Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (202) is disclosed, comprising an aerosol generator (501) and a first device (700, 701) configured to determine a cleanliness state or a predicted cleanliness state of a first surface (503) disposed within the aerosol delivery device (202).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method for generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "heat-not-burn" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, may contain nicotine, or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices or products are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generation device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] Next-generation devices are envisioned that utilize consumables having shapes other than cylindrical, such as consumables with a planar substrate. The planar substrate may include a susceptor that is heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field. For example, the planar substrate may include a card base layer to which an aluminum foil layer is bonded. The aluminum foil layer may function as a susceptor. The aerosol-generating material (i.e., gel) may be provided on the aluminum foil layer (susceptor). The planar substrate may be inserted into an aerosol supply device and may be translated or rotated relative to the heating element. [Overview of the project]

[0006] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and An aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a first device configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface located within the aerosol supply device.

[0007] According to various configurations, an aerosol supply device comprising an induction heating element may be provided. A first (i.e., contact) surface may be provided between a portion of the aerosol supply device and the aerosol product when the aerosol supply device is inserted into the aerosol supply device during use. As a result, the first (i.e., contact) surface may become contaminated over a period of time. According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided having a first device configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the first (i.e., contact) surface.

[0008] Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction coils or induction heating elements.

[0009] Optionally, the first surface comprises a contact surface between the aerosol product and the aerosol supply device.

[0010] Optionally, the first surface comprises a barrier layer or the surface of the first layer.

[0011] Optionally, the barrier layer or the first layer comprises an insulating layer.

[0012] Optionally, the barrier layer or first layer comprises a glass, ceramic, or plastic layer.

[0013] Optionally, the barrier layer or the first layer is optically transparent.

[0014] Optionally, the barrier layer or first layer has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.01 W / mK, 0.01 to 0.05 W / mK, 0.05 to 0.1 W / mK, 0.1 to 0.5 W / mK, 0.5 to 1 W / mK, 1 to 5 W / mK, 5 to 10 W / mK, 10 to 20 W / mK, 20 to 30 W / mK, 30 to 40 W / mK, or 40 to 50 W / mK.

[0015] Optionally, the barrier layer or the first layer is magnetically permeable.

[0016] Optionally, the first device includes a controller or a processor.

[0017] Optionally, the first device is configured to determine (i) the number of puffs obtained by the user after the previous cleanup event, (ii) the number of times the aerosol generator has been operated after the previous cleanup event, or (iii) the rotational or translational speed of the aerosol product after the previous cleanup event.

[0018] Optionally, the first device is configured to determine the distance or separation between a portion of the aerosol generator and a portion of the aerosol product placed in the aerosol supply device during use.

[0019] Optionally, the first device is configured to determine whether the rise time, which corresponds to the time it takes to reach the operating temperature, has increased beyond a threshold time.

[0020] Optionally, if the first device determines that the rise time has increased beyond a threshold time, the first device is configured to determine that the first surface has a first cleanliness state.

[0021] Optionally, if the first device determines that the rise time has not increased beyond the threshold time, the first device is configured to determine that the first surface has a second cleanliness state.

[0022] Optionally, the first surface comprises the surface of a planar optical waveguide.

[0023] Optionally, the planar optical waveguide comprises an incident surface, a waveguide portion having a longitudinal direction, and an exit surface, and the incident surface and / or the exit surface are arranged in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0024] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an optical transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation to the optical waveguide and an optical detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emerging from the optical waveguide.

[0025] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a processor configured to determine the internal reflection angle or the critical angle of the planar optical waveguide, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or the predicted cleanliness state of the surface based on the determined internal reflection angle or critical angle.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an optical transmitter and an optical detector, the optical transmitter being configured to emit electromagnetic radiation reflected by or transmitted through the first surface, and the optical detector being configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected by or transmitted through the first surface.

[0027] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a layer having one or more optical markings and an optical device configured to visually recognize or inspect the one or more optical markings, and the first surface comprises the surface of the layer having the one or more optical markings.

[0028] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises an optical device configured to visually recognize or inspect a barcode, QR code or other optical marking provided on the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] Optionally, the optical device is configured to output a signal to a first device, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the first surface based on the signal output from the optical device.

[0030] Optionally, the first device comprises an imaging device for observing and analyzing components of the aerosol supply device and / or an image provided on the aerosol-generating article, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state of the surface according to an analysis of one or more qualities of the observed image.

[0031] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a heater or other cleaning device for cleaning the first surface.

[0032] Optionally, if the first device determines that the first surface has a cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state above or below a threshold, the first device is configured to activate a heater or other cleaning device to clean the first surface.

[0033] Optionally, if the first device determines that the first surface has a cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state above or below a threshold, the first device is configured to activate a heater to perform a heating cycle to clean the first surface by maintaining the first surface at a temperature of T°C for at least a time t1 before, during, or after a usage session, where optionally, T is in the range of less than 50°C, 50-100°C, 100-150°C, 150-200°C, 200-250°C, 250-300°C or greater than 300°C, and optionally, t1 is in the range of less than 30 seconds, 30-60 seconds, 60-90 seconds, 90-120 seconds or greater than 120 seconds.

[0034] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a device configured to notify the user of the cleanliness status or predicted cleanliness status determined by the first device. The device configured to notify the user of the cleanliness status or predicted cleanliness status may be an indicator.

[0035] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a device configured to advise the user to perform a cleaning routine if the first device determines that the surface has a first cleanliness state.

[0036] Optionally, the first device comprises one or more resistance sensors, capacitive sensors, or inductive sensors.

[0037] In another embodiment, an aerosol generation system, The aerosol supply device described above, An aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol product.

[0038] Optionally, the aerosol product comprises (i) a substrate that is substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral in shape and has one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; (ii) a substantially planar substrate that is substantially planar in shape and has one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) an aerosol product in the shape of a prismatic or cylindrical form.

