Aerosol generating device

Abstract

1. A system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a portion of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a first housing element and a second housing element configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element together define an aerosol-generation chamber configured to enclose the portion of aerosol-generating substrate and further define an air flow path including an inlet, an outlet, and the aerosol-generation chamber, wherein the first housing element includes a recess for receiving the portion of aerosol-generating substrate, the recess including a flat bottom surface, and the second housing element includes a compression surface for compressing the portion of aerosol-generating substrate toward the bottom surface of the recess, the compression surface and the bottom surface being opposing surfaces of the aerosol-generation chamber, wherein the portion of aerosol-generating substrate is a cube, and a thickness D of the portion before use in the aerosol-generating device is greater than a distance d between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess when the first housing element and the second housing element are in the closed position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-forming substrate is heated to form an aerosol. The disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol-generating devices that may be self-contained and low-temperature. Such devices may heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than by combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices or heat-and-burn devices. This type of device typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate containing moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, typically to temperatures ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol containing the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can be unpleasant to users due to combustion and burning. Thus, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to users. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such devices, the user must wait an initial startup period after the aerosolizable material is heated to generate the aerosol before a puff of the aerosol can be inhaled. It is desirable to shorten the initial startup period to improve user convenience.

[0005] Additionally, it is desirable to increase the aerosol yield from aerosolizable materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device comprising a first housing element and a second housing element configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the first housing element and the second housing element together define an aerosol-generation chamber configured to enclose a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate and further define an air flow path including an inlet, an outlet and the aerosol-generation chamber, wherein the first housing element includes a recess for receiving the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, the recess including a flat bottom surface, and the second housing element includes a compression surface for compressing the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate towards the bottom surface of the recess, the compression surface and the bottom surface being opposing surfaces of the aerosol-generation chamber.

[0007] Compressing the aerosol-generating substrate toward the bottom of the recess improves the thermal conductivity of the substrate, thereby reducing initial start-up time. Additionally, compressing the aerosol-generating substrate can improve the aerosol yield for a given amount of substrate.

[0008] Optionally, the first housing member and the second housing member are connected by a hinge.

[0009] By connecting the housing members by a hinge, the housing members can be easily separated to access the aerosol-generating chamber and to insert and remove the aerosol-generating substrate before and after aerosol generation. Furthermore, the hinge guides the housing members to compress a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess.

[0010] Optionally, the device includes a fastener for holding the first housing element and the second housing element in a closed position.

[0011] The fastener makes the device easier to use as it does not require the user to apply compressive force during aerosol generation.

[0012] Optionally, the device includes a gasket configured to seal the air flow path in the closed position.

[0013] By sealing the air flow path, air flows more efficiently from the outlet to the inlet through the aerosol-generation chamber, and the aerosol can be more easily inhaled from the device.

[0014] Optionally, the device includes a heating element positioned to supply heat to the aerosol-generation chamber through the bottom surface or compression surface.

[0015] The heating element provides a convenient method of heating the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating chamber. Alternatively, the substrate may be heated in other ways, for example, using a disposable heat source provided within the aerosol-generating substrate portion.

[0016] Optionally, the first housing element and / or the second housing element include a thermal insulating member that at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generation chamber.

[0017] The insulating member improves the efficiency of heating of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating chamber.

[0018] Optionally, the second housing element additionally includes an air flow passage configured to connect to the aerosol generation chamber in the closed position and to provide an inlet and an outlet.

[0019] Optionally, the air flow passage comprises a groove in a surface of the second housing element. The groove in the surface may be easier to clean.

[0020] Optionally, the air flow passages include grooves in the compression surface, which increase air flow adjacent where the compression surface compresses the substrate, improving removal of the aerosol from the substrate.

[0021] Optionally, the air flow passage comprises a plurality of grooves in the compression surface connected between the inlet and the outlet.

[0022] Optionally, the inlet comprises a plurality of separate inlets connected to a plurality of channels.

[0023] Optionally, a plurality of grooves are arranged in parallel between the inlet and outlet.

