Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generation device (2) is disclosed. The aerosol generation device (2) comprises a housing (4) and a heating chamber (6) configured to contain an aerosol substrate (8). The heating chamber (6) is operable to heat the aerosol substrate (8) to generate an aerosol. A first air flow path (10) is configured to transport air from a first air inlet (12) in the housing (4) into or through the aerosol generation device, the first air flow path (10) comprising a valve (14) having an aperture (16), the size of which is adjustable to vary the air flow through the first air flow path (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the substrate-heated aerosol-generating device or heat-not-burn (HNB) device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate (e.g., a consumable), which typically contains moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 300°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that contains the components desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. In addition, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can result from combustion, which can be unpleasant to users.

[0004] However, a known problem with such devices is that the user experience does not perfectly mimic that of a cigarette. In particular, HNB devices are known to provide an inhalation experience that differs from that provided by traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes.

[0005] Furthermore, it is desirable that HNB devices offer greater flexibility in the ventilation of aerosol substrates, which would allow for more precise tailoring of the aerosolization characteristics of the device and the inhalation experience provided to the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to address one or more of these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation device is provided, comprising: a housing; a heating chamber configured to accommodate an aerosol substrate, the heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; and a first air flow path configured to transport air from a first air inlet in the housing into or through the aerosol generation device, the first air flow path comprising a valve having an aperture, the size of the aperture being adjustable to vary the air flow through the first air flow path.

[0008] In this way, the pressure drop of the aerosol generating device can be adjusted as needed by increasing or decreasing the size of the aperture. Specifically, the size of the aperture may be adjusted over a continuous range. This differs from known devices, in which the pressure drop is typically fixed by the dimensions of the air inlet. Thus, greater flexibility is provided in controlling the aerosol generation characteristics of the device, and the pressure drop can be adjusted during an aerosol generation session to more closely mimic the behavior of traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes.

[0009] Preferably, the valve is configured to adjust the size of the aperture as a function of temperature. In this way, the pressure drop can be adjusted in response to changes in temperature. Therefore, the pressure drop can be changed during an aerosol generation session (e.g., without requiring user input), and the aperture size, and therefore the pressure drop, can be configured to change in a manner that replicates the behavior of traditional tobacco products. Furthermore, by providing the valve with an aperture that changes size as a function of temperature, air can be directed into the aerosol generation system under certain conditions. For example, in an HNB device or other tobacco-vapor device, the first three puffs (inhaled by the user) are typically hot due to the presence of water in the tobacco. By configuring the valve to adjust the aperture to have a larger opening area at higher temperatures and a smaller opening area at lower temperatures, a higher flow rate of air can enter the system at higher temperatures, and this air can mix with the hot vapor generated during the first (e.g., three) puffs of the device.

[0010] Preferably, the valve is configured so that the aperture is always at least partially open. In this way, the valve is configured to adjust the size of the aperture to change the pressure drop, but the size of the aperture always remains greater than zero. That is, the aperture never closes completely. Therefore, the aerosol generating device is always vented through the first air flow path, but the level of venting can be adjusted using the valve.

[0011] Preferably, the valve is configured to close the aperture below a threshold temperature. Thus, below the threshold temperature, air is prevented from entering the aerosol generating device via the first air flow path. For example, the threshold temperature may be selected or determined such that the valve is configured to allow air to enter the device only during the first three puffs of the aerosol substrate by the user.

[0012] Preferably, the valve includes a shape memory alloy in which the aperture is located, the shape memory alloy configured to change shape as a function of temperature to adjust the size of the aperture. Preferably, the shape memory alloy is a two-way shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, the size of the aperture may be increased and / or decreased by providing a controlled supply of heat to the shape memory alloy. In another embodiment, the size of the aperture may be automatically adjusted as a function of the temperature of the device (i.e., as a function of the general heating effect from the heating chamber) without requiring user input.