[0039] Optionally, the aerosol product comprises either an open-type consumable or a closed-type consumable.

[0040] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, The steps include providing an aerosol supply device equipped with an aerosol generator, A method is provided which includes the step of determining the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface placed within an aerosol supply device.

[0041] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device and an aerosol product. The aerosol supply device comprises multiple induction coils, and the aerosol product comprises multiple parts of an aerosol generating material and corresponding susceptor parts. [Figure 2] This figure shows an aerosol supply device combined with an aerosol product, the aerosol product comprising multiple parts of an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol supply device comprising a single induction heating element and a movement mechanism for rotating the aerosol product relative to the single induction heating element. [Figure 3A]This is a plan view of the aerosol product. [Figure 3B] This is an end view of the aerosol product, showing multiple susceptors embedded within it. [Figure 3C] This is a side view of the aerosol product, showing multiple susceptors embedded within it. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply device in which a sliding fastener is used to secure a first or upper lid portion of an aerosol supply device having a mouthpiece to a second or lower base portion. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view showing the sliding fastener removed. [Figure 4C] This is a perspective view showing the aerosol supply device with its lid open and an aerosol product inserted into the device. [Figure 5] This figure shows some components of an aerosol supply device, in which a barrier layer or a first layer is provided above the induction coil so as to be in contact with the aerosol product. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol product showing a barrier layer or first layer provided between the induction coil and the aerosol product. [Figure 7] This figure shows a part of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or first layer is determined by emitting electromagnetic radiation from an optical transmitter, allowing the electromagnetic radiation to pass through the shielding layer or first layer that forms an optical waveguide, and detecting the electromagnetic radiation emerging from the optical waveguide using an optical receiver. [Figure 8] This figure shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or the first layer is determined by the reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the first or upper surface of the shielding layer or the first layer. [Figure 9] This figure shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or first layer is determined by transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the shielding layer or first layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the shielding layer or first layer. [Figure 10]This figure shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the barrier layer or first layer is determined by viewing optical markings provided within or on the barrier layer or first layer using an imaging device. [Figure 11] This figure shows a further configuration in which, if the cleanliness of the barrier layer or the first layer is determined to be relatively low, a heater may be operated to heat the barrier layer or the first layer in order to clean the surface of the barrier layer or the first layer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] This specification discusses or describes aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be carried out conventionally and are not discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be carried out according to the prior art for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0044] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0049] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0051] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0053] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0054] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when heated, irradiated, or energy-supplied by any other means. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances.

[0055] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0056] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent (such as water), an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as a structure of individual parts of a film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0057] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, sheets that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0058] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0059] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol by releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply the aerosol-generating material with one or more of the following: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0060] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0061] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0062] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and replaceable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power supply and a controller (or control circuit). The power supply may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0063] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to each other so that the resulting fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. Objects have resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within an object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0064] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes the generation of heat within the magnetic material.

[0065] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0066] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 202 that may comprise a lid, a base, and a fixing part as a single component.

[0067] According to various embodiments, a barrier layer, which may include an insulating layer, may be provided above one or more induction heating elements 224a. The barrier layer is not shown in Figure 1 for clarity. According to various embodiments, the first device may be configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the surface of the barrier layer. The first device may include one or more resistance sensors, capacitive sensors, or inductive sensors.

[0068] The aerosol supply device 202 may include an outer housing 221 which can be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 221 may be configured such that a power supply 222, a control circuit 223, one or more induction coils 224a, a receiving area 225, and an inhalation sensor 230 are located inside the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 also defines an air inlet 227 and an air outlet 228. A touch-sensitive panel 229 and an end-of-use indicator 231 may be located outside the outer housing 221.

[0069] The outer housing 221 may further include a mouthpiece end 226. The outer housing 221 and the mouthpiece 226 may be formed as a single component (i.e., the mouthpiece 226 may form part of the outer housing 221). The mouthpiece end 226 is defined as a region of the outer housing 221 including an air outlet 228 and is shaped so that the user can comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 226 to engage with the air outlet 228.

[0070] The thickness of the outer housing 221 may decrease towards the air outlet 228 to provide a relatively thin portion of the aerosol supply device 202 that can be more easily accepted by the user's lips.

[0071] The power supply 222 may be configured to provide operating power to the aerosol supply device 202. The power supply 222 may comprise any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power supply 222 may include a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery ("LIB"). The power supply 222 may be detachable or may form an integrated part of the aerosol supply device 202. The power supply 222 may be recharged by connecting the aerosol supply device 202 to an external power source (such as a commercial power supply) via an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown), or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

[0072] The control circuit 223 may be appropriately configured or programmed to control the operation of the aerosol supply device 202 in order to provide specific operational functions of the aerosol supply device 202. The control circuit 223 may logically comprise various subunits or circuit elements related to different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply device 202. For example, the control circuit 223 may comprise a logical subunit for controlling the recharging of the power supply 222. Furthermore, the control circuit 223 may comprise a logical subunit for communication to facilitate data transfer, for example, from or to the aerosol supply device 202. However, the main function of the control circuit 223 is to control the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, as will be described in more detail below.

[0073] It will be understood that the functions of the control circuit 223 can be provided in a variety of different ways, for example, by using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits, circuits, chips or chipsets configured to provide the desired functions. The control circuit 223 may be connected to the power supply 222, may receive power from the power supply 222, and may be configured to distribute or control power to other components of the aerosol supply device 202.

[0074] The aerosol supply device 202 may further include a receiving area 225 configured to receive an aerosol product 204. The receiving area 225 may be sized to be suitable for removably receiving the aerosol product 204 inside. The aerosol product 204 may include a carrier component or substrate (e.g., a card) 242, one or more susceptors or susceptor layers, and an aerosol generating material 244 provided on one or more susceptors or susceptor layers. According to one configuration, a single susceptor layer may be provided, and the single susceptor layer comprises an aluminum foil layer or a metal foil layer.

