Aerosol generator with loop gap resonator

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generation device configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol generation device comprising a loop gap resonator configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate the aerosol.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aerosol-generating devices, systems and apparatus for generating aerosols. The present disclosure further relates to aerosol-generating substrates and aerosol-generating articles for generating aerosols. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are typically designed as handheld devices that a user can use to consume or experience the aerosol generated by heating an aerosol-generating substrate or article, for example, in one or more use sessions.

[0003] Exemplary aerosol-generating substrates may comprise solid substrate materials, such as tobacco or tobacco cast leaf (TCL) materials. The substrate materials, for example, can often be assembled with other elements or components to form a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. Such rods or aerosol-generating articles may be configured in a shape and size to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol-generating device and may, for example, comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating article and / or the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more liquids and / or solids that may be supplied to the aerosol-generating device, for example, in the form of a cartridge or container. Corresponding exemplary aerosol-generating articles may, for example, comprise a cartridge containing or fillable with a liquid and / or solid substrate, which may vaporize during aerosol consumption by a user upon heating of the substrate. Typically, such cartridges or containers may be coupled, attached, or at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly attached to the aerosol-generating device and refilled by inserting liquids and / or solids into the cartridge.

[0004] To generate an aerosol during use or consumption, heat can be supplied by a heating element or heat source to heat at least a portion or parts of the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the heating element or heat source can be located in the handheld device or handheld portion of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion or all of the heating element or heat source can be fixedly associated with or located with the aerosol-generating article, for example in the form of a wand or cartridge that can be attached to and / or powered by the handheld device or handheld portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Various forms and designs of heating elements, as well as various heating technologies, are currently used in the field of aerosol generating devices and systems. As also described herein with reference to FIG. 1 , a conventional heating element can include a resistive heating blade disposed within the heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. The resistive heating element can be brought into contact with an aerosol-generating substrate or article, for example, by inserting the substrate or article into the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol can be generated by resistively heating the heating blade. The heating blade may undergo mechanical deformation during the insertion or removal process, which can adversely affect the overall heating of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, mechanical deformation or wear of the heating blade can result in uneven heating of the substrate, particularly over multiple use sessions or replacement of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the transfer of heat from the heating blade to different portions of the substrate can depend on the orientation of each portion of the substrate relative to the heating blade and the distance between each portion of the substrate and the heating blade. This can further result in uneven heating of the substrate. In another variation, as described with reference to FIG. 2 herein, the susceptor or susceptor material may be disposed at the center of the aerosol-generating article or substrate, e.g., in the form of a planar metal band of ferromagnetic material at least partially surrounded by the aerosol-generating substrate. These types of aerosol-generating articles are typically inserted into an aerosol-generating device for aerosol consumption. Applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor, for example, using a coil disposed within the aerosol-generating device, can generate eddy currents (also called Foucault currents) in the susceptor, thereby heating the susceptor and the nearby aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, uniform or homogeneous heating of the substrate may be difficult to achieve due to the different orientations and distances of different portions of the substrate relative to the susceptor. In yet another example, a heating coil may be disposed within a cartridge-like aerosol-generating article to heat a liquid substrate contained therein. Similarly, heat may be supplied locally to the substrate, resulting in non-uniform heating of the entire substrate.Such non-uniform heating of the substrate can result in a potentially different user experience between different use sessions, for example, in terms of the amount, flavor, or taste of aerosol generated. Furthermore, certain parts or portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may become overheated, thereby potentially generating or releasing undesirable substances, while other parts or portions of the substrate may not be heated sufficiently to generate aerosol, thereby wasting substrate material.

[0006] Thus, for example, it may be desirable to provide an improved aerosol generating device that at least mitigates or overcomes some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional aerosol generating devices and systems.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Optional features are provided by the dependent claims and the following description. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device configured to generate an aerosol by, or based on, heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising at least one loop gap resonator configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate the aerosol.

[0009] By providing a loop gap resonator, hereinafter also referred to as an "LGR," at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate may be uniformly heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol, e.g., a predetermined or desired temperature. Alternatively or additionally, by using an LGR to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, a mechanically robust and compact aerosol generating device can be provided. Using an LGR to heat the aerosol-generating substrate may further be advantageous in terms of energy efficiency, e.g., by allowing at least a portion of the substrate to be heated with reduced or minimal energy consumption.

[0010] In the context of this disclosure, a loop gap resonator may refer to an electromagnetic resonator operating in the radio and / or microwave frequency range, e.g., kHz to THz frequencies. Generally, an LGR may include at least one loop or loop portion and at least one gap or gap portion formed in the conductive body of the LGR, e.g., integrally formed with the body of the LGR.

[0011] In terms of physical or electrotechnical properties, an LGR can be modeled as a lumped-element circuit, or so-called LCR circuit (or LRC circuit). For example, a typical LGR can be considered equivalent to a circuit having an inductor with effective inductance L, a capacitor with effective capacitance C, and a resistor with effective resistance R, optionally connected in series with a generator. Thus, an alternating current induced or flowing through an LGR may depend on the frequency of the current and may reach a maximum value at the resonant frequency of the LGR or corresponding LCR circuit. As used herein, the "resonant frequency" of an LGR may refer to or indicate the frequency of the alternating current flowing within the LGR, where the current reaches its maximum value and / or the impedance of the LGR (or corresponding LCR circuit) reaches a minimum value.

[0012] As discussed in more detail below, various types, configurations, and designs of loop gap resonators can be used to advantage in aerosol generation devices and systems according to the present disclosure. For example, the loop gap resonator may be at least one of a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator. All these different types, configurations, and designs of LGRs are expressly contemplated for use in aerosol generation devices and systems according to the present disclosure.

[0013] The LGR may be configured to generate or generate, for example, an alternating electromagnetic field. Therein, the LGR may be configured to generate one or more regions of alternating electric field, e.g., within at least one gap or gap portion of the LGR, and one or more regions of alternating magnetic field, e.g., within at least one loop or loop portion of the LGR. Preferably, the LGR may be configured to generate alternating electric and magnetic fields that can be separated or isolated from each other and both can be substantially or nearly uniform. As used herein, an electric or magnetic field may be considered "uniform" or "homogeneous" if the strength of each field is constant within a maximum relative deviation of about 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%. One or both of the alternating electric and magnetic fields generated by the LGR can then be advantageously used to uniformly and homogeneously heat an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. As used herein, "uniform heating" or "homogeneous heating" may mean that the amount or quantity of heat or thermal energy per volume delivered to or received by the aerosol-generating substrate is substantially constant or is constant within a particular relative deviation, such as, for example, within a maximum relative deviation of about 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0014] The loop gap resonator may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on one or both of induction heating, e.g., based on or using an alternating magnetic field generated by the loop gap resonator, and microwave heating, e.g., based on or using an alternating electric field generated by the loop gap resonator. It should be noted that the LGR may be configured to heat one or more portions of the substrate. For example, the LGR may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on induction heating and, optionally, to heat at least one further portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on microwave heating, or vice versa. In this regard, the at least a portion of the substrate and the at least one further portion of the substrate may be physically separate portions of the substrate, or the at least a portion of the substrate may refer to the same or overlapping portions.

[0015] At least a portion of the loop gap resonator may form or be formed as a loop gap resonator loop, the loop configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop gap resonator. As used herein, the "loop" of the LGR may refer to or denote the loop portion of the LGR that defines the core or bore of the LGR, and by which the (e.g., substantially uniform) alternating magnetic field is generated. The LGR, or at least one loop or loop portion thereof, may be configured to at least partially surround or encircle at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, along its periphery. By receiving at least a portion of the substrate in the loop or loop portion of the LGR, the substrate, or at least a portion thereof, can be heated efficiently, uniformly, and homogeneously, particularly reducing or minimizing mechanical wear and energy consumption.

[0016] The loop gap resonator may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on inducing eddy currents in a susceptor or susceptor material disposed within and / or deposited on the aerosol-generating substrate. In particular, the alternating magnetic field generated by the LGR can interact with the susceptor or susceptor material and induce eddy currents therein according to Faraday's law. Due to the electrical resistance of the susceptor or susceptor material, the electrical energy associated with the eddy currents can be converted at least in part to thermal energy or heat according to Joule's law, which can then heat the substrate and generate an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the LGR may be configured to heat the substrate at least in part based on hysteresis losses, which may result from internal friction of magnetic molecules within the susceptor that coincide with the alternating magnetic field generated by the LGR. Other losses, including domain wall resonance, electron spin resonance, and residual losses, may also contribute significantly to heating of the entire substrate or at least a portion thereof.

[0017] Also, as discussed in more detail below, a variety of different types of susceptors or susceptor materials can be disposed and / or deposited within the aerosol-generating substrate, all of which are contemplated for optional use by the present disclosure. Generally, the susceptor or susceptor material can include, for example, a conductive and / or electrically resistive material, such as a ferromagnetic material, metal, or steel. For example, a metal band or planar metal band disposed within the substrate and / or within the aerosol-generating article including the substrate can function as a susceptor. Alternatively or additionally, the susceptor or susceptor material can be spatially homogeneously distributed within the substrate or at least a portion thereof. This may mean that the density of the susceptor or susceptor material is substantially constant or constant within a certain relative deviation, such as, for example, within a maximum relative deviation of about 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0018] For example, the susceptor or susceptor material may comprise small and / or small-sized particles of ferromagnetic material disposed within or coated on the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the susceptor material may comprise a fluid or liquid having magnetic properties and / or an ionic liquid, which may be added to or coated on the substrate, for example, coated on a tobacco cast leaf sheet contained in the substrate or added to a liquid substrate. The homogeneous distribution of the susceptor or susceptor material within the substrate may further support or result in substantially uniform heating of the substrate (also referred to as "homogeneous heating").