[0013] Preferably, the valve comprises a flexible rim surrounding the shape memory alloy, the flexible rim being configured to expand and contract in response to changes in the shape of the shape memory alloy. For example, the flexible rim may be a diaphragm or a rubber element (e.g., silicone) associated with the shape memory alloy. In this way, a valve is provided that allows for sensitive adjustment of the airflow entering the aerosol generating device by adjusting the aperture size over a continuous range. Furthermore, the flexible rim is capable of adapting to stresses and strains resulting from changes in the shape of the shape memory alloy.

[0014] Preferably, the aperture is circular and the radius of the aperture is adjustable to vary the air flow through the first air flow passage.

[0015] Preferably, the valve is located in the first air inlet.

[0016] Preferably, the first air inlet is located at the insertion port for the aerosol substrate.

[0017] Preferably, the first air flow path is configured to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber, such that by adjusting the size of the aperture, the ventilation of the aerosol substrate within the heating chamber may be adjusted.

[0018] Preferably, the first air flow path is configured to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing through the aerosol generation device to mix with the aerosol emerging from the heating chamber. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generation device may include a steam passage configured to carry aerosol generated in the chamber from the chamber to an inhalation outlet, and the first air flow path is configured to connect the first air inlet to the steam passage, such that in the steam passage, air from the first air inlet in the housing mixes with the aerosol emerging from the heating chamber. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation device may include a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being provided with a steam passage and an inhalation outlet.

[0019] Preferably, the aerosol generation device further includes a second air flow path configured to transport air from a second air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber. In this manner, the first air flow path can function as a secondary air flow path, allowing additional air to be transported into the aerosol generation device as needed. For example, the first air flow path may transport air into the aerosol generation device only at elevated temperatures during the initial stage of an aerosol generation session (e.g., the first three puffs) (i.e., the valve is open), whereas the second air flow path may be configured to transport air into the aerosol generation device over all temperatures.

[0020] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises an actuator, and the size of the aperture is adjustable by the actuator.

[0021] Preferably, the actuator comprises one of a magnetic actuator, an electric actuator, or an electromechanical actuator.

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device including a valve having an aperture with a first size. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device including a valve having an aperture with a second size. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of a valve in a first position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of a valve in a second position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5C is another schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device in a plane perpendicular to the view of FIG. 5B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 1 shows an aerosol generating device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising a housing 4 and a heating chamber 6 for containing an aerosol substrate 8 (e.g., a consumable product). The aerosol substrate 8 has a first end 9, which is a mouth end, and an opposite second end 11. The heating chamber 6 is operable to heat the aerosol substrate 8 to generate an aerosol (also referred to as a vapor) for inhalation by a user.

[0025] In this embodiment, heating chamber 6 is tubular and configured to accommodate a rod of aerosol substrate 8, such as a cylindrical rod of tobacco or other aerosol-forming material. In use, a user can insert aerosol substrate 8 through insertion opening 7 in housing 4 such that an aerosolizable portion of aerosol substrate 8 is positioned within heating chamber 6. The length of heating chamber 6 is shorter than the length of the rod of aerosol substrate 8, such that a portion of aerosol substrate 8, particularly filter mouth end 9, protrudes through insertion opening 7 in housing 4 (i.e., out of heating chamber 6) and can be received in the user's mouth.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some alternative embodiments, the heating chamber 6 need not be tubular. For example, the heating chamber 6 may be formed as a cubic, conical, hemispherical, or other shaped cavity and configured to accommodate a complementarily shaped aerosol substrate 8.

[0027] Heating chamber 6 comprises one or more heating elements (not shown) comprising a heating material suitable for converting electrical energy into heat (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, nickel, nichrome, etc.). In use, power may be supplied to the one or more heating elements from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), causing the one or more heating elements to increase in temperature and transfer thermal energy to aerosol substrate 8 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In one embodiment, heating chamber 6 may comprise a thin-film heating element that surrounds aerosol substrate 8 to define a wall of heating chamber 6 or that is mounted on an outer wall of the heating element.