[0075] The aerosol supply device 202 may comprise a lid and a base configured to engage with each other. A locking mechanism may be provided to secure the lid to the base. Various configurations of the lid and base are contemplated. The aerosol supply device 202 may comprise a hinged door or a removable portion of the outer housing 221 that allows access to the receiving area 225 so that a user can insert and / or remove an aerosol product 204 into and from the receiving area 225. The hinged door or removable portion of the outer housing 221 may also function to hold the aerosol product 204 within the receiving area 225 when closed.

[0076] When the aerosol product 204 is used up, or when the user simply wants to switch to a different aerosol product 204, the aerosol product 204 may be removed from the aerosol supply device 202, and a replacement aerosol product 204 may be placed in place within the receiving area 225.

[0077] The aerosol supply device 202 may have a permanent opening communicating with the receiving region 225 through which the aerosol product 204 can be inserted. In such a configuration, a holding mechanism may be provided for holding the aerosol product 204 within the receiving region 225 of the aerosol supply device 202.

[0078] The holding mechanism may include a fixing mechanism configured to engage the lid with the base to hold the aerosol product 204 in a fixed position during use, in order to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204. For example, the lid and the base may be configured to hold the aerosol product 204 in a position between the lid and the base.

[0079] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a part of a single-component aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol supply device 202 is shown together with an aerosol product 204 containing an aerosol generating material placed inside the aerosol supply device 202. The combination of the aerosol supply device 202 and the aerosol product 204 together forms an aerosol supply system.

[0080] The aerosol product 204 has a first or upper surface 112 on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be placed. The aerosol product 204 may comprise a carrier layer 242 (sometimes referred to herein as a carrier or substrate support layer) and a susceptor layer on which the aerosol-generating material 244 can be placed. The aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged as multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol product 204 has a second or lower surface 116 opposite the first or upper surface 112. The first or upper surface 112 and / or the second or lower surface 116 may be smooth or rough.

[0081] According to various embodiments, a first surface located within the aerosol supply device is monitored, and a determination is made regarding the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the first surface. The monitored first surface is intended to form part of the aerosol supply device 202 and not the aerosol product 204. Thus, the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of either the first or upper surface 112 or the second or lower surface 116 of the aerosol product 204 is monitored or determined, and therefore, the monitored first surface is intended not to be the first (or upper) surface or the second (or lower) surface 112, 116 of the aerosol product 204.

[0082] The aerosol supply device 202 may include one or more induction heating elements 224a positioned to face the second surface 116 of the aerosol product 204. The one or more induction heating elements 224a may be configured to transfer energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol generating material 244 in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 244. According to various embodiments, a barrier layer, which may include an insulating layer, may be provided on the first or upper surface of the one or more induction heating elements 224a.

[0083] A single-component aerosol supply device 202 may have a transfer mechanism 130 configured to move a specific portion (or, optionally, a dose) of the aerosol product 204, in particular, of the aerosol generating material 244. The portion of the aerosol generating material 244 may be rotated relative to one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a so that, in this case, the portion of the aerosol generating material 244 is presented to the induction heating element or induction coil 224a individually. In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the induction heating element 224a may comprise an induction coil, and the aerosol product 204 includes a layer that functions as a susceptor.

[0084] The aerosol supply device 202 may be configured such that at least one dose of the aerosol generating material 244 is rotated around axis A at an angle θ with respect to the second surface 116. The control circuit 223 may be configured to actuate both the induction heating element or induction coil 224a and the moving mechanism 130 so that the aerosol product 204 rotates to align individual portions of the aerosol generating material 244 in close proximity to the induction heating element or induction coil 224a. The aerosol product 204 may be substantially flat or planar. The carrier layer 242 of the aerosol product 204 may be formed from paper or card, partially or entirely.

[0085] The aerosol product 204 shown in Figure 2 contains 5 doses (or portions) of aerosol-generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol product 204 may have more or less doses of aerosol-generating material 244. In some examples, the aerosol product 204 may have doses of aerosol-generating material 244 arranged in individual doses, as shown in Figure 2.

[0086] In other examples, the dose may be in the form of a disk that may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol product 204. In yet another example, the dose may be in the form of a ring, a ring, or any other shape. The aerosol product 204 may or may not have a rotationally symmetric distribution of doses on the first surface 112 about axis A. The symmetric distribution of doses allows equivalently positioned doses (within the rotationally symmetric distribution) to receive an equivalent heating profile from the induction heating element or induction coil 224a when rotated about axis A, if desired.

[0087] In this example, the aerosol product 204 includes an aerosol-generating material 244 placed on a susceptor layer of the aerosol product 204. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product 204 may be formed solely from the aerosol-generating material 244. That is, in some implementations, the aerosol product 204 may consist entirely of the aerosol-generating material 244. In this example, one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of the aerosol-generating device 204.

[0088] The aerosol product 204 may have a layered structure and may be formed from multiple materials. In one example, the aerosol product 204 may have layers formed from at least one of a thermally conductive material, an inductive material, a permeable material, or an impermeable material.

[0089] In some implementations, the carrier layer 242 or substrate may be a metal element that is configured to be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field and thus can function as a susceptor layer, or may include such a metal element. In such implementations, the induction heating element 224a may include one or more induction coils 224a that, when energy is supplied, cause heating within the metal element of the aerosol product 204. The degree of heating may be influenced by the distance between the metal element or susceptor layer and the induction coils 224a.

[0090] The configuration shown in Figure 2 operates by allocating (or moving) multiple doses of aerosol-generating material 244 to an induction heating element or induction coil 224a. While this configuration in Figure 2 may slightly increase the complexity of the transfer mechanism 130 for bringing the aerosol product 204 to movement, it offers the advantage that the aerosol supply device 204 may have a single induction heating element 224a used to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244. It will be understood that a single heating element 224a requires a single control mechanism (such as a control circuit 223), while multiple heaters may each require a separate control mechanism. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the cost and control complexity related to the operation and control of the induction heating element 224a.

