Aerosol Generation System

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device which may extend the lifetime.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating system 100 comprises: an aerosol generating medium 110; a source of energy for heating 120 for selectively heating, in a heating zone associated with the source of energy for heating 120, portions of the aerosol generating medium to form aerosol; an outlet 132 through which aerosol can flow to exit the device; and a selectively moveable element 134, where the element is selectively moveable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a substantially enclosed chamber around the heating zone, and in fluid communication with the outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system, a method for generating an aerosol in an aerosol generation system, consumables for use in an aerosol generation system, and an aerosol generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are known. Typical devices use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. In typical devices, the aerosol generated from the medium can condense within the device. This can result in aerosol condensation on components, potentially shortening the lifespan of the components.

[0003] Various approaches are described herein that aim to help solve or mitigate at least some of the problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating medium, a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium within a heating region associated with the heating energy source to form an aerosol, an outlet through which the aerosol can flow out of the device, and a selectively movable element, the element being selectively movable relative to the aerosol-generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around the heating region, the element being in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, a consumable product for use with an aerosol generation system is provided.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generating means comprising an aerosol generating means, a heating means for selectively heating a portion of the aerosol generating means within a heating region associated with the heating means to form an aerosol, an outlet means through which the aerosol can flow, and a selectively movable means, the selectively movable means being selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around the heating region and in fluid communication with the outlet means.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol in an aerosol generation system, the method comprising the steps of providing an aerosol generation medium, providing a heating energy source, providing an outlet, providing a selectively movable element, selectively moving the element relative to the aerosol generation medium to form a portion of the aerosol generation medium, a substantially enclosed chamber, and heating the substantially enclosed chamber to form an aerosol from the portion of the aerosol generation medium.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive an aerosol-generating medium, the aerosol generation device comprising: a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium in use to form an aerosol; an outlet; and a selectively movable element, the element being selectively movable relative to the aerosol-generating medium in use to form a substantially enclosed chamber around the heated region, the element being in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0010] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which like parts are indicated with like reference numerals, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generation system according to an example. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generation system according to an example. [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generation system according to an example. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to two examples. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece and substrate of an aerosol generation system according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it should be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an aerosol-generating system 100. The system 100 includes a source of aerosol-generating medium 110. The system 100 includes a heating energy source 120 for selectively heating selected portions of the aerosol-generating medium 110 to form an aerosol. The heating energy source 120 heats a heating region in which the portion of the aerosol-generating medium is positioned to form an aerosol. The system 100 includes an outlet 132 and an element 134. The element 134 is selectively movable relative to the aerosol-generating medium 110 to form chambers 140A, 140B substantially enclosed around the heating region, and is in fluid communication with the outlet 132. In an example, the outlet 132 and the element 134 are formed as a mouthpiece 130.

[0016] As used herein, the term "heater" may be used synonymously with "heating energy source," the terms "multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium" or "source of aerosol-generating medium" may be used synonymously with "portion of aerosol-generating medium," the term "chamber" may be used synonymously with "aerosol-generating region," and the term "device" may be used synonymously with "system," with the understanding that a device is a stand-alone appliance while a system is an appliance with consumables.

[0017] As used herein, the term "substantially enclosed" can mean, for example, that a certain percentage of the volume of a chamber (or equivalent) is enclosed. This refers to the volume bounded by the walls of the chamber (or equivalent). This may be about 50% to about 99%. Alternatively, the enclosed volume may be about 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, etc.

[0018] FIG. 1 specifically illustrates two options for the form a system embodying the above principles can take. Components shown within dashed lines indicate movement from a stationary position. The dashed mouthpiece 130′ shows the mouthpiece 130′ being selectively moved relative to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 to form an enclosed aerosol-generating region 140A around a selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110. The dashed source of aerosol-generating medium 110′ shows the source of aerosol-generating medium 110′ being selectively moved relative to the mouthpiece 130 to form an enclosed aerosol-generating region 140B. In the example of the device 100, the mouthpiece 130 may move, the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 may move, or both may move. In the example shown in FIG. 1, movement of the mouthpiece 130′ and the source of aerosol-generating medium 110′ occurs along the axis indicated by arrow A. The example in FIG. 1 is only schematic. Mouthpiece 130 is unlikely to move into device 100 to the extent that mouthpiece 130' is shown moved in Figure 1 because of the length of mouthpiece 130' in Figure 1 and the device housing 102 to which mouthpiece 130 is shown attached. The illustration is used to clearly show the relative movement of the device components and the subsequent formation of enclosed aerosol-generation regions 140A, 140B. Subsequent illustrations should be viewed in this light.

