Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

To provide a novel method of generating aerosol from a consumable.SOLUTION: A method of generating aerosol from a consumable (130) is disclosed. The consumable comprises a corrugated surface (132) having troughs (134) extending along the consumable in an axial direction, the troughs being provided with aerosol-generating material. The method comprises sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs, so that, at a given time, heat is directly applied to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element (120).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, an aerosol delivery system, and an aerosol delivery means for generating an aerosol from a consumable product. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems are known.

[0003] An aerosol-generating component is used in an aerosol delivery system to deliver an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating component may be an oscillator, a heater, or the like. When an aerosol-generating material is inserted into the aerosol delivery system, a properly positioned aerosol-generating component can achieve effective aerosolization. Modern devices often require coordination between the aerosol-generating component and the aerosol-generating material to deliver the desired aerosol for inhalation. Flexibility in the necessary coordination is desirable.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

[0006] In some embodiments described herein, a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable is provided, the consumable comprising a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-generating material, the method including sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs such that heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element at a given time.

[0007] Providing heat to the portions of the consumable may include activating a heating element.

[0008] Sequentially supplying heat to selected ones of the plurality of troughs may include moving the heating element relative to the consumable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0009] The method may further include moving the heating element relative to the consumable about an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction.

[0010] Sequentially supplying heat to the portions of the consumable may include moving the heating element relative to the consumable in a substantially axial direction.

[0011] The method may further include moving the heating element relative to the consumable to effect contact between the heating element and the consumable.

[0012] Sequentially supplying heat to multiple portions of the consumable may further include moving the heating element relative to the consumable to heat a first trough and then an adjacent trough.

[0013] The method may further include selecting a heating option from at least one of a predetermined heating profile including a plurality of heating stages and a heating duration to be applied to the consumable.

[0014] Sequentially supplying heat to the selected trough or troughs may include moving a heating element in one or more directions relative to the consumable.

[0015] In some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery system is provided that includes a heating element for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and a consumable having a corrugated surface with a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the plurality of troughs comprising the aerosol-generating material, wherein the heating element is positioned to supply heat to selected one or more troughs, such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by the heating element.

[0016] The system may further comprise a movement mechanism arranged to provide relative movement between the heating element and the consumable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0017] The movement mechanism may be arranged to move the heating element relative to the consumable substantially axially.

[0018] The movement mechanism may be further arranged to provide relative movement between the heating element and the consumable about an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction.

[0019] The consumable may include a channel extending axially along the consumable, and the heating element, in use, may be disposed within the channel of the consumable.

[0020] The system may further include control circuitry arranged to control the heating element to provide at least a selection between a predetermined aerosol generation profile including a plurality of aerosolization stages and an aerosolization period that may be applied to the aerosol-generating material.

[0021] The system can further include a first trough containing a first aerosol-generating material and a second trough containing a second aerosol-generating material, the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material being different aerosol-generating media.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means comprising: an aerosol generation mechanism for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation means; and a consumable comprising a corrugated surface means having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the plurality of troughs comprising the aerosol generation means, wherein a heating element is positioned to supply heat to selected one or more troughs, such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to said selected one or more troughs by the heating element.

[0023] The present teachings are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system. [Figure 2A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 2B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 6] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic flow chart for a method of generating an aerosol according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed and described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed or described in detail. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein but not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, sometimes referred to as e-cigarette-like aerosol delivery systems. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosolizable materials that are components of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not or are not burned to facilitate delivery to a user. While the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used throughout the following description, it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably to refer to aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0028] In the example of Figure 1, an aerosol delivery system 100 is shown. The aerosol delivery system 100 is shown in cross section. The aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol-generating component 120. The aerosol-generating component 120 is for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol delivery system 100 also includes a consumable 130 that includes an aerosol-generating material 140. The consumable 130 includes a corrugated surface 132 having troughs 134 extending axially along the consumable 130. The troughs 134 include the aerosol-generating material 140. The aerosol-generating component 120 is positioned to supply heat to selected one or more troughs 134, such that heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs 134 by the aerosol-generating component 120 at a given time.