[0019] Furthermore, at least two portions of the loop gap resonator may be positioned opposite each other, or the at least two portions may be spaced apart from each other, to form a gap of the loop gap resonator, the gap being configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or at least one additional portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. The loop gap resonator may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or at least one additional portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap of the loop gap resonator. The at least two portions of the LGR may be separated by a certain distance, which may be constant over a gap length or may vary over the gap length. As used herein, the "gap" of the LGR may refer to or denote a gap portion of the LGR surrounded by at least two opposing and spaced apart portions of the LGR, where the alternating electric field (e.g., substantially uniform) is generated by the LGR. Thus, the at least two opposing portions may be bounded by a gap or gap portion on at least two opposing sides. The LGR or at least one gap thereof may be configured, for example, on two opposite sides thereof, to at least partially surround or enclose at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or at least one further portion of the substrate. By receiving at least a portion of the substrate and / or at least one further portion of the substrate within the gap or gap portion of the LGR, the substrate may be heated efficiently, uniformly, and homogeneously, in particular reducing or minimizing mechanical wear and energy consumption.

[0020] The loop gap resonator may be at least one of a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator. One or more of these types of LGRs may be included in an aerosol-generating device to heat the substrate and generate the aerosol. Thus, an aerosol-generating device may include multiple LGRs, e.g., multiple LGRs of the same type or different types.

[0021] A cylindrical or tubular loop gap resonator may include a tubular body forming a loop of LGR and a slit or cut extending along at least a portion of the length of the tubular body, where the slit may form a gap or gap portion of the LGR. The slit or cut may extend parallel to or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body of the LGR. In other words, a tubular or cylindrical LGR may include a conductive tubular body or tube longitudinally cut by a slit or gap. The tubular body or tube may function as an inductor with an effective inductance L, the gap may function as a capacitor with an effective capacitance C, and the conductive material of the tubular body may function as a resistor with an effective resistance R. By inducing an alternating current in the LGR that flows transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, for example, a substantially uniform magnetic field, which may be substantially aligned or parallel to the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction of the tubular body or LGR, can be generated within the interior volume, core, or loop of the tubular body (Biot-Savart's law), and a substantially uniform electric field can be generated between opposing walls or portions of the LGR that define a gap or gap portion. As described above, the alternating magnetic field can be positioned or confined within the core or loop of the tubular body, while the alternating electric field can be confined within the gap, and the magnetic and electric fields can be separated or isolated from each other. In other words, the alternating electric field does not interfere with the alternating magnetic field, and vice versa, and one or both fields can be used independently to heat a substrate or portion thereof.

[0022] A toroidal LGR, on the other hand, can be obtained by joining two ends of a tubular or cylindrical LGR to form a closed structure, in which the magnetic field may be confined within the toroidal or doughnut-shaped resonator or "loop" of the toroidal LGR. A gap can be formed on the inner or outer circumference of the loop or loop portion and extend along at least a portion of its circumference.

[0023] Additionally, a spiral LGR may refer to an LGR having a substantially spiral body or cross-section, which may be obtained, for example, when at least two opposing portions of the tubular LGR overlap each other along the circumference of the tubular LGR and are radially spaced apart from each other.

[0024] Additionally, a multi-loop LGR may include multiple loops or loop portions formed by the body of the LGR. Similarly, a multi-gap LGR may include multiple gaps formed within the body of the LGR.

[0025] The loop gap resonator may be at least partially disposed in a cartridge or container that may be at least partially fillable or at least partially filled with an aerosol-generating substrate. In that case, the cartridge or container may be coupled to (a) an external power supply configured to drive the loop gap resonator and / or (b) a power supply circuit of the aerosol-generating device, which may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator. Thus, an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may include a loop gap resonator at least partially disposed within a cartridge configured to contain the aerosol-generating substrate. Such a cartridge may be attached to or coupled to a further portion of the aerosol-generating device, which may include a power supply circuit for driving the loop gap resonator. Alternatively or additionally, a cartridge having a loop gap resonator may be coupled to or attached to an external power supply, which may be, for example, a handheld device or a handheld portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0026] Thus, an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may refer to a device, e.g., a handheld device, that may include additional electronics such as a power supply circuit for driving or powering the loop gap resonator and, optionally, the LGR. In one example, an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article including a substrate, e.g., in the form of a wand, may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, however, an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure may refer to a device in the form of a cartridge or container in which an LGR is at least partially disposed. Optionally, one or more additional components, such as at least one supply loop and / or at least a portion of a power circuit, may be disposed within the cartridge or container. Such an aerosol generating device in the form of a cartridge or container may be attached to or coupled to a further portion of the aerosol generating device or to another device, such as a companion device or external power supply, to drive or power the LGR to generate the aerosol. Such a system may also be referred to as a two-part system and may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageously used with liquid substrates.

[0028] It should be noted that the features, functions, and / or elements of the external power supply may be similar or identical to the features, functions, and / or elements of the power supply circuit, as described hereinabove and below, and thus any disclosure relating to the power supply circuit as described hereinabove and below applies equally to the external power supply, and vice versa.

[0029] The aerosol-generating device may further include an aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, e.g., such that at least a portion or portions of the LGR surround or enclose at least a portion of the substrate. Optionally, the aerosol-generating substrate and the loop gap resonator may be at least partially disposed within a cartridge, e.g., a common cartridge. The cartridge may be pre-filled with the substrate and non-refillable, or the substrate may be loaded into the cartridge by a user.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may further include at least one electrically conductive feed loop configured to induce eddy currents in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator and / or to excite electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator. The at least one feed loop may refer to a coupling loop configured and / or arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field to induce alternating currents or eddy currents within at least a portion or portions of the LGR. Depending on the type, shape, or form of the LGR used, the at least one feed loop may be located on the exterior or end of the LGR, e.g., in the case of a tubular LGR, or within a portion of the LGR, e.g., in the case of a toroidal LGR. Multiple feed loops may also be used to drive one or more LGRs in the aerosol generating device.

[0031] The at least one feed loop and loop gap resonator, and optionally the aerosol-generating substrate, may be disposed within a cartridge or container. Further, the cartridge may be configured to be coupled, for example, electrically and / or mechanically, to (a) an external power supply configured to drive the loop gap resonator, and / or (b) a power circuit of the aerosol-generating device, which power circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator.

[0032] The aerosol-generating device may further include a power supply circuit or circuits configured to drive the loop gap resonator to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on exciting electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator. To supply electrical energy, the aerosol-generating device may include one or more energy storage units, such as batteries, accumulators, capacitors, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating device may be coupled to or powered by a power supply grid.

[0033] Optionally, the aerosol generating device may include a user interface, for example, including a user-actuable element configured to receive one or more user inputs. Based on the user input, the aerosol generating device may be configured to activate a power supply circuit to drive the LGR to generate the aerosol. To this end, the aerosol generating device may optionally include control circuitry having one or more processors or controllers, which may be coupled to the power supply circuitry.

[0034] The power supply circuit may be configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations of the loop gap resonator at or near its resonant frequency. As discussed above, at or near the resonant frequency of the LGR, the induced alternating current may reach a maximum value, resulting in the maximum heating effect achievable in the LGR at a particular power level or power input. Therefore, driving the LGR at or near its resonant frequency may be energy efficient and allow for rapid heating. As used herein, "at or near the resonant frequency" may mean the resonant frequency within a particular relative deviation, such as within a maximum relative deviation of about 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%, for example.

[0035] The power supply circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator, such that an alternating magnetic field is generated, for example, in a loop or loop portion of the loop gap resonator core, the loop or loop portion being configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. Accordingly, at least a portion of the substrate may be disposed within the loop or loop portion of the LGR such that the LGR may at least partially surround at least a portion of the substrate. The uniform alternating magnetic field generated by the LGR and applied to the substrate may uniformly heat the substrate, or at least a portion thereof, to a predetermined or desired temperature, which may be suitable for generating an aerosol, for example.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit may be configured to drive a loop gap resonator, such that an alternating electric field may be generated within the gap or gap portion of the loop gap resonator, the gap or gap portion configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or at least one further portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. Accordingly, at least a portion and / or at least one further portion of the substrate may be disposed within the gap or gap portion of the LGR such that the LGR may at least partially surround the at least one (further) portion of the substrate. Due to the uniform alternating electric field generated by the LGR and applied to the substrate, the substrate or at least one (further) portion thereof may be uniformly heated to a predetermined or desired temperature, which may be suitable for generating an aerosol, for example.

[0037] In general, the power supply circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on inductive coupling, e.g., the power supply circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on inducing eddy currents in the loop gap resonator, e.g., flowing transversely to a longitudinal axis of the loop gap resonator.

[0038] As an example, the power supply circuit may include at least one conductive supply loop or coupling loop, such as one located at an end or side of the loop gap resonator or within the loop gap resonator. The power supply circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator by supplying an alternating current to the at least one supply loop. Such an alternating current may generate an alternating magnetic field around the supply loop, which may induce eddy currents in the LGR or at least a portion thereof. These eddy currents may then generate an alternating magnetic field within the loop or loop portion of the LGR and an alternating electric field in the gap or gap portion of the LGR, either or both of which may be advantageously used to uniformly heat a substrate.

[0039] At least one supply loop of the power supply circuit may, for example, be arranged coaxially with the loop or loop portion of the loop gap resonator, which may ensure efficient inductive coupling between the supply loop and the LGR.

[0040] In one example, at least one feed loop may be formed by the end of the inner conductor of a coaxial cable, which is shorted to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. In other words, the feed loop may be constituted by a portion of the coaxial cable formed into a loop, where the outer conductor, and optionally the outer jacket and insulating layer, may be removed. The central cable of the coaxial cable may then be shorted to the remainder of the outer conductor. The central cable and the outer conductor may provide two electrical terminals between which alternate currents can be generated to drive the LGR. An advantage of this feed loop design is that only the feed loop generates a magnetic field, while the remainder of the coaxial cable may be shielded.