[0091] The shape of the aerosol supply device 202 may be cigarette-shaped (one dimension is longer than the other two dimensions) or other shapes. For example, the aerosol supply device 202 may have a shape in which two dimensions are longer than the other one, such as a compact disc player. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that can adequately accommodate the aerosol product 204, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a and the moving mechanism 130.

[0092] The aerosol product 204 may comprise a carrier component 242 which may be formed from a card. The carrier component 422 may form the majority of the aerosol product 204 and may function as the base of one or more susceptors or susceptor layers on which the aerosol-generating material 244 is supplied or deposited. The carrier component 242 may be substantially rectangular in shape. The carrier component 242 may have a length of 30 to 80 mm, a width of 7 to 25 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. However, it should be understood that other configurations in which the carrier component 242 may have different dimensions as needed are also intended. In some implementations, the carrier component 242 may have one or more protrusions extending in the longitudinal and / or width directions of the carrier component 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol product 204 by the user.

[0093] The aerosol product 204 may comprise a plurality of individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 arranged on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to one configuration, the aerosol product 204 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0094] The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged in an n × m array. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, a larger or smaller number of individual portions may be provided, and / or those portions may be arranged in a different format array (e.g., a 1 × 6 array). Another configuration is envisioned in which the aerosol product 204 comprises a disk, and the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are provided within separate segments of the disk.

[0095] The aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged at separate, distinct positions on a single surface of the component carrier 242. While the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are shown having a circular footprint, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as a square, trapezoid, or rectangle, as needed. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 have a diameter d and a thickness t. a It may have the thickness t of the individual parts. a This can be any appropriate value, for example, thickness t. a The thickness may be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some structures, the thickness t a The thickness may be approximately 50 μm to approximately 200 μm, or approximately 50 μm to approximately 100 μm, or approximately 60 μm to approximately 90 μm, and preferably approximately 77 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness t a The diameter may be larger than 200 μm, for example, approximately 50 μm to approximately 400 μm, or up to approximately 1 mm, or up to approximately 1.5 mm.

[0096] The individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged separately from each other so that each individual part can generate an aerosol by being individually or selectively supplied with energy (e.g., heated).

[0097] The aerosol product 204 may comprise multiple parts of an aerosol-generating material 244, all formed from the same aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol product 204 may comprise multiple parts of an aerosol-generating material 244, at least two of which are formed from different aerosol-generating materials.

[0098] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be arranged such that the surfaces of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a form a portion of the surface of the receiving region 225. That is, the first or upper outer surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a is coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving region 225. However, according to various embodiments, a barrier layer, in particular a thermal insulation layer, may be provided on the surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a, thereby the barrier layer forming a portion of the surface of the receiving region 225.

[0099] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to align with the corresponding individual portion of the aerosol generating material 244 when the aerosol product 204 is received into the receiving area 225. For example, if six induction heating elements or induction coils 224a are arranged in a 2x3 array, the aerosol product 204 may comprise a 2x3 array of six individual portions of the aerosol generating material 244. However, as discussed above, the number of induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may vary in different configurations. For example, depending on the configuration, there may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty individual induction heating elements or induction coils 224a.

[0100] Each of the induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can be operated individually to heat the corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. The induction heating elements or induction coils 224a are shown coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving region 225, but in other configurations, the induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may protrude into the receiving region 225. However, according to various embodiments, a barrier layer, in particular a thermal insulation layer, may be provided on the surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a, thereby the barrier layer forming part of the surface of the receiving region 225.

[0101] The receiving region 225 may include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204, pressing the aerosol product 204 against the surface of the aerosol supply device 202 to prevent relative motion of the aerosol product 204. As understood, the lid of the aerosol supply device 202 may be configured to engage with the base, for example via a locking mechanism, such that the lid and / or base include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204 to fix the aerosol product 204 against relative motion.

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol product 204, and may be pressed into the surface of a carrier component 242 that does not contain the aerosol generating material 244.

[0103] In a configuration in which the aerosol product 204 is configured to move in a specified or desired direction relative to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base to hold the aerosol product 204 in a fixed position to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204, thereby preventing relative movement in directions other than the specified or desired direction.

[0104] For example, in a configuration in which the aerosol product 204 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis with respect to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a so as to present a fresh area of ​​aerosol-generating material on the aerosol product 204 to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid with the base so as to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation about the rotation axis, while still allowing the aerosol product 204 to rotate with respect to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a.

[0105] One or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent to the receiving area 225 and may be substantially flat coils, which are positioned such that the axis of rotation around which the given coil is wound extends into the receiving area 225 and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0106] The control circuit 223 may include a mechanism for generating an alternating current that flows through any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the corresponding susceptor or portion of the susceptor layer. The heat generated by the susceptor or portion of the susceptor layer is transferred accordingly to a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0107] Various configurations are described in which one or more susceptors are provided as part of the aerosol product 204. However, other configurations are also envisioned in which one or more susceptors are arranged within or as part of the aerosol supply device 202. For example, one or more susceptors may be provided above one or more induction coils 224a, and one or more susceptors may be arranged to contact a second or lower surface of the carrier component 242. According to various configurations, a barrier layer may be provided between at least a portion of one or more susceptors and one or more induction coils 224a. Furthermore, a configuration is envisioned in which one or more susceptors may be formed as an array of susceptor elements arranged within a barrier layer that forms a matrix around the array of susceptor elements. The barrier layer may have a depth or thickness greater than the depth or thickness of the array of susceptor elements. As a result, according to such a configuration, a portion of the susceptor elements and a portion of the barrier layer may also contact a second or lower surface of the carrier component 242.