[0019] In the following description, the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 and the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110' may be used interchangeably. The same applies to the mouthpiece 130 and the mouthpiece 130'. When relative movements are disclosed, the specific movements of one component toward another, such as those shown in FIG. 1 by the reference numerals 110, 110', 130, and 130', are not entirely relevant. However, this reference numeral convention may be adhered to in certain cases to increase clarity between specific movements. Similarly, the reference numeral for the aerosol-generating region is the more general 140 rather than the specific 140A and 140B.

[0020] Mouthpiece 130 may be arranged on a runner or the like that allows mouthpiece 130 to be moved some distance into device 100 while still being connected to housing 102 of device 100. Keeping outlet 132 of mouthpiece 130 outside housing 102 of device 100 while mouthpiece 130 is being moved allows for easier use of device 100 by a user; it is easier for a user to inhale on device 100 if mouthpiece 130 of device 100 can be placed in the user's mouth.

[0021] After the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 and the mouthpiece 130 move relative to each other, the mouthpiece 130 forms an enclosed aerosol-generation region 140 around a selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110. That is, the mouthpiece 130 is selectively movable relative to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 so that the selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 is heated while the other sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 are not heated, thereby forming an enclosed aerosol-generation region 140 around the selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110. This is as shown in FIG. 1 . The enclosed aerosol-generation region 140 restricts the generated aerosol from entering any voids that are not within the formed channel between the selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110 and the mouthpiece 130.

[0022] FIG. 2a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an example aerosol-generating device 100. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in FIG. 1 are the same as those used in FIG. 1. These same features will not be described in detail here. In the example of FIG. 2a, multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 are disposed on a substrate 150. The mouthpiece 130 can be selectively moved relative to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 to form a press seal 160 around a selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 on the substrate 150. The press seal 160 may act to restrict the generated aerosol from entering any voids that are not within the formed channel between the selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110 and the mouthpiece 130′.

[0023] The press seal 160 may be formed by movement of the element 134 relative to the substrate 150, where the substrate 150 is rigid to provide a force that counteracts the force supplied by the element 134. In an alternative example, the force against the movement of the element 134 may be provided by the heating energy source 120. That is, the element 134 may press the substrate 150 against the heating energy source 120. The heater 120 may be sized to correspond to the cross-section of the element 134. In FIG. 2a, for example, the heater energy source 120 is smaller than the cross-section of the element 134.

[0024] The element 134 is positioned relative to the substrate 150 as shown in FIG. 2a and contacts only the substrate 150 when forming the heated region. That is, the element 134 does not touch the portion of the aerosol-generating medium 110 within the heated region. The element 134 may be kept cleaner over multiple uses in this embodiment. In instances where the aerosol-generating medium 110 is uniformly distributed on the substrate 150, the element 134 may be in contact with the aerosol-generating medium 110. This, in turn, may increase the lifetime of the device by reducing the frequency with which the element 134 needs to be replaced.

[0025] As also shown in FIG. 2a, the heater 120 may be selectively movable relative to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 to selectively heat selected ones of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 to form an aerosol. The heater 120 shown in FIG. 2a is movable along an axis indicated by arrow B. This movement allows the heater 120 to heat any of the three indicated sources of aerosol-generating medium 110. Arrow B is shown at an angle relative to arrow A, along which relative movement occurs between the mouthpiece 130 and the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110. While shown as perpendicular in the example, this is not required. The directions of movement may be along entirely different axes, or may be angled relative to each other, etc.

[0026] The source of aerosol-generating medium 110 may take any suitable form or structure. In one embodiment, the source of aerosol-generating medium may include a substrate 150 (e.g., paper, card, foil) including first and second sides, with the aerosol-generating medium disposed on the first side of the substrate 150. The substrate 150 may then act as a carrier for the aerosol-generating medium 110. In some embodiments, the substrate 150 may be or include a metal element positioned to be heated by a varying magnetic field. In such embodiments, the heating energy source 120 may include an induction coil that, when energized, causes heating within the metal element of the source 110. The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metal element and the induction coil. In a further alternative embodiment, the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 may consist entirely (or substantially entirely) of the aerosol-generating medium (i.e., carrier-free). For purposes of illustrating a specific example, the source 110 described herein includes a substrate 150 with an aerosol-generating medium disposed on a first side of the substrate 150, while the heating energy source 120 is herein a resistive heater.

[0027] Figure 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an example aerosol generation device 100. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in Figures 1 and 2a are the same as those used in Figures 1 and 2a. These same features will not be described in detail here. Figure 2b shows an example of an aerosol generation device 100 that differs from the example of the aerosol generation device 100 shown in Figure 2a due to the offset nature of the mouthpiece 130' and the substrate 150.

