Aerosol supply device and method for generating aerosols

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (202) is disclosed that comprises an aerosol generator (501), a receiving area for receiving an aerosol product, and a first layer (503) disposed between the aerosol generator (501) and the receiving area.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce 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 without combustion" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating materials without burning them. The materials may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the devices or products described above are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Often, the medium used needs to be changed or replaced to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known that induction heating systems are used as heaters to generate aerosols from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by immersing it in the fluctuating magnetic field and heating a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which rod-shaped consumables are 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, • A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, • A first layer is provided between the aerosol generator and the receptor region, An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following:

[0007] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided in which a first layer is provided between an aerosol generator (which may