[0028] A first air flow path 10 extends from an air inlet 12 on the exterior surface of the housing 4 to the heating chamber 6. The first air flow path is configured to transport air from the external environment through the air inlet 12 to the heating chamber 6. Thus, the air flow path 10 transports air to ventilate the aerosol substrate 8 contained within the heating chamber 6.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first air flow passage 10 may be the only channel for supplying air into the heating chamber 6, other than the insertion port 7 through which the aerosol substrate 8 is inserted. In another embodiment, the aerosol generation device 2 may include a second air flow passage (not shown) configured to transport air from a second air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber 6. In this case, the first air flow passage 10 may function as an auxiliary channel to transport air into the aerosol generation device 2 as needed. For example, the first air flow passage 10 may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol generation device 2 only at elevated temperatures, such as during the initial period of an aerosol generation session, while the second air flow passage may be configured to remain open at all times.

[0030] The first air flow path 10 includes a valve 14 (i.e., an adjustable aperture) configured to control the flow of air through the first air flow path 10 and into the heating chamber 6. In this embodiment, the valve 14 is located at the air inlet 12 in the housing 4, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that the valve 14 may be located at alternative locations along the first air flow path 10.

[0031] 2A and 2B, the valve 14 includes an aperture (i.e., opening, hole) 16. The size of the aperture 16 may be controlled to regulate the flow of air into the first air flow path 10 and along the first air flow path into the heating chamber 6.

[0032] For example, the size of aperture 16 may be increased from a first size (as shown in FIG. 2A) to a second size (as shown in FIG. 2B) to increase the flow of air into heating chamber 6 and to aerosol substrate 8, thereby decreasing the pressure drop. Conversely, the size of aperture 16 may be decreased from a second size (as shown in FIG. 2A) to a first size (as shown in FIG. 2B) to decrease the flow of air into heating chamber 6 and to aerosol substrate 8, thereby increasing the pressure drop. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size of aperture 16 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B serves as an example only, and that aperture 16 may be controlled to vary over a continuous range of sizes such that the pressure drop can be precisely controlled by changing the size of aperture 16.

[0033] In this embodiment, the aperture 16 is circular, and the radius of the aperture 16 is varied to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the bulb 14. However, it will be appreciated that the aperture 16 may be formed in alternative shapes, such as triangular, oval, or rectangular.

[0034] Valve 14 further comprises an actuatable element 18 within which aperture 16 is located, i.e., actuatable element 18 defines a hole corresponding to aperture 16 within valve 14. In particular, in this embodiment, actuatable element 18 is formed in the shape of a ring (e.g., a donut, a torus). While the actuatable element may necessarily be formed in the shape of a continuous ring, it may also be formed from a pair of semicircular portions.

[0035] Actuable element 18 comprises a shape memory alloy, preferably a two-way shape memory alloy. For example, actuable element 18 may comprise Ni-Ti, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Zn-Al, or another suitable shape memory alloy. Shape memory alloys exhibit a shape memory effect such that the shape memory alloy deforms (i.e., undergoes a phase transformation) as a function of temperature to adjust the size of aperture 16 defined by actuable element 18.

[0036] In one embodiment, the temperature of the actuatable element 18 may be altered by adjusting the controlled supply of heat to the actuatable element 18. For example, the supply of heat to the actuatable element 18 may be controlled using an electronic controller. Advantageously, this allows for precise control of the size of the aperture 16. Because the pressure drop within the aerosol generation device 2 depends on the size of the aperture 16, the supply of heat may be automatically controlled so that the pressure drop during an aerosol generation session mimics the pressure drop within a conventional tobacco product. Alternatively or additionally, a user may be able to manually control the supply of heat to the actuatable element 18. This may be achieved, for example, using mechanical means (e.g., a slider, a solenoid) and / or may be activated by electronic means (e.g., a button, a touchscreen, etc.). Thus, a user may control the pressure drop during an aerosol generation session to suit their personal preferences.