[0041] Additionally, the frequency of the alternating current flowing in the supply loop may be similar, identical, or at least proportional to the frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the LGR. Accordingly, the power supply circuitry and / or control circuitry of the aerosol generating device may be configured to adjust, vary, and / or control the temperature to which at least a portion of the substrate is or should be heated based on adjusting, varying, and / or controlling the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the supply loop and / or based on adjusting, varying, and / or controlling the frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the LGR. Thus, precise temperature control may be provided. Alternatively, or additionally, the intensity of the alternating current in the supply loop, the intensity of the alternating magnetic field in the LGR, the frequency of the alternating electric field in the LGR, and / or the intensity of the alternating electric field in the LGR may be adjusted, varied, and / or controlled.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on capacitive coupling. For example, the power supply circuit may include one or more electrodes configured to capacitively couple to a capacitor formed by the slit or gap of the loop gap resonator. In other words, the power supply circuit may be configured to capacitively induce an alternating electric field within the capacitor formed by the slit or gap of the loop gap resonator. The one or more electrodes may be configured to generate an alternating electric field that can be capacitively coupled to a capacitor formed or defined by the gap or slit of the LGR. By adjusting, varying, and / or controlling one or both of the frequency and field strength of the alternating electric field generated by the one or more electrodes, the power supply circuit and / or a control circuit of the aerosol generating device may be configured to adjust, vary, and / or control the temperature at which at least a portion of the substrate is or should be heated.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit may include an electromagnetic wave generator configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations, eddy currents, alternating magnetic fields, and / or alternating electric fields in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator to drive the loop gap resonator.

[0044] The aerosol-generating device may further include a heating chamber or heating compartment configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating chamber or compartment may, for example, be located within the housing of the aerosol-generating device. Optionally, the loop gap resonator may be at least partially located within the heating chamber or compartment and configured to at least partially surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example along its periphery.

[0045] In one example, the loop gap resonator may be substantially tubular in shape. In other words, the loop gap resonator may be a tubular or cylindrical loop gap resonator, wherein the longitudinal axis of the loop gap resonator may extend substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0046] The loop gap resonator may include a tubular body, wherein the tubular body defining the loop, loop portion, or core of the loop gap resonator is configured to receive and / or at least partially surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop, loop portion, or core of the loop gap resonator.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the loop gap resonator may include a tubular body having a slit extending along at least a portion or the entire length of the tubular body. For example, the slit may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loop gap resonator or its tubular body. Alternatively, the slit may extend transverse to the longitudinal axis, e.g., spiral along the length of the tubular body.

[0048] The loop gap resonator may include a tubular body having a slit defining a gap or gap portion of the loop gap resonator configured to receive and / or surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and / or at least one further portion of the substrate, wherein the loop gap resonator may be configured to heat at least a portion and / or at least one further portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap or gap portion of the loop gap resonator.

[0049] As mentioned above, an aerosol-generating device may include multiple loop gap resonators, for example arranged coaxially or adjacent to one another, in which the same or different types of loop gap resonators may be used to heat the same or different aerosol-generating substrates or articles.

[0050] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a loop gap resonator in an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating system for heating at least part of an aerosol-generating substrate, which may optionally be at least partially insertable within the aerosol-generating device. Any features and / or elements of the aerosol-generating device or system described herein above and below apply equally to the use of the aerosol-generating device or system.

[0051] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device, for example an aerosol-generating device, comprising a loop gap resonator configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion positioned, shaped, configured, and / or formed to fit over the loop of the loop gap resonator; - at least one of a second portion positioned, shaped, configured and / or formed to fit into the gap of the loop gap resonator;

[0052] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a loop gap resonator configured to heat one or both of the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article. In the context of the present disclosure, an "aerosol-generating article comprising a loop gap resonator" may also be referred to as an "aerosol-generating device." In other words, the aerosol-generating article comprising one or both of the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article and the loop gap resonator may be referred to herein above and below as an "aerosol-generating device."

[0053] Thus, any feature and / or element described herein above and below with reference to an aerosol-generating device applies equally to one or more of the aerosol-generating articles described herein above and below.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first portion may be substantially cylindrical. The first portion of the aerosol-generating article may be formed with a shape and size that substantially fits within the loop or loop portion of the LGR. Thus, the first portion of the aerosol-generating article may be formed to correspond to the loop or loop portion of the LGR. Such a corresponding shape may support or ensure uniform heating of the first portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the second portion may be formed in a substantially rod-like shape and / or a parallelepiped. The second portion of the aerosol-generating article may be formed with a shape and size that substantially fits within the gap or gap portion of the LGR. Thus, the second portion of the aerosol-generating article may be formed to correspond to the gap or gap portion of the LGR. Such a corresponding shape may support or ensure uniform heating of the second portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article may have a keyed shape. For example, the second portion may protrude from the first portion of the aerosol-generating article in a fin-like manner. The second portion may then be coupled or attached to the first portion of the aerosol-generating article, resulting in the aerosol-generating article establishing a substantially keyed shape. In other words, the second portion may constitute part of the substantially keyed aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may thus be shaped and sized so that the first portion fits into the loop of the LGR and the second portion fits into the gap of the LGR. Thus, one or both of the magnetic field generated by the LGR in the loop and the electric field generated by the LGR in the gap can be used to heat the first and / or second portions of the substrate.

[0057] The first portion of the aerosol-generating article may include a first aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, and the second portion of the aerosol-generating article may include a second aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, the second aerosol-generating substrate being different from the first aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article may be different or comprise different substrates. The first and second substrates may differ in type or form, such as liquid or solid substrate, and / or in any other property, such as material density, density of the aerosol-generating material or substance of the substrate, material composition, one or more components, or any other property or characteristic of the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second aerosol-generating substrates may differ from each other in one or more of humidity, tobacco type, flavor, and taste, e.g., the taste or flavor of the airflow containing the generated aerosol.

[0058] In one example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may include a susceptor or susceptor material configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate based on induction heating. Alternatively or additionally, the second aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to heat based on microwave heating and / or may not include a susceptor or susceptor material. For example, the second aerosol-generating substrate may have a certain minimum level of humidity, e.g., residual humidity, to enable efficient and effective microwave heating when exposed to the alternating electric field in the gap of the LGR.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article may further include a mouthpiece and an airflow path configured to move the aerosol toward the mouthpiece. The airflow path may include a first flow path portion coupled to a first portion of the aerosol-generating article and configured to move the aerosol generated in the first portion of the aerosol-generating article toward the mouthpiece. Alternatively or additionally, the airflow path may include a second flow path portion coupled to a second portion of the aerosol-generating article and configured to move the aerosol generated in the second portion of the aerosol-generating article toward the mouthpiece. By virtue of the first and / or second airflow path portions, the aerosol generated by the first and / or second portions of the aerosol-generating article may be efficiently directed or guided toward the mouthpiece, which may enhance the user's overall experience, for example, in terms of taste or flavor.

[0060] Optionally, the second flow path portion may be coupled to the first flow path portion, such that the aerosol generated in the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article may mix as they are transported by the airflow path toward the mouthpiece. By mixing the aerosol generated by the first and second portions, or the corresponding airflows carrying the aerosol from the first and second portions toward the mouthpiece, the overall user experience may be further improved. In particular, a substantially consistent taste or flavor may be provided over multiple subsequent use sessions.

[0061] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to one or more aerosol-generating articles as described hereinabove and below, and in particular to their use in an aerosol-generating device or system as described hereinabove and below.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system, the system comprising one of the aerosol generating devices described hereinabove and below and the aerosol generating articles described hereinabove and below.

[0063] Any disclosure provided herein above and below regarding either an aerosol generating device and one or more aerosol-generating articles applies equally to aerosol generating systems, and vice versa.

[0064] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device, for example, including a loop gap resonator, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is configured to fit into the gap of the loop gap resonator of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device. For example, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may be formed into a substantially rod-like shape and / or a parallelepiped. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may be shaped to correspond to the shape, geometry, and / or size of the gap of the loop gap resonator. For example, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may be configured to be heated by microwave heating.

[0065] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of such an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device, such as those described herein above and below.

[0066] According to eight aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device, for example, including a loop gap resonator, the aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating substrate for generating an aerosol, and a susceptor or susceptor material configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate the aerosol.

[0067] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a compartment containing the aerosol-generating substrate and the susceptor.

[0068] In one example, the susceptors or susceptor material may be spatially uniformly distributed within or among the compartments, which may further enhance or assist in uniform heating of the substrate or at least a portion thereof.

[0069] The susceptor or susceptor material may include one or more threads or bands comprising ferromagnetic material, which may be randomly distributed within the substrate or at least partially aligned, for example, with respect to each other and / or with respect to one or more structures of the substrate.

[0070] In one example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be folded to create one or more creases, and one or more threads or bands of the susceptor may be positioned and / or aligned within the one or more creases of the aerosol-generating substrate, and such a configuration may ensure substantially uniform heating.

[0071] The susceptor or susceptor material may include one or more particles of a ferromagnetic material. As an example, the one or more particles may be disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, e.g., randomly disposed and / or oriented within the substrate. For example, a solid substrate, such as a tobacco cast leaf sheet, formed by the substrate may be at least partially immersed in a liquid containing one or more particles to randomly and uniformly dispose the particles within the substrate. In other words, the aerosol-generating substrate, or at least a portion thereof, may be immersed in a fluid containing one or more particles. In the case of a liquid substrate, the one or more particles may be dissolved in the liquid substrate to provide a uniform particle distribution.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more particles may be deposited on the aerosol-generating substrate, for example in the form of a coating on a solid substrate. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate may be coated with the one or more particles. For example, the one or more particles may be deposited on or onto the aerosol-generating substrate by or based on physical vapour deposition.

