, the tubular wall defining an internal volume of the heating chamber, the heating chamber having an open end and being arranged to receive a substrate carrier containing an aerosol substrate along the central axis into the internal volume through the open end; a heater extending around the heating chamber for supplying heat to the heating chamber; and a baffle having a sealing surface facing opposite to the open end, the baffle being arranged to deform such that when the substrate carrier is inserted into the heating chamber, the sealing surface is deflected towards the central axis and thus towards the side wall of the substrate carrier.

[0007] The deflection of the sealing surface can enable an effective seal to be formed against the side wall of the substrate carrier. It will be understood that the deflection or bending of the sealing surface will typically be towards the internal volume or away from the open end. The deflection or bending of the sealing surface can increase the surface area of the baffle facing the central axis and thus the side wall of the substrate carrier. Further, when the sealing surface is not deflected, for example when there is no substrate carrier, the baffle can extend across the open end of the heating chamber to a greater extent than when the side wall is deflected. For example, the open end can be at least partially blocked by the baffle such that any opening in the baffle is smaller than the cross-sectional length of the substrate carrier, for example the width. Generally, the deflected sealing surface that cooperates with the side wall of the substrate carrier when the substrate carrier is inserted can enable the heated air to be retained within the heating chamber, thereby further improving the efficiency of the aerosol generating device. This is because the energy consumed to heat the air in the heating chamber is not wasted by allowing this air to escape from the heating chamber.

[0008] The heater can be disposed outside the heating chamber. The heater can be attached on the outer surface of the heating chamber, or can form a part of the tubular wall of the heating chamber, or can be attached on the inner surface of the tubular wall of the heating chamber. The heater can be attached on the surface of the tubular wall facing away from the internal volume of the heating chamber. The heat from the externally disposed heater is transmitted through the tubular wall to the internal volume. More specifically, the heat is transmitted through the tubular wall to the internal volume by conduction from the externally disposed heater. The heat can be transmitted directly from the tubular wall to the aerosol substrate and / or indirectly from the tubular wall to the aerosol substrate by heating the air flowing from the open end towards the aerosol substrate.

[0009] The heating chamber can have a base, and the tubular wall can extend between the open end and the base. The base can be closed such that air is drawn solely into the heating chamber towards the aerosol substrate through the open end, more specifically between the outer layer of the substrate carrier and the tubular wall towards the aerosol substrate.

[0010] Optionally, the distance between the innermost part of the baffle and the central axis is smaller than the distance between the inner surface of the tubular wall and the central axis. That is, the distance between a part of the baffle closest to the central axis and the central axis is smaller than the distance between the inner surface of the tubular wall and the central axis.

[0011] Optionally, the baffle is disposed adjacent to the open end of the heating chamber. For example, the baffle is closer to the open end than to the opposite end of the heating chamber.

[0012] Optionally, the baffle is elastically deformable.

[0013] Optionally, the baffle is a membrane including at least two parts, the at least two parts being defined by a slit between the at least two parts, and the parts being configured to be deformably separated to receive a substrate carrier into the heating chamber. In one example, the slit extends radially with respect to the tubular wall. In some examples, there are two or more slits that can intersect each other at the central axis.

[0014] Optionally, the baffle has at least one hole configured to allow an air flow therethrough.

[0015] Optionally, the baffle is disposed at least partially inside the heating chamber.

[0016] Optionally, the baffle is located outside the heating chamber and is disposed adjacent to or spaced from the open end of the heating chamber.

[0017] Optionally, the baffle extends from the tubular wall.

[0018] Optionally, the baffle (completely) surrounds a certain / its central axis.

[0019] Optionally, the baffle is made of a material having a first thermal conductivity, and the tubular wall is made of a material having a second thermal conductivity, and the first thermal conductivity is less than the second thermal conductivity.

[0020] Optionally, the baffle is an opening defined by the baffle, and the opening has a taper in a direction away from the internal volume of the heating chamber such that the opening for receiving the substrate carrier through the opening narrows towards the internal volume of the heating chamber.

[0021] Optionally, the baffle includes a first baffle element and a second baffle element that are concentrically located and axially spaced from each other along the length of the tubular wall.

[0022] Optionally, the baffle includes an elastomeric material. Optionally, the baffle is made of silicone rubber.

[0023] Optionally, the baffle is elastically deformable from a sealed configuration to an inflow configuration to permit an air flow between the baffle and the substrate carrier into the internal volume of the heating chamber during suction by a user through the substrate carrier. The sealed configuration may be one in which the baffle is deformed to receive the substrate carrier, and the inflow configuration may be one in which an air gap is formed between the baffle and the substrate carrier to allow air to flow into the heating chamber.

[0024] Optionally, the baffle extends further towards the central axis in the sealed configuration than in the inflow configuration.

[0025] Optionally, the baffle defines an opening for receiving the substrate carrier therethrough, and the opening has a width smaller than the width of the substrate carrier.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further includes a power source and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater.

[0027] Optionally, the heating chamber includes a base disposed at an end of the tubular wall opposite the open end, and further optionally, the distance between the baffle and the base of the heating chamber is approximately equal to the length of the aerosol substrate supported by the substrate carrier.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating chamber having a tubular wall defining an internal volume of the heating chamber and having an open end, and a substrate carrier including an aerosol substrate is disposed to be received into the internal volume of the heating chamber through the open end. The tubular wall is disposed to define an air gap between the substrate carrier and the tubular wall when the substrate carrier is received into the heating chamber. The heating chamber, a heater extending around the heating chamber to supply heat to the heating chamber, and a baffle disposed to substantially seal the substrate carrier and restrict an air flow through the open end, the baffle being deformable to receive the substrate carrier into the heating chamber.

[0029] Optionally, the baffle is elastically deformable from a sealed configuration to an inflow configuration to allow an air flow between the baffle and the substrate carrier into the internal volume of the heating chamber during suction by a user through the substrate carrier. The sealed configuration may be one in which the baffle is deformed to receive the substrate carrier, and the inflow configuration may be one in which an air gap is formed between the baffle and the substrate carrier to allow air to flow into the heating chamber.

[0030] Optionally, the substrate carrier is more rigid than the baffle. Thus, in the sealed configuration (when the substrate carrier is received into the heating chamber), the substrate carrier can deform the baffle without itself being deformed by the baffle.

[0031] Optionally, the aerosol generating device of the second aspect may include any optional features described above with respect to the first aspect, particularly features relating to the size, position and function of the baffle of the first aspect.

[0032] Optionally, in each of the above aspects, the baffle is deformable from a first configuration to a second configuration, and in the second configuration, the substrate carrier can be inserted into the heating chamber such that the baffle can form a seal against the substrate carrier.

[0033] Optionally, the baffle is further deformable by an air flow entering the internal volume of the heating chamber through the open end.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided that includes the aerosol generation device described above and a substrate carrier. In other words, the aerosol generation device and the substrate carrier can together form an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] First Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device 100 includes an external casing 102 that houses various components of the aerosol generating device 100. In the first embodiment, the external casing 102 has an irregular shape, but it will be understood that any shape is possible as long as it is sized to fit the components described in the various embodiments shown herein.

[0038] A first end portion 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 shown below each of FIGS. 1 to 6 is described for convenience as the bottom, base, or lower end portion of the aerosol generating device 100. A second end portion 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 shown above each of FIGS. 1 to 7 is described as the upper end portion or upper side end portion of the aerosol generating device 100. In use, the user typically orientates the aerosol generating device 100 with the first end portion 104 facing downwards and / or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and the second end portion 106 facing upwards and / or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 100 has a heating chamber 108 located towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 is open towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the heating chamber 108 has an open first end 110 towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 has a side wall 114 extending between the open first end 110 and a base 112 (located at the second end of the heating chamber 108 opposite the open end 110). The side wall 114 and the base 112 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the side wall 114 and the base 112 are formed as a single piece. In a first embodiment, the side wall 114 is tubular. More specifically, the side wall 114 is cylindrical and extends around a central axis X. However, in other embodiments, the side wall 114 has other suitable shapes such as a tube having an elliptical or polygonal cross-section extending around the central axis X in each case. In yet another embodiment, the side wall 114 is tapered. The opening of the outer casing 102 at the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 is aligned with the open end 110 to enable the insertion of the substrate carrier 130. The heating chamber 108 is held spaced from the inner surface of the outer casing 102 to prevent heat from flowing into the outer casing 102. Further, to enhance the heat insulation of the heating chamber 108, the heating chamber 108 can be surrounded by an insulator, such as a fibrous or foamed material like absorbent cotton, an aerogel or a gas, or in other examples, a vacuum insulator can be provided.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the heating chamber 108 is arranged to receive a substrate carrier 130, also known as a "consumable". Typically, the substrate carrier 130 includes a pre-packaged aerosol substrate 132 such as tobacco or another suitable aerosolizable material provided with an aerosol collection region 134. Both the aerosol substrate 132 and the aerosol collection region 134 are enclosed by an outer layer 136 and are in contact with each other at a boundary along the substrate carrier 130. The aerosol substrate 132 is heatable to generate an aerosol for inhalation and is located towards the first end 138 (or "tip") of the substrate carrier 130. The aerosol substrate 132 extends across the full width of the substrate carrier 130 within the outer layer 136. In other embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is arranged to receive other forms of aerosol substrate 132 such as cut loose material or solid material packaged by other means. The substrate carrier 130 is generally cylindrical. The aerosol substrate 132 is arranged along less than 50% of the length of the substrate carrier 130, preferably 20% - 40%, more preferably 30% - 40%, for example, about 36% (equal to about 20 mm out of a 55 mm long substrate carrier 130) along (along the cylindrical axis). Although not shown in FIGS. 3-7, the substrate carrier 130 may further include a filter towards the second end 140.

[0041] In a first embodiment, the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 108 is cup-shaped. This can prevent the air inhaled from the open first end 110 from flowing out from the second end by the base 112 and instead ensure that it is guided through the aerosol substrate 132. This also allows the user to insert the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108 to the intended distance and not insert it further.

[0042] The heater 118 is attached to the outer surface of the heating chamber 108. That is, the heater 118 is attached to the surface of the tubular side wall 114, facing the opposite side to the inner volume of the heating chamber 108. This can help protect the heater 118 from damage when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108. The heater 118 is typically electric. In the first embodiment, the heater 118 is a film heater including a conductive (e.g., metal) track overlaid on a flexible electrical insulating backing material (such as polyimide).

[0043] In the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is electric. That is, it is configured to use electric power to heat the aerosol substrate 132. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device 100 has a power source 120, such as a battery. The power source 120 is coupled to a control circuit 122. The control circuit 122 is then coupled to the heater 118. The user operates the aerosol generating device 100 using control means (not shown) configured to couple the power source 120 to the heater 118 via the control circuit 122 and to decouple the power source 120 from the heater 118. Thereby, the heater 118 is heated and heat is supplied to the heating chamber 108. When the substrate carrier 130 is present, the heat is transferred (usually mainly by conduction or convection) to the aerosol substrate 132, and the aerosol substrate 132 emits vapor or aerosol that is inhaled by the user by sucking the second end 140 of the substrate carrier 130.