[0024] Optionally, the multiple sections of the compression surface are separated by one or more grooves in the air flow passage, and each of the multiple sections of the compression surface is configured to compress a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate towards the bottom surface of the recess, thereby distributing the air flow and compression force across the substrate.

[0025] Optionally, the device includes a power source and the aerosol generating device is a portable handheld device.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a system comprising an aerosol generating device as claimed above and a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the thickness of which portion before use in the aerosol generating device is greater than the distance between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess when the first housing element and the second housing element are in the closed position.

[0027] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising an aerosol-generating device as claimed above and a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the thickness of which portion before use in the aerosol-generating device is greater than the distance between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess when the first housing element and the second housing element are in the closed position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device, with lines x, y and z indicating relative planes of cross-section. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views of portions of alternative aerosol-generating substrates. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of the compression of an aerosol-forming substrate. [Figure 4] 4A-4E are schematic cross-sectional views of different aerosol generating devices having alternative or optional features. [Figure 5] 5A-5D are schematic cross-sectional views of different aerosol generating devices having alternative or optional features. [Figure 6] 6A-6D are schematic cross-sectional views of different aerosol generating devices having alternative or optional features. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first specific example of an aerosol generating device in an open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first illustrative example in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device 1, with lines x, y and z indicating relative planes of cross-section.

[0030] The aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a first housing element 11 and a second housing element 12. As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is in the closed position, the first housing element 11 and the second housing element 12 together define an aerosol-generating chamber 13 in which a portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate aerosol is enclosed, and from which the aerosol is generated.

[0031] The first housing element 11 includes a recess 131 for receiving the portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the second housing element 12 includes a compression surface 132 arranged to face the flat bottom surface of the recess 131. As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is in the closed position, the compression surface 132 faces the bottom surface of the recess 131, and the portion 2 is compressed toward the bottom surface of the recess 131 by the compression surface 132. In this embodiment, the compression surface 132 is simply an extension of the flat surface around the second housing element 12, and is a portion of the flat surface arranged to face the recess 131 in the closed position.

[0032] In some embodiments, compression alone may be sufficient to release the aerosol from the substrate. However, in many embodiments, a heating element 14 is positioned to provide heat to the aerosol-generating chamber 13 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate and generate the aerosol. In such embodiments, the application of pressure increases the yield of aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate compared to heating alone. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, the heating element is positioned to provide heat through the bottom surface of the recess 131. The heating element 14 may, for example, include an electrically operated resistive wire.

[0033] In further alternative embodiments, heating may be provided without the use of heating element 14 in device 1. For example, portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate may also include a pressure-activated heating element, such as a capsule of ingredients for an exothermic reaction.

[0034] The first housing element 11 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as metal (e.g., aluminum) to enable heat transfer from the heating element 14 to the aerosol-generation chamber 13. However, the gap between the heating element 14 and the aerosol-generation chamber 13 is preferably minimized, and the first housing element 11 and the second housing element 12 preferably comprise a heat-resistant material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide (PA) to prevent thermal deformation or melting. The heat-resistant material may be a super engineering plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0035] The device 1 also includes an air flow path 15 through the aerosol-generation chamber 13, which is provided for removing the generated aerosol from the aerosol-generation chamber 13. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, the air flow path 15 includes an inlet 151 connected between the exterior of the device 1 and one end of the aerosol-generation chamber 13, and an outlet 152 connected between the exterior of the device 1 and the other end of the aerosol-generation chamber 13. The exterior of the device 1 around the outlet 152 is configured as a mouthpiece, allowing a user to inhale air and aerosol through the device 1. Alternatively, air can be forced into the air flow path 15 artificially, for example, using a fan.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the first and second housing members 11 and 12 are connected by one or more fasteners 16 (in this case, hinges) along a pivot axis generally aligned with the length between the inlet 151 and the outlet 152. By rotating about the hinge 16, the first and second housing members 11 and 12 move between an open position (shown in FIG. 1A) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). In the open position, the recess 131 is exposed, allowing the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2 to be added or removed, allowing the device to be cleaned. In the closed position, the aerosol-generating chamber is complete, allowing aerosol generation. In other embodiments, the first and second housing members 11 and 12 can be completely separated in the open position and connected together in the closed position by one or more releasable fasteners, such as magnets or snap-fit connectors.