[0037] In another embodiment, the temperature of the actuatable element 18 may be altered in response to (indirect) heating provided by the heating chamber 6 .

[0038] A first size of aperture 16 (shown in FIG. 2A ) may correspond to a state in which actuatable element 18 is not heated (e.g., actuatable element 18 is at room temperature). A second size of aperture 16 (shown in FIG. 2B ) may correspond to a state in which actuatable element 18 is heated using a controlled supply of heat or by indirect heating from heating chamber 6. Again, those skilled in the art will understand that the first and second sizes of aperture 16 are not intended to be limiting, and that the size of aperture 16 may be configured to vary continuously throughout a continuous temperature range.

[0039] Advantageously, the size of aperture 16 may be increased in response to an increase in temperature, thereby increasing the volumetric flow rate into heating chamber 6 as the temperature increases. Thus, during the hotter periods of an aerosol-generating session, for example, during the first (e.g., three) puffs (inhalation by a user) of aerosol substrate 8, which is typically hot due to residual moisture in the aerosol-generating material (e.g., tobacco), a greater flow rate of cool air may be provided to aerosol substrate 8. Conversely, the size of aperture 16 may be decreased in response to a decrease in temperature, thereby decreasing the volumetric flow rate into heating chamber 6 as the temperature decreases.

[0040] Actuable element 18 is configured to adjust the size of aperture 16 over a continuous range. That is, aperture 16 is not limited to switching between just two sizes of aperture 16. In one embodiment, aperture 16 may be configured to always remain at least partially open so that airflow into heating chamber 6 (via first air flow path 10) is never completely blocked. In an alternative embodiment, actuable element 18 is configured to close aperture 16 below a threshold temperature, thereby blocking airflow into heating chamber 6 (via first air flow path 10) below the threshold temperature.

[0041] The valve 14 further comprises a flexible rim 20 that surrounds the actuatable element 18. The flexible rim 20 connects the actuatable element 18 to the housing 4 and functions as a diaphragm operable to accommodate changes in shape of the shape-memory element 18. For example, as the temperature increases and the actuatable element 18 expands, the flexible rim 20 will compress. Conversely, as the temperature decreases and the actuatable element 18 contracts, the flexible rim 20 will decompress. In other words, because the actuatable element 18 is attached to the flexible rim 20, movement of the flexible rim 20 facilitates movement (deformation) of the actuatable element 18. Advantageously, this means that the housing 4 in which the valve 12 is located is not stressed by movement of the actuatable element 18. The flexible rim 20 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber (which is high-temperature resistant).

[0042] In alternative embodiments, actuatable element 18 may not include a shape memory alloy. Instead, actuatable element 18 may be actuated, moved, or deformed by an actuator (not shown) to adjust the size of aperture 16. For example, the actuator may be a magnetic, electric, or electromechanical (e.g., solenoid) actuator.

[0043] 3A and 3B show specific embodiments of actuatable element 18 in a first position and a second position, respectively.

[0044] The actuatable element 18 comprises a circular ring 22 and a plurality of hinged shape memory alloy plates 24 spaced about the periphery of the ring 22. Each shape memory alloy plate 24 overlies one circumferentially adjacent panel 24 around the ring 22 and underlies the opposite circumferentially adjacent shape memory alloy plate 24 around the ring 22. In a first position, each shape memory alloy plate 24 is curved such that the plurality of shape memory alloy plates 24 form a dome shape with an aperture 16 at the apex of the dome, the aperture 16 being defined by the edges of the plurality of shape memory alloy plates 24. The first position may correspond to a cold position of the actuatable element 18.