[0108] The aerosol product 204 for use with the aerosol supply device 202 may comprise a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements 224b, and one or more portions of aerosol generating materials 244a to f, as will be shown and described in more detail with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

[0109] Figure 3A shows a top view of the aerosol product 204 made from a single component, Figure 3B shows an end view of the aerosol product 204 made from a single component along its longitudinal axis, and Figure 3C shows a side view of the aerosol product 204 made from a single component along its width axis.

[0110] One or more susceptor elements 224b may be formed from aluminum foil, but it should be understood that in other configurations, other metals and / or conductive materials may be used. As seen in Figure 3C, the carrier component 242 may comprise several susceptor elements 224b whose size and position correspond to individual portions of the aerosol-generating materials 244a-f arranged on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements 224b may have similar widths and lengths to the individual portions of the aerosol-generating materials 244a-f.

[0111] The susceptor element 224b is shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other configurations, the susceptor element 224b may be placed on or positioned on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to another implementation embodiment, the susceptor may be provided as a single layer substantially covering the carrier component 244. According to one configuration, the aerosol product 204 may comprise a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminum foil functioning as a susceptor, and one or more regions of the aerosol-generating material 244 deposited on the aluminum foil susceptor layer.

[0112] In one configuration, an array of induction heating coils 224a may be provided to supply energy to individual parts of the aerosol generating material 244. However, in other configurations, a single induction coil 224a may be provided, and the aerosol product 204 may be configured to move relative to the single induction coil 224a. Therefore, there may be fewer induction coils 224a than individual parts of the aerosol generating material 244 provided on the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204, thereby requiring relative motion between the aerosol product 204 and the induction coils 224a in order to supply energy to each individual part of the aerosol generating material 244 individually.

[0113] Alternatively, a single induction coil 224a may be provided, and the aerosol product 204 may be rotated relative to the single induction coil 224a.

[0114] For example, a movable induction heating element may be provided within the receiving region 225 so that the induction heating element can move relative to the receiving region 225. In this way, the movable induction heating element may be translated (for example, in the widthwise and lengthwise directions of the carrier component 242) so that the induction heating element 224a can be aligned with each of the individual parts of the aerosol generating material 244.

[0115] While the above describes an implementation where individual spatially discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are deposited on the carrier component 242, it should be understood that in other implementations, the aerosol-generating material 244 may not be provided as individual spatially discrete portions, but instead as a continuous sheet, film, or layer of the aerosol-generating material 244. In these implementations, specific regions of the sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 may be selectively heated to generate aerosols in substantially the same manner as described above. In particular, regions (corresponding to a portion of the aerosol-generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 based on the dimensions of one or more induction heating elements 224a.

[0116] As described above, the heating element 224a is configured to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material 244 (or a portion thereof) at an operating temperature at which aerosols are generated from a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. However, in some implementations, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a and associated susceptor elements may be configured to preheat a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheating temperature (lower than the operating temperature). At the preheating temperature, a smaller amount of aerosol is generated, or no aerosol is generated, when the portion is heated to the preheating temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuit 223 may be configured to supply power or energy before the start of an initial predetermined period, i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the user's intention to inhale the aerosol. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of the aerosol-generating material, for example, having a thickness greater than 400 μm, which require a relatively large amount of energy to reach the operating temperature.

[0117] Each of the one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may provide the same heating profile to each aerosol generation region, but it will be understood that, instead, one or more of the induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to provide different heating profiles to different aerosol generation regions. For example, an aerosol generation region located farther from the inlet 228 may be heated according to a heating profile that generates a larger amount of aerosol than an aerosol generation region located closer to the inlet 228, which may result in more consistent delivery of aerosols from different aerosol generation regions by offsetting additional aerosol losses due to condensation along the increased travel distance.

[0118] The aerosol supply device 202 may include a rotating device configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 around a rotation axis. The rotating device may be configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 relative to one or more induction coils 224a such that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product 204 are moved in close proximity to one or more induction coils 224a. The fixing mechanism may be configured to allow rotation of the aerosol product 204 relative to one or more induction coils 224a while preventing relative movement of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation around the rotation axis, such as the z-direction as shown in Figure 1.

[0119] Figure 4A shows a one-component aerosol supply device comprising a lid 1006 and a base 1008. A fixing mechanism 1010 may be provided, which includes fasteners such as a sliding fastener configured to clamp the lid 1006 to the base 1008 so as to engage the lid 1006 of the aerosol supply device 202 with the base 1008. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing mechanism may include a rotatable fastener. The lid 1006 may pivot around a hinge mechanism 1034.

[0120] Figure 4B shows the state with the fixing mechanism 1010 removed, and Figure 4C shows the lid 1006 in the open position with the aerosol product 204 inserted into or inside the aerosol supply device 202.

[0121] Figure 5 shows part of a one-component aerosol supply device 202 comprising a component 500 which may include an aerosol chamber and a mouthpiece. The aerosol chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol generated from a portion of the aerosol product 204, and the aerosol may be transmitted forward to the mouthpiece, thereby allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0122] As described above, the component 500 (particularly the aerosol chamber) may be positioned to contact the aerosol product 204. Furthermore, the component 500 may be configured to push the aerosol product down to the base of the aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol product 204 may be configured to contact the barrier layer or the first layer 503 when generating an aerosol, and as a result, the first or upper surface of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 may accumulate dirt over a period of time. In particular, the first or upper surface of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 may be coated with dust, greasy deposits from contact with human skin (e.g., sebum released from sebaceous glands) or aerosol-generating material over a period of time. More generally, the aerosol product 204 may be configured to contact the barrier layer or the first layer 503 when generating an aerosol, and as a result, the first surface of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 may accumulate dirt over a period of time. In particular, the barrier layer or the first surface of the first layer 503 may become coated with dust, oily deposits from contact with human skin (e.g., sebum released from sebaceous glands), or aerosol-generating materials over a period of time.