[0044] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 is shown without the substrate carrier 130. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the substrate carrier 130 is shown above the aerosol generating device 100 and is not loaded into the aerosol generating device 100. In FIGS. 5 to 7, the substrate carrier 130 loaded into the aerosol generating device 100 is shown.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a baffle 142. The baffle 142 is disposed between the opening of the outer casing 102 and the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The baffle 142 can be attached in place using any suitable method, including, for example, press fitting, holding the baffle 142 in a groove, attachment by an adhesive or other bonding method, and fastening the baffle 142 in place using projections or flanges. As shown in the following embodiments, the baffle 142 can be disposed in different locations, such as on the inner surface of the tubular wall 114. In such a case, the baffle 142 can be disposed in this location using the above attachment method or any other suitable method. In the first embodiment, the baffle 142 has an annular shape with an outer circle. The baffle 142 of the first embodiment includes an inner circle having an inner circumference defining a central opening 144 for receiving the substrate carrier 130. Thus, the central opening 144 has a circular shape.

[0046] Alternatively, the central opening 144 is oval or elliptical, such as the baffle 242 of the second embodiment. In other examples, the central opening 144 has other cross-sectional shapes, such as quadrilateral, triangular, star-shaped polygon or other polygons.

[0047] The baffle 142 and the central opening 144 are positioned about the central axis X such that the central region (e.g., the geometric center or the centroid) of the radial cross-section of the baffle 142 is aligned with the central axis X. In other words, the central opening 144 surrounds the central axis X. In the first embodiment, the central opening 144 is circular and is positioned about a point that coincides with the geometric center of the internal volume defined by the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108. Thus, the central opening 144 is concentrically arranged with the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108. The central opening 144 has a width that is smaller than the width of the tubular wall 114. In the first embodiment, the central opening 144 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the tubular wall 114. In other examples, for instance, if the central opening 144 is not circular, the minimum width of the central opening 144 (measured through the centroid of the central opening 144) is smaller than the width of the tubular wall 114. The baffle 142 reduces the cross-section of the space into which the substrate carrier 130 is received. This is achieved by providing a central opening 144 that has a width smaller than the width of the open end 110. This means that the substrate carrier 130 cannot be inserted into the heating chamber 108 through the central opening 144 without contacting the baffle 142. In particular, the substrate carrier 130 contacts a sealing surface 143 that is located near the central axis. When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted, the tip 138 of the substrate carrier 130 contacts the sealing surface 143 and pushes the sealing surface 143 downward (towards the base 112 of the heating chamber 108). This downward force deflects the baffle 142 such that the sealing surface 143 is deflected from its original position (facing away from the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 and the internal volume) to a sealing position where the sealing surface 143 faces more towards the central axis X and thus towards the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130. Thereby, at the location where the sealing surface 143 contacts the substrate carrier 130, it becomes possible for the sealing surface 143 to form a seal with the sidewall of the substrate carrier.

[0048] The baffle 142 is deformable. In particular, the baffle 142 is made of a deformable material, for example, an elastically deformable material. In other words, the baffle 142 is made of a flexible or pliable material. The baffle 142 has material properties including being flexible, being pliable and / or being bendable. The baffle 142 is elastically deformable. For example, the baffle 142 is made of an elastomeric material, or rubber, or silicone. In particular, as described in more detail below, the baffle 142 is deformable to an extent that it can be deformed by a user inserting the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108.

[0049] This deformation can stretch the baffle 142 and enable the baffle 142 to better conform to the surface of the substrate carrier 130, thereby forming a seal. Further, an elastic or elastomeric material typically has the property of returning to its original shape when the cause of its deformation is removed. In the present application, this property can help prevent dirt, debris, water, etc. from entering the heating chamber 108 when the substrate carrier 130 is absent. This is because, depending on the embodiment, the baffle 142 can return to a position where the open end 110 is partially, substantially or further completely blocked. The baffle 142 is also deformable such that the baffle 142 is not damaged by the deformation. That is, the substrate carrier 130 is pressed against the baffle 142 to deform the baffle 142 and enable the substrate carrier 130 to pass through the baffle 142 and enter the heating chamber 108. Thereby, the baffle 142 is deflected and pressed against the substrate carrier 130 (when the substrate carrier is inserted), forming a seal and retaining the heated air inside the heating chamber 108. The baffle 142 can be formed from a heat-resistant material and / or a thermal insulation material, for example, a heat-resistant and / or thermal insulation material suitable for use in medical devices.

[0050] The baffle 142 extends further toward the central axis X compared to the extension of the tubular wall 114. As a result, the baffle 142 includes a lip portion that extends toward the central axis X beyond the tubular wall 114. Thereby, the cross-sectional area at the second end portion 106 becomes narrower than the cross-sectional area at the open end 110 defined by the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108, providing a covering effect and helping to keep the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 clean and protected from dust, debris, water, etc., even when the substrate carrier 130 is not present.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, when the substrate carrier 130 is not inserted into the heating chamber 108, the baffle 142 is in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the baffle 142 is in a stationary position, a non-deformed state, partially covers the open end 110 or the edge of the internal volume of the heating chamber 108, and defines a central opening 144.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the baffle 142 deforms from a first configuration to a second, i.e., a sealing configuration. In the second configuration, the baffle 142 is in a deformed state, the baffle 142 is deflected and bent to allow the substrate carrier 130 to be received into the heating chamber 108 through the central opening 144. The sealing surface 143 is deflected so as to face more towards the central axis X as compared to when the baffle 142 is not deflected (e.g., because the substrate carrier 130 is not inserted into the heating chamber 108). In the second configuration, the baffle 142 forms a seal against the substrate carrier 130. In the first embodiment, since the baffle 142 is annular and the central opening 144 is circular, the baffle 142 (specifically the sealing surface 143) contacts the periphery of the cylindrical substrate carrier 130 and forms a complete seal around the periphery of the cylindrical substrate carrier 130. In other embodiments, in a second configuration such as the oval baffle 242 of the second embodiment where the baffle 242 contacts only a portion of the periphery of the substrate carrier 130 and forms only an intermittent seal around the substrate carrier 130, the baffle 142 forms a partial seal against the substrate carrier 130, or in the third embodiment, holes 346 are provided, or in the fourth embodiment, the baffle 442 seals the entire periphery of the substrate carrier 130 using a slit membrane that forms a valve. In any case, the purpose of the baffle 142 in this and other embodiments is to form a seal to prevent the flow of heated air and steam or aerosol generated by heating (described in more detail elsewhere) from exiting the heating chamber 108. Thereby, the energy used to heat the air and generate the steam and aerosol, as well as the steam (or aerosol) itself, is prevented from escaping by the baffle 142 and is not wasted, thus improving efficiency.

[0053] In use, air can flow into the heating chamber 108 from the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100, enabling inhalation of the aerosol. Otherwise, there would be no air available for inhalation through the aerosol substrate 132 to draw the aerosol towards the user. Further, the air enters the heating chamber 108, is heated, and then heats the aerosol substrate 132 by convection to aerosolize it. In the first embodiment, air can enter the heating chamber through the open end 110. However, when the substrate carrier 130 is loaded into the heating chamber 108 and the baffle 142 is deformed to form a seal, the passage of air through the open end 110 is restricted. In the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, in this state, the flow of air through the open end 110 is substantially blocked. In this state, the baffle 142 is in a second, sealed configuration.

[0054] When the user sucks in at the substrate carrier 130, the pressure in the heating chamber 108 decreases until it is lower than the pressure of the external environment of the heating chamber 108. That is, there is a pressure difference across the seal formed between the baffle 142 and the substrate carrier 130. In the first embodiment, it is sufficient to apply a negative pressure to further deform the baffle 142 from the second, sealed configuration to the third, inflow configuration. Referring to FIG. 7, the baffle 142 is shown in the third, inflow configuration. In the third configuration, the baffle 142 is pulled away from the substrate carrier 130 by an air flow entering the open end 110 between the baffle 142 and the substrate carrier 130. That is, the baffle 142 further deforms towards the inner volume of the heating chamber 108 and the base 112. In particular, the baffle 142 further deforms away from the central axis X and towards the tubular wall 114, breaking the seal between the sealing surface 143 and the substrate carrier, thereby allowing air to flow in from outside the aerosol generating device 100 to replenish the heated air sucked out by the user through the substrate carrier 130. In other words, the deformation causes the central opening 144 to further expand, equalizing the pressure difference. In the third configuration, sufficient air for heating is supplied to the heating chamber 108, enabling evaporation of the aerosol substrate 132. Since the user sucks the aerosol in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 7, air is drawn into the heating chamber 108. When the user applies suction, the baffle 142 deforms to the third configuration, and the air flow between the baffle 142 and the substrate carrier 130 when allowing air to flow into the heating chamber 108 is indicated by arrow B in FIG. 7.

[0055] When the user stops sucking on the substrate carrier 130, no further pressure is applied and the baffle 142 elastically returns to the second configuration. That is, when the user sucks through the substrate carrier 130, the baffle 142 is elastically deformable from the second configuration to the third configuration. Thereby, when suction is applied, an air flow can temporarily pass through the open end 110 while the baffle 142 is in the third configuration. Thus, when the user is not sucking on the substrate carrier 130, the baffle 142 maintains a seal against the substrate carrier 130 and retains heat and vapor during inhalation (informally called a puff) or while the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use and the substrate carrier 130 remains inserted. Thereby, the retention rate of heat and vapor during a puff can be increased and insulation can be provided for more rapid initial heating.

[0056] In the second configuration, the baffle 142 faces towards the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 (as shown in FIG. 6). For example, when the baffle 142 returns to the second configuration, this arrangement of the baffle 142 helps to prevent backflow (e.g., an air, gas, vapor, and / or aerosol flow) from the open end 110. This can help to prevent a positive pressure differential where the pressure inside the heating chamber 108 becomes higher than the pressure of the external environment of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a positive pressure differential can occur when fresh cold air is drawn into the aerosol generating device 100 from the outside and subsequently heated, increasing the pressure.

[0057] Accordingly, the baffle 142 restricts unwanted air flow of the aerosol from the heating chamber 108 while allowing air inflow into the heating chamber 108 by the user's suction. This forms a one-way valve that can be opened by the user sucking in the aerosol generating device 100. The degree of deformability or flexibility of the baffle 142 is selected as a compromise between ensuring an appropriate seal to prevent leakage of the aerosol and allowing sufficient air flow into the heating chamber 108 easily enough that the user does not require effort to obtain the effects shown herein or to insert the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108.

[0058] Furthermore, the draw resistance is a characteristic that affects the user's satisfaction. The draw resistance is the amount of suction required to provide sufficient inhalation of the aerosol. If the draw resistance is too high, it becomes difficult to inhale and is not comfortable for the user. To provide a comfortable and familiar experience, it is desirable to mimic the draw resistance of a cigarette.

[0059] The draw resistance can be adjusted by varying the degree of flexibility of the baffle 142 and selecting the pressure loss required to deform the baffle 142 away from the substrate carrier 130 into a third configuration to allow air flow. Preferably, the pressure loss is selected to be in the range of 20 to 120 mm water column, more preferably 60 to 100 mm water column. In units of Pascal, the pressure loss is preferably selected to be in the range of about 200 to 1200 Pa, more preferably about 600 to 1000 Pa.

[0060] The base carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 with the first end 138 of the base carrier 130, where the aerosol base 132 is located, directed into the heating chamber 108. The base carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 until the first end 138 of the base carrier 130 is placed on the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, that is, until the base carrier 130 can no longer be inserted further into the heating chamber 108. In other embodiments, the first end 138 of the base carrier 130 is not placed on the base 112. This allows air to flow between the base 112 and the first end 138. In one embodiment, such as the eleventh embodiment, the first end 138 is placed on a pedestal 1180 within the base 112, and the pedestal 1180 rises and contacts the central portion of the first end 138 of the base carrier 130 so that air can flow to a part of the first end 138.