[0045] In the second position, which may correspond to a high temperature position of the actuatable element 18, each shape memory alloy plate 24 is deformed such that each shape memory alloy plate 24 does not expand relative to the first position, i.e., each shape memory alloy plate 24 is deflected radially outward relative to the ring 24. The deflection / deformation of the shape memory alloy plates 24 occurs due to a temperature-induced phase transformation (i.e., shape memory effect). The plurality of shape memory alloy plates 24 form a bowl shape with an aperture 16 having a larger size than in the first position, and again, the aperture 16 is defined by the edge of the shape memory alloy plate 24.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the plurality of shape memory alloy plates 24 may move from a first position to a second position in response to an increase in temperature, or may move from a second position to the first position in response to a decrease in temperature. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the shape memory alloy plates 24 are not limited to being disposed at the first and second positions, but may take intermediate positions, or may further deform to adjust the size of the aperture 16.

[0047] 4 shows an aerosol generation device 26 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The features of the aerosol generation device 26 generally correspond to those of the aerosol generation device 2, except that the aerosol generation device 26 comprises a first air flow path 28 having an alternative structure and further comprises a mouthpiece 32 arranged adjacent to the insertion opening 7 in the housing 4.

[0048] A first air flow path 28 extends from the air inlet 12 on the exterior surface of the housing 4 to an air outlet 30 adjacent the insertion opening 7 of the housing 4. The first air flow path 28 is configured to transport air from the air inlet 12, through the aerosol generating device 26, and out the air outlet 30 to mix with the aerosol emerging from the heating chamber 6. The airflow along the first air flow path 28 may be controlled in response to temperature using the valve 12, as previously described. For example, as the temperature of the valve 12 increases, the valve 12 may increase the size of the aperture 16, thereby providing a greater flow of cooler air from the external environment near the insertion opening 7 to mix with the hot aerosol emerging through the insertion opening 7 in the heating chamber 6.

[0049] In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate 8 is contained entirely within the aerosol generating device 26 during use. Thus, during use, the aerosol substrate 8 is not received in the user's mouth (i.e., the distal end of the aerosol substrate 8 does not function as a mouthpiece for inhaling the generated aerosol). Instead, the user inhales the aerosol through the mouthpiece 3, which is positioned adjacent the air outlet 30 and the hole in the housing 7.

[0050] Mouthpiece 32 includes a vapor passage 34 configured to transport aerosol generated in heating chamber 8 through mouthpiece 32 to inhalation outlet 36. Aerosol is supplied to vapor passage 34 through insertion opening 7 in the housing. Vapor passage 34 is also configured to receive air supplied from the external environment via first air flow path 28. In particular, air is supplied to vapor passage 34 through air outlet 30, with the level of airflow determined by the size of aperture 14. In this manner, during use, air and vapor are mixed within vapor passage 34, and the user inhales a combination of air supplied via first air flow path 28 and vapor supplied from heating chamber 6.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the air outlet 30 may be located in alternative locations depending on the ventilation requirements of the aerosol generation device 26. For example, in alternative embodiments, the first air flow passage 28 may extend into the mouthpiece 32. In other examples, the vapor passage 34 may extend into the housing 4. Furthermore, the first air flow passage 28 may be divided into multiple air flow passages, each of which may provide air to mix with the aerosol emerging from the heating chamber 6.

[0052] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the aerosol generating devices 2 and 40 may also be provided with a mouthpiece.

[0053] Figures 5A and 5B show an aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A and 5B show the device 40 in a first cross-sectional plane and in a second perpendicular cross-sectional plane, respectively. The dashed line across Figure 5A indicates the location of the cross-sectional plane in Figure 5B.

[0054] The features of the aerosol generating device 40 generally correspond to those of the aerosol generating device 2, except that the aerosol generating device 40 has a first air flow path 42 having an alternative structure and further has a plurality of engaging members 44 and a support member 46.