[0028] The mouthpiece 130 in the example of FIG. 2b is positioned around a selected one of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 and is selectively movable relative to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 so as to be offset from the surface of the substrate 150. In other words, the mouthpiece 130' does not contact the substrate 150. The offset portion 170 allows air to enter the enclosed aerosol-generating region 140 between the substrate 150 and the mouthpiece 130' to pick up components from the heated source of aerosol-generating medium 110 before passing through the outlet 132' of the mouthpiece 130'. Conversely, in the configuration of FIG. 2a, air can enter the chamber 140 through an inlet / hole formed in the wall of the mouthpiece 130 or element 134 (described in more detail below). It should be understood that such an inlet / hole can also be present in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b.

[0029] When the aerosol-generating medium 110 is distributed evenly across the substrate 150, the element 134 can be kept cleaner by using an offset 170 as shown in Figure 2b. By not abutting the element 134 against the substrate / aerosol-generating medium, the element 134 is kept cleaner, which increases the time between replacement of the element 134 and therefore the life of the device 100.

[0030] 2a and 2b can move with the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 relative to the mouthpiece 130. The substrate 150 can also be made of a thermally conductive material to conduct heat from the heater 120 to the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 when the heater 120 is positioned on the opposite side of the substrate 150 from the sources of aerosol-generating medium 110, as in the example shown.

[0031] The heater 120 may be an electrical resistance heater 120. The heater 120 may also be a chemically activated heater that may or may not operate via an exothermic reaction or the like. The heater 120 provides thermal energy, heat, to an environment surrounding the heater 120. At least some portion of the substrate 150 is within the area of ​​influence of the heater 120. The area of ​​influence of the heater 120 is the area where the heater 120 can provide heat to a component. The heating energy source 120 may be part of an induction heating system, where the heating energy source 120 is the energy source for induction heating, and the substrate 150 may be or include a susceptor or the like. The susceptor may be, for example, a sheet of aluminum foil or the like.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows schematic diagrams of two example aerosol-generating devices. Reference numerals indicating the same features as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a are the same as those used in FIGS. 1 and 2a. These same features will not be described in detail here. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3(i), a substrate 150 includes a plurality of vents 152 for allowing air to pass from a side 154 of the substrate not facing the mouthpiece 130 to a side 156 of the substrate 150 facing the mouthpiece 130. The vents 152 located within the substrate 150 allow air to flow through the substrate 150 as indicated by arrows 180. As shown in FIG. 3(i), air can flow through a particular vent 152A, past a selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110 heated by a heater 120 to incorporate components from the heated aerosol-generating medium, and then out through the mouthpiece 130. This aerosol is then inhaled by a user.

[0033] An advantage of the configuration of FIG. 3(i) is that the airflow may be preheated because it passes through the heater 120 before passing through the specific vent 152A. In this embodiment, a greater amount of thermal energy is transferred to the selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110, reducing the time required to initiate vaporization of a portion of the components of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110. In an example, the substrate 150 is made of a porous or breathable material so that airflow can pass entirely through the substrate 150 rather than through specific vents 152 formed in the substrate 150. In a particular example, the substrate 150 is made of a breathable material that only allows airflow through when under pressure, such as during a user's inhalation. In an example, the substrate 150 may be formed of a porous layer, such as paper. Air may pass through specific or artificial vents 152 in the substrate 150, through inherent vents in the substrate 150 if formed of paper or the like, and through the aerosol-generating medium, which may be disposed at the vents 152 or the like. The substrate 110 may include nicotine, tobacco, or a tobacco derivative, or the like. The substrate 110 may be formed exclusively of such materials or may be made of two or more such materials. The substrate 110 may also have a layered structure of multiple materials. In one example, the substrate 110 may have layers of thermally conductive, conductive, permeable, or impermeable materials.

[0034] In some examples, device 100 may have substantially the same distance to the mouthpiece and to heater 120 to provide a more consistent user experience. In other examples, the aerosol-forming material is disposed on substrate 150 at a distance from heating energy source 120 within a range of 0.010 mm, 0.015 mm, 0.017 mm, 0.020 mm, 0.023 mm, 0.025 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.075 mm, 0.1 mm to about 4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm. In some cases, there may be a minimum space of at least about 10 μm, 15 μm, 17 μm, 20 μm, 23 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, or 0.1 mm between heating energy source 120 and the aerosol-forming material on substrate 150.