[0037] 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views of portions of alternative aerosol-generating substrates.

[0038] In Figure 2A, portion 21 is a simple cube having length L, width W and depth D. In a typical example, the substrate is typically 18 x 12 x 1.2 mm, with each of L, W and D selected within a range of, for example, ±40%.

[0039] The substrate may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. The tobacco can be in the form of a variety of materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include polyols (such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0040] The substrate is porous to allow air to flow through the substrate and collect the aerosol. The substrate can be, for example, a foam or filled with strands or fibers. The substrate can be formed into a stable shape through an extrusion and / or rolling process.

[0041] The portion of the aerosol-generating substrate is designed to be thicker (depth D is greater) than the distance between the compression surface 132 and the bottom surface of the recess 131 when the device 1 is in the closed position. This means that in order to reach the closed position with portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate in the device 1, portion 2 must be compressed.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2B, in addition to being porous, the portion 22 of the aerosol-generating substrate may be shaped to provide one or more air passages, which may be aligned with the air passages 15 of the aerosol-generating device 1 to increase the flow of air through the aerosol-generating chamber 13.

[0043] 2A and 2B, portion 2 has an exposed outer surface to which the aerosol-generating substrate is exposed. Alternatively, portion 2 may comprise a breathable wrapper that covers at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may comprise, for example, paper and / or a nonwoven fabric.

[0044] 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of compression of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3A, the recess 131 may be a cubic recess of length L and width W and may be configured to receive a cubic portion 21 of the same length L and width W, but the depth d of the recess 131 is less than the original depth D of the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 2. As a result, it can be estimated that the aerosol-generating substrate is compressed by a factor of d / D when the device is in the closed position shown in Figure 3B.

[0046] The inventors have found that compressing the substrate can improve heat transfer throughout the substrate due to a reduced amount of void space within the substrate, resulting in a shorter heat-up time to an appropriate operating temperature and a more consistent aerosol yield and associated flavor over the course of the aerosol inhalation.

[0047] Too little compression, i.e., too high a ratio, may not produce the desired results, whereas too much compression, i.e., too low a ratio, may result in adverse effects such as reduced breathability within the substrate, resulting in increased resistance to inhalation through the mouthpiece and reduced aerosol delivery to the user.

[0048] 4A-4E are schematic cross-sectional views of different aerosol generating devices having alternative or optional features.

[0049] 4A shows an alternative aerosol generating device 1 in the open position. In this example, the compression surfaces 132 (1321, 1322) are not simply part of the flat surface of the second housing element 12, but are raised or recessed relative to the surrounding surface.

[0050] 4B shows the recessed case, i.e., when the consumable 2 partially engages the recessed compression surface 1321. The thicknesses of the first and second housing elements 11, 12 are determined in part by the required strength to reduce the likelihood of the elements breaking during use. By using a portion of the second housing element 12 as space for the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2, the minimum device 1 volume (determined by strength requirements) is used more efficiently, increasing the amount of aerosol that can be generated from the device 1.

[0051] Additionally and independently of the particular compression surface 1321, the example of Figure 4B shows how the heating element 14 can alternatively be positioned in the second housing element 12 to supply heat to the aerosol generation chamber through the compression surface 132.

[0052] 4C shows an embodiment in which the compression surface 1322 is raised relative to the surrounding surface of the second housing element 12. The raised compression surface 1322 allows the depth of the recess 131 to be minimized, even for small portions of the aerosol-generating substrate 2.

[0053] Additionally and independently of the particular compression surface 1322, the example of FIG. 4C illustrates how multiple heating elements 141, 142 may generally be arranged in the first housing element 11 and / or the second housing element 12.