[0073] Optionally, the one or more particles may be or include magnetic iron oxide particles.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the susceptor or susceptor material may include one or more ferrite plates, optionally spatially uniformly disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and / or with the aerosol-generating article.

[0075] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of an aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in an aerosol-generating device, such as an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0076] The following summarizes various exemplary or optional features of one or more aerosol-generating articles that include a susceptor or susceptor material. For example, one or more threads or bands of ferromagnetic material may be used as the susceptor or susceptor material. Such threads or bands may be disposed on one or more sheets of an aerosol-generating substrate, for example, prior to compressing the one or more sheets into an aerosol-generating article.

[0077] Alternatively, or additionally, such threads or bands may be provided or added to the aerosol-generating article during compression of one or more sheets, for example, so that one or more threads or bands can be caught in one or more longitudinal folds of one or more sheets, thereby aligning the threads or bands with each other and / or with one or more folds.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, small particles of ferromagnetic material may be inserted into the substrate and / or the substrate may be coated with such particles. For example, particles such as magnetic iron oxide particles that may be used in medical magnetic hyperthermia applications may be added to tobacco powder that may be used to produce one or more tobacco cast leaf sheets, which may ensure or result in a homogeneous spatial distribution of the particles within the one or more sheets.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, such particles may be physically deposited on one or more sheets during the manufacturing process. For example, the sheets may be placed in a chamber where they are ejected into a cloud of such particles. Alternatively or additionally, physical vapor deposition (PVD) may be used to produce a thin film of such particles on a sheet of substrate.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, such particles may be incorporated into a fluid that is added to and / or coated onto one or more sheets, for example, such a fluid may be added during the manufacture of one or more sheets and / or may be sprayed or deposited onto one or more sheets.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, ferrite plates may be added to one or more sheets as susceptor material. When the susceptor comprises particles or slabs, the latter may be referred to as "dopants."

[0082] It is emphasized that any feature, step, function, element, technical effect and / or advantage described herein with reference to one aspect applies to any other aspect of the disclosure as well.

[0083] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0084] Example 1: 1. An aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating apparatus comprising: 1. An aerosol generating device comprising at least one loop gap resonator configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Example 2: 2. An aerosol-generating apparatus as described in example 1, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on one or both of induction heating and microwave heating. Example 3: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein at least a portion of the loop gap resonator forms a loop of the loop gap resonator, the loop is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on the generation of an alternating magnetic field within the loop of the loop gap resonator. Example 4: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein at least two portions of the loop gap resonator are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart from each other, the at least two portions form a gap of the loop gap resonator, the gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap of the loop gap resonator. Example 5: 5. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on inducing eddy currents in a susceptor disposed within and / or deposited on the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 6: 6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the loop gap resonator is at least one of a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator. Example 7: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the loop gap resonator is at least partially disposed within a cartridge that can be or is at least partially filled with the aerosol-generating substrate, and the cartridge is connectable to (a) an external power supply configured to drive the loop gap resonator, and / or (b) a power supply circuit of the aerosol generating device, the power supply circuit being configured to drive the loop gap resonator. Example 8: further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate; An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and optionally the aerosol-generating substrate and the loop gap resonator are at least partially disposed within a cartridge. Example 9: 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one electrically conductive feed loop configured to induce eddy currents in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator and / or configured to excite electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator. Example 10: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 9, wherein at least one supply loop and loop gap resonator are disposed within a cartridge, and the cartridge is configured to be coupled to (a) an external power supply device configured to drive the loop gap resonator, and / or (b) a power supply circuit of the aerosol generating device, and the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator. Example 11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising a power supply circuit configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate by driving the loop gap resonator to excite electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator. Example 12: 12. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 11, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations of the loop gap resonator at or near the resonant frequency of the loop gap resonator. Example 13: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 11 and 12, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator so that an alternating magnetic field is generated within the loop of the loop gap resonator, and the loop is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate. Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator so that an alternating electric field is generated in the gap of the loop gap resonator, and the gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 15: 15. The aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on inductive coupling. Example 16: 16. The aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on the induction of eddy currents in the loop gap resonator. Example 17: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 11 to 16, wherein the power supply circuit includes at least one conductive supply loop, and the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on supplying alternating current to the at least one supply loop. Example 18: 18. The aerosol generating device of Example 17, wherein at least one supply loop is arranged coaxially with the loop of the loop gap resonator. Example 19: 19. The aerosol generating device of Example 18, wherein at least one supply loop is formed by an end of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable shorted with the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. Example 20: 20. The aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 11 to 19, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on capacitive coupling. Example 21: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 20, wherein the power supply circuit includes one or more electrodes configured to capacitively couple to a capacitor formed by a slit or gap in the loop gap resonator. Example 22: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 20 and 21, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to capacitively induce an alternating electric field in a capacitor formed by the slit or gap of the loop gap resonator. Example 23: 23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 11 to 22, wherein the power supply circuit includes an electromagnetic wave generator configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator to drive the loop gap resonator. Example 24: 24. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, further comprising a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, the loop gap resonator being at least partially disposed within the heating chamber and configured to at least partially surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 25: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the loop gap resonator is substantially tubular in shape and the longitudinal axis of the loop gap resonator extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating device, along which at least a part of the aerosol generating substrate is at least partially insertable into the aerosol generating device. Example 26: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the loop gap resonator includes a tubular body, the tubular body defines a loop of the loop gap resonator configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop of the loop gap resonator. Example 27: 27. An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the loop gap resonator comprises a tubular body having a slit extending along the length of the tubular body. Example 28: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the loop gap resonator includes a tubular body having a slit, the slit defining a gap of the loop gap resonator configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap of the loop gap resonator. Example 29: 29. An aerosol-generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the aerosol-generating apparatus comprises a plurality of loop gap resonators arranged coaxially relative to each other. Example 30: Use of a loop gap resonator in an aerosol-generating device to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate. Example 31: An aerosol-generating article for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion positioned and / or configured to fit into a loop of a loop gap resonator of an aerosol generation device; An aerosol-generating article comprising at least one second portion positioned and / or configured to fit into the gap of the loop gap resonator. Example 32: 32. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 31, further comprising a loop gap resonator configured to heat one or both of the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article. Example 33: 33. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 31-32, wherein the first portion is substantially cylindrical. Example 34: 34. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 31 to 33, wherein the second portion is substantially rod-shaped and / or the second portion is formed as a parallelepiped. Example 35: 35. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 31 to 34, wherein the aerosol-generating article is key-shaped. Example 36: 36. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 31 to 35, wherein the second portion protrudes from the first portion of the aerosol-generating article in the form of a fin. Example 37: 37. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 31 to 36, wherein the first portion comprises a first aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, and the second portion comprises a second aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, the second aerosol-generating substrate being different from the first aerosol-generating substrate. Example 38: 38. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 37, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises a susceptor configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate based on induction heating. Example 39: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 37 and 38, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be heated by microwave heating. Example 40: 40. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 37 to 39, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate differ in one or more of humidity, tobacco type, flavor, and taste. Example 41: A mouthpiece and an airflow path configured to move the aerosol toward the mouthpiece; An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 31 to 40, wherein the airflow path includes a first flow path portion connected to a first portion of the aerosol-generating article and configured to move aerosol generated in the first portion of the aerosol-generating article toward the mouthpiece, and the airflow path includes a second flow path portion connected to a second portion of the aerosol-generating article and configured to move aerosol generated in the second portion of the aerosol-generating article toward the mouthpiece. Example 42: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 41, wherein the second flow path portion is connected to the first flow path portion, such that the aerosols generated in the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article are mixed as they travel toward the mouthpiece via the airflow path. Example 43: Use of the aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 31 to 42 in an aerosol generating device. Example 44: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 31 to 42. Example 45: An aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating device, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is configured to fit into a gap of a loop gap resonator. Example 46: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 45, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is substantially rod-shaped and / or forms a parallelepiped. Example 47: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 45 and 46, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is shaped to correspond to the shape of the gap of the loop gap resonator. Example 48: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 45 and 47, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is configured to be heated based on microwave heating. Example 49: Use of the aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 45 to 48 in an aerosol generating device. Example 50: The aerosol-generating article is an aerosol-generating substrate for generating an aerosol; a susceptor configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Example 51: 51. The aerosol-generating article of example 50, further comprising a compartment comprising the aerosol-generating substrate and the susceptor. Example 52: 52. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 50-51, wherein the susceptors are spatially uniformly distributed within the compartment. Example 53: 53. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 50-52, wherein the susceptor comprises one or more threads comprising a ferromagnetic material. Example 54: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 53, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is folded to create one or more folds, and one or more threads of the susceptor are positioned and / or aligned within the one or more folds of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 55: 55. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 50 to 54, wherein the susceptor comprises particles of one or more ferromagnetic materials. Example 56: 56. The aerosol-generating article of example 55, wherein the one or more particles are disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 57: 57. The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 55 and 56, wherein the one or more particles are deposited on an aerosol-generating substrate. Example 58: 58. The aerosol-generating article of example 57, wherein the one or more particles are deposited on the aerosol-generating substrate by physical vapor deposition. Example 59: 59. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 55 to 58, wherein one or more particles are magnetic iron oxide particles. Example 60: 60. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 55 to 59, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is coated with one or more particles. Example 61: 61. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 55 to 60, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is immersed in a fluid containing one or more particles. Example 62: 62. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 50-61, wherein the susceptor comprises one or more ferrite plates. Example 63: 63. The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 62, wherein the one or more ferrite plates are spatially uniformly disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 64: Use of the aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 63 in an aerosol generating device.