[0123] The barrier layer or the first layer 503 may be substantially permeable to the magnetic field emitted by one or more induction coils 501.

[0124] The aerosol product 204 is shown inserted into a portion of the aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol product 204 may comprise a base support layer 504 (which may include a card), an aluminum foil susceptor layer 506, and an aerosol generating material layer 507 (e.g., a gel). A consumable bed 500 is shown, and a PCB inductor coil 501 is placed within the consumable bed 500. The inductor coil 501 may be fixed to the consumable bed 500 and bonded to the rear surface of a non-rotatable barrier layer 503 by an adhesive layer 502.

[0125] As can be understood, depending on the configuration, the component 500 may be removed from contact with the aerosol product 204, thereby allowing the aerosol product 204 to rotate relative to the induction coil 501.

[0126] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the induction coil 501 may be configured to heat a region 505 of the susceptor 506, thereby heating a corresponding region of the aerosol-generating material provided within the layer 507 containing the aerosol-generating material. As a result, a dose of aerosol may be released from the aerosol-generating layer 507, and the resulting aerosol can then be captured by an aerosol chamber provided within the component 500. The aerosol may then be transmitted forward from the aerosol chamber to a suction port that may be provided within the component 500.

[0127] Once the aerosol dose is released, the aerosol product 204 may then be rotated so that a fresh portion of the aerosol-generating material is positioned above the induction coil 501. For example, the aerosol product 204 may be rotated 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more than 12 times during a session of use.

[0128] According to one configuration, an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator is disclosed. The aerosol generator may comprise, for example, one or more induction coils or induction heating elements. The first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a surface 1 located within the aerosol supply device 202. The first device may also comprise a controller, which may be configured to determine the number of smokes extracted by the user after a previous cleanup event. Alternatively, the controller may determine the number of operations of the aerosol generator after a previous cleanup event, or the rotational or translational number of the aerosol product 204 after a previous cleanup event.

[0129] For example, the controller may determine that the user has obtained N puffs from the aerosol supply device 202 since the aerosol supply device 202 was last subjected to a cleanup event. Alternatively, the controller may determine that the induction coil 501 has been activated N times since the aerosol supply device 202 was last subjected to a cleanup event. According to another configuration, the controller may determine that there have been N rotations or translations of the aerosol product 204 within the aerosol supply 202 since the aerosol supply device 202 was last subjected to a cleanup event.

[0130] Depending on the configuration, the controller may determine that when N is greater than a threshold, there is a first cleanliness state indicating that the surface of the aerosol supply device may require cleaning. Similarly, the controller may determine that when N is less than a threshold, there is a second cleanliness state indicating that the surface of the aerosol supply device does not require cleaning.

[0131] According to one configuration, the controller may be configured to determine the distance or separation between a portion of the aerosol generator and a portion of the aerosol product 204 placed in the aerosol supply device 202 during use. For example, the controller may be configured to sense or determine the separation distance between the first or upper surface of the aerosol product barrier layer 503 and the second or lower surface of the susceptor layer 506.

[0132] If the separation distance is determined to be above a threshold, this may indicate that the first or upper surface of the barrier layer 503 is covered with dirt, dust, or deposits of aerosol-generating material, and therefore the barrier layer 503 requires cleaning.

[0133] The controller may also determine that the first surface of the aerosol supply device 202 requires cleaning by determining whether the rise time, which corresponds to the time it takes to reach the operating temperature, has increased beyond a threshold. For example, the aerosol supply device 202 may have a desired temperature rise time of 1.2 seconds, i.e., it may be desirable that a portion 505 of the susceptor layer 506 be heated to a temperature of 275°C or 300°C within a time of 1.2 seconds. The controller may be configured to determine the temperature of the susceptor layer 506 by monitoring the resonant frequency of one or more induction coils 501. As the temperature of a portion of the susceptor layer 506 rises, the resonant frequency of one or more induction coils 501 may decrease.

[0134] If the controller determines that the temperature rise time has increased beyond a threshold (e.g., 1.5 seconds), the controller may determine that a first surface of the aerosol supply device 202, such as the first or upper surface of the barrier layer or the first layer 503, has a first cleanliness state indicating that the surface requires cleaning to maintain optimal operation of the aerosol supply device 202.

[0135] Similarly, if the controller determines that the temperature rise time has not increased beyond a threshold (e.g., 1.5 seconds), the controller may determine that the first surface has a second cleanliness state, indicating that it does not require cleaning.

[0136] Depending on the configuration, the cleanliness of the first surface (which is monitored or determined by the controller) may include a first (i.e., contact) surface between the aerosol product and the aerosol supply device. The first (i.e., contact) surface may include, for example, the surface of the barrier layer or the surface of the first layer 503. Depending on the configuration, the first surface may not be intended to be in contact with the aerosol generating material 507. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first surface may include a first or upper surface of the barrier layer 503 that is in contact with a second or lower surface of the base support layer 504 during use.

[0137] Figure 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a one-component aerosol supply device 202, in which the aerosol product 204 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol product 204 is in contact with a barrier layer or first layer 503 provided between the induction coil 501 and the aerosol product 204.

[0138] The barrier layer or first layer 503 may comprise a thermal insulation layer or first layer 503 comprising a glass, ceramic, or plastic layer. The barrier layer or first layer 503 may be optically transparent and may have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.01 W / mK, 0.01 to 0.05 W / mK, 0.05 to 0.1 W / mK, 0.1 to 0.5 W / mK, 0.5 to 1 W / mK, 1 to 5 W / mK, 5 to 10 W / mK, 10 to 20 W / mK, 20 to 30 W / mK, 30 to 40 W / mK, and 40 to 50 W / mK.