[0029] The aerosol-generating component 120 may be a heating element. The aerosol-generating component 120 may be a heating mechanism or part of a heating mechanism. In one example, the aerosol-generating component 120 may be a heater for supplying heat to the aerosol-generating material in the consumable 130. The aerosol-generating component 120 may be a resistive heater for supplying heat to the consumable 130 from an electrical current passed by an electrically connected power source. The aerosol-generating component 120 may be made of metal, ceramic, or the like. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating component 120 may be an induction heater or part of an induction heating system for supplying heat to the consumable 130.

[0030] The consumable 130 may have an aerosol-forming material, such as tobacco, disposed in troughs 134 of the corrugated surface 132. The consumable 130 may be formed by disposing an aerosol-forming material 140 on the surface and then corrugating the surface, for example, by deforming the surface.

[0031] The heating element (otherwise referred to as the "aerosol-generating component") 120 may be shaped to substantially conform to the troughs 134 of the corrugated surface 132 of the consumable 130, allowing the heating element to protrude into the interstices of the corrugations in the surface 132. This, in turn, allows for more efficient heat transfer to the surface 132 and, therefore, to the aerosol-generating material 140 disposed on the surface 132. This efficient heat transfer therefore allows for less power to be used during any one smoking session than a heating element with a less compliant shape, and therefore allows for a longer charge life for the aerosol delivery system 100.

[0032] The aerosol delivery system 100 can include a housing 110 or the like, within which the heating element 120 and the consumable 130 are placed or inserted prior to use. The heating element 120 can be located within the consumable 130. The heating element 120 can also be located within the housing 110 but external or outside the consumable.

[0033] Surface 132 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to allow heat to flow more easily from heating element 120 to aerosol-generating material 140 on surface 132. In one example, surface 132 may be formed of a conductive material, such as aluminum, which can allow heating of aerosol-generating material 140 to occur by induction.

[0034] The heating element 120 may be a work coil that can interface with an aluminum surface (or, as part of the surface, an aluminum susceptor) to provide thermal energy to the aerosol-forming material 140 of the consumable 130. The heating element 120 may be a collar that is moved to heat a portion of the aerosol-forming material 140 of the consumable 130. The collar may be made of any suitable material, such as ceramic or metal.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 2A, an aerosol delivery system 200 is shown. The aerosol delivery system 200 is shown in cross section. The aerosol delivery system 200 includes a housing 210, a heating element 220, a consumable 230 having a corrugated surface 232 with a plurality of troughs 234, and an aerosol-generating material 240 disposed on the surface 232. The configuration of the aerosol-generating material 240 in FIG. 2 is slightly different from that in FIG. 1, but both are suitable for the disclosed invention. The heating element 220 in FIG. 2 is shown protruding between two troughs T1 and T2. Heat from the heating element 220 provides thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material 240 within the troughs, causing the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material 240.

[0036] By moving heating element 220 between particular troughs, heating element 220 can selectively heat portions of aerosol-generating material 240 on surface 232. Aerosol-generating material 240 may be varied on surface 232 (and thus troughs 234), e.g., different formulations may be provided in different troughs. For example, one trough may contain a nicotine-containing aerosol-generating material. In one example, another trough may contain a glycerol-containing aerosol-generating material. In one example, a further trough may contain an acid-containing aerosol-generating material.

[0037] The heating element 220 can be controlled to heat specific troughs to generate specific aerosols. In this way, personalized aerosols can be generated for inhalation by a single user, thereby improving the user experience of the system 200.

[0038] In certain examples, the movement mechanism is positioned to provide relative movement between the heating element 220 and the consumable 230 along a line between the heating element 220 and the consumable 230, resulting in contact between the heating element 220 and the consumable 230. This provides effective heat transfer from the heating element 220 to the consumable 230.