[0061] From FIGS. 5 to 7, it can be seen that when the base carrier 130 is inserted as deeply as possible into the heating chamber 108, only a portion of the length of the base carrier 130 is inside the heating chamber 108. The remainder of the length of the base carrier 130 protrudes from the heating chamber 108. At least a part of the remainder of the length of the base carrier 130 also protrudes from the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, all or substantially all of the base carrier 130 can be housed within the aerosol generating device 100 such that no part or substantially no part of the base carrier 130 protrudes from the aerosol generating device 100.

[0062] With the substrate carrier 130 inserted into the heating chamber 108, the aerosol substrate 132 within the substrate carrier 130 is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber 108. In the first embodiment, the aerosol substrate 132 is entirely within the heating chamber 108. This ensures that the entire aerosol substrate 132 can be heated. In the first embodiment, the aerosol substrate 132 is arranged to extend to a height beyond the heater 118. That is, the entire length of the heater 118 along the axial length of the heating chamber 108 overlaps with the aerosol substrate 132. In some embodiments, a pre-packaged amount of the aerosol substrate 132 within the substrate carrier 130 extends along the substrate carrier 130 from the first end 138 of the substrate carrier 130 by a distance approximately (or more precisely) equal to the internal height of the heating chamber 108 from the base 112 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. This is substantially the same as the length of the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 that is inside the heating chamber 108. For example, when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the boundary between the aerosol substrate 132 and the aerosol collection region 134 can be substantially radially aligned with the baffle 142. That is, the seal between the baffle 142 and the substrate carrier 130 is aligned with the edge of the aerosol substrate 132. This can provide additional heat and vapor retention at a desired location within the heating chamber 108, for example, within the aerosol substrate 132.

[0063] With the substrate carrier 130 loaded into the aerosol generating device 100, the user turns on the switch of the aerosol generating device 100 using the user-operable button 126. Thereby, power from the power source 120 is supplied to the heater 118 via (and under the control of) the control circuit 122. The heater 118 conducts heat to the aerosol substrate 132 through the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 and heats at least a portion of the aerosol substrate 132 to a temperature at which it can begin to release aerosol or vapor.

[0064] When heated to the temperature at which aerosol begins to be generated from the aerosol substrate 132, the user can inhale the vapor by sucking the vapor through the second end 140 of the substrate carrier 130. The user can receive an alert that vapor has been formed, for example, through the use of visual or audio cues. Such cues can be determined, for example, by temperature measurements or time measurements. That is, the vapor is generated from the aerosol substrate 132 located at the first end 138 of the substrate carrier 130 within the heating chamber 108 and is drawn along the length of the substrate carrier 130 through the aerosol collection region 134 within the substrate carrier 130 to the second end 140 of the substrate carrier 130, where it enters the user's mouth. This aerosol flow is indicated by arrow A in FIG. 7.

[0065] When the user sucks air and / or vapor in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7, it will be understood that air or a mixture of air and vapor flows through the substrate carrier 130 from near the aerosol substrate 132 in the heating chamber 108. This operation also draws ambient air into the heating chamber 108 from the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 100 and between the substrate carrier 130 and a part of the baffle 142 (through the flow path indicated by arrow B in FIG. 7). Then, the air drawn into the heating chamber 108 is heated and drawn into the substrate carrier 130. The heated air heats the aerosol substrate 132 by convection to generate aerosol. More specifically, in the first embodiment, air enters the heating chamber 108 through the space provided between the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 and the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier 130. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the substrate carrier 130 is smaller than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 108. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the heating chamber 108 has an inner diameter of 10 mm or less, preferably 8 mm or less, and most preferably about 7.6 mm. Thereby, the substrate carrier 130 can have a diameter of about 7.0 mm (±0.1 mm). This corresponds to an outer circumference of 21 mm to 22 mm or more preferably 21.75 mm. In other words, the distance between the substrate carrier 130 and the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 is most preferably about 0.1 mm. In other variants, the distance is at least 0.2 mm and in some examples up to 0.3 mm. Note that FIGS. 1-7 are not necessarily to a uniform scale. In some examples, the distance between the substrate carrier 130 and the tubular wall 114 may be larger to allow space for deformation of the baffle 142. In other examples, the width of the tubular wall 114 widens towards the open end 110 to provide a recess or taper to allow the baffle 142 to deform downward into the internal volume of the heating chamber 108. In such examples, the tubular wall 114 narrows towards the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 or towards the base 112 to provide more efficient heating of the aerosol substrate 132.

[0066] A single inhalation by a user is generally referred to as a "puff". In some situations, it may be desirable to mimic the smoking experience of a cigarette. This means that the aerosol generating device 100 is typically capable of holding an aerosol substrate 132 sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, for example 10 to 15 puffs.

[0067] From FIGS. 1-7 and the accompanying description, it can be understood that according to the first embodiment, an aerosol generating device 100 is provided that includes a heating chamber 108 having a tubular wall 114 extending around a central axis X. The tubular wall 114 defines an inner volume of the heating chamber 108, and the heating chamber 108 has an open end 110 and is arranged to receive a substrate carrier 130 containing an aerosol substrate 132 into the inner volume along the central axis X through the open end 110. A heater 118 extends around the heating chamber 108 to supply heat to the heating chamber 108. A baffle 142 having a sealing surface 143 facing opposite the open end 110 is provided, and the baffle 142 is configured to deform such that when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the sealing surface 143 faces more towards the central axis X and thus towards the side wall of the substrate carrier 130. The sealing surface 143 that deflects in this way presses the sealing surface 143 against the substrate carrier 130 to form a seal. This seal can hold the heated air within the heating chamber 108, and thereby further, the energy consumed to heat the air within the heating chamber 108 is not wasted by the air leaking from the heating chamber 108, so that the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 100 can be improved. The baffle 142 is configured to restrict the flow of air through the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 as described above, the baffle 142 deforms to allow the substrate carrier 130 to be inserted. The baffle 142 remains deformed while the substrate carrier 130 is held within the heating chamber 108. The baffle 142 is elastically deformable but not sufficiently elastically deformable to push the substrate carrier 130 back out of the heating chamber 108 when the user stops pushing the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108.

[0068] When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 and the baffle 142 deforms, the baffle 142 restricts the flow of air through the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. The baffle 142 forms at least a partial seal with the substrate carrier 130. In the first embodiment, the central opening 144 of the baffle 142 is complementary in shape (i.e., circular) to the substrate carrier 130 such that a complete seal is formed around the perimeter of the substrate carrier 130. Different shaped openings 144 can be used to adapt the aerosol generating device 100 to different shaped substrate carriers 130.

[0069] Furthermore, the elastic force exerted by the baffle 142 provides a centering effect in the sense that the substrate carrier 130 is held centered within the opening 144 as the forces from both sides of the deformed baffle 142 cancel each other out. If the central opening 144 itself is centered with respect to the central axis X, the net effect is to hold the substrate carrier 130 centered within the heating chamber 108. This creates an air gap between the substrate carrier 130 and the tubular wall 114, and the air gap is substantially constant around the entire perimeter of the substrate carrier, which can help ensure that the substrate carrier 130 is heated uniformly and can also help ensure that the suction resistance is predictable and constant.

[0070] When the user finishes using the substrate carrier 130, the substrate carrier 130 is removed from the aerosol generating device 100, for example, after a predetermined number of puffs have been made, after the user determines that the aerosol substrate 132 has been exhausted, or after the aerosol generating device 100 determines that the substrate carrier 130 has been consumed. The baffle 142 is deformable to allow the substrate carrier 130 to be removed from the heating chamber 108. Thus, the baffle 142 is elastically deformable. The baffle 142 is deformable to return to its original non-deformed position (i.e., the first configuration) when the substrate carrier 130 is removed and returns to its original position. The baffle 142 is configured to allow the substrate carrier 130 to be removed without altering the substrate carrier 130. That is, the baffle 142 does not peel off the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier or remove the aerosol substrate 132 from the substrate carrier 130. Further, the baffle 142 is not damaged by the deformation and the baffle 142 returns to its original position (such as in FIG. 2) when the substrate carrier 130 is removed. Second Embodiment Here, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 respectively showing a plan view and first and second elevation views of the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the second embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features. FIGS. 8 to 10 show the same aerosol generating device 100 as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0071] As can be seen from FIG. 8, the baffle 242 of the second embodiment is different from the baffle 142 of the first embodiment. The baffle 242 of the second embodiment has a stadium-shaped central opening 244 instead of the circular shape in the first embodiment. The sealing surface 243 is located at a portion facing the outside of the baffle 242. In the second embodiment, the baffle 242 has a substantially annular shape with an outer circular shape whose outer peripheral portion is in contact with the inner surface of the outer casing 102. The baffle 242 of the second embodiment includes an inner stadium shape having an inner peripheral portion that defines the central opening 244. Accordingly, the central opening 244 has a stadium shape. In other examples, the central opening 244 is oval, particularly an oval with an eccentricity close to zero. In such a case, the central opening 244 is substantially circular, but the outer periphery deviates from a perfect circle, and some portions are closer to the central axis X than other portions.

[0072] Alternatively, the central opening 244 is elliptical. In other embodiments, the baffle 242 can be an elliptical ring having an inner ellipse and an outer ellipse. In such an example, the outer casing 102 can also have an elliptical cross-section to match the baffle 242.

[0073] In some embodiments, the baffle 242 has a narrow portion 242a and a wide portion 242b, and the narrow portion 242a and the wide portion 242b define the minimum dimension and the maximum dimension of the central opening 244, respectively (each diameter is measured through the centroid of the central opening 244). The narrow portion 242a extends towards the central axis X substantially along the axis Y shown in FIG. 8. The axis Y is perpendicular to the central axis X and is arranged parallel to the width of the baffle 242. In the second embodiment, the baffle 242 is also arranged parallel to the base 112. The wide portion 242b extends towards the central axis X substantially along the axis Z shown in FIG. 8. The axis Z is perpendicular to both the central axis X and the axis Y and is arranged parallel to the width of the baffle 242. In the second embodiment, the baffle 242 is also arranged parallel to the base 112.

[0074] As described below, in use, the narrow portion 242a is configured to contact the substrate carrier 130 when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, while, as shown, the wide portion 242b does not contact the substrate carrier 130. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a baffle having a narrow portion 242a that is narrower than the substrate carrier 130. When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the sealing surface 243, particularly the portion facing the outside of the baffle 242, contacts the tip 134, turning the sealing surface downward and deforming the baffle 242. Therefore, the sealing surface faces toward the substrate carrier 130 (and thus toward the central axis X), forming a seal with respect to the substrate carrier 130.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, a space for allowing an air flow to pass through to the heating chamber 108 is provided between a part of the baffle 242 and the substrate carrier 130. In FIG. 8, the difference in size between the narrow portion 242a and the wide portion 242b is exaggerated to emphasize this effect. As described in more detail below, by providing the narrow portion 242a and the wide portion 242b, a partial seal can be provided between the baffle 242 and the substrate carrier 130 (at the narrow portion 242a). In some cases, both the narrow portion 242a and the wide portion 242b can contact the substrate carrier 130 and form a seal with respect to the substrate carrier 130, but the sealing strength at the narrow portion 242a and the degree of local deflection of the baffle 242 can be different compared to the wide portion 242b.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the baffle 242 can have a square central opening 244 for receiving a substrate carrier 130 with a circular cross-section, for example, contacting and sealing the substrate carrier 130 on the side surfaces of the square while providing a space and an air flow path at the corners of the square. Therefore, the dimension between the opposing side surfaces of the square corresponds to the narrow portion 242a, and the dimension between the diagonally opposing corners of the square corresponds to the wide portion 242b. In other examples, the baffle 242 can optionally have a rectangular central opening 244 with rounded corners. For example, the baffle 242 can have an oval central opening 244.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 of the second embodiment in a plane formed by the axis X and the axis Y, showing the narrow portion 242a of the baffle 242 deformed by the substrate carrier 130. In some examples, the wide portion 242b is configured not to contact the substrate carrier 130. Accordingly, the wide portion 242b is not directly deformed by the substrate carrier 130. However, the tension within the baffle 242 due to the deforming narrow portion 242a may deform the wide portion 242b as well, although to a lesser extent. Accordingly, in some examples of the second embodiment, the entire inner peripheral portion of the baffle 242 may be deformed.