[0085] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B each show a detailed view of a portion of an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an aerosol generation system for generating an aerosol. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B show a loop gap resonator for an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 9] 9A to 9C show an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] The figures are schematic and not to scale. As a rule, identical or similar parts, elements and / or steps are provided with identical or similar reference numbers in the figures.

[0088] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 10 including an aerosol-generating device 12 and an aerosol-generating article 14. Figure 1 may be particularly useful for illustrating conventional aerosol-generating systems or devices currently in use, as well as the heating techniques implemented therein.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 1, the aerosol-generating article 14 is at least partially received by the aerosol-generating device 12. For example, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 14 may be disposed within the heated chamber 11 of the aerosol-generating device 12. The exemplary aerosol-generating article 14 of Figure 1 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 16 that is formed in a rod shape and substantially fills the interior volume of the aerosol-generating article 14. Such an aerosol-generating article 14 may also be referred to as a "consumable" that is replaceable by the user, and the substrate may also be referred to as a "sensor medium."

[0090] To heat the aerosol-generating article 14 and / or its aerosol-generating substrate 16, the aerosol-generating device 12 includes a resistive heating blade 18 for resistively heating the substrate 16 upon supplying electrical energy to the blade 18. The heating blade 18 may, for example, have one end located at the bottom of the heating chamber 11 and / or may be located in a central portion of the heating chamber 11. The heating chamber 11 may be defined by a hollow core, e.g., a tubular core, of the interior volume of the aerosol-generating device 12. Furthermore, the heating blade 18 may be coupled or connected to the electronics 13 of the aerosol-generating device 21, such as, for example, a power supply circuit 13 for supplying power to the heating blade 18.

[0091] The aerosol-generating article 14 may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 12 so that the heating blade 18 is preferably located at the center of the aerosol-generating article 14 and is at least partially surrounded by its aerosol-generating substrate 16. To increase the effective heating surface of the heating blade 18, the heating blade 18 may be thin and flat. As a result, the blade 18 may be subject to mechanical deformation or deterioration due to the repeated process of inserting and removing the aerosol-generating article 14 from the device 12, particularly as the heating blade 18 may be pushed into and pulled out of the substrate 16 in these processes.

[0092] Furthermore, during each insertion and removal process, the heating blade 18 may be oriented or positioned differently relative to the aerosol-generating substrate 16, and the internal configuration of the aerosol-generating article may vary from one use session to the next. In the case of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 14, for example, the aerosol-generating substrate 16 may include at least one longitudinally folded tobacco cast leaf ("TCL") sheet compressed into a rod. Depending on the orientation of the blade 18 within the consumable 14, the folds of the substrate 16 ("TCL folds") may have an orientation that varies from parallel to perpendicular to the heating blade 18. In particular, the folds may be randomly oriented relative to the blade 18. Thus, different aerosol-generating articles 14, e.g., articles 14 used in different use sessions, may be heated differently by the blade 18, which may affect aerosol generation and result in different user experiences during different use sessions. However, a consistent experience should preferably be provided to the user during different use sessions.

[0093] Alternatively, the heat received by different portions 16 a, 16 b or volumes 16 a, 16 b of the substrate 16 within the aerosol-generating article 14 may depend on the distance of each portion 16 a, 16 b relative to the heating blade 18. For example, the planar shape of the heating blade 18, as reported to the cylindrical shape of the aerosol-generating article 14, may result in less heating of portions 16 b farther from the blade 18 than portions 16 a located closer to the blade 18, e.g., in directions transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade 18 and / or relative to the aerosol-generating article 14. As a result, portions of the substrate 16 that are relatively far from the blade 18, such as portion 16 b, may be insufficiently heated to generate an aerosol or may not be heated to a temperature high enough to generate an aerosol, while other portions located closer to the blade 18, such as portion 16 a, may be heated to excessively high temperatures. Thus, certain portions may be wasted, while other portions may be overheated.

[0094] 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an aerosol generation system 10. Unless otherwise noted, the system 10 of FIG. 2 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the system described with reference to FIG.

[0095] 2 , a susceptor 18 or susceptor material 18 is disposed at the center of the aerosol-generating article 14 or consumable 14 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 16 contained within the aerosol-generating article 14 based on induction heating. The susceptor 18 may comprise, for example, a planar metal band and may comprise a material that is both electrically conductive and electrically resistive, such as a ferromagnetic material or stainless steel, located at the center of the aerosol-generating article 14 surrounded by the aerosol-generating substrate 16. Preferably, the central longitudinal axis 15 of the susceptor 18 is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis 15 of the aerosol-generating article 14. Furthermore, the length of the susceptor along axis 15 may substantially match the length of the aerosol-generating article 14, and / or the width of the susceptor 18 may be slightly smaller than the width of the article 14, the width being measured transversely to the longitudinal axis 15.

[0096] When a user activates the aerosol generating device 12 or its heating system, an alternating electromagnetic field is generated within the device 12, thereby creating or inducing eddy currents within the susceptor 18, and the dissipation of these currents within the susceptor 18 heats the susceptor 18 and the surrounding substrate 16 according to Joule's law to generate an aerosol.

[0097] The use of induction heating and susceptor bands 18 can be mechanically robust, for example, compared to the design of the system of Figure 1. However, such a system 10 may nevertheless exhibit variations in heating according to the distance (transverse or perpendicular to axis 15) between the heated portion or volume of substrate 16 and susceptor 18, and according to the relative orientation of structures within substrate 16, such as folds, with respect to susceptor 18.

[0098] Homogeneous induction heating of the consumable 14 or aerosol-generating article 14 may appropriately address the relationship between the spatial distribution and properties of the susceptor 18 or susceptor material 18, taking into account, for example, the fact that eddy currents remain primarily on the surface of the susceptor material 18, especially when high frequency currents are induced, as well as the so-called "skin effect," which refers to the spatial distribution and properties of the alternating magnetic field, such as the frequency of the magnetic field. For example, the overall heat transferred to a region or portion of the aerosol-generating article 14 having a low alternating magnetic field strength and a high density susceptor surface or material may be the same as another region or portion having the opposite properties, such as a high alternating magnetic field strength but a low density susceptor surface or material.

[0099] Additionally, the electronics for aerosol generation system 10 and device 12 may have constraints regarding the electromagnetic radiation or waves emitted by device 12 or system 10. For example, microwave frequencies in unlicensed ranges, such as the 2.4 GHz ISM band ("Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Band"), may be used, and / or power levels may be less than about 15 W, less than about 10 W, or preferably less than about 5 W. Such low power levels can conserve energy and, in the case of a battery-powered device 12 or system 10, can extend the charge cycle time of device 12.

[0100] Furthermore, typical dimensions of the aerosol-generating article 14, particularly rod-shaped articles, may be about 0.3 to 1.5 cm, for example, 0.5 to 1.0 cm or 0.7 to 0.8 cm in diameter, and about 0.5 cm to 2 cm, for example, about 1.2 cm in length.

[0101] The heating temperature reached by the substrate 16 or the predetermined or desired temperature of the substrate 16 may be between about 100°C and 300°C, for example, between about 200°C and 250°C.

[0102] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generation device 100 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 3 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation device 12 and system 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0103] The aerosol-generating device 100 shown in Figure 3 is configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 200 for generating an aerosol based on heating of the substrate 200. The substrate 200 may, for example, correspond to substrate 16, or may be constituted by a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 202 corresponding to article 14 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Such an aerosol-generating article 202 may, for example, include a mouthpiece 204 through which a user experiences or inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 100 during a use session.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, the substrate 200 may contain a liquid that can be supplied to the aerosol generating device 100, for example in the form of a cartridge or container that can be filled with the substrate 200.

[0105] To heat the substrate 200 or at least a portion thereof, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes a loop gap resonator 110 configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 based on one or both of induction heating and microwave heating, as described in detail herein above and below.

[0106] The loop gap resonator 110 may be, for example, one of a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator.

[0107] The aerosol-generating device 100 may also include multiple loop gap resonators 110, for example, positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis 111 of the aerosol-generating device 100, the LGR 110, and / or the aerosol-generating article 202. In one example, at least some of the loop gap resonators 110 may be positioned within the heated chamber 112 of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0108] The aerosol-generating device 100 further includes at least one electrically conductive feed loop 150 configured to induce eddy currents, alternating currents, and / or electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion or parts of the loop gap resonator 110. In the example shown in Figure 3, the feed loop 150 may be incorporated into or disposed within the housing of the aerosol-generating device 100, which may be a handheld device configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-generating article 202. For example, the aerosol-generating article 202 may be inserted along an insertion direction 113 parallel to the longitudinal axis 111 of the aerosol-generating device 100, the LGR 110, and / or the aerosol-generating article 202.

[0109] Further, the feed loop 150 may be located at or near an end of the loop gap resonator 110, for example, at least partially within the heating chamber 112. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one feed loop 150 may be incorporated into or located within a portion or section of the loop gap resonator 110.

[0110] The aerosol-generating device 100 further includes a power supply circuit 160 configured to drive the loop gap resonator 110 and / or the supply loop 150 to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 200. In particular, the supply loop 150 may be part of the power supply circuit 160 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In particular, the power supply circuit 160 may be configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations of the loop gap resonator 110 at or near a resonant frequency of the loop gap resonator 110. For example, the power supply circuit 160 may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator 110 such that an alternating magnetic field is generated in a part or portion of the loop gap resonator 110, in particular, in a loop of the loop gap resonator 110 configured to receive and / or surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 200. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit 160 may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator 110 so that an alternating electric field is generated in a portion or parts of the loop gap resonator 110, in particular in a gap of the loop gap resonator 110 configured to receive and / or surround at least a portion (or further portion) of the aerosol-generating substrate 202.