[0039] 2B, an aerosol delivery system 200 is shown in cross section, having a movement mechanism 250 arranged to provide relative movement between a heating element 220 and a consumable 230 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0040] The moving mechanism 250 may be positioned to move the heating element 220 relative to the consumable 230 to heat a first trough T1, then a second trough T2, and then a third trough T3. The aerosol delivery system 200 may move the heating element 220 relative to the consumable 230 to heat a first trough and then an adjacent trough. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery system 200 may move the heating element 220 relative to the consumable 230 to heat a first trough (e.g., T1), then a non-adjacent trough (e.g., T3), and then an adjacent trough (e.g., T2). Controlling the continuous or discontinuous heating of the troughs may provide the user with the option of creating personalized aerosols, as described above, particularly when the aerosol-generating material 240 provided to the troughs is varied. By controlling the selective heating of the trough, it may be possible to partially consume the consumable 230 during one smoking session, but also partially conserve it for a later smoking session.

[0041] The movement mechanism 250 may be an indexing device such as a Maltese cross. The movement mechanism 250 may allow relative movement of the heating element 220 in two dimensions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. "Axial" refers to the direction into the page with respect to the illustration shown in FIG. 2B.

[0042] The moving mechanism 250 may be arranged to move the heating element 220 relative to the consumable 230 axially or substantially axially.

[0043] 3, an aerosol delivery system 300 is shown in cross section. The aerosol delivery system 300 includes a housing 310, a heating element 320, a consumable 330 having a corrugated surface 332 with a plurality of troughs 334, and an aerosol-generating material 340 disposed on the surface 332.

[0044] Consumable 330 has a corrugated surface 332 that is shaped to bond back onto itself at a tubular cross-section. In the example shown in Figure 3, corrugated surface 332 is star-shaped, with troughs 334 containing aerosol-generating material 340. Heating element 320 is disposed within consumable 330 and supplies heat to aerosol-generating material 340 through surface 332. While the illustrated heating element 320 does not fit neatly between troughs 334, heating element 320 may be shaped to fit between troughs 334, as described above.

[0045] The corrugated surface 332 can be formed by corrugating a flat surface. The tubular consumable 330 shown in Figure 3 can be formed by bonding a corrugated surface onto the consumable itself, for example, by gluing the longitudinal edges of the surface 332 together.

[0046] In the example of Figure 4, an aerosol delivery system 400 is shown. The aerosol delivery system 400 is shown in cross-section. The aerosol delivery system 400 is similar to the system 300 shown in Figure 3. A movement mechanism (not shown) can move the heating element 420 relative to the consumable 430. The movement mechanism can move the heating element 420 in the directions indicated by arrows A and B. By moving the heating element 420 in these two directions, the heating element 420 can be moved between specific troughs 434 to heat specific sections or portions of the aerosol-generating material 440. This can lead to the system 400 generating a personalized aerosol.

[0047] The moving mechanism can move the consumable 430 in the directions indicated by arrows A and B. In one example, the moving mechanism can be located at one end of the aerosol delivery system 400 and be correspondingly shaped to fit within a channel formed within the tubular corrugated surface 432. A “lock and key” fit between the consumable surface 432 and the moving mechanism can enable the moving mechanism to translate, for example, in the directions of arrows A and B. By translating the surface 432, and thus moving the aerosol-generating material 440 toward or away from the heating element 420, the system 400 can generate a desired or personalized aerosol.

[0048] By shortening the distance between the heating element 420 and the consumable 430, the efficiency of aerosol generation can be increased. In instances where the heating element 420 is a resistive heater, heat is transferred more efficiently over the shorter distance between the heater and the consumable 430. In this manner, more aerosol is delivered during a single heating process. In this manner, the power source of the aerosol delivery system 400 is used more efficiently, improving the life of the aerosol delivery system per full charge of the power source.

[0049] In the example of Figure 5, an aerosol delivery system 500 is shown. The aerosol delivery system 500 is shown in cross section. The aerosol delivery system 500 is similar to the system 400 shown in Figure 4, and like features have like numbers incremented by 100. These like features will not necessarily be described in detail here.

[0050] Aerosol delivery system 500 includes a heating element 520. Heating element 520 has a front portion 522 and a rear portion 524. Front portion 522 can be shaped to protrude between the troughs to allow efficient heat transfer to aerosol-generating material 540 within the troughs. Rear portion 524 is shaped so that it does not protrude between the troughs (in the example of FIG. 5, rear portion 524 is more recessed and rounded), thereby allowing the troughs to be selectively heated by heating element 520 in a controlled manner.