[0139] Figure 7 shows a configuration in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or first layer 503 can be determined by the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the optical transmitter 700. The electromagnetic radiation then passes through the shielding layer or first layer 503, which forms an optical waveguide. According to various configurations, the electromagnetic radiation is internally reflected within the shielding layer or first layer 503. The electromagnetic radiation is then configured to exit the shielding layer or first layer 503 and is detected by the optical receiver 701. It will be understood that the efficiency of the internal reflection process within the waveguide is partially determined by the refractive index of the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the shielding layer or first layer 503. If the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 is contaminated due to repeated contact with aerosol products, the accumulation of contaminants on the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 will affect or alter the refractive index of the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503. As a result, the refractive index of the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 may change over time. For example, the refractive index of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 for electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of λnm may be n1, which may be changed to a value n2 by contaminants, in which case n2 is either greater than n1 or n2 is less than n1.

[0140] A configuration is disclosed in which the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a surface 1 placed within an aerosol supply device 202. The first device may comprise an optical device which may include an optical transmitter 700 and a photodetector 701. The optical transmitter 700 may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation which is at least partially internally reflected within a shielding layer or first layer 503 and then detected by the photodetector 701.

[0141] Optionally, a configuration is intended to further include a device configured to notify the user of the cleanliness status or predicted cleanliness status of the first surface, wherein the aerosol supply device 202 is configured to do so. The device may include indicators, such as a user display or an illumination configuration.

[0142] The aerosol supply device 202 may further include a device configured to advise the user to perform a cleaning routine. For example, if the first device determines that a first surface of the aerosol supply device 202 potentially requires cleaning, this determination may be communicated to the user, for example, by a visual warning or indication (e.g., on a user display) and / or by haptic feedback before, during, or after a usage session.

[0143] The optical device may further include a processor for determining the internal reflection angle. According to one configuration, a change in the internal reflection angle may indicate a changed (e.g., reduced) cleanliness state.

[0144] In one configuration, the shielding layer or the first layer 503 may be planar so as to form a planar optical waveguide. The planar optical waveguide comprises an incident surface, a waveguide portion having a longitudinal direction, and an exit surface, wherein the incident surface and / or the exit surface are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Light or electromagnetic radiation may be transmitted through the shielding layer or the first layer 503. The optical transmitter 700 may be located in the lid or base of the aerosol supply device 202. The optical receiver 701 may be located in the lid or base of the aerosol supply device 202.

[0145] Figure 8 shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 can be determined by the reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503. If the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 is contaminated due to repeated contact with aerosol products, the accumulation of contaminants on the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 will affect or alter the refractive index of the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503. As a result, the refractive index of the first or upper surface (or first surface) of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 may change over time. For example, the refractive index of the shielding layer or the first layer 503 for electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of λnm may be n1, which may be changed to a value n2 due to contamination, in which case n2 is either greater than n1 or n2 is less than n1.

[0146] Figure 9 shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or first layer is determined by transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the shielding layer or first layer 503 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the shielding layer or first layer 503. The electromagnetic radiation is emitted by the optical transmitter 700 and can be detected by the photodetector 701.

[0147] Figure 10 shows another configuration in which the cleanliness of the shielding layer or the first layer 503 can be determined by viewing optical markings 800 provided within or on the shielding layer or the first layer 503 using an imaging device 801.

[0148] A portion of the aerosol supply device 202 may further comprise a permeable or semi-permeable barrier layer or first layer having one or more optical markings. The permeable or semi-permeable barrier layer or first layer may comprise a first surface which is to be kept clean. According to another configuration, the optical device may be configured to examine a barcode or another optical marking provided on a portion of the aerosol product 204. According to this embodiment, the first device may be configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface located within the aerosol supply device 202, the first surface comprising a portion of the barrier layer or first layer 503 including the optical marking 800.

[0149] Figure 11 shows a further configuration in which a heater 900 may be operated to heat the barrier layer or the first layer 503 to clean the surface of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 if the cleanliness of the barrier layer or the first layer 503 is determined to be relatively low. Thus, a configuration is disclosed in which the aerosol generator comprises a heater 900, wherein the heater 900 may be operated to clean the first surface if the first surface of the aerosol supply device 202 is determined to have a cleanliness state below a threshold. In the configuration shown in Figure 11, the heater 900 is located below the barrier layer or the first layer 503. However, other configurations are conceivable in which the heater 900 may be located above the barrier surface or the first layer 503, or in other locations such as around the periphery of the separation layer or the first layer 503.

[0150] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising an aerosol chamber movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber is in contact with an aerosol product and a second position in which the aerosol chamber is not in contact with an aerosol product. A first mechanism may be configured to move the aerosol chamber between the first and second positions. According to various embodiments, the aerosol product may comprise a substantially circular or elliptical substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate may include, for example, paper, card, or aluminum foil. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the substrate may comprise multiple layers arranged in a sandwich-like manner. For example, the substrate may comprise a paper or card substrate having a first aluminum foil layer disposed on the first surface and a second aluminum foil layer disposed on the second surface.

[0151] Aerosol products may include open-type or closed-type consumables. For example, an open-type consumable may be understood as a type of consumable that includes an aerosol product in which the aerosol-generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product. In contrast, a closed-type consumable may be understood as an aerosol product in which the aerosol-generating material is not provided on the outer or outermost surface of the consumable, but rather on one or more inner surfaces. For example, according to various embodiments, a closed-type consumable may be provided in which one or both of the outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product include a gas-impermeable layer such as plastic or other material. For example, an embodiment may be provided in which an aerosol product is provided having an innermost substrate having one or more layers of aerosol-generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate, and the aerosol product is enclosed in a housing made of a gas-impermeable material or otherwise housed. A closed-type consumable may include a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may include an intake.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the aerosol product may have a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T), where the length (L) of the aerosol product is greater than the width (W) and / or thickness (T). The aerosol product may have a longitudinal axis and may have a first airflow input end and a second airflow output end. For example, the aerosol product may comprise a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may provide a region into which air enters the aerosol product during use, and the second end face may provide a region through which aerosols generated within the aerosol product exit during use.