[0054] Furthermore, the example of FIG. 4C shows an insulating member 17 within the first housing element 11. The insulating member 17 comprises a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the first housing element 11, such as aerogel, inorganic fiber, or foamed resin. Alternatively, the insulating member 17 may comprise a vacuum insulator. The insulating member 17 is positioned to partially surround the aerosol generation chamber 13 and the heating element 14 to improve heating efficiency. For example, the insulating member 17 may be positioned to extend along one or more sides of the heating element 14 that do not face the aerosol generation chamber 13 or along one or more sides of the aerosol generation chamber 13. The second housing element 12 is similarly provided with an insulating member 17 to further insulate the aerosol generation chamber 13. As an example, the housing elements 11 and 12 may be formed from a material not specifically designed for thermal insulation, such as a metal, e.g., aluminum. At the same time, the heat insulating member 17 is made of a material with substantially higher heat insulating properties, such as polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0055] 4D and 4E show an alternative configuration of the compression surface, in which a number of protrusions 1323 (or alternatively recesses) are positioned opposite the recesses 131 in the closed position. By spacing the protrusions 1323 apart, the pressure on the portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate varies through the substrate, increasing the air flow between the protrusions. As a result, areas of high aerosol generation (areas under pressure by the protrusions 1323) are adjacent to areas of high air flow, increasing the amount of aerosol extracted by drawing air through the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0056] 5A-5D are schematic cross-sectional views of further different aerosol generating devices having alternative or optional features.

[0057] 5A and 5B, the inlet 151 and outlet 152 are repositioned as surface groove features in the air flow passages that extend through the compression surface 1324 in the second housing element 12. In FIG.

[0058] 5C and 5D, on the other hand, the air flow passage 15 is embedded within the second housing element 12 and connects to the aerosol generation chamber 13 through one or more openings 153 in the compression surface 1325 in the closed position.

[0059] The alternative configuration of Figure 5 has the advantage that the flow of air through the air flow passage 15 is not directly impeded by the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2 and the aerosol joins the air flow by evaporation, which means that the pressure differential to draw air through the device 1 is constant and the rate at which air is drawn through the device can control the strength of the aerosol drawn from the device.

[0060] Additionally, the configuration of Figures 5A and 5B has the advantage that the channels are easier to clean compared to recessed channels.

[0061] As an additional variation, the air flow passage 15 may be provided partly in a feature of the first housing element 11 and partly in a feature of the second housing element 12. For example, each housing element may have a surface groove that provides part of the air flow passage 15 in the closed position.

[0062] Figures 6A-6D are schematic cross-sectional views of different aerosol generating devices having further alternative or optional features, in particular, Figures 6A-6D show variations of the housing elements 11, 12 and fastener 16 of Figure 1.

[0063] In Figure 6A, first housing element 11 includes main portion 111 and mouthpiece portion 112. Main portion 111 operates similarly to the example of Figure 1, opposing second housing element 12 to form aerosol-generation chamber 13 in the closed position. However, in this example, second housing element 12 does not extend to outlet 152, meaning that mouthpiece portion 112 is fixed.

[0064] Similarly, in FIG. 6B, first housing element 11 includes main portion 111 and inlet portion 113, and second housing element 12 faces main portion 111 to form aerosol-generation chamber 13.

[0065] By providing a fixed outlet portion 112 or inlet portion 113, the air flow through the device 1 can be more predictably defined even when the first housing element 11 and the second housing element 12 are not fully positioned in the closed position, making the device 1 easier to operate.

[0066] 6C and 6D show an alternative aerosol-generating device 1 in which the fasteners 16 are aligned perpendicular to the length between the inlet 151 and the outlet 152. This configuration may facilitate one-handed operation by the user to move between the open and closed positions, leaving one hand free to manipulate the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first specific example of an aerosol generating device in an open position.