[0051] Aerosol delivery system 500 includes a movement mechanism 550, such as a shaft, that can be connected to heating element 520 and rotate heating element 520 to substantially direct heat to specific troughs and heat specific portions of aerosol-generating material 540 within those troughs. Movement mechanism 550 can be permanently or removably connected to heating element 520.

[0052] The movement mechanism of any of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged to provide relative movement between the heating element and the consumable about a substantially axially parallel axis, which may be rotation about the axially parallel axis or semi-circular translation about the axially parallel axis.

[0053] In the example of Figure 6, an aerosol delivery system 600 is shown. The aerosol delivery system 600 is shown in cross section. The aerosol delivery system 600 is similar to the system 400 shown in Figure 4, and like features have like numbers incremented by 200. These like features will not necessarily be described in detail here.

[0054] The aerosol delivery system 600 includes a heating element 620 disposed within a consumable 630, which is disposed within a housing 610. In this particular cross-section, the aerosol-generating material 640 is shown at the bottom edge of the consumable 630, but may surround or partially surround the consumable 630. The housing 610 includes an outlet 614. The heater 620 is movable relative to the consumable 630 in the direction indicated by arrow D. A movement mechanism (not shown) can provide the relative movement relative to the heating element 620 and / or the consumable 630. By moving in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the heating element 620 can provide heat to the aerosol-generating material 640 disposed along the axial length of the consumable 630. In this manner, the entire amount of aerosol-generating material 640 on the consumable 630 can be aerosolized by the heating element 620, efficiently utilizing the aerosol-generating material 640 on the consumable 630. Furthermore, the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 is fairly space efficient in terms of the availability of space within the housing 610.

[0055] Any of the disclosed aerosol delivery systems can have control circuitry arranged to control the heating element to provide a selection between at least a predetermined aerosol generation profile including multiple aerosolization stages and an aerosolization period that can be applied to the aerosol-generating material, which can be a continuous heating period that can be provided as a default heating option for the aerosol delivery system.

[0056] The predetermined aerosol-generation profile may include a series of heated periods separated by non-heated periods. The heated periods may have different operating or target temperatures for the heating element to reach. The length of the non-heated periods may vary. The aerosol delivery system may have multiple predetermined aerosol-generation profiles designed to provide a range of aerosol options to the user based on the aerosol-generating material provided in the consumable.

[0057] In one example, the aerosol delivery system can have a controller for controlling relative movement between the heating element and the consumable to control the portion of the aerosol-generating material heated by the heating element. The controller can have predetermined movement instructions for causing relative movement between the consumable and the heating element by the movement mechanism. The predetermined movement instructions can be part of or used in conjunction with a predetermined heating profile to deliver a predetermined aerosol from the aerosol delivery system. The movement instructions and heating profile can be changed by a user to deliver a personalized aerosol.

[0058] In one example, the aerosol delivery system may have a sensor capable of detecting a consumable being provided to the aerosol delivery system. This detection may be communicated to a controller. The controller may have access to a database that allows the controller to recognize the consumable and then provide the layout of the aerosol-generating material on the carrier support. The controller may then control the relative movement of the heating element and the consumable to deliver the desired aerosol to the user. This may be a user-selectable from a number of predefined heating profiles or a custom heating profile created by the user.

[0059] The movement provided by the movement mechanism may be provided to the heating element. The movement of the heating element of the aerosol delivery system efficiently uses space within the aerosol delivery system. The consumables may be provided to fill a significant portion or a majority of the aerosol delivery system. The heating element can then be moved within that portion of the aerosol delivery system to generate aerosol from different regions of the consumable. This is because the heating element typically has a smaller area than the area of ​​the consumable.

[0060] Alternatively, the movement provided by the movement mechanism may be provided to the consumable. The heating element will likely have associated electronics to receive an electrical signal for operation. Thus, moving the heating element may also include moving such electronics. Thus, moving the consumable (which may not have associated electronics) is an organizationally simple task. Furthermore, the consumable may be placed on a movement surface to provide movement to the consumable. This may also operate to facilitate insertion of the consumable into the aerosol delivery system, for example, if the movement surface helps move the consumable from the edge of the aerosol delivery system to the central heating portion of the aerosol delivery system. The movement surface may be a conveyor belt system or the like to allow entry into the aerosol delivery system from an opening on the exterior of the aerosol delivery system to the heating portion inside the aerosol delivery system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a non-combustion heat-up system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a mixture of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0064] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. However, it is contemplated that an article that itself comprises means for powering an aerosol generating component may itself form a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source.