[0035] FIG. 3(ii) shows a configuration similar to FIG. 3(i). The configuration of FIG. 3(ii) differs by the absence of a vent 152 and the presence of a vent 136. In the example shown, the mouthpiece 130 includes the vent 136 to allow air to flow into the mouthpiece 130 to incorporate the aerosol generated by the source of aerosol-generating medium 110. The configuration of FIG. 3(ii) may be combined with the configuration of FIG. 3(i). Multiple vents may be present in the mouthpiece 130, but there is no requirement for this. A single vent 136 that allows air to flow into the mouthpiece 130 to incorporate components from the heated source of aerosol-generating medium 110 allows such airflow regardless of which of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 is selected within the aerosol-generating region 140. This configuration may therefore reduce the manufacturing complexity of the device 100.

[0036] 3(i) and (ii) are used in combination, the pressure of the user's inhalation substantially prevents airflow from entering through a particular vent 152A in the substrate 150 and exiting through the vent 136 in the mouthpiece 130. Additional features, such as valves, may be used to ensure that airflow passes in a desired manner from near the substrate 150, through the mouthpiece 130, and out the mouthpiece outlet 132. A portion of the flow path 180 is substantially restricted between the mouthpiece 130, the air inlet 136, and the source of aerosol-generation medium 110 when the enclosed aerosol-generation region 140 is formed.

[0037] The example shown in Figures 3(i) and 3(ii) shows the mouthpiece 130 and substrate 150 in a press-sealed state. This is not required. The mouthpiece 130 may be offset from the substrate 150, with vent holes 136, 152 present in either the mouthpiece 130 or the substrate 150. As explained above, a valve or the like may be used to ensure that the intended airflow occurs through the mouthpiece 130. The inlets 136, 152 in the example shown in Figures 3(i) and 3(ii) are sized so that multiple sources of aerosol-generation medium 110 cannot pass through the inlets 136, 152.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the mouthpiece and substrate 150 of device 100. Device 100 may include a series of contact elements to ensure a good attachment or connection between the mouthpiece 130 and the substrate 150 and / or the source of aerosol-generating medium 110. In the simplified diagram of FIG. 4 (without the source or vents 136, 152 of the aerosol-generating medium 110), mouthpiece 130 has protrusions 138 corresponding to protrusions 158 on substrate 150. These protrusions 138, 158 may be joined together with an interference fit. These protrusions 138, 158 may be made of any suitable material, such as an elastic material or a snap-lock plastic. The location and size of the contact elements / protrusions 138, 158 may be selected to result in the press-seal configuration of FIG. 2a or the offset 170 configuration of FIG. 2b. The contact elements of device 100 may be O-rings or the like. The mouthpiece 130 of the device 100 may have a number of protrusions, and the substrate 150 may have a series of recesses for engaging the protrusions. Additionally or alternatively, a system of grooves and notches may be used, which may also secure the mouthpiece 130 in place during use.

[0039] The contact elements 138 may be positioned at multiple locations on the outward-facing surface of the mouthpiece 130. The locations may vary in distance along the side 139 of the mouthpiece 130. In an example, the contact elements 138 are present at four equally spaced locations around the outward-facing surface of the side 139 of the mouthpiece 130. These four contact element locations for the contact elements 138 may correspond to four corresponding contact element locations for the contact elements 158 on the substrate 150. The contact elements 158 on the substrate 150 may be positioned around individual sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 such that connections between two sets of four contact elements 138, 158 secure the mouthpiece 130 around one particular source of aerosol-generating medium 110.

[0040] In another example, contact element 138 on mouthpiece 130 may be one continuous contact element 138 that covers part or all of the perimeter (edge ​​or perimeter) of the outward-facing surface of side 139 of mouthpiece 130. This configuration can help hold mouthpiece 130 within device 100 if a user mistakenly attempts to form aerosol-generating region 140, for example, by pulling mouthpiece 130 away from device 100 rather than pushing it into device 100. Contact element 138 can hook onto the inner surface of housing 102 of device 100 to provide additional resistance to the user's pulling, which can alert the user to incorrect use of device 100 if the user is pulling mouthpiece 130 too far from housing 102.

[0041] In an example, the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 are successive aerosol-generating medium disposed on a substrate 150. In this embodiment, a portion of the aerosol-generating medium 110 can be selected by the relative position of the mouthpiece 130 to the substrate 150, and this portion of the aerosol-generating medium 110 can then be heated by the heater 120 to generate an aerosol. In a particular example, the aerosol-generating medium 110 can be a tobacco mat disposed on the substrate 150. The relative movement of the mouthpiece 130 to the substrate 150 can be varied between uses of the device 100 to ensure that the spent aerosol-generating medium 110 is not subsequently heated. This subsequent heating can result in the release of undesirable components from the spent aerosol-generating medium 110, which can be inhaled by the user.