[0153] Embodiments are considered in which the second end face further comprises a mouthpiece. For example, the aerosol product may have a distal end (which may be configured so that air enters the aerosol product through it) and a proximal end (which may have a mouthpiece through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated in the aerosol product).

[0154] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be provided on either a first surface and / or a second surface of the substrate. For example, a single-sided or double-sided aerosol product may be provided. A single-sided aerosol product may be actuated by a single array of heating elements. A double-sided aerosol product may be actuated by a double array of heating elements provided on both sides of the aerosol product during use.

[0155] Embodiments are contemplated in which an aerosol product can be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. One or more aerosol generators may include, for example, a single aerosol generator, or a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in a certain array. Embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol generators are provided in an n×m array, where n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or greater than 10, and m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or greater than 10. For example, the aerosol generators may be provided in a 2×2 array, a 2×3 array, a 2×4 array, a 2×5 array, a 2×6 array, a 2×7 array, a 2×8 array, a 2×9 array or a 2×10 array.

[0156] According to various embodiments, one or more aerosol generators may include one or more resistance heaters or resistance heating elements. According to other embodiments, one or more aerosol generators may include one or more induction heaters or induction heating elements. Embodiments in which multiple resistance and induction heating elements may be provided are also contemplated.

[0157] The aerosol product may be configured to rotate and / or translate relative to one or more aerosol generators so that it is positioned adjacent to one or more aerosol generators and heated from only one side. Alternatively, the aerosol product may be configured to rotate and / or translate relative to one or more aerosol generators so that it is inserted between a first set of aerosol generators and a second set of aerosol generators. According to such embodiments, the aerosol product may be configured to be heated simultaneously or sequentially from two opposing sides.

[0158] Embodiments in which the aerosol product may be prism-shaped are also contemplated. For example, the aerosol product may include a triangular prism, a square prism, or a cylindrical prism. For example, the aerosol product may include a cylindrical aerosol product. The aerosol product may be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, an aerosol supply device may have a cavity into which a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product can be inserted. The matrix, strip, or array of aerosol generators may be provided at one or more positions around or along the cavity. The aerosol product may then be rotated and / or translated relative to the aerosol generator so that different parts of the aerosol product can be heated sequentially or progressively, or otherwise accessed.

[0159] Embodiments are considered in which an aerosol product can be translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol product may comprise multiple parts of an aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol product may be translated longitudinally such that multiple separate parts of the aerosol-generating material can be operated in series or sequentially or otherwise heated.

[0160] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol generating article may comprise a cylinder or more generally a prism. A plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or centered on a cylindrical or prismatic aerosol generating article. It is contemplated that the aerosol generating article may be rotated within a static array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may remain stationary and a plurality of aerosol generators may be rotated relative to the aerosol generating article. Yet another embodiment is contemplated in which both the aerosol generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol generating article may be rotated and / or translated at a first speed v1 and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and / or translated at a second speed v2. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 > v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 = v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments in which v1 < v2 in the operating mode are also contemplated.

[0161] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating article may comprise a flat or planar consumable having a longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article may be translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol generating article comprises a cylindrical consumable having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical consumable may be rotated about its longitudinal axis and / or translated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article may be single-sided or double-sided. The double-sided consumable may be heated from both sides during use.

[0162] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and The aerosol supply device comprises a first device configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface disposed within the aerosol supply device, The aerosol supply device comprises a first surface which is the surface of a barrier layer and a contact surface between the aerosol product and the aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction coils or induction heating elements.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier layer comprises a heat insulating layer.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device is configured to determine (i) the number of puffs obtained by the user after a previous cleanup event, (ii) the number of times the aerosol generator has been operated after a previous cleanup event, or (iii) the rotational or translational speed of the aerosol product after a previous cleanup event.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device is configured to determine the distance or separation between a portion of the aerosol generator and a portion of the aerosol product placed in the aerosol supply device during use.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device is configured to determine whether the rise time, which corresponds to the time it takes to reach the operating temperature, has increased beyond a threshold time.

7. An aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and The aerosol supply device comprises a first device configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface disposed within the aerosol supply device, An aerosol supply device in which the first surface comprises the surface of a planar optical waveguide.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device further comprises an optical transmitter and a photodetector, the optical transmitter being configured to emit electromagnetic radiation that is reflected by or transmitted through the first surface, and the photodetector being configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation that is reflected by or transmitted through the first surface.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an optical device configured to visually inspect or examine a barcode, QR code or other optical marking provided on an aerosol product, wherein the optical device is configured to output a signal to the first device, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the first surface based on the signal output from the optical device.

10. An aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and The aerosol supply device comprises a first device configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface disposed within the aerosol supply device, The aerosol supply device further comprises a layer having one or more optical markings and an optical device configured to view or examine the one or more optical markings, wherein the first surface comprises the surface of the layer having one or more optical markings. An aerosol supply device in which the optical device is configured to output a signal to the first device, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of the first surface based on the signal output from the optical device.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device comprises an imaging device for observing and analyzing images provided on the components of the aerosol supply device and / or on the aerosol product, and the first device is configured to determine the cleanliness state of the first surface in accordance with the analysis of one or more qualities of the observed image.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heater or other cleaning device for cleaning the first surface.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein if the first device determines that the first surface has a cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state above or below a threshold, the first device is configured to activate the heater or other cleaning device to clean the first surface.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a device configured to notify the user of the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state determined by the first device.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a device configured to advise the user to perform a cleaning routine when the first device determines that the surface has a first cleanliness state.

16. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol product.

17. A method for generating an aerosol, The steps include providing an aerosol supply device equipped with an aerosol generator, The steps include determining the cleanliness state or predicted cleanliness state of a first surface placed within the aerosol supply device, The method comprising a first surface which is the surface of a barrier layer and is a contact surface between the aerosol product and the aerosol supply device.

Images