[0066] In some embodiments, an article for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material, an aerosol-generating component, an aerosol-generating region, a mouthpiece, and / or a region for receiving the aerosolizable material.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol.

[0068] The heater may comprise one or more electrical resistance heaters, including, for example, one or more nichrome resistance heater(s) and / or one or more ceramic heater(s). The one or more heaters may comprise one or more induction heaters, which include a structure comprising one or more susceptors that, during use, may form a chamber into which an article containing the aerosolizable material is inserted or otherwise disposed. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more susceptors may be provided with the aerosolizable material. Other heating structures may also be used.

[0069] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material. An aerosolizable material, sometimes referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material, is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosolizable material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of an amorphous solid, up to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0070] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes one or more polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol, monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate; and / or aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate or dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a gelling agent comprising a cellulosic and / or non-cellulosic gelling agent, an active agent, and an acid.

[0072] The gelling agent may comprise one or more compounds selected from cellulosic gelling agents, non-cellulosic gelling agents, guar gum, acacia gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0073] In some embodiments, the cellulosic gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and mixtures thereof.

[0074] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum.

[0075] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic gelling agents, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulose-based gelling agent is alginate or agar.

[0076] The aerosol-generating material may include an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monobasic acid, a dibasic acid, and a tribasic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may include at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, and a keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

[0077] In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propanoic acid, and pyruvic acid.

[0078] Suitably, the acid is lactic acid. In another embodiment, the acid is benzoic acid. In another embodiment, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be a mineral acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid.

[0079] The inclusion of an acid is particularly preferred in embodiments in which the aerosol-forming material includes nicotine. In such embodiments, the presence of an acid can stabilize dissolved species in the slurry from which the aerosol-forming material is formed. The presence of an acid can reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing nicotine loss during production.

[0080] The aerosol-generating material may include a colorant. The addition of a colorant can change the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. The presence of a colorant in the aerosol-generating material enhances the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. By adding a colorant to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material can be color-matched to other components of the article that includes the aerosol-generating material.

[0081] Various coloring agents can be used depending on the desired color of the amorphous solid. The color of the amorphous solid may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown, or black. Other colors are also contemplated. Natural or synthetic coloring agents, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food-grade coloring agents, and pharmaceutical-grade coloring agents, may be used. In certain embodiments, the coloring agent is caramel, which can provide the amorphous solid with a brown appearance. In such embodiments, the color of the amorphous solid may be similar to the color of other components (e.g., tobacco material) in the aerosol-forming material that includes the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the addition of a coloring agent to the amorphous solid renders the amorphous solid visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-forming material.

[0082] The colorant can be incorporated into the aerosol-generating material during its formation (e.g., when forming a slurry containing the materials that form the aerosol-generating material) or can be applied to the aerosol-generating material after its formation (e.g., by spraying the colorant onto the aerosol-generating material).

[0083] Aerosolizable materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more carrier components, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0084] The active ingredient may include one or more physiologically and / or olfactorily active ingredients included in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active ingredient may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, or any other suitable ingredient. The active ingredient may include tobacco or other plant components, derivatives, or extracts. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine ditartrate / nicotine tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, and other alkaloids such as caffeine.

[0085] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and may be selected from "flavors" and / or "flavoring agents," which may be used to create a desired taste, scent, or other somatic sensation in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. In some instances, such ingredients may be referred to as flavors, flavoring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, or sweetening agents.These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, citrus ... Fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang , sage, fennel, wasabi, bean, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, coriander leaves, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, The compositions may contain other additives such as olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.These may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases, one or more extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, The additives may be selected from the group consisting of caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0086] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes a flavoring ingredient extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensation elicitor intended to achieve somatic sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0087] The carrier component may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol, hi some embodiments, the carrier component may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0088] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0089] In some embodiments, an article for use with a non-burning aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material or an area for receiving an aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, an article for use with a non-burning aerosol delivery device may include a mouthpiece. The area for receiving an aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing the aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In some embodiments, the area for receiving an aerosolizable material may be separate from or combined with the aerosol-generation area.