[0042] In an example, the device 100 includes a moving element to enable relative movement between the mouthpiece 130 and the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110. The moving element may be at least one of a biasing member, a rotational motion relative to an axial motion transducer, and the like. For example, before using the device 100, a user may twist, rotate, or screw the mouthpiece 130 to move the mouthpiece 130 to form an aerosol-generation region 140 enclosed around a selected one of the multiple sources of the aerosol-generating medium 110. That is, in the example of the device 100, there may be some rotational movement relative to the translational motion transducer attached to the mouthpiece 130. In an example, the mouthpiece 130 may be screwed in, for example, by 90° to form the aerosol-generation region 140. This quarter-turn is based on the embodiment. In examples, mouthpiece 130 may have a biasing member arranged such that when a user places mouthpiece 130 in their mouth, mouthpiece 130 is moved into device 100 against the bias of the biasing member to form aerosol-generation region 140. Mouthpiece 130 may be provided on a runner, track, or the like, as described above, to better control the movement of mouthpiece 130 into device 100. A runner, or the like, can ensure that mouthpiece 130 consistently moves a predetermined distance into device 100 to consistently and reliably form enclosed aerosol-generation region 140. The use of a runner or the like reduces the likelihood that mouthpiece 130 will not move far enough into device 100 and therefore not form aerosol-generation region 140, and / or will move too far and remove or damage components within device 100. When the usage session is over and the user removes the mouthpiece 130 from their mouth, the mouthpiece 130 under the influence of the biasing member can return to a rest position in which the mouthpiece 130 does not form an aerosol-generating region 140.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 may have similar movement mechanisms which may take the form of a biasing member, or a motor and shaft, or a protrusion for projecting a selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110 towards mouthpiece 130, or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, any of the components described above for enabling relative movement of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 with respect to mouthpiece 130 may be used in either or both of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 and the mouthpiece 130.

[0044] Relative movement between the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 and the mouthpiece 130 may occur in response to a user action, as described in the specific examples above. This action may be a physical action, such as pushing, pulling, or twisting a component of the device 100, or may be puffing the device 100 (one puff being one inhale), which may be detected, for example, by a puff detector, and subsequently result in some structural change in the device 100. Alternatively, or additionally, this action may be inputting a command into the device 100, which may then be acted upon by a controller of the device 100, such as pressing an activation button.

[0045] The multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 may be moved between uses of the device 100 or as one selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110 is expended. This movement can be linear or rotational. The source of aerosol-generating medium 110 may be moved by a rotating gear and shaft arrangement, a cam system, a Maltese cross, or the like. In examples where the mouthpiece 130 is not in contact with the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 in a stationary position, the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 may be moved without acting on the mouthpiece 130. In examples where multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 are on the substrate 150, the substrate 150 may be rotated or moved in any other manner to affect the movement of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110.

[0046] During use, the aerosol generated from heating the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 is confined within the aerosol-generating region 140. This prevents the aerosol from condensing in other regions within the device 100 or on components other than the mouthpiece 130. By condensing on components, the aerosol can damage them, which can subsequently affect their lifespan. The lifespan of the device 100 as a whole is increased because of the limited condensation region of the aerosol within the device 100 (i.e., between the selected source of aerosol-generating medium 110, the mouthpiece 130, and the outlet 132 of the mouthpiece 130). The mouthpiece 130 may be removable and replaceable so that after a predetermined number of uses, the mouthpiece 130 can be removed and replaced, simultaneously removing condensed aerosol from the interior surface of the mouthpiece 130. This increases the overall cleanliness of the device 100.

[0047] The heater 120 may be moved to an aerosol-generation location, i.e., near a selected source of the aerosol-generating medium 110, before or at the start of a smoking session. The movement of the heater 120 may be automated or may occur upon user request. Automation of the movement of the heater 120 may be achieved, for example, using a puff detector. Upon detection of a puff by the user, the heater 120 may be moved from an aerosol-generation location near a previously heated selected source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 to an aerosol-generation location near the selected source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 that is to be heated.

[0048] The device 100 may have a detector or sensor located, for example, in the mouthpiece 130 of the device 100, so that when a user places the device 100 in their mouth, the heater 120 is moved from a previous aerosol-generating position to a currently desired aerosol-generating position. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 130 may be movable to affect movement in the heater 120. The mouthpiece 130 may have a responsive element, such as a biasing member such as a tension spring, influenced by placement of the mouthpiece 130 in the user's mouth to directly or indirectly cause movement of the heater 120. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 may have a button or the like that a user can press to direct movement of the heater 120 from a previous aerosol-generating position to a new aerosol-generating position. The heater 120 may be activated prior to, in conjunction with, or with a delay following movement of the heater 120.