[0068] In this example, first housing element 11 and second housing element 12 each include an inner portion 111, 121 and an outer portion 114, 122. Outer portions 114, 122 provide an outer casing configured to be held by hand. For example, outer portions 114, 122 may include a rigid metal casing that supports weaker inner portions 111, 121. Additionally or alternatively, outer portions 114, 122 may have a lower thermal conductivity than the inner portions to protect the user's hands, for example, by providing an elastomeric grip on the exterior of the device.

[0069] Additionally, in the first specific example, the air flow path 15 includes multiple (two in this example) separate inlets 1511 at one end of the outer portion 122 of the second housing element 12 to provide the inlet 151. This allows air to flow into two parallel flow paths. The flow paths are formed as connected grooves between the inlet and outlet on the surface of the inner portion 121 of the second housing element 12. The grooves are surrounded and separated by portions of the compression surface 132, which has the effect of providing regions of improved aerosol generation adjacent to regions of improved airflow in the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2, similar to the example of FIG. 4D .

[0070] The grooves provide a flow path of varying width between the inlet and outlet, with a small inlet and a relatively large outlet. When air is drawn through the device 1 in the closed position, this configuration creates a pressure gradient in the air flow path 15, reducing the air pressure adjacent the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2 and further increasing aerosol generation.

[0071] Additionally, in the first specific example, the heating element 14 (not shown in FIG. 7 but configured adjacent to the flat bottom surface of the recess 131, similar to FIGS. 1B and 1C) is powered by an external power source connected by an electrical wire 18. Device 1 can be manufactured for use with an external power source by cutting or molding a space for the electrical wire 18 in the interior portion 111 of the first housing element 11, and then providing an adhesive-filled section 181 to separate the air flow passage 15 from the electrical wire 18. Alternatively, section 181 can be an additional solid component that snaps into place, such as a snap-fit or press-fit component. In some embodiments, the electrical wire 18 connecting to the external power source can be replaced with an internal power source. Using an internal power source allows the aerosol generating device to be provided as a portable handheld device.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first specific example, the device 1 includes a plurality of closing means 191, 192 and 193 for improving the closure of the device 1 in the closed position, thereby making it easier to operate the device 1 under good aerosol generation conditions.

[0073] First, the first and second housing elements 11, 12 are held in place in the closed position using one or more releasable fasteners (e.g., a pair of opposing magnets 191) on opposite sides of the hinge 16. Providing a releasable fastener means that the device 1 does not have to be held in the closed position by hand throughout aerosol generation, making the device easier to use.

[0074] Second, a tab surface 192 is provided that can be manually operated by a user's hand to open and close device 1 between the open and closed positions. Providing tab surface 192 means that the strength of the releasable fastener can be increased without making it difficult for a user to move device 1 from the closed position to the open position.

[0075] Third, a gasket 193 is provided which, in the closed position, improves the sealing of the air flow passage 15 between the inlet and outlet. The gasket may be formed, for example, from an elastomer such as rubber.

[0076] The first specific example of the device 1 may preferably be used with a portion 2 of the aerosol-generating substrate having a thickness D such that the compression ratio d / D is between 0.6 and 0.9, more preferably between 0.7 and 0.8, where d is the depth of the recess 131.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first illustrative example in the closed position (where the electrical wires 18 are not shown for simplicity).

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, device 1 has a mouthpiece portion 112 surrounding an outlet 152 similar to that of Figure 6A. As further shown in Figure 8, the outer surface of second housing portion 12 is configured to align with the outer surface of mouthpiece portion 112 in the closed position to provide a smooth profile. Figure 8 also shows that tab surface 192 in the first specific example is configured to align in the closed position so that it can be easily grasped by hand to open device 1.

[0079] The aerosol-generating substrate includes tobacco, e.g., in a dried or cured form, optionally with additional ingredients for flavor or to provide a smoother or other satisfying effect. In some examples, a substrate such as tobacco can be treated with a vaporizer. The vaporizer can improve vapor generation from the substrate. The vaporizer can include, for example, a polyol such as glycerol or a glycol such as propylene glycol. In some cases, the substrate may not even contain tobacco or nicotine, but instead may contain natural or artificial ingredients for flavoring, volatility, improved smoothness, and / or other satisfying effects. The substrate can be provided as a solid or paste-type material in shredded, pelleted, powdered, granular, strip, or sheet form, optionally a combination thereof. Alternatively, the aerosol substrate can be a liquid or gel.