[0111] The power supply circuit 160 may further be configured to drive the loop gap resonator 110 based on inductive coupling, for example, based on supplying an alternating current to at least one supply loop 150, which generates an alternating magnetic field in the vicinity of the supply loop 150, which may in turn induce eddy currents in the loop gap resonator 110.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit 160 may be configured to drive the loop gap resonator 110 based on capacitive coupling. For example, the power supply circuit 160 may include one or more electrodes configured to capacitively couple to a capacitor formed by a slit or gap in the loop gap resonator 110, thereby capacitively inducing an alternating electric field within the capacitor formed by the slit or gap in the loop gap resonator 110.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply circuit 160 may include an electromagnetic wave generator configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator 110 to drive the loop gap resonator.

[0114] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes at least one energy storage unit 170, such as at least one battery, accumulator, or capacitor, for providing electrical energy during use of the device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may be powered by a supply grid or any other power source.

[0115] 3 further includes control circuitry 180 for controlling one or more functions of device 100. For example, control circuitry 180 can be configured to activate, activate, and / or deactivate power supply circuitry 160 to start or stop aerosol generation.

[0116] The device 100 may further include a user interface 190 for receiving one or more user inputs. The user interface 190 may be or include, for example, one or more of a switch element, a user-actuable element, a button, a touch interface, or the like. In that regard, the control circuitry 180 may be configured to receive or process the one or more user inputs received at the user interface 190 and to operate or control the power circuitry 160 in communication with, dependence on, and / or response to the one or more user inputs.

[0117] It should be noted that the aerosol-generating device 100 and aerosol-generating article 202 shown in FIG. 3 may constitute an aerosol-generating system 500 within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation system 500 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation system 500 of Figure 4 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation devices 12, 100 and systems 10, 500 described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0119] 4 includes an aerosol-generating device 100 that includes a loop gap resonator 110 at least partially disposed in and / or incorporated into a cartridge 130 or container 130 configured to contain or store an aerosol-generating substrate 200. The cartridge 130 may have any suitable shape, form, shape, and / or size.

[0120] Substrate 200 may be or include, for example, a liquid, a liquid substrate, a liquid or liquid substrate, however, substrate 200 may alternatively or additionally include a solid component or solid substrate material.

[0121] Optionally, substrate 200 may include a susceptor or susceptor material for heating substrate 200 based on inductive heating by loop gap resonator 110. For example, one or more particles of ferromagnetic material, such as iron oxide particles, may be disposed or located within substrate 200. However, substrate 200, or at least a portion thereof, may alternatively or additionally be heated based on microwave heating using loop gap resonator 110, as described in detail herein above and below.

[0122] The aerosol generating device 100 and / or its cartridge 130 may be pre-filled with the substrate 200 or may be filled by the user as needed.

[0123] To generate the aerosol, the aerosol generation device 100 can be coupled, attached, and / or mounted to an external power supply 250 to drive or power the loop gap resonator 110, as shown by arrow 205 in Figure 3. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 can be at least partially inserted into the external power supply 250.

[0124] The external power supply device 250 may be, for example, a handheld device that may have similar or identical functionality and features to the aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to Figure 3. In particular, the external power supply device 250 may include one or more of a power supply circuit 160, an energy storage unit 170, a control circuit 180, and a user interface 190, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0125] Additionally, the aerosol generation system 500 includes at least one supply loop 150 for driving the loop gap resonator 110. The supply loop 150 of the system 500 shown in Figure 4 is illustratively integrated into or disposed on the cartridge 130. However, alternatively or additionally, the at least one supply loop 150 may be integrated into the external power supply 250.

[0126] To electrically connect or couple the aerosol generation device 100 (or cartridge 130) to the power supply 250, the aerosol generation device 100 and / or cartridge 130 may include one or more electrical connectors 120 for electrically coupling the supply loop 150 or other electronic components to the power circuit 160 of the external power supply 250. For example, mechanical coupling of the aerosol generation device 100 to the external power supply 250 may establish an electronic coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the loop gap resonator 110 can be driven using inductive or capacitive coupling to one or more electrical connectors 120, for example, through a wall of the cartridge 130.

[0127] When activated by a user, the external power supply 250 can drive the loop gap resonator 110, located at least partially within the cartridge 130, to heat the substrate 200 and generate an aerosol. The airflow carrying the generated aerosol may be transported from the heating chamber 112 to the mouthpiece 204 via the airflow path 210, for example, in response to a user's inhalation.

[0128] Generally, any type of loop gap resonator 110, such as a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop-gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator, can be used in the apparatus 100 and system 500 shown in Figures 3 and 4. Also, any type of substrate or multiple substrates 200 can be used to heat the substrates 200 based on induction heating and / or microwave heating using the loop gap resonator 110. Optionally, a susceptor or susceptor material can be configured with one or more substrates 200 for induction heating.

[0129] Figures 5A and 5B each show a detailed view of a portion of an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise noted, the aerosol generating device 100 of Figures 5A and 5B includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generating devices 12, 100 and systems 10, 500 described with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0130] The exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes a cylindrical or tubular loop gap resonator 110 configured to heat one or more portions 200 a, 200 b of an aerosol-generating substrate 200 .

[0131] The loop gap resonator 110 includes a tubular body 114 that defines or at least partially encloses a loop 115 or core 115 of the loop gap resonator 110 configured to receive and / or at least partially surround at least a portion or part 200a of the aerosol-generating substrate 200. Thus, the loop 115 may refer to a compartment formed by or at least partially enclosed by at least a portion of the loop gap resonator 110, and the loop 115 may be configured to at least partially surround or enclose at least the part 200a of the substrate 200. Therein, the loop gap resonator 110 may be configured to heat at least the part 202a of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop 115 or core 115 of the loop gap resonator 110.

[0132] The longitudinal axis 111 of the loop gap resonator 110 may extend substantially parallel to the insertion direction 113 of the aerosol-generation device, along which at least a portion 200a of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 (and / or an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate) can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generation device 100 and / or loop gap resonator 110. For example, a substantially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article comprising the substrate 200, portion 200a, and / or portion 200b of the substrate 200 can be inserted into the aerosol-generation device 100.

[0133] Furthermore, the loop gap resonator 110 includes a slit 116 extending along the length of the tubular body 113, e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis 111 of the loop gap resonator 110. The slit defines a gap 117 or gap portion 117 of the loop gap resonator 110 configured to receive and / or at least partially surround at least the portion 200b of the aerosol-generating substrate 200. Therein, the gap 117 or slit 116 may be formed by two opposing portions, walls or portions 117a, 117b of the loop gap resonator 110, which may be arranged opposite each other along the circumference of the loop gap resonator 110 and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 111. The loop gap resonator 110 may be configured to heat at least the portion 200b of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap 117 of the loop gap resonator 110.

[0134] It should be noted that the substrate 200 can include one or both of the substrate portions 200a and 200b. The substrate 200 can thus be formed with a shape and size that fits into the loop 115 of the loop gap resonator 110. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the substrate 200 can thus have a substantially cylindrical shape and form. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate 200 can be formed with a shape and size that fits into the gap 117. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the substrate 200 can thus have a substantially rod-like shape or can be formed as a parallelepiped. For illustrative purposes, the portion 200b of the substrate 200 is shown next to the aerosol generating device 100 in FIG. 5B. As mentioned above, the substrate 200 can alternatively include both portions 200a and 200b. If both portions 200a, 200b are included, the substrate materials used in these portions 200a, 200b may be substantially similar or identical, with the only difference being, for example, that portion 200b may include a susceptor or susceptor material disposed, disposed, and / or contained therein. However, different substrate materials may also be used for portions 200a, 200b. For example, substrate portions 200a, 200b and / or the substrate materials contained therein may differ in one or more of humidity, tobacco type, flavor, taste, or any other characteristic. Also, different portions 200a, 200b may be combined by a user according to personal needs.

[0135] In a brief and exemplary summary, portion 200a of substrate 200 or a substrate corresponding to portion 200a may be heated by a magnetic field acting on a susceptor or susceptor material contained therein. The aerosol-generating article or consumable may be substantially rod-shaped and inserted into loop 115 or core 115 of LGR 110. Thus, portion 200a of substrate 200 may be heated based on magnetic heating.

[0136] The susceptor material of the substrate 200 or portion 200a can preferably be spatially uniformly distributed within the portion 200a. For example, the susceptor material can be small particles of ferromagnetic material embedded and / or coated on the substrate 200 or its substrate material. Alternatively, or additionally, the susceptor material can be a fluid or liquid with magnetic properties that is added to and / or coated on a substrate material, such as a TCL sheet. Because the LGR 110 can provide a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field to its hollow central core 115 or loop 115, the portion 200a of the substrate 200 can be heated substantially uniformly to a desired or predetermined temperature. Therefore, the uniformity of the amount of heat per volume received by the substrate 200 or its material can depend solely on the spatial distribution and properties of the susceptor material. Therefore, uniform heating of the substrate 200 can be further supported by a homogeneously distributed susceptor material within the substrate 200.

[0137] As described herein above, other types of susceptors or susceptor materials can be used to heat portion 200a based on induction heating. For example, threads or bands of ferromagnetic material can be used as the susceptor or susceptor material. Alternatively or additionally, ferrite plates can be used as the susceptor or susceptor material. Alternatively or additionally, a susceptor similar to susceptor 18 of FIG. 2 can also be used.