[0049] A source of the multiple sources of aerosol-generating medium 110 may comprise a single dose (as used herein, a "dose" refers to a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating medium or material) of aerosol-generating material or multiple doses of aerosol-generating material. In multiple-dose embodiments, each dose may be separately heatable to generate a predetermined amount of aerosol per use. The doses may be disposed on the base or substrate 150 of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 so as to be separate and distinct within or on the source of aerosol-generating medium 110, or may be overlapping or adjacently disposed (i.e., different doses may comprise different areas of a single region of aerosol-generating material).

[0050] Each of the multiple doses can be separately heatable by relative movement between the heater 120 and the dose of aerosol-generating material to align different doses with the heater 120 at different times. The source of aerosol-generating medium 110 can be rotated about a central axis to present different portions of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 to the heater 120. This can accommodate different aerosol-generating media, such as tobacco or menthol, or the like, and different doses of the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 to be heated. This allows the device 100 to provide several different user experiences. The source of aerosol-generating medium 110 can be moved by any of the methods or components described herein in connection with moving the heater 120.

[0051] The source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 or the dose contained within the source of the aerosol-generating medium 110 may contain at least one of tobacco and glycol, and may also contain extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla). The compositions may contain other additives such as citric acid, citric acid, citric acid, citric acid, citric acid salts (e.g., citric acid, citric acid salts ...

[0052] The aerosol-forming layers described herein comprise an "amorphous material," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel." An amorphous material is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-forming layer comprises about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous material. In some cases, the aerosol-forming layer consists of an amorphous material.

[0053] In some cases, the amorphous body may contain 1 to 50 wt % of gelling agent, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0054] Preferably, the amorphous body may contain from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, or 27 wt% of the gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous body may contain 5 to 40 wt%, 10 to 30 wt%, or 15 to 27 wt% of the gelling agent.

[0055] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the group including alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more of alginate, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the gelling agent comprises alginate and / or pectin, which may be combined with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the amorphous body. In some cases, the amorphous body may comprise calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

[0056] Preferably, the amorphous body may comprise from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of the aerosol generating agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). The aerosol generating agent may act as a plasticizer. For example, the amorphous body may comprise 10-60 wt%, 15-50 wt%, or 20-40 wt% of the aerosol generating agent. In some cases, the aerosol generating agent comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some cases, the aerosol generating agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have demonstrated that if the plasticizer content is too high, the amorphous body may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not produce a suitable consumption experience when used. The inventors have demonstrated that if the plasticizer content is too low, the amorphous body may become unstable and brittle. The plasticizer content specified herein provides amorphous flexibility that allows the amorphous sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful in the manufacture of aerosol products.

[0057] In some cases, the amorphous body may contain a flavoring. Preferably, the amorphous body may contain up to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 20 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% of flavoring. In some cases, the amorphous body may contain at least about 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, or 30 wt% of flavoring (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous body may contain 10-60 wt%, 20-50 wt%, or 30-40 wt% of flavoring. In some cases, the flavoring (if present) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol. In some cases, the amorphous body does not contain a flavoring.

[0058] In some cases, the amorphous body may additionally comprise a tobacco substance and / or nicotine. For example, the amorphous body may additionally comprise powdered tobacco and / or nicotine and / or tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous body may comprise from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of a tobacco substance and / or nicotine.

[0059] In some cases, the amorphous body comprises tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous body may comprise 5-60 wt% tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the amorphous body may comprise from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous body may comprise from 5-60 wt%, 10-55 wt%, or 25-55 wt% tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may contain nicotine at a concentration such that the amorphous body comprises from 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt% to about 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4.5 wt%, or 4 wt% nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, no nicotine may be present in the amorphous form other than that which originates from the tobacco extract.

[0060] In some embodiments, the amorphous body does not contain tobacco material but does contain nicotine. In some such cases, the amorphous body may contain from about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 20 wt%, 15 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous body may contain 1 to 20 wt% or 2 to 5 wt% nicotine.

[0061] In some cases, the total content of tobacco substance, nicotine, and flavorings may be at least about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%, and in some cases, the total content of tobacco substance, nicotine, and flavorings may be less than about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, or 40 wt%, all calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0062] In some embodiments, the amorphous material is a hydrogel and contains less than about 20 wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel may contain less than about 15 wt%, 12 wt%, or 10 wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB). In some cases, the hydrogel may contain at least about 2 wt% or at least about 5 wt% water (WWB).