[0078] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the baffle 242 in a plane formed by the axis X and the axis Z, showing the wide portion 242b of the baffle 242 that does not contact the substrate carrier 130. Accordingly, the baffle 242 does not form a seal with the substrate carrier 130 at the wide portion 242b. Overall, the baffle 242 forms a partial seal with the substrate carrier 130. That is, the baffle 242 is sealed at the narrow portion 242a but not at the wide portion 242b.

[0079] The partial seal is formed by the narrow portion 242a of the baffle 242 contacting the substrate carrier 130 and being deformed by the substrate carrier 130 such that a seal is formed between the narrow portion 242a and the surface of the substrate carrier 130, while the wide portion 242b of the baffle 242 does not contact the substrate carrier 130 and provides a space between the baffle 242 and the substrate carrier 130. This is by providing the oval central opening 244 and the cylindrical substrate carrier 130. The gap of the partial seal is configured to provide an air flow path from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 to the heating chamber 108 between the baffle 242 and the substrate carrier 130. The air flow path is indicated by arrow B in FIG. 10.

[0080] By providing a portion of the baffle 242 that seals against the substrate carrier 130, it is possible to improve the heat and vapor retention rate within the heating chamber 108 while allowing air to be drawn into the heating chamber 108 through the air flow path. Accordingly, the shape and size of the central opening 244 can be selected to adjust the size of the space existing between a portion of the baffle 242 and the substrate carrier 130 so as to balance the heat and vapor retention rate and the ease of drawing fresh air into the heating chamber 108.

[0081] Providing a partial seal instead of a complete seal also means that air flow can be supplied to the heating chamber 108 without further deforming the baffle 242 into a third configuration such as in the first embodiment. This means that the baffle 242 can be made from a material with lower deformability. Third Embodiment Here, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the third embodiment is identical to the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7 except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. In particular, FIGS. 11 and 12 show detailed views of the heating chamber 108. The aerosol generating device 100 of the third embodiment has an alternative baffle 342 that is different from the baffles 142; 242 of the first and second embodiments.

[0082] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the baffle 342 is similar to the baffle 142 of the first embodiment but instead includes four holes 346 and a rim 348. Other variations of the third embodiment may have one or more other numbers of holes 342 including, for example, two, three, five, six, seven, or eight holes 346 or perhaps more than that. The holes 346 can also be referred to as holes, openings, or gaps. In the third embodiment, the holes 346 have a circular cross - section, but other shapes such as a square cross - section are also contemplated, and different holes 346 can have different shaped cross - sections.

[0083] The baffle 342 has an annular shape, and the rim 348 is disposed around the outer peripheral portion of the baffle 342. The rim 348 is an annular portion and cooperates with the outer casing 102. That is, the outer peripheral portion of the rim 348 is equal to the inner peripheral portion of the outer casing 102. The rim 348 has an inner peripheral portion attached to the baffle 342. The sealing surface 343 is located toward the inner edge portion of the baffle 342.

[0084] The rim 348 can provide additional support to the baffle 342 and enable a thinner and more flexible baffle 342 while maintaining the structure. The rim 348 is made of a robust material to support the baffle 342 and maintain the cooperation between the heating chamber 108 and the outer casing 102. As described above with reference to the first and second embodiments, the baffle 342 can be more flexible than the rim 348 to allow deformation. In some embodiments, the baffle 342 having holes 346 can be provided without the rim 348, for example, instead of the baffle 242 of the second embodiment. Also, it should be understood that the rim 348 can be provided with baffles of other embodiments such as the baffle 142 having no holes according to the first embodiment.

[0085] In the third embodiment, the baffle 342 is configured to extend from the rim 348 toward the central axis X. In the third embodiment, the baffle 342 extends toward the central axis X by the same amount as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the total width of the annular portion of the baffle 342 is smaller than that of the baffle 142 of the first embodiment. The boundary between the baffle 342 and the rim 348 is arranged to be axially aligned with the tubular wall 114 such that the baffle 342 covers a part of the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 at the open end 110. Therefore, the rim 348 does not overlap with the internal volume of the heating chamber 108. The holes 346 penetrate the entire thickness of the baffle 342 and allow air to flow through the baffle 342 in a controlled manner.

[0086] The holes 346 are arranged around the annular portion of the baffle 342. In the third embodiment, the holes 346 are evenly distributed and arranged around the annular portion of the baffle 342 such that there is an equal separation distance between each adjacent hole 346. As described below, providing a uniform separation distance between the holes 346 enables a uniform air flow around the substrate carrier 130. The holes 346 have a diameter smaller than the distance between the inner diameter of the baffle 342 closest to the central axis X and the tubular wall 114. The baffle 342 also includes a central opening 344 similar to the central opening 144 of the first embodiment. The holes 346 are arranged towards the inner peripheral portion of the annular baffle 342, i.e., towards the central opening 344. Since the baffle 342 is arranged closer to the central axis X compared to the tubular wall 114 with respect to the central axis X, the holes 346 are arranged closer to the central axis X compared to the tubular wall 114 with respect to the central axis X. This means that the holes 346 are arranged between the tubular wall 114 and the central axis X in the radial direction. As a result, the holes 346 are arranged axially at a position that coincides with the internal volume of the heating chamber 108. Therefore, the distance between the opposite holes 346 on the opposite side of the baffle 342 is smaller than the width of the tubular wall 114. This means that the holes 346 are arranged to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 via the open end 110 and the external environment beyond the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, in addition to the central opening 344, the holes 346 provide an additional opening between the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 and the external environment. When the baffle 342 has an outer diameter larger than that of the tubular wall 114, such as the baffle 142 of the first embodiment, the holes 346 are arranged in the portion of the baffle 342 between the tubular wall 114 and the central axis X as described above to enable fluid communication between the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 and the external environment.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12, when the user inserts the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108, the tip 134 contacts the sealing surface 343, deforming the baffle 342 to form a seal against the substrate carrier 130. As a result, the sealing surface deflects and faces more towards the substrate carrier 130. This can be regarded as the second configuration as described above in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the hole 346 is configured to remain open throughout the deformation such that the hole 346 provides fluid communication between the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 and the external environment even when the central opening 344 is sealed by the substrate carrier 130.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted, the hole 346 provides an air flow path through the opening and thus the open end 110, and the baffle 342 forms a seal otherwise. When the user sucks the aerosol in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 12, air is thereby drawn into the heating chamber 108. The air flow through the hole 346 of the baffle 342 is indicated by arrow B in FIG. 12. In this way, the baffle 342 does not need to be deformable into the third configuration as in the first embodiment to allow the air flow. This is because instead, the air flow is provided through the hole 346.

[0089] The hole 346 can change the suction resistance. This means that more air can be more easily drawn in by the heating chamber 108. The size, number and position of the hole 346 can be selected to balance the suction resistance with the potential heat loss or vapor loss associated with having such a hole 346. Preferably, the pressure loss is selected to be in the range of 20 - 120 mm water column, more preferably in the range of 60 - 100 mm water column. In units of Pascal, the pressure loss is preferably selected to be in the range of about 200 - 1200 Pa, more preferably in the range of about 600 - 1000 Pa.

[0090] In the third embodiment, the hole 346 is a hole having a constant diameter across the thickness of the baffle 342. That is, the hole 346 on the upper surface of the baffle 342, which is disposed closest to the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100, is the same size as that on the lower surface of the baffle 342, which is disposed on the opposite side of the baffle 342 and closest to the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In other embodiments, the hole 346 has a width that varies across the thickness of the baffle 342. When the baffle 342 is deformed into the second configuration, in some examples, particularly when the size of the hole 346 on the lower surface of the baffle 342 decreases and the portion of the baffle 342 including the hole 346 is significantly deformed, the flow of air through the hole 346 is restricted. In some embodiments, the hole 346 is sized such that even when the baffle 342 is deformed into the second configuration by receiving the substrate carrier 130, the hole 346 remains open enough to allow the flow of air. In some embodiments, this includes providing the hole 346 away from the central opening 344 to prevent significant deformation of the portion of the baffle 342 including the hole 346, or in an alternative embodiment, providing a sufficiently wide hole 346, such as including providing a wider hole 346 on the lower surface of the baffle 342 that closes when deformed, to prevent the hole 346 from closing when deformed.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the baffle 342 is deformable into a third configuration similar to the second embodiment, in which case the hole 346 further improves the suction resistance in addition to temporarily breaking the seal in the third configuration when the user applies suction.

[0092] In some examples of the third embodiment, a one-way flow valve, such as a rubber slit valve or an artificial variant of the one-way flow valve found in a human vein, can be attached to the hole 346. This can further assist in retaining heat and aerosol within the heating chamber 108.

[0093] Although only shown as the heating chamber 108 in FIGS. 11 and 12, the third embodiment can be easily formed as part of a complete aerosol generation device 100, for example, instead of the heating chamber 108 of FIG. 2.

[0094] It should be understood that the holes 346 of the baffle 342 in the third embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having alternative baffles such as the baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment. Fourth Embodiment Here, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the fourth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generation device 100 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the aerosol generation device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar features. The aerosol generation device 100 of the fourth embodiment has an alternative baffle 442 that is different from the baffle 142 of the first embodiment.

[0095] More specifically, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a detailed schematic perspective view of the heating chamber 108 with the baffle 442 prominent. Referring to FIG. 13, the baffle 442 has a rim 448, and the baffle 442 is attached to the inner peripheral portion of the rim 448. The baffle 442 is shown in a first configuration in which the baffle 442 is not deformed and the substrate carrier 130 is not loaded into the heating chamber 108. The baffle 442 includes a membrane. Instead, the baffle 442 can be regarded as a septum or valve that separates the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 from the external environment.

[0096] The rim 448 is identical to the rim 342 of the third embodiment. The rim 448 has an inner peripheral portion attached to the baffle 442. In some embodiments, the baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment having segments 450 as described below can be provided without the rim 448, for example, instead of the baffle 142 of the first embodiment. Also, it should be understood that the rim 448 can be provided with baffles of other embodiments such as the baffle 142 according to the first embodiment. For example, the baffle 442 can extend to the outer casing 102 like the baffle 142 of the first embodiment, or the outer peripheral portion of the baffle 442 can be attached to the tubular wall 114 like in the sixth or seventh embodiment where the baffles 642, 742 are arranged in the heating chamber 108.