[0138] The volume percentage of susceptor material in substrate 200 or portion 200a is preferably in the range of about 2% to about 30%, e.g., about 5% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%. With such a volume filling and an exemplary operating or driving frequency of about 2 GHz to 3 GHz, e.g., about 2.4 GHz, and a power level of 0.5 W to 5 W, e.g., about 1 W, a temperature of about 200°C to 300°C, e.g., about 250°C, can be reached after 5 to 30 seconds, e.g., about 20 seconds.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally to portion 200a, referring to portion 200b of substrate 200, which may be present in substrate 200, the actual heating may be provided by the electric field of LGR 110 acting on the moisture, water molecules, or humidity present in substrate 200 or portion 200b. In other words, portion 200b may be heated based on microwave heating. Because LGR 110 can provide a substantially uniform alternating electric field in the side gap 117 of LGR 110, portion 200b may be heated uniformly or homogeneously to a desired or predetermined temperature. Therefore, the uniformity of the amount of heat per volume received by substrate 200 or portion 200b may potentially depend only on the spatial distribution and properties of the substrate material, e.g., humidity. Such heating may be considered dielectric heating or microwave heating, which only requires a minimum humidity level in the substrate and may be present in either case. In other words, substrate 200 or portion 200b can be heated based on the electric component of the electromagnetic field generated within LGR 110, without the need for a susceptor material specifically on substrate 200. Residual humidity in substrate 200 can be sufficient to achieve the desired dielectric heating.

[0140] In general, the LGR 110 may be considered an electromagnetic resonator with characteristics similar to a classic LCR circuit, which is equivalent to a series combination of an inductor with inductance L, a capacitor with capacitance C, and a resistor with resistance R, optionally with a particular resonant frequency, which may refer to the frequency of alternating current flowing through the circuit at which the current reaches a maximum and / or the impedance of the circuit is minimized. Furthermore, the LGR 110 can generate electric and magnetic fields that are substantially uniform and separated from one another, at least in certain regions or portions of the LGR 110. One exemplary type of LGR 110 that can be used to heat the substrate 200 is a tubular LGR 110 having a conductive tubular body 114 longitudinally cut by a slit 116 that forms a gap 117, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B . The tubular body 114 can act as the inductor L of the circuit, the gap 117 can act as the capacitor C, and the conductive metal comprised by the LGR 110 can act as the resistor R. For such an LGR 110, an alternating current flowing within the tubular body 114 transverse to the longitudinal axis 111, e.g., along the circumference of the LGR 110, can generate a uniform magnetic field (denoted by "B" in FIG. 5A ) substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 111 of the loop gap resonator 110 (Biot-Savart's law) and a uniform alternating electric field (denoted by "E" in FIG. 5A ) between the opposing walls 117 a, 117 b or portions 117 a, 117 b of or forming the gap 117. A particular advantage of these alternating electromagnetic fields generated by the LGR 110 can be seen in their uniformity and confinement to specific regions or portions of the LGR 110, such as the loop 115 and the gap 117. Both fields can be physically separated and do not interfere with each other during the heating process, whether it be induction heating in the loop 115 or microwave heating in the gap 117.

[0141] Possible, exemplary and non-limiting physical features or characteristics of the LGR 110 are summarized below. The dimensions, e.g., length and / or width, of the LGR 110 may be on the order of about 1 / 8 to 1 / 12, e.g., about 1 / 10, of the resonant wavelength. For an exemplary target resonant frequency of 2.4 GHz and a phase velocity close to the speed of light, the wavelength can be estimated to be in the range of a few centimeters to tens of centimeters, e.g., about 10 cm; therefore, the dimensions of the LGR 110 may be in the range of a few millimeters to several centimeters, e.g., about 0.5 cm to 5 cm, 1 cm, etc.

[0142] The inner diameter of the LGR 110 and / or the diameter of the loop portion 115 can be selected to correspond to the substrate 200 or aerosol-generating article being used, such as, for example, in the case of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article including a substrate with a susceptor. In other words, the outer diameter of the substrate 200 or portion 200a can substantially correspond to the inner diameter of the LGR 110 or the diameter of the loop portion 115. For example, the diameter of the loop portion 115 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the substrate 200 or portion 200a. Similarly, the length of the LGR 110 can substantially match or correspond to the length of the LGR 110 or the substrate 200 of the portion 200a inserted into the loop 115.

[0143] Exemplary inner diameters can range from about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, e.g., from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, e.g., from about 0.6 cm to about 1.2 cm. The wall thickness of the tubular body 114 can range from about 0.1 mm to about 2 cm, e.g., from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, e.g., from about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm. The length of the LGR 110 can range from about 0.1 cm to about 10 cm, e.g., from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, e.g., from about 0.8 cm to about 1.5 cm. The width of the gap 117 of the LGR 110 can range from about 0.1 mm to about 5 cm, e.g., from about 0.2 mm to about 1 cm, e.g., from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm.

[0144] The quality factor may be on the order of 1600-2000 in the frequency range of 1-6 GHz, which may be an exemplary and non-limiting frequency range. The quality factor Q may be given as the ratio between the energy stored by the resonator and the energy loss per second. Since the average Q values ​​of other LCR circuits are usually in the hundreds, the stated Q value may be very high, which may correspond to a good energy-to-loss ratio.

[0145] The material of the LGR 110 can be selected to be any conductive material, such as, for example, copper and / or aluminum.

[0146] As mentioned above, the LGR 110 may be supplied or driven by at least one supply loop 150, as shown in FIG. 5B. The supply loop 150 may inductively couple current to the LGR 110. A supply loop 150 may refer to a conductive loop that may be positioned coaxially with the LGR 110 relative to the longitudinal axis 111, parallel to an end or face of the LGR 110, and / or near an end of the LGR 110. The supply loop 150 may be supplied with an alternating current, which may generate an alternating magnetic field around the loop 150 (Biot-Savart law), which may itself generate eddy currents that flow laterally within the LGR 110 and / or the tubular body 114 (Faraday's law). These eddy currents may then generate a uniform alternating magnetic field at the center of the LGR 110 or the loop 115, and / or an alternating electric field in the gap 117.

[0147] The feed loop 150 can be formed, for example, by using a coaxial cable to form a loop from a portion of the cable and removing the outer conductor, outer jacket, and insulating layer at that portion. The loop or the central cable of the coaxial cable can be shorted with the remainder of the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The central cable and outer conductor of the coaxial cable can then provide two electrical terminals between which an alternating current can be generated. In such a design, only the loop portion of the feed loop can generate a magnetic field, while the other portion of the coaxial cable can be shielded due to its coaxial nature.

[0148] The frequency of the alternating current flowing through the loop 150 may correspond to, or at least be proportional to, the frequency of the alternating (electric) magnetic field generated in the tubular body 114 of the LGR 110 .

[0149] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generation system 500 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation system 500 of Figure 6 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation devices 12, 100 and systems 10, 500 described with reference to Figures 1-5B.

[0150] 6, perspective and cross-sectional views of an exemplary aerosol generation system 500 are shown, comprising an aerosol generation device 100 and a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped consumable or aerosol-generating article 202 including a base 200 having a base portion 200a and a mouthpiece 204. The aerosol-generating article 202 may be at least partially inserted within the aerosol generation device 100 such that the base portion 200a may be received in a loop 115 of the LGR 110 and may be heated by the LGR 110 based on induction heating. Therein, the LGR 110 may be driven by at least one feed loop 150 and / or an electromagnetic wave generator located at the end or bottom of the LGR 110, as described above.

[0151] Optionally, the gap in the LGR 110 may be used to heat an additional portion 200b (not shown) of the substrate 200 based on microwave heating, as described above.

[0152] Figure 7 shows an aerosol-generating article 202 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol-generating article comprises the same features, functions and elements as the aerosol-generating articles 14, 202 described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0153] Without being limited thereto, the aerosol-generating article 202 of FIG. 7 may be particularly suitable for or configured for use within or in conjunction with an aerosol-generating device 100 including a loop gap resonator 110, as described with particular reference to the previous figure.

[0154] The aerosol-generating article 202 includes a first portion 202a positioned and / or shaped to fit within the loop 115 of the loop gap resonator 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100, and a second portion 202b positioned and / or shaped to fit within the gap 117 of the loop gap resonator 110. Optionally, the LGR 110 may be incorporated within the aerosol-generating article 202.

[0155] First portion 202a of article 202 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. Alternatively or additionally, second portion 202b of article 202 can be substantially rod-shaped and / or formed into a parallelepiped, for example, as described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0156] 7, the aerosol-generating article 202 may be key-shaped, and the portion 202b may form or constitute part of the key. In other words, the second portion 202b may protrude from the first portion 202a of the aerosol-generating article 200 in a fin-like manner.

[0157] Furthermore, the first portion 202a can include a first aerosol-generating substrate 200a configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, and the second portion 202b can include a second aerosol-generating substrate 200b configured to be heated to generate an aerosol, the second aerosol-generating substrate 200b being different from the first aerosol-generating substrate 200a. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate 200a can include a susceptor or susceptor material configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate 200a based on induction heating using the LGR 110, and optionally, the second substrate 200b can be free of a susceptor or susceptor material. Furthermore, the second aerosol-generating substrate 200b can be configured to be heated based on microwave heating using the LGR 110. Alternatively or additionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate 200a and the second aerosol-generating substrate 200b can differ in one or more of humidity, tobacco type, flavor, and taste.

[0158] The aerosol-generating article 202 further includes a mouthpiece 204 and an airflow path 207 and / or optional filter portion 207 configured to move the aerosol toward the mouthpiece 204 and / or filter air flowing toward the mouthpiece 204.

[0159] Optionally, the airflow path 207 may include a first flow path portion 207a coupled to the first portion 202a of the aerosol-generating article 202 and configured to move the aerosol generated in the first portion 202a of the aerosol-generating article 202 toward the mouthpiece 204. Furthermore, the airflow path 207 may include a second flow path portion 207b coupled to the second portion 202b of the aerosol-generating article 202 and configured to move the aerosol generated in the second portion 202b of the aerosol-generating article 202 toward the mouthpiece 204. Therein, the second flow path portion 207b may be coupled to the first flow path portion 207a upstream of the mouthpiece 204 so that the aerosols generated in the first portion 202a and the second portion 202b of the aerosol-generating article 202 can be mixed as they move toward the mouthpiece 204.