[0063] The amorphous body may be made from a gel, which may additionally contain a solvent present at 0.1 to 50 wt %. However, the present inventors have demonstrated that the inclusion of a solvent in which the fragrance is soluble can reduce gel stability, and the fragrance may crystallize from the gel. As such, in some cases, the gel does not contain a solvent in which the fragrance is soluble.

[0064] The amorphous body contains less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 10 wt%, or less than 5 wt% of filler. The filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. The filler may also include one or more organic filler materials, such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. In some cases, the amorphous body contains less than 1 wt% of filler, and in some cases, is free of filler. In particular, in some cases, the amorphous body does not contain calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

[0065] In some cases, the amorphous body may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming agent, a tobacco substance and / or nicotine source, water, and optionally flavorings.

[0066] In the above example, the source or substrate 150 of the aerosol-generating medium 110 may have a base or coating or the like that is substantially impermeable to aerosols. This configuration may encourage aerosols generated from heating the source of aerosol-generating medium 110 to flow away from the heater 120 and toward the mouthpiece outlet 132. This may help reduce the likelihood of aerosol condensation within the device 100 rather than within the mouthpiece 130, and, as noted above, therefore, increase both the cleanliness and lifespan of the device 100. The base may be formed from at least one of materials such as paper, card, foil, and the like.

[0067] Thus, an aerosol generating device is described that includes a plurality of sources of aerosol generating medium, a heater for selectively heating selected ones of the plurality of sources of aerosol generating medium to form an aerosol, and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being selectively movable relative to the plurality of sources of aerosol generating medium to form an enclosed aerosol-generating region around selected ones of the plurality of sources of aerosol generating medium when the selected ones of the plurality of sources of aerosol generating medium are heated.

[0068] For example, aerosol delivery systems, such as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, can be used in tobacco industry products.

[0069] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product includes one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0070] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0071] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0072] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0073] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, rather than burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material that may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0074] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0076] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic item.

[0077] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material, such as charcoal.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0079] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol, or an aerosol-generating agent, or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0080] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating, rather than burning, a combination of substrate materials. For example, the substrate materials may include solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0081] To solve various problems and advance the art, this entire disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example in which the claimed invention may be practiced and which may provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative of a sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid understanding and to teach the claimed features. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Additionally, the present disclosure encompasses other inventions, not currently claimed, that may be claimed in the future. [Consistent clauses] 1. an aerosol-generating medium; a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium within a heating region associated with the heating energy source to form an aerosol; and an outlet through which the aerosol can flow out of the device; Selectively movable elements and An aerosol generating system comprising: The element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a substantially enclosed chamber around the heated region and is in fluid communication with the outlet. 2. the aerosol-generating medium is disposed on a substrate; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a press seal around a portion of the aerosol generating medium on the substrate. 3. the aerosol-generating medium is disposed on a substrate; Item 1. An aerosol generation system as described in item 1, wherein the element is arranged around a portion of the aerosol generation medium and is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generation medium so as not to abut the substrate. 4. 4. The aerosol generation system of clause 2 or 3, wherein the substrate is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes to allow air to pass from the side of the substrate not facing the outlet to the side of the substrate facing the outlet. 5. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of clauses 2 to 4, wherein the element is provided with an air vent to allow air to flow into the heated area to capture the aerosol generated by the portion of the aerosol generation medium within the heated area. 6. 6. The aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 2 to 5, wherein the aerosol generation medium is a continuous aerosol generation medium disposed on the substrate. 7. The device comprises a moving element for enabling relative movement between the element and the aerosol-generating medium, the moving element comprising: a biasing member, and Rotational motion to axial motion transducer 7. The aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol generation system is at least one of the following: 8. An aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the relative movement between the aerosol generation medium and the element occurs in response to a user action. 9. 9. An aerosol generating system according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein a portion of the aerosol generating medium comprises a plurality of doses of the aerosol generating medium. 10, 10. The aerosol generating system of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the heating energy source is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to selectively heat selected portions of the aerosol generating medium to form an aerosol. 11. the element has a contact element, each of the portions of the aerosol-generating medium has a corresponding contact element; An aerosol generation system as described in any one of clauses 2 to 10, wherein the contact element of the element contacts the contact element of the portion of the aerosol generation medium to fix the element and the portion of the aerosol generation medium and form the heating region around the portion of the aerosol generation medium. 12. 12. The aerosol generation system of clause 11, wherein the element does not touch the substrate. 13. 13. An aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the direction of the relative moment between the element and the aerosol generation medium is within the axis of the aerosol flow from the aerosol generation medium to the outlet. 14. 14. The aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the outlet and the element are in the form of a mouthpiece. 15. 15. A consumable item for use with the aerosol generation system according to any one of clauses 1 to 14. 16. an aerosol generating means; a heating means for selectively heating a portion of the aerosol generation means within a heating region associated with said heating means to form an aerosol; and an outlet means through which the aerosol can flow; Selectively movable means and Equipped with The aerosol generating means, wherein the selectively movable means is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a substantially enclosed chamber around the heated region and is in fluid communication with the outlet means. 17. 1. A method for generating an aerosol in an aerosol generation system, comprising: Providing an aerosol-generating medium; providing a heating energy source; providing an exit; providing a selectively movable element; selectively moving the element relative to the aerosol-generating medium to form a portion of the aerosol-generating medium, a substantially enclosed chamber; heating the substantially enclosed chamber to form an aerosol from a portion of the aerosol-generating medium; A method comprising: 18. providing an air inlet to define a flow path from the air inlet to the outlet; restricting airflow between the air inlet, the aerosol-generating medium, and the outlet; 18. The method of clause 17, further comprising: 19. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating medium, comprising: a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium in use to form an aerosol; The exit and Selectively movable elements and Equipped with An aerosol generating device wherein the element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around a heating region in use, and is in fluid communication with the outlet.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating medium; a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium within a heating region associated with the heating energy source to form an aerosol; and an outlet through which the aerosol can flow out of the device; a selectively movable element; An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generation system, wherein the element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around the heated region and is in fluid communication with the outlet, the outlet and the selectively movable element are in the form of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is removable, and the aerosol generating system is a hybrid system comprising a liquid aerosol generating medium and a solid aerosol generating medium.

2. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating medium is disposed on a substrate, and the element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a press-seal around a portion of the aerosol generating medium on the substrate.

3. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating medium is disposed on a substrate, and the element is disposed around a portion of the aerosol generating medium and is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium so as not to abut the substrate.

4. 4. The aerosol generation system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the substrate is provided with a plurality of air holes to allow air to pass from the side of the substrate not facing the outlet to the side of the substrate facing the outlet.

5. 4. The aerosol generation system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the element comprises an air vent for allowing air to flow into the heated region to capture the aerosol generated by the portion of the aerosol-generating medium within the heated region.

6. the aerosol-generating medium is a continuous aerosol-generating medium disposed on the substrate; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2 or 3.

7. the relative movement between the aerosol-generating medium and the element occurs in response to a user action; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

8. 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the aerosol generating medium comprises a plurality of doses of the aerosol generating medium.

9. the heating energy source is selectively movable relative to the aerosol-generating medium to selectively heat selected portions of the aerosol-generating medium to form an aerosol; 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

10. 4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the relative moment between the element and the aerosol generation medium is in the axis of the aerosol flow from the aerosol generation medium to the outlet.

11. A consumable item for use with the aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. An aerosol generating means, an aerosol-generating medium; a heating means for selectively heating a portion of the aerosol generation means within a heating region associated with said heating means to form an aerosol; and an outlet means through which the aerosol can flow; selectively movable means; Equipped with An aerosol generating means, wherein the selectively movable means is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around the heated region, and is in fluid communication with the outlet means, the outlet means and the selectively movable element are in the form of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is removable, and the aerosol generating means is a hybrid means comprising a liquid aerosol generating means and a solid aerosol generating means.

13. 1. A method for generating an aerosol in an aerosol generation system, comprising: Providing an aerosol-generating medium; providing a heating energy source; providing an exit; providing a selectively movable element; selectively moving the element relative to the aerosol-generating medium to form a portion of the aerosol-generating medium, a substantially enclosed chamber; heating the substantially enclosed chamber to form an aerosol from a portion of the aerosol-generating medium; Including, The method, wherein the outlet and the movable element are in the form of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is removable, and the aerosol generating system is a hybrid system comprising a liquid aerosol generating medium and a solid aerosol generating medium.

14. providing an air inlet to define a flow path from the air inlet to the outlet; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising restricting airflow between the air inlet, the aerosol-generating medium, and the outlet.

15. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating medium, comprising: a heating energy source for selectively heating portions of the aerosol-generating medium in use to form an aerosol; The exit and a selectively movable element; Equipped with An aerosol generating device, wherein the element is selectively movable relative to the aerosol generating medium to form a chamber substantially enclosed around a heating region in use, and is in fluid communication with the outlet, the outlet and the movable element are in the form of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is removable, and the aerosol generating device is a hybrid aerosol generating device configured to accept a liquid aerosol generating medium and a solid aerosol generating medium.

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