[0097] The baffle 442 is positioned about the central axis X. The baffle 442 includes a plurality of segments 450 such that the membrane of the baffle 442 is divided into the plurality of segments 450. Referring to FIG. 13, the baffle 442 includes four segments 450. Each segment 450 is a substantially circular sector. The circular sector is defined as a portion of a solid circle (i.e., a disk) surrounded by two radial sides separated by an angle at the center of the circle, and the sector has an arc length that is a portion of the circumference between the two radii. In the fourth embodiment, each segment 450 includes two sides, and each of the two sides defines a boundary portion of the segment 450. As shown in FIG. 13, each of these sides generally forms the radius of the baffle 442, but can have a length slightly shorter than the radius. The baffle 442 is divided into four segments 450 of equal-sized circular sectors, and each segment 450 is approximately a quarter circle. That is, the central angle between the two radial sides of each segment 450 is about 90°. This shape is often geometrically called a quadrant. It should be understood that this embodiment can be easily extrapolated to other numbers of segments 450, such as having six segments 450 each having a central angle of about 60°.

[0098] The portions of each segment 450 that face toward the center of the baffle 442 are triangular. The shape of the segment 450 may be described as petal-shaped, lobed, or leaf-tipped. The baffle 442 may be described as having four leaf tips, i.e., four-leaf-tipped, with four leaf-tip segments 450. Otherwise, while the membrane of the baffle 442 is described as a cover as a whole, the segment 450 may be described as a flap.

[0099] The segments 450 extend toward the central axis X. Each segment 450 is a rounded sector having an outer end that defines an arc attached to the rim 448, and the segment 450 tapers triangularly toward the central axis X and reaches a point at the central axis X. Each segment 450 extends substantially to a point that intersects the central axis X such that the segments 450 contact each other at the central axis X that coincides with the geometric center of the baffle 442. The sealing surface 443 of the baffle 442 is located at the triangular portions of each flap.

[0100] The segments 450 are attached to the rim 448 at the outer periphery of the baffle 442. In a fourth embodiment, the segments 450 are joined to each other toward the outer periphery. That is, the segments 450 are continuous. Accordingly, the segments 450 are joined to the rim 448 around the entire outer periphery. In other embodiments, the segments 450 are not joined together, and the segments 450 are separated around the rim 448 such that the segments 450 are not joined to the rim 448 around the entire outer periphery, are separate from each other, and are optionally spaced apart and not continuous with each other.

[0101] Baffle 442 includes a slit 452 disposed between segments 450. Referring to FIG. 13, slit 452 is disposed in a cross shape, thereby dividing baffle 442 into four individual segments 450. More specifically, slit 452 is formed from two intersecting slits that intersect at the center of baffle 442. Slit 452 extends across the entire height (or thickness) of baffle 442. Slit 452 partially separates each segment 450 from each other. In particular, slit 452 is disposed between the radial sides of adjacent segments 450. Slit 452 extends from the center of the circular membrane of baffle 442 (i.e., central axis X) along each radial side of each segment 450 towards the outer periphery. However, slit 452 does not extend entirely towards the outer periphery of the membrane of baffle 442. That is, slit 452 defines a separation along a portion of the radius of baffle 442 from the central axis X between adjacent segments 450. Thus, adjacent segments 450 are joined together at the outer periphery where slit 452 does not extend. Thus, segments 450 are continuous at the outer periphery but not at the center of baffle 442.

[0102] Overall, segments 450 can be considered to be attached to each other at their respective arc lengths and separated at their radial sides. Thus, segments 450 can move individually at positions separated from each other by slit 452. Since baffle 442 is deformable, each segment 450 is deformable and not constrained by being attached to other segments 450. This allows each segment 450 to deform and deflect individually when receiving substrate carrier 130, as described below.

[0103] In the fourth embodiment, the slit 452 is configured to separate the segments 450 but not provide a large gap therebetween in the absence of the substrate carrier 130. The segments 450 are arranged such that they contact adjacent segments 450 even if they are not joined together. Further, when the points of the segments 450 contact at the center of the baffle 442, the segments 450 contact each other. Thus, in the first configuration, the baffle 442 provides a complete cover and can facilitate preventing dust from entering the heating chamber 108 when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use. Thus, the fourth embodiment provides a seal (e.g., an airtight seal) even in the first configuration where the substrate carrier 130 is not inserted. However, in some examples, due to the manufacturing process, the slit 452 may have a width large enough to prevent adjacent segments 450 from contacting, for example, when material is cut away to form the slit 452.

[0104] Since the segments 450 contact but are not joined at the center of the baffle 442, unlike the central opening 144 of the first embodiment, there is no central opening defined by the baffle 442. Thus, there is no opening or gap between the segments 450 along the central axis X. It should be noted that in some cases, due to manufacturing tolerances, there may be a small gap at the location where the segments 450 contact. However, it is desirable for the segments 450 to contact to provide the baffle 442 that covers the circular region of the baffle 442. Preferably, there is no opening between the segments 450 at the center. Any opening is smaller than the width of the substrate carrier 130. The ability to provide a baffle 442 without an opening improves the covering effect of the baffle 442, helps keep the interior of the heating chamber 108 clean when the substrate carrier 130 is not inserted into the heating chamber 108, and protects it from dust, debris, moisture, etc.

[0105] In other embodiments, the segments 450 overlap towards the central axis X. In other embodiments, the segments 450 extend to a point close to the central axis X but do not fully extend to the central axis X. For example, this results in a small central opening between the segments 450 at the center of the baffle 442. For example, in some embodiments, the tip of the segment 450 at the center is rounded so that the segment 450 does not fully extend to the center. In other embodiments, to ensure a more complete coverage, the segments 450 are arranged to overlap with adjacent segments 450. This involves the segments 450 extending beyond the central axis X such that they overlap at the center to ensure that there are no openings.

[0106] In some examples, the membrane of the baffle 442 is thinner than the annular baffle 142 of the first embodiment. In some examples, the membrane of the baffle 442 is more flexible compared to the baffle 142 of the first embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 14, the substrate carrier 130 can be inserted into the heating chamber 108 when the user desires to use the aerosol generating device 100. To insert the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108, the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 130 is pressed against the sealing surface 443, pushing the segments 450 downward, deforming the baffle 442, directing the sealing surface 443 more towards the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130. Continuing to apply force, the substrate carrier 130 is inserted through the baffle 442.

[0108] Since the baffle 442 does not include an opening between the segments 450, the substrate carrier 130 must contact the segments 450 of the baffle 442 in order to be inserted into the heating chamber 108. The segments 450 are deformed by the substrate carrier 130 when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted. Thus, the baffle 442 and in particular the segments 450 are deformable under the force applied by the user to insert the substrate carrier 130. The segments 450 are deformable such that when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted through the center of the baffle 442 towards the heating chamber 108, the segments 450 deform towards the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The segments 450 are pushed towards the base 112 into the internal volume of the heating chamber 108. In particular, the segments 450 bend out of the plane of the baffle 442 and the tip of each segment closest to the central axis X in the first configuration bends towards the base 112 such that the segments 450 bend in the arc length of the outer diameter disposed between adjacent radially extending sides defined by the slits 452. In the second configuration, when the substrate carrier 130 remains loaded within the aerosol generating device 100, the segments 450 are maintained in the deformed state by the substrate carrier 130.

[0109] Insertion of the substrate carrier 130 involves deforming a segment 450 of the baffle 442 to expose a central opening 444 into which the substrate carrier 130 is filled. Thus, the central opening 444 is defined by a gap between adjacent segments 442 resulting from bending of the segment 450. Although the central opening 444 is formed by separation of the segment 450, it should be noted that the central opening 444 is at least partially blocked by the substrate carrier 130 when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted. The segment 450 is deformed until the central opening 444 has a width approximately the same as the width of the substrate carrier 130. Thus, the baffle 442 extends shorter towards the central axis X when deformed by the substrate carrier 130 to allow insertion of the substrate carrier 130, as compared to when not deformed. The segment 450 is bent sufficiently to allow insertion of the substrate carrier 130. In some embodiments, the radial sides, and thus the slits 452 along each segment 450, are at least larger than the radius of the substrate carrier 130. That is, the radius of the baffle 442 corresponding to the radius of the substrate carrier 130 is configured to deflect upon insertion of the substrate carrier 130. In some examples, the radius of the baffle 442 is smaller than the size of the slit 452 such that a part of the central opening 444 not blocked by the substrate carrier 130 is exposed by a part of the slit. This can improve the air flow as described below. In other embodiments where the diameter of the slit 452 is smaller than the diameter of the substrate carrier 130, the part of the baffle 442 disposed between the outer periphery of the baffle 442 and the slit 452 is also configured to be deformed by the substrate carrier 130 to allow insertion of the substrate carrier 130.

[0110] When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 and the baffle 442 is deformed, the baffle 442 restricts the flow of air through the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. The baffle 442 forms at least a partial seal with the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier 130. In a fourth embodiment, the segment 450 that defines the central opening 444 of the baffle 442 forms a partial seal with the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier 130. This is because the baffle 442 is deformed to receive the substrate carrier 130 and is tensioned by the substrate carrier 130. In the fourth embodiment, the baffle 442 deforms such that the segment 450 separates and presses against the substrate carrier 130. However, the baffle 442 is not complementary to the substrate carrier 130, and a complete seal is not formed around the entire perimeter of the substrate carrier 130. Instead, only a partial seal is formed, particularly when the radius of the slit 452 is larger than the radius of the substrate carrier 130, and there are gaps particularly between adjacent segments 450.

[0111] In one embodiment, the radius of the segment 450, and thus the radius of the slit 452, is the same as or smaller than the radius of the substrate carrier 130. Thus, the entire segment 450 is deformed by the insertion of the substrate carrier 130, and the substrate carrier 130 forms a seal against the outside of the continuous baffle 442 around its outer diameter. In this embodiment, the substrate carrier 130 forms a seal in a manner similar to the first embodiment, and the seal is formed around the entire perimeter of the substrate carrier 130. In such cases, it may be preferable to include holes in the baffle 442, such as the holes 346 of the third embodiment, to provide for the flow of air. Advantageously, the friction between the segment 450 and the substrate carrier 130 can help hold the substrate carrier 130 within the heating chamber 108.

[0112] When the substrate carrier 130 is not inserted into the heating chamber 108, the baffle 442 is in a first configuration. Referring to FIG. 13, the baffle 442 is shown in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the segments 450 are arranged to contact, and the baffle 442 covers the open end 110 or the edge of the internal volume of the heating chamber 108. When the substrate carrier 130 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, the segments 450 of the baffle 442 deform from the first configuration to the second configuration. Referring to FIG. 14, the baffle 442 is shown in the second configuration. The second configuration includes the baffle 442 being in a deformed state, and the segments 450 are deflected and bent to enable the substrate carrier 130 to be received into the heating chamber 108 through the central opening 444. In the second configuration, the baffle 442 forms a partial seal with respect to the substrate carrier 130.

[0113] The partial seal provides the advantage of heat retention as described with reference to the first embodiment, while also providing a gap between the substrate carrier 130 and the baffle 442. In particular, the segments 450 do not contact the substrate carrier 130 around the entire perimeter of the substrate carrier 130. There is no complete seal at some point between adjacent segments 450. This provides an opening through which air can flow between the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 and the external environment. Thereby, the suction resistance can be improved. In some embodiments, this means that, for example, the holes in the baffle in the third embodiment are not necessary, making the manufacturing easier. In other embodiments, holes are also provided in the baffle 442 to further improve the suction resistance.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the substrate carrier 130 is loaded into the heating chamber 108, the segment 450 is configured to be axially spaced apart from the aerosol substrate 132 in the substrate carrier 130 along the central axis X. Particularly in an example where the segment 450 is made of a low thermal conductivity material, the segment 450 can particularly prevent heat transfer from the heater 118 to the aerosol substrate 132. In one embodiment, the length and / or area of each segment 450 is limited in order to reduce inhibiting the heating of the aerosol substrate 132. In another embodiment, the baffle 442 is disposed at a distance from the aerosol substrate 132 located within the substrate carrier 130. For example, in the first, second, fifth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth embodiments, for example, the baffle 442 can be disposed outside the heating chamber 108.