[0160] In summary, a keyed consumable or aerosol-generating article 202 may be provided, allowing for the use of substrates 200a, 200b in different portions 202a, 202b of the article, where substrate 200a may include a susceptor material and be configured to be heated by induction heating, and substrate 200b may not include a susceptor material and be configured to be heated based on microwave heating. Portion 202a of article 202 may be inserted into loop 115 of LGR, and portion 202b of article 202 may be inserted into gap 117 of LGR 110. These two separate or different portions 202a, 202b of aerosol-generating article 202 or substrate portions 200a, 200b disposed therein may provide different tastes, delivery rates, etc., that may be tailored according to individual needs. Optionally, airflow paths or flow path portions 207a, 207b can direct aerosol generated by article 202 towards mouthpiece 204 where a user can inhale the aerosol.

[0161] Figures 8A and 8B show a loop gap resonator 110 for an aerosol generation device 100 or system 500 for generating an aerosol. The loop gap resonator 110 of Figures 8A and 8B may be used in any of the devices 100 or systems 500 described with reference to Figures 3-7. Unless otherwise stated, the loop gap resonator 110 of Figures 8A and 8B includes the same features, functions, and elements as the loop gap resonator 110 described with reference to any of Figures 3-7.

[0162] The LGR 110 illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B is a toroidal LGR 110. Such a toroidal LGR 110 can be obtained by joining two ends of a tubular or cylindrical LGR 110 to form a closed structure, as shown, for example, in Figures 5A and 5B. Therein, the magnetic field can be confined within a toroidal or donut-shaped resonator or loop 115 of the toroidal LGR 110, and a gap 117 can be formed around its inner or outer periphery and extend along at least a portion of the circumference of the toroidal loop 115.

[0163] One or more supply loops 150 may be disposed within loop 115 or loop portion 115 of LGR 110 to supply or power LGR 110. Supply loop 150 may be powered by power circuit 160 and / or external power supply 250, as described above.

[0164] 8B also shows at least a portion or sections of a substrate 200 disposed within the loop 115. The substrate 200 may include a susceptor or susceptor material and may be configured to be heated by the alternating magnetic field within the loop 115, in which the substrate material may be vapourized and / or liquid. In particular, a solid, donut- or ring-shaped substrate 200 may be disposed within the LGR 110 of the loop 115 to generate an aerosol.

[0165] Alternatively or additionally, substrate 200 or a further substrate or substrate portion may be disposed in gap 117 of LGR 110 and configured to be heated by microwave heating as described with reference to the previous figures. Also, such substrate 200 may comprise solid and / or liquid substrate material, and such substrate may be substantially ring-shaped to fit into gap 117.

[0166] It should also be noted that the toroidal LGR 110 may be particularly used in the aerosol generating device 100, as described with reference to Figure 4. Such a toroidal LGR 110 may be incorporated into the cartridge 130 and used, for example, to heat a liquid substrate, which may be directed towards or through the loop 115 and / or gap 117, for example, by using appropriate piping or tubing.

[0167] Figures 9A-9C show an aerosol generation device 100 for generating an aerosol. Figure 9A shows a perspective view, and Figures 9B and 9C show cross-sectional views, respectively, for different designs of the LGR 110. Unless otherwise noted, the aerosol generation device 100 of Figures 9A-9C includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation device 100 and system 500 described with reference to Figures 3-8B.

[0168] The aerosol-generating device 100 substantially corresponds to, or can be considered to be, an aerosol-generating article 202 having an integrated LGR 110. The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a substrate 200 or a portion filled with the substrate 200 that can be positioned in the loop 115 of the LGR 110.

[0169] 9A-9C, the LGR 110 can be formed by a foil of conductive material that can be wrapped around the substrate 200 or around a portion that can be filled with the substrate 200. For example, a strip of foil, such as aluminum foil, can be at least partially wrapped around the outer surface of the substrate 200 or a portion of the device that can be filled with the substrate 200. Alternatively or additionally, the foil strip can be disposed inside a paper or insulating wrapper, such as to form the outside of the substrate 200 or the corresponding aerosol-generating device 100 or article 204.

[0170] In the example shown in Figure 9B, the foil is wrapped around only a portion of the circumference of the substrate 200 to form a tubular or cylindrical LGR 110. In the example shown in Figure 9C, the foil is wrapped around the substrate 200 such that the portions forming the gaps 117 in the example of Figure 9B overlap along the circumferential direction of the LGR 110 and are spaced apart laterally therewith. Thus, the LGR 110 shown in Figure 9C may constitute a spiral LGR 110.

[0171] Optionally, at least one supply loop may be incorporated within the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the corresponding aerosol-generating article.

[0172] Figure 10 shows an aerosol generation device 100 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 10 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation device 100 and system 500 described with reference to Figures 3-9C.

[0173] Similar to the device 100 shown in Figure 9C, the aerosol-generating device 100 of Figure 10 includes a spiral LGR 110 for heating a substrate 200 and generating an aerosol. Such a spiral LGR 110 can be formed, for example, by fabricating a sheet of conductive material, such as aluminum, on one side and paper on the other, and wrapping it into a spiral shape as shown in Figure 10. The substrate 200 can be placed between the walls of the LGR 110 and heated.

[0174] Figure 11 shows an aerosol generation device 100 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 11 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation device 100 and system 500 described with reference to Figures 3 to 10.

[0175] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the LGR 110 is a multi-gap LGR 110 and illustratively includes four gaps 117a, 117d. Any other number of gaps 117a-d is contemplated. The gaps 117a-d may preferably be symmetrically arranged about the central or longitudinal axis 111 of the LGR 110. Such a symmetrical arrangement may allow compensation for the electric field effects that each slit or gap 117a-d may have on the other slits or gaps 117a-d. Additionally, the multiple gaps 117a-117d may allow further confinement of the magnetic field within the loop 115 of the LGR 110.

[0176] Using such an LGR 110, the substrate 200, or portions thereof, may be heated at one or more of the loops 115 and one or more of the gaps 117a-d of the LGR 110. Also, multiple substrates of the same or different types may be used.

[0177] Figure 12 shows an aerosol generation device 100 for generating an aerosol. Unless otherwise stated, the aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 12 includes the same features, functions, and elements as the aerosol generation device 100 and system 500 described with reference to Figures 3 to 11.

[0178] 12, the LGR 110 is a multi-loop LGR 110, illustratively including two loops 115a, 115b and a single gap 117. Any other number of loops 115a, 115b or gaps 117 is also contemplated.

[0179] Using such an LGR 110, the substrate 200 or a portion thereof may be heated in one or more of the loops 115a, 115b and at least one gap 117 of the LGR 110. Also, multiple substrates of the same or different types may be used.

[0180] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about" or "substantially." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 20%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the general standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

[0181] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is exemplary or representative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and can be practiced within the scope of the claims.

[0182] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating device configured to generate an aerosol by heating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating substrate at least partially insertable into or connectable to the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a loop gap resonator configured to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; a power supply circuit configured to drive the loop gap resonator to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on one or both of induction heating and microwave heating.

3. at least a portion of the loop gap resonator forms a loop of the loop gap resonator, the loop being configured to receive the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate; 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop of the loop gap resonator.

4. at least two portions of the loop gap resonator are disposed opposite each other and spaced apart from each other, such that the at least two portions form a gap of the loop gap resonator, the gap being configured to receive the at least part of the aerosol-generating substrate; 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate by generating an alternating electric field within the gap of the loop gap resonator.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the loop gap resonator is at least one of a cylindrical loop gap resonator, a tubular loop gap resonator, a toroidal loop gap resonator, a spiral loop gap resonator, a multi-loop loop gap resonator, and a multi-gap loop gap resonator.

6. the loop gap resonator is at least partially disposed in a cartridge that can be or will be at least partially filled with the aerosol-generating substrate; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge is connectable to (a) an external power supply configured to drive the loop gap resonator and / or (b) the power supply circuit of the aerosol generating device, the power supply circuit being configured to drive the loop gap resonator.

7. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one electrically conductive supply loop configured to induce eddy currents in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator and / or configured to excite electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate by driving the loop gap resonator to excite electromagnetic vibrations in at least a portion of the loop gap resonator.

9. the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator such that an alternating magnetic field is generated in a loop of the loop gap resonator, the loop being configured to receive the at least part of the aerosol-generating substrate; and / or 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator such that an alternating electric field is generated within the gap of the loop gap resonator, and the gap is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on inductive coupling.

11. the power supply circuit includes at least one conductive supply loop; An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to drive the loop gap resonator based on supplying an alternating current to the at least one conductive supply loop.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the at least one conductive feed loop is positioned coaxially with a loop of the loop gap resonator.

13. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to excite electromagnetic oscillations of the loop gap resonator at or near a resonant frequency of the loop gap resonator.

14. the loop gap resonator includes a tubular body, the tubular body defining a loop of the loop gap resonator configured to receive the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate; 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating magnetic field within the loop of the loop gap resonator.

15. the loop gap resonator includes a tubular body having a slit, the slit defining a gap of the loop gap resonator configured to receive the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate; 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the loop gap resonator is configured to heat at least the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate based on generating an alternating electric field within the gap of the loop gap resonator.

16. Use of a loop gap resonator in an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for heating at least part of an aerosol-generating substrate.

17. An aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion positioned and / or configured to fit into a loop of a loop gap resonator of the aerosol generation device; an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one second portion positioned and / or configured to fit into the gap of the loop gap resonator;

18. 18. The aerosol-generating article of claim 17, further comprising a loop gap resonator configured to heat one or both of the first and second portions of the aerosol-generating article.

19. 19. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the first portion is substantially cylindrical.

20. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the system comprising an aerosol-generating article.

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