[0055] First air flow path 42 is provided by a gap defined between the wall of heating chamber 6 and aerosol substrate 8. First air flow path 42 extends from inlet 7 on the exterior surface of housing 4, along heating chamber 6, and to a longitudinal end 48 of heating chamber 6 opposite inlet 7. In other words, first air flow path 42 surrounds or at least partially surrounds aerosol substrate 8 contained within heating chamber 6 and is configured to transport air from the external environment along aerosol substrate 8 and to second end 11 of aerosol substrate 8.

[0056] Air inlet 12 is located at insertion port 7, and more specifically, air inlet 12 corresponds to an outer portion of insertion port 7 adjacent to the outer surface of housing 4. That is, air inlet 12 is formed as a ring that surrounds or at least partially surrounds aerosol substrate 8 contained within heating chamber 6. In other words, air inlet 12 is provided by a gap defined between aerosol substrate 8 and the outer surface of housing 4.

[0057] In this embodiment, valve 14 is located below air inlet 12. That is, valve 14 is not located adjacent to the exterior surface of housing 4. However, in other embodiments, valve 14 may be located at air inlet 12, i.e., adjacent to the exterior surface of housing 4. Valve 14 operates as described for the previous embodiment, except that aperture 16 is a ring-shaped aperture that surrounds or at least partially surrounds aerosol substrate 8. In other words, aperture 16 is defined by a gap between valve 14 and aerosol substrate 8. Valve 14 is configured to restrict air flow around aerosol substrate 8 and into insertion port 7 in heating chamber 6.

[0058] A plurality of engagement members 44 are disposed between the walls of the heating chamber 6 and the aerosol substrate 8. In this example, there are four engagement members 44 evenly spaced around the heating chamber 6. However, it will be understood that the number and configuration of engagement members 44 may be varied. The engagement members 44 function as ribs that extend away from the walls of the heating chamber 6 and engage with the aerosol substrate 8 contained within the heating chamber 6. The engagement members 44 ensure that the aerosol substrate 8 is held within the heating chamber 6 without contacting the walls of the heating chamber 6, thereby defining a gap between the aerosol substrate 8 and the heating chamber 6 that functions as the first air flow path 42. The engagement members 44 may also function to provide a compressive force on the aerosol substrate 8, which improves heat transfer to and / or within the aerosol substrate 8.

[0059] A support member 46 is located at a longitudinal end 48 of the heating chamber 6 opposite the insertion port 7. The support member 46 is operable to interface with the second end 11 of the aerosol substrate 8 such that the mouth end 11 is displaced away from the longitudinal end 48 of the heating chamber 6. Thus, air traveling along the first air flow path 42 can enter the aerosol substrate 8 through the second end 11 of the aerosol substrate 8.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: Housing and a heating chamber configured to contain an aerosol substrate, the heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a first air flow path configured to transport air from a first air inlet in the housing into or through the aerosol generation device; Equipped with the first air flow path includes a valve having an aperture; a size of the aperture is adjustable to vary airflow through the first air flow path; The valve is configured to adjust the size of the aperture as a function of temperature.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve is configured so that the aperture is always at least partially open.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the valve is configured to close the aperture when the temperature falls below a threshold temperature.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve includes a shape memory alloy in which the aperture is located, and the shape memory alloy is configured to change shape as a function of temperature to adjust the size of the aperture.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the valve comprises a flexible rim surrounding the shape memory alloy, the flexible rim configured to expand and contract to accommodate changes in shape of the shape memory alloy.

6. An aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aperture is circular and the radius of the aperture is adjustable to vary the air flow through the first air flow path.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the valve is located at the first air inlet.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first air inlet is at an insertion port for the aerosol substrate.

9. An aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first air flow path is configured to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber.

10. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first air flow path is configured to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing through the aerosol generating device to mix with the aerosol emerging from the heating chamber.

11. An aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second air flow path configured to transport air from a second air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator, wherein the size of the aperture is adjustable by the actuator.

13. The actuator is magnetic actuators, an electric actuator, or 13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 12, comprising one of: an electromechanical actuator;

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