[0115] Similar to the first embodiment, the baffle 442 is elastically deformable such that when the substrate carrier 130 is removed, the segment 450 elastically returns to the first configuration. This provides a seal when the substrate carrier 130 is removed. This is advantageous when some substrate carriers 130 are used continuously for a relatively short period of time. This is because heat and steam can be better retained within the heating chamber 108.

[0116] In some embodiments, the portion of the slit 452 furthest from the central axis X comprises means for preventing the baffle from tearing further by the slit, for example if the force used by the user to insert the substrate carrier 130 is too strong. These means can include larger holes or cutouts in the outer portion of the slit 452. By increasing the radius, the concentration of force is reduced. These can also serve as holes such as the hole 346 of the fourth embodiment. In some cases, these can be made of a more robust material (e.g., thicker) or include holes with rims (e.g., made of plastic or metal to improve structural support and prevent breakage).

[0117] Although only shown as the heating chamber 108 in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fourth embodiment can be easily formed as part of the complete aerosol generating device 100, for example, instead of the heating chamber 108 in FIG. 2.

[0118] It should be understood that the baffle 442 including the segment 450 in the fourth embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having a baffle disposed within a heating chamber such as the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment. The Fifth Embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 15, the fifth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the fifth embodiment is identical to the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the fifth embodiment has an air flow path different from the air flow path of the first embodiment.

[0119] More specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 100 of the fifth embodiment includes an air inlet 554 in the outer casing 102. The air inlet 554 is disposed on the side wall of the outer casing 102 between the heating chamber 108 and the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, the air inlet 554 can be disposed in the outer casing 102 at the base towards the first end 104. In the fifth embodiment, the air inlet 554 is disposed proximate to the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The air inlet 554 provides fluid communication between the external environment and the interior of the outer casing 102. In some examples, the power source 120 and the control circuit 122 within the outer casing 102 are isolated from the air flow path. For example, in some embodiments, a pipe connected to the air inlet 554 is provided to prevent the air flow from interfering with the control circuit 122 and the power source 120. In some embodiments, further, the electrical connection portion 124 is routed around the air flow path to prevent interference or damage.

[0120] The heating chamber 108 also includes an air inlet 558. The air inlet 558 is disposed in the base 112, although in other examples it may be provided in the tubular wall 114. The air inlet 558 is centered in the base 112, although other locations are contemplated. The air inlet 558 extends into the base 112. The air inlet 558 is configured to provide fluid communication between the interior volume of the heating chamber 108 and the air inlet 554 of the outer casing 102. Thus, the external environment is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the heating chamber 108 via the air inlet 554 of the outer casing 102 and the air inlet 558 of the base 112 of the heating chamber 108.

[0121] This air flow path provides a path for air to flow from the outside into the heating chamber 108. This is particularly useful in combination with a baffle 542 that is similar to the baffle 142 of the first embodiment, except as described below, in the sense that the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 causes the tip 134 to contact the sealing surface 543, push the sealing surface 543 downward, deform the baffle 542, deflect the sealing surface 543 towards the central axis X, and form a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130. This is beneficial. Because when the baffle 542 does not need to suck air through the air flow path between the baffle 542 and the substrate carrier 130 (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 7) from the outside into the heating chamber 108 through the open end 110, a more reliable seal can be provided. Instead, an alternative air flow path entering the heating chamber 108 from the outside through the base 112 eliminates the need to provide a deformable baffle 542 to allow air flow between the baffle 542 and the substrate carrier 130. Instead, a complete seal can be obtained between the baffle 542 and the substrate carrier 130, improving the efficiency of heat retention while obtaining an air flow from below. For example, to obtain a better seal, the flexibility of the baffle 542 can be reduced or its deformability can be reduced. In an alternative embodiment, to obtain a better seal, the baffle 542 extends further towards the central axis X than in the first embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the baffle 542 can also be deformable into a third configuration to improve the suction resistance by passing more air flow through the heating chamber 108.

[0122] When the user applies suction to the substrate carrier 130 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 15, air can be drawn in from the outside through the air inlet 554 of the outer casing 102 in the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 15 and into the heating chamber 108 through the air inlet 558 of the base 112 in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 15. The air is generally heated when entering the heating chamber 108, and the air promotes the transfer of heat to the aerosol substrate 132 by convection.

[0123] The air flow path through the heating chamber 108 is substantially linear in the fifth embodiment, i.e., from the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108, as will be understood. The configuration of the fifth embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the gap between the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 and the substrate carrier 130. In fact, in the fifth embodiment, the diameter of the heating chamber 108 is less than 7.6 mm, and the distance between the substrate carrier 130 having a diameter of 7.4 mm and the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108 is less than 1 mm. Note that FIG. 15 is not to exact scale.

[0124] In other embodiments, the air inlet 554 of the outer casing 102 is located at the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. This enables the air passage through the entire aerosol generating device 100 to be generally linear, such that, for example, typically at the first end 104 which is directed distally of the user during use, air enters the aerosol generating device 100 and flows through (or over, past, etc.) the aerosol substrate 132 within the aerosol generating device 100 and typically enters the user's mouth at the second end 140 of the substrate carrier 130 which is proximal to the user, e.g., directed towards the user's mouth, during use.

[0125] Since the air flow into the heating chamber 108 can be fully obtained by using the air inlets 554, 558, the inlets 554, 558 can be sized, shaped, and arranged appropriately to achieve the desired effect. More specifically, the air inlets 554, 558 can be sized to allow for the desired suction resistance and optionally further balance this suction resistance with the heat loss through the inlets 554, 558. In some examples, the air inlets 554, 558 can comprise a one-way flow valve to reduce heat dissipation. In some examples, the air inlet 558 can be located at another location of the heating chamber 108, such as on the tubular wall 114. In such cases, a plurality of air inlets 554 can be distributed and / or located along the tubular wall 114.

[0126] It should be understood that the alternative air flow path of the fifth embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having alternative baffles such as baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment. Sixth Embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 16, the sixth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the sixth embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the sixth embodiment has an alternative baffle 642 that is different from the baffle 142 of the first embodiment.

[0127] More specifically, referring to FIG. 16, the baffle 642 is disposed within the heating chamber 108. In particular, the baffle 642 is attached to the inner surface of the tubular wall 114. The baffle 642 extends from the tubular wall 114 toward the central axis X. The baffle 642 is axially disposed proximal to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. In the sixth embodiment, the baffle 642 is disposed within the heating chamber 108 and is arranged such that the upper surface of the baffle 642 closest to the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 is substantially aligned with the open end 110. In other embodiments, for example, in the seventh embodiment, the baffle 642 is spaced from the open end 110 and is towards the base 112.

[0128] Accordingly, the outer peripheral portion of the baffle 642 contacts and is attached to the tubular wall 114. For example, the baffle 642 is fixed to the tubular wall 114 by an adhesive. Alternatively, the baffle 642 is received in a recess or shelf within the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108. In other embodiments, to further secure the baffle 642, the tubular wall 114 is crimped or bent over the upper surface of the baffle 642.

[0129] In the sixth embodiment, the baffle 642 is annular and has a shape similar to that of the baffle 142 in the first embodiment. The outer peripheral portion of the baffle 642 abuts against the tubular wall 114. Thus, the baffle 642 in the sixth embodiment is smaller than the baffle 142 in the first embodiment. The baffle 642 includes a central opening 644 defined by the inner diameter of the annular portion of the baffle 642. Thus, the width of the central opening 644 is smaller than the width of the tubular wall 114. In the sixth embodiment, the central opening 644 has the same width as the central opening 144 in the first embodiment. Thus, the baffle 642 in the sixth embodiment extends from the tubular wall 114 toward the central axis X by the same amount that the baffle 142 in the first embodiment extends beyond the tubular wall 114 toward the central axis X. Thus, the sixth embodiment provides an alternative configuration that provides a central opening 644 of a similar size when compared to the central opening 144 of the first embodiment. Thus, the annular width of the baffle 642 between the inner diameter and the outer diameter is smaller than that in the first embodiment. The width of the baffle 642 can be the same as the width of the baffle 342 in the third embodiment.

[0130] In other embodiments, the central opening 644 is smaller than the central opening 144 in the first embodiment. As a result, this requires greater deformation of the baffle 642 by the substrate carrier 130, but provides a tighter seal. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 643, pushing the sealing surface 643 downward, deforming the baffle 642, deflecting the sealing surface 643 toward the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0131] It should be understood that the baffle 642 inside the heating chamber 108 in the sixth embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments having alternative baffles, such as the baffle 442 in the fourth embodiment, or embodiments having the holes 346 in the third embodiment. The Seventh Embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 17, a seventh embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the seventh embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the sixth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the seventh embodiment has a baffle 742 arranged differently from the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment.

[0132] More specifically, referring to FIG. 17, the baffle 742 is arranged inside the heating chamber 108, and the baffle 742 of the seventh embodiment is arranged at a distance from the open end 110 and is the same as the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment, except that it is arranged further towards the base 112 than the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment.

[0133] Placing the baffle 742 far from the open end 110 may limit the available internal volume between the baffle 742 and the base 112 and between the substrate carrier 130 and the tubular wall 114 where air can be heated. This may be desirable when it is desired to heat a small amount of air to a high temperature. If there is a large amount, a large power will be required to heat it to the required temperature, or it will take a long time to reach this temperature. By providing a smaller volume, more rapid heating and a shorter time to the first puff can be achieved. However, it is preferable to collect air in the heating chamber 108 and ensure a sufficient volume for heating. Therefore, in some examples, the baffle 742 is arranged closer to the open end 110 so as to provide a sufficient volume within the heating chamber 108.

[0134] In some embodiments, it is desirable that the baffle 742 is not arranged to overlap with the aerosol substrate 132. That is, the baffle 742 is not arranged at an axial position closer to the base 112 than the boundary between the aerosol substrate 132 and the aerosol collection region 134 where the aerosol substrate 132 is not located towards the second end 140 of the substrate carrier 130. That is, the baffle 742 is arranged such that the aerosol substrate 132 is disposed between the baffle 742 and the base 112. When the baffle 742 is disposed between a part of the aerosol substrate 132 and the internal volume of the heating chamber 108, this part of the aerosol substrate 132 is subject to a reduction in heating. Thus, in some cases, as shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the entire aerosol substrate 132 is disposed between the baffle 742 and the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. This may also apply to other embodiments. Thus, in the seventh embodiment, the distance at which the baffle 742 is disposed away from the open end 110 is selected as a balance between ensuring that the aerosol substrate 132 is accommodated within the seal of the heating chamber 108 and properly heated, while improving the heat retention rate and the time to the initial puff. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 743, pushing the sealing surface 743 downward, deforming the baffle 742, deflecting the sealing surface 743 towards the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0135] In other embodiments, the baffle 742 may be arranged to be aligned with the boundary between the aerosol substrate 132 and the aerosol collection region 134 to assist in providing a seal at this location and retain heat within the aerosol substrate 132 when appropriate.

[0136] It should be understood that the diversity of the position of the baffle 742 with respect to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 in the seventh embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having alternative baffles such as the baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment. Eighth Embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 18, the eighth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the eighth embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the sixth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the eighth embodiment has a baffle 842 that is different from the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment.

[0137] More specifically, referring to FIG. 18, the baffle 842 is disposed within the heating chamber 108, similar to the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment. The baffle 842 is identical to the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment, except that the baffle 842 of the eighth embodiment includes a tapered portion 860. That is, the baffle 842 has a tapered outer shape. More specifically, the baffle 842 is tapered in the radial direction. The baffle 842 also defines a central opening 844. The upper surface of the baffle 842 tapers away from the base 112 toward the open end 110. In the tapered portion 860, the width of the central opening 844 increases toward the open end 110 away from the base 112. That is, the width of the central opening 844 is narrower at the point on the baffle 842 closest to the base 112 and wider at the point on the baffle 842 farthest from the base 112. As a result, the inner diameter of the baffle 842 increases from the lower surface of the baffle 842 disposed closest to the base 112 toward the upper surface of the baffle 842 disposed axially farthest from the base 112. In the eighth embodiment, the increase in the diameter of the tapered portion 860 is linear. That is, the tapered portion 860 is a straight line, and the diameter increases smoothly at a constant rate. In the eighth embodiment, the inclined tapered surface 860 also functions as a sealing surface 843. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 843, pushing the sealing surface 843 downward, deforming the baffle 842, deflecting the sealing surface 843 toward the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0138] The tapered portion 860 provides a reduction in the width of the central opening 844 for inserting the substrate carrier 130. Thus, the tapered portion 860 provides a guide for receiving the substrate carrier 130 and may assist in loading the substrate carrier 130 into the heating chamber 108. Further, by providing a gradually increasing tapered portion 860, the force required to deform the baffle 842 to insert the substrate carrier 130 is reduced, and the risk of damaging the substrate carrier 130 (e.g., the paper of the outer layer 136 tears and the aerosol substrate 132 is exposed) when the substrate carrier 130 is inserted is reduced. The innermost portion of the baffle 842 (closest to the central axis X) is thinnest and thus most flexible, which may improve the seal formed against the substrate carrier 130.

[0139] In some examples, the baffle 842 includes a tapered portion 860 and also includes a constant thickness portion between the central axis X and the tubular wall 114. For example, the annular portion around the tapered portion 860 extends to the tubular wall 114 with a constant thickness.

[0140] In other embodiments, the tapered portion 860 increases in diameter non-linearly. For example, the slope may not be a constant gradient, e.g., the gradient increases or decreases towards the base 112. In one example, the slope gradient initially reduces the force required to insert the substrate carrier 130 but decreases towards the base 112 to also provide an effective seal. Other shaped profiles other than the tapering design shown in FIG. 18 are possible. For example, a rounded profile, a profile where the widest point is the midpoint of the baffle 842, etc. are also envisioned.

[0141] It should be understood that the tapered portion 860 of the eighth embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having a baffle disposed outside the heating chamber, such as the baffle 142 of the first embodiment. The ninth embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 19, a ninth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the ninth embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the sixth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the ninth embodiment has a baffle 942 that is different from the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment.

[0142] More specifically, referring to FIG. 19, the baffle 942 is disposed within the heating chamber 108, similar to the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment. However, the baffle 942 includes a first baffle element 942c and a second baffle element 942d. In the ninth embodiment, the first baffle element 942c and the second baffle element 942d are each the same as the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment. That is, the first baffle element 942c and the second baffle element 942d are annular, disposed within the heating chamber 108, and configured to deform upon insertion of the substrate carrier 130 in the manner described herein. The first baffle element 942c is disposed at the same position as the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment, proximate to the open end 110, and the second baffle element 942d is disposed spaced from the open end 110 and towards the base 112, as in the seventh embodiment. By axially spacing the two baffle elements 942c and 942d along the tubular wall 114, the heat and vapor retention rate can be further improved. The outermost surface of the first baffle element 942c also functions as a sealing surface. Similar to the first embodiment, insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 943, pushing the sealing surface 943 downward, deforming the baffle 942, deflecting the sealing surface 943 towards the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0143] Each of the baffle elements 942c, 942d can be a baffle of any embodiment disclosed herein. For example, at least one of the first baffle element 942c and the second baffle element 942d can include a tapered portion such as in the eighth embodiment, or can include segments such as in the fourth embodiment. In some examples, the baffle element 942c and the baffle element 942d are the same, but in other examples, they can be different. For example, the first baffle element 942c can be the same as the baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment that includes a segment 450 for forming a cover at the open end 110 to prevent debris from entering the heating chamber 108 when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use, and the second baffle element 942d can be the same as the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment for providing a more secure seal within the heating chamber 108.

[0144] It should be understood that the baffle 942 can further include additional baffle elements. For example, there can be at least three baffle elements disposed at different positions along the length of the tubular wall 114. Further, in addition to the baffle elements inside the heating chamber 108, one or more baffle elements can be disposed outside the heating chamber 108.

[0145] It should be understood that the first baffle element 942c and the second baffle element 942d of the ninth embodiment can be easily applied to other embodiments, for example, embodiments having alternative baffles such as the baffle 442 of the fourth embodiment. In fact, the first baffle element 942c and the second baffle element 942d can have different shapes and / or sizes. For example, one can be the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment and the other can be the tapered outer profile baffle 842 of the eighth embodiment. Tenth Embodiment Here, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a tenth embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the tenth embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the tenth embodiment has a baffle 1042 different from the baffle 142 of the first embodiment.

[0146] More specifically, referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a cap 1062 configured to be inserted onto the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The cap 1062 includes a first wall 1064 having a cylindrical shape. The first wall 1064 is the outermost wall of the cap 1062. The first wall 1064 is configured to be inserted onto the second end 106 such that the lower portion of the first wall 1064 slides into the corresponding recess 1063.

[0147] The cap 1062 includes a second wall 1066 having a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the second wall 1066 is smaller than the diameter of the first wall 1064. The first wall 1064 and the second wall 1066 are arranged concentrically, and both of them are arranged about a central axis X. In some examples, the diameter of the second wall 1066 is the same as the diameter of the tubular wall 114.

[0148] The first wall 1064 is connected to the second wall 1066 at the top of the cap 1062. When the cap 1062 is loaded onto the aerosol generating device 100, the top of the cap 1062 is farthest from the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. Thus, the cap 1064 forms a U-shaped cross-section and is configured to fit within the recess 1063 of the outer casing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, and the recess can be such that the cap is correctly positioned relative to the opening of the outer casing 102. Referring to FIG. 21, when the cap 1062 is disposed on the aerosol generating device 100, the second wall 1066 extends to a point towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 that is closer to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108.

[0149] The cap 1062 includes a baffle 1042 disposed on the second wall 1066. In the tenth embodiment, the baffle 1042 extends and is disposed from an end of the second wall 1066 disposed close to the open end 110 and has a sealing surface facing towards the outside of the cap. The baffle 1042 is disposed extending towards the central axis X. When the cap 1062 is inserted onto the aerosol generating device 100, the baffle 1042 covers the opening of the outer casing 102 and enables the substrate carrier 130 to be inserted through the opening while engaging with the baffle 1042 as described above. In the tenth embodiment, the baffle 1042 is disposed between the heating chamber 108 and the second wall 1066 of the cap 1062. In other embodiments, the baffle 1042 is disposed inside the inner diameter of the second wall 1066 in a manner similar to the baffle 642 of the sixth embodiment. Further, the baffle 1042 can be disposed at a distance from the open end 110, for example, can be located inside the inner diameter of the second wall 1066 and can be disposed further away from the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 1043, pushing the sealing surface 1043 downward, deforming the baffle 1042, deflecting the sealing surface 1043 towards the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0150] The tenth embodiment enables the baffle 1042 to be removable from the heating chamber 108 and the aerosol generating device 100. This can allow for easier cleaning of the heating chamber 108 by removing the baffle 1042 so that it does not interfere with the cleaning tool entering the heating chamber 108. Further, this can enable the baffle 1042 itself to be cleaned separately from the heating chamber 108. In an alternative embodiment, the heating chamber 108 itself is removable from the aerosol generating device 100. Further, using the cap 1062 having the baffle 1042 can provide an opportunity to retrofit the baffle to an old device, for example, by attaching the cap to the casing using a clip, a strap, an adhesive, etc.

[0151] The cap 1062 can be tapered away from the second end 106 or, otherwise, can be shaped to provide a comfortable mouthpiece for the user, for example, in a case where the substrate carrier 130 does not extend as far from the second end 106 as the cap 1062 extends from the second end 106.

[0152] The eleventh embodiment Here, referring to FIG. 22, the eleventh embodiment will be described. The aerosol generating device 100 of the eleventh embodiment is the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7 except as described below, and the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features. The aerosol generating device 100 of the eleventh embodiment has a heating chamber 1108 that is different from the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment.

[0153] ​Overall, the eleventh embodiment is provided as an exemplary system in which the foregoing embodiments described herein can be actually implemented. In particular, the baffle of any of the foregoing embodiments can be implemented in the aerosol generating device 100 of the eleventh embodiment.

[0154] More specifically, referring to FIG. 22, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a heating chamber 108 having a generally cup shape similar to the heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment and having similar dimensions except as described below. The heating chamber 108 is arranged to receive the substrate carrier 130. A baffle 1142 is arranged towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 and has a sealing surface 1143 facing outwards. The baffle 1142 is identical to the baffle 142 of the first embodiment and is configured to deform to receive the substrate carrier 130 in the heating chamber 108. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the substrate carrier 130 includes the tip 134 contacting the sealing surface 1143, pushing the sealing surface 1143 downwards, deforming the baffle 1142, deflecting the sealing surface 1143 towards the central axis X, and forming a seal against the outer surface of the substrate carrier 130.

[0155] On the inner surface of the tubular wall 114, a plurality of protrusions 1174 are formed. The protrusions 1174 are recesses in the tubular wall 114 extending towards the central axis X. The protrusions 1174 reduce the effective diameter of the tubular wall 114 at the locations where they are present. The protrusions 1174 are formed by crimping or other pressing processes of the tubular wall 114. The width of the protrusions 1174 on the outer peripheral portion of the tubular wall 114 is short compared to their length, and their length is parallel to the central axis X (or generally in the direction from the base 112 to the open end 110 of the heating chamber 108). In this embodiment, there are four protrusions 1174, but only two can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 22. Four is a suitable number of protrusions 1174 for holding the substrate carrier 130 in a central position within the heating chamber 108 by applying pressure on both sides of the substrate carrier 130. For example, other numbers of protrusions 1174 such as two, six, eight or more are also contemplated.

[0156] The protrusions 1174 are arranged around the circumference of the tubular wall 114 and are evenly spaced around the tubular wall 114. Providing protrusions 1174 that are evenly spaced around the tubular wall 114 and have the same recess depth towards the central axis X into the interior of the heating chamber 108 means that the substrate carrier 130 can be held at a central position within the heating chamber 108.

[0157] The protrusions 1174 have various purposes, and the exact form of the protrusions 1174 (and the corresponding depressions on the outer surface of the tubular wall 114) is selected based on the desired effect. In any case, since the protrusions 1174 extend towards the substrate carrier 130 and engage with the substrate carrier 130, they may also be referred to as engagement elements. In fact, the terms "protrusion" and "engagement element" are used interchangeably herein. Similarly, when the protrusions 1174 are provided by pressing the tubular wall 114 from the outside, for example, by hydroforming or press forming, the term "depression" is also used interchangeably with the terms "protrusion" and "engagement element". Forming the protrusions 1174 by pushing in the tubular wall 114 has the advantage that the protrusions 1174 are integral with the tubular wall 114, and thus the influence on the heat flow is minimized. Further, the protrusions 1174 do not add heat mass as would be the case if additional elements were added to the inner surface of the tubular wall 114 of the heating chamber 108. Finally, as described, pushing in the tubular wall 114 increases the strength of the tubular wall 114 by introducing a portion that extends in the transverse direction of the tubular wall 114, thereby providing resistance to bending of the tubular wall 114 and allowing the tubular wall 114 to be made thinner, thereby increasing heat conduction across its thickness.

[0158] The aerosol generating device 100 functions by both conduction and convection. Heat is conducted from the surface of the protrusion 1174 that engages with the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier 130. Convection is achieved by heating the air within the air gap between the inner surface of the tubular wall 114 and the outer layer 136 of the substrate carrier 130. That is, when the user sucks on the aerosol generating device 100, heated air is drawn through the aerosol substrate 132, resulting in convective heating of the aerosol substrate 132. The width and height (i.e., the distance each protrusion 1174 extends into the heating chamber 108) increase the surface area of the tubular wall 114 that transfers heat to the air, enabling the aerosol generating device 100 to reach the effective temperature more quickly.

[0159] The protrusion 1174 interacts with the substrate carrier 130 such that a portion of the aerosol substrate 132 is compressed along the length of the protrusion 1174. Referring to FIG. 22, the substrate carrier 130 is compressed to be received into the heating chamber 108 beyond the protrusion 1174. Compression of the aerosol substrate 132 can improve conduction within the aerosol substrate 132, resulting in more efficient and uniform heating, particularly in the central region. Each protrusion 1174 includes an upper end portion that is disposed toward the second end 106 where the protrusion 1174 contacts the tubular wall 114. In the eleventh embodiment, the upper end portion has an angled tapered shape that smoothly increases the diameter of the tubular wall 114 to the protrusion 1174.

[0160] Combining the provision of the protrusion 1174 with the baffle 1142 around the substrate carrier 130 can help align the substrate carrier 130 with the center of the heating chamber 108, resulting in more uniform heating of the aerosol substrate 132 and a more uniform air flow around the substrate carrier 130. Further, the protrusion 1174 reduces the internal volume of the heating chamber 108 and, together with the provision of a seal at the open end 110 by the baffle 1168, provides better heating efficiency.

[0161] The heating chamber 108 further includes a pedestal 1180 within the base 112. The pedestal 1180 raises the first end 138 of the substrate carrier 130 relative to the base 112 such that air can enter around the pedestal 1180 at the first end 138. Accordingly, the pedestal 1180 has a width smaller than the first end 138. Thereafter, the air within the heating chamber 108 can be drawn in by the user through the first end 1138 as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 22.

[0162] By combining providing the pedestal 1180 within the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 to improve the air flow through the first end 138 of the substrate carrier 130 and providing an air flow path as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 22, an optimal air flow balanced between the air supply and the suction resistance for aerosolizing the aerosol substrate 132 can be provided. In some embodiments, the baffle 1142 is configured to be further deformed into a third configuration such as the baffle 1142 of the first embodiment to allow an air flow between the baffle 1142 and the substrate carrier 130 when the user applies suction to the second end 140. In other examples, the baffle 1142 is provided with holes such as the baffle 342 of the third embodiment to provide an air flow to the heating chamber 108. Definitions and Alternative Embodiments From the foregoing description, it will be understood that many features of the various embodiments are interchangeable with each other. The present disclosure extends to further embodiments that include combinations of the features of the various embodiments in forms not specifically recited. For example, any of the baffle configurations shown herein can be used with any air flow path (first and second embodiments). Similarly, the protrusions described in the eleventh embodiment can be incorporated into any of the baffle designs. The cap can be included in any of the other designs. In some cases, the cap can simply be a mouthpiece, and in other cases, the cap can provide additional baffles, for example, to improve heat and vapor retention.

[0163] The term "heater" should be understood to mean any device that outputs sufficient thermal energy to form an aerosol from an aerosol substrate. The transfer of thermal energy from the heater to the aerosol substrate can be by conduction, convection, radiation, or any combination of these means. By way of non-limiting example, a conductive heater can be in direct contact with and press against the aerosol substrate, or can contact a separate component, which in turn causes heating of the aerosol substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation. Convective heating can involve heating a liquid or gas, such that the thermal energy is transferred (directly or indirectly) to the aerosol substrate.

[0164] Radiative heating includes, but is not limited to, transferring energy to the aerosol substrate by emitting electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, or radio frequency portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The radiation thus emitted can be directly absorbed by the aerosol substrate to cause heating, or the radiation can be absorbed by another material, such as a susceptor or fluorescent material, such that the radiation can be re-emitted with a different wavelength or spectral weighting. Optionally, the radiation can be absorbed by a material, which then transfers heat to the aerosol substrate by any combination of conduction, convection, and / or radiation.

[0165] The heater can be electrically driven, driven by combustion, or driven by any other suitable means. Electrically driven heaters can include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), induction heating systems (e.g., including an electromagnet and a radio frequency oscillator), and the like. The heater can be disposed around the outside of the aerosol substrate, can penetrate partway or completely into the aerosol substrate, or can be any combination thereof.

[0166] The term "temperature sensor" is used to describe an element capable of determining the absolute or relative temperature of a part of an aerosol generating device. This can include thermocouples, thermopiles, thermistors, etc. The temperature sensor can be provided as part of another component or can be a separate component. In some examples, multiple temperature sensors can be provided, for example, to monitor the heating of various parts of the aerosol generating device, for example, to determine a heat profile.

[0167] Referring to the above-described embodiments, the aerosol substrate includes tobacco, for example, in a dried or cured form, and optionally has additional components that provide an effect for flavor or a smoother or more satisfying effect. In some examples, an aerosol substrate such as tobacco can be treated with a vaporizing agent. The vaporizing agent can improve the generation of aerosol from the aerosol substrate. The vaporizing agent can include, for example, a polyol such as glycerol or a glycol such as propylene glycol. Optionally, the aerosol substrate may not contain tobacco or even nicotine, and instead may contain natural or man-made components for providing flavoring, volatility, improvement of smoothness, and / or other satisfying effects. The aerosol substrate can be provided as a solid or paste-type material in a shredded, pelletized, powdered, granular, strip or sheet form, optionally a combination of these. Similarly, the aerosol substrate can be a liquid or a gel. In fact, in some examples, both a solid part and a liquid / gel part can be included.

[0168] Therefore, the aerosol generating device can be equally referred to as a "heated tobacco device", a "heat-not-burn tobacco device", a "device for vaporizing tobacco products", etc., and is interpreted as a device suitable for realizing these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0169] Embodiments of the aerosol generating device are described as being configured to contain an aerosol substrate within a pre-packaged substrate carrier. The substrate carrier may generally resemble a cigarette having a tubular region with an aerosol substrate disposed therein by suitable means. Some designs may also include filters, aerosol collection regions, cooling regions and other structures. For example, a flexible flat material such as an outer layer of paper or other foil for holding the aerosol substrate in place may also be provided, further enhancing the similarity to a cigarette or the like.

[0170] As used herein, the term "fluid" is to be construed as generically describing a flowable type of non-solid material including, but not limited to, liquids, pastes, gels, powders, etc. Accordingly, a "fluidized material" is to be construed as a material that is inherently fluid or a material that has been modified to behave as a fluid. Fluidization may include, but is not limited to, pulverization, dissolution in a solvent, gelling, thickening, thinning, etc.

[0171] As used herein, the term "volatile" means a substance capable of easily changing from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state. By way of non-limiting example, a volatile substance may have a boiling or sublimation temperature near room temperature at ambient pressure. Accordingly, "volatilize" or "volatilise" is to be construed as meaning to cause (a material) to volatilize and / or to evaporate or disperse into the vapour.

[0172] As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) the form in which a liquid is naturally converted by the action of sufficient heat, or (ii) liquid / moisture particles that float in the atmosphere and appear as a cloud of steam / smoke, or (iii) a fluid that fills a space like a gas and can be liquefied only by pressure when below its critical temperature.

[0173] Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporise" (or "vaporize") means the following: (i) to change into or cause a change to vapor, and (ii) when particles change their physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

[0174] As used herein, the term "atomise" (or "atomize") shall mean the following: (i) to change (a substance, particularly a liquid) into very small particles or droplets, and (ii) when the particles remain in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as before atomization.

[0175] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or a gas, such as a mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolise" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and / or disperse as an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolise is consistent with each of volatilisation, atomisation and vaporisation as defined above. To avoid doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets containing particles that have been atomised, volatilised or vaporised. An aerosol also includes a mist or droplets containing any combination of atomised, volatilised or vaporised particles.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a heating chamber (108) having a tubular wall (114) extending around a central axis (X), an open end (110), and a base (112), wherein the tubular wall (114) extends between the open end (110) and the base (112) and defines an internal volume of the heating chamber (108), and the heating chamber (108) is arranged to receive a substrate carrier (130) containing an aerosol substrate (132) into the internal volume along the central axis (X) through the open end (110); a heater (118) extending around the heating chamber (108) for supplying heat to the heating chamber (108); a baffle (142) having a sealing surface (143) facing opposite to the open end (110), wherein when the substrate carrier (130) is inserted into the heating chamber (108), the sealing surface (143) is arranged to be deflected so as to face more towards the central axis (X) and thus towards the side wall of the substrate carrier (130); and the base (112) is closed such that during use air is drawn solely through the open end (110) into the heating chamber (108) towards the aerosol substrate (132). The aerosol generating device (100).

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a distance between an innermost part of the baffle (142) and the central axis (X) is smaller than a distance between an inner surface of the tubular wall (114) and the central axis (X).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the baffle (142) is arranged close to the open end (110) of the heating chamber (108).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the baffle (142) is elastically deformable.

5. The baffle (142) is a film including at least two parts (450), the at least two parts (450) being defined by a slit (452) between the at least two parts (450), the parts (450) being configured to be deformably divided to receive the substrate carrier (130) into the heating chamber (108), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The baffle (142) is at least one hole (346), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having at least one hole (346) configured to allow an air flow therethrough.

7. The baffle (142) is located outside the heating chamber (108) and is disposed adjacent to or spaced from the open end (110) of the heating chamber (108), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The baffle (142) surrounds the central axis (X), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The baffle (142) is made of a material having a first thermal conductivity, and the tubular wall (114) is made of a material having a second thermal conductivity, the first thermal conductivity being smaller than the second thermal conductivity, the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The baffle (142) is elastically deformable from a sealed configuration to an inflow configuration to allow an air flow between the baffle (142) and the substrate carrier (130) into the internal volume of the heating chamber (108) during suction by a user through the substrate carrier (130), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The baffle (142) defines an opening (144), the opening (144) being for receiving the substrate carrier (130) therethrough, the opening (144) having a width smaller than the width of the substrate carrier (130), the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A power source (120), A control circuit (122) configured to control the supply of power from the power source (120) to the heater (118), The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising.

13. The distance between the baffle (142) and the base (112) of the heating chamber (108) is substantially equal to the length of the aerosol substrate (132) supported by the substrate carrier (130). The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the substrate carrier (130).

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