[0080] The aerosol-generating device 1 may, in some embodiments, be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated-non-combustible tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," or the like, which is to be interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0081] The aerosol-generating device 1 may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating substrate portion 2 within a pre-packaged substrate carrier. Some designs of the aerosol-generating device 1 may also include filters, vapor collection areas, cooling areas, and other structures.

[0082] As used herein, the term "fluid" shall be taken to generically describe a type of non-solid material that is capable of flowing, including, but not limited to, liquids, pastes, gels, powders, etc. Accordingly, a "fluidized material" shall be taken to be a material that is inherently fluid or a material that has been modified to behave as a fluid. Fluidization may include, but is not limited to, powdering, dissolving in a solvent, gelling, thickening, thinning, etc.

[0083] As used herein, the term "volatile" refers to a substance that can be readily changed from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state. As a non-limiting example, a volatile substance may have a boiling or sublimation temperature near room temperature at ambient pressure. Thus, "volatilize" or "volatilize" shall be interpreted to mean to cause (a material) to volatilize and / or to evaporate or disperse into a vapor.

[0084] As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) a form into which a liquid is spontaneously transformed by the action of a sufficient degree of heat, or (ii) liquid / moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as a cloud of steam / smoke, or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas but can be liquefied by pressure alone when below a critical temperature.

[0085] Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) to change or cause to change into a vapor, and (ii) when a particle changes physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

[0086] As used herein, the term "atomize" (or "atomize") shall mean: (i) the conversion (of a substance, especially a liquid) into very small particles or droplets, and (ii) where the particles remain in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as they were before atomization.

[0087] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and / or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolize is consistent with each of the above definitions of volatilize, atomize, and vaporize. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used consistently to describe a mist or droplets comprising atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. A system including an aerosol-generating device and a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device including a first housing element and a second housing element configured to move between an open position and a closed position; in the closed position, the first housing element and the second housing element together define an aerosol-generation chamber configured to enclose a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and further define an air flow path including an inlet, an outlet, and the aerosol-generation chamber; the first housing element includes a recess for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, the recess including a flat bottom surface; the second housing element includes a compression surface for compressing a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate toward the bottom surface of the recess, the compression surface and the bottom surface being opposing surfaces of the aerosol-generation chamber; The aerosol-generating substrate portion is cubic, and a thickness D of the portion before use in the aerosol-generating device is greater than a distance d between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess when the first housing element and the second housing element are in the closed position.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a compression ratio d / D between the thickness D of the portion before use and the distance d between the compression surface and the bottom surface of the recess is 0.6 to 0.9, more preferably 0.7 to 0.

8.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing element and the second housing element are connected by a hinge.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a fastener for holding the first housing element and the second housing element in the closed position.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a gasket configured to seal the air flow path between the inlet and the outlet in the closed position.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a heating element arranged to supply heat to the aerosol generation chamber through the bottom surface or the compression surface.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first housing element and / or the second housing element includes a thermal insulating member that at least partially surrounds the aerosol generation chamber.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second housing element additionally includes an air flow passage configured to connect to the aerosol generation chamber in the closed position and to provide the inlet and the outlet.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the air flow passage comprises a groove in a surface of the second housing element.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the air flow passage comprises a groove in the compression surface.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the air flow path includes a plurality of grooves in the compression surface connected between the inlet and the outlet.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the inlet comprises a plurality of separate inlets connected to the plurality of channels.

13. 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of grooves are arranged in parallel between the inlet and the outlet.

14. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein multiple sections of the compression surface are separated by the one or more grooves in the air flow passage, and each of the multiple sections of the compression surface is configured to compress a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate toward the bottom surface of the recess.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a power source, wherein the aerosol generating device is a portable handheld device.

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