[0090] Thus, a method of generating an aerosol from a consumable is described, the consumable comprising a corrugated surface having troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-generating material, the method comprising sequentially supplying heat to one or more selected troughs such that heat is applied directly to said one or more selected troughs by a heating element at a given time.

[0091] The aerosol delivery system can be used in tobacco industry products, for example, non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0092] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more of the components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0093] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0094] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0096] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, rather than burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material that may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0097] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0098] In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0099] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0100] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without electronic means, such as by burning a combustible substance, such as charcoal.

[0101] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0102] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol, or an aerosol-generating agent, or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0103] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromene (THCV), cannabicyclol (CBV), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM ...chromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), canna The cannabinoid compound comprises one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabinoids such as cannabinoids containing benzoyl ether, cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabicitran (CBT).

[0104] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0105] The aerosol-forming material may include cannabidiol (CBD).

[0106] The aerosol-forming material may include nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0107] The aerosol-forming material may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0108] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating, rather than burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0109] To address various problems and advance the art, this entire disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example that may embody the claimed invention and provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of this disclosure are presented solely to facilitate understanding and teach the claimed features. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 120...heating element, 130...consumables, 132...corrugated surface, 134...trough.

Claims

1. A method for generating an aerosol from a consumable product, comprising: the consumable comprises a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-forming material; the method comprising the steps of sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element; the step of providing heat to the plurality of portions of the consumable includes activating a heating element; The method, wherein sequentially supplying heat to selected ones of the troughs includes moving the heating element relative to the consumable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

2. A method for generating an aerosol from a consumable product, comprising: the consumable comprises a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-forming material; the method comprising the steps of sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element; the step of providing heat to the plurality of portions of the consumable includes activating a heating element; The method further comprising moving the heating element relative to the consumable about an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction.

3. A method for generating an aerosol from a consumable product, comprising: the consumable comprises a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-forming material; the method comprising the steps of sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element; the step of providing heat to the plurality of portions of the consumable includes activating a heating element; The method, wherein sequentially supplying heat to a plurality of portions of the consumable comprises moving the heating element relative to the consumable substantially along the axial direction.

4. A method for generating an aerosol from a consumable product, comprising: the consumable comprises a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the troughs comprising an aerosol-forming material; the method comprising the steps of sequentially supplying heat to selected one or more troughs such that at a given time, heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by a heating element; the step of providing heat to the plurality of portions of the consumable includes activating a heating element; The method further comprising moving the heating element relative to the consumable to effect contact between the heating element and the consumable.

5. a predetermined heating profile including a plurality of heating stages; and The heating period applied to the consumable The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of selecting a heating option from at least one of:

6. a heating element for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; a consumable comprising a corrugated surface having a plurality of troughs extending axially along the consumable, the plurality of troughs comprising an aerosol-generating material; a movement mechanism arranged to provide relative movement between the heating element and the consumable along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction; Equipped with An aerosol delivery system wherein the heating element is positioned to supply heat to one or more selected troughs, such that heat is applied directly to the selected one or more troughs by the heating element at a given time.

7. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6 , wherein the movement mechanism is arranged to move the heating element relative to the consumable substantially along the axial direction.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the movement mechanism is arranged to provide relative movement between the heating element and the consumable about an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction.

9. the consumable comprising a channel extending axially along the consumable; An aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the heating element, in use, is located within the channel of the consumable.

10. at least, a predetermined aerosol generation profile comprising a plurality of aerosolization stages; an aerosolization period applied to the aerosol-forming material; a control circuit arranged to control the heating element to provide a selection between 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6, further comprising:

11. 11. The aerosol delivery system of claim 6, wherein the first trough comprises a first aerosol-generating material, the second trough comprises a second aerosol-generating material, and the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material are different aerosol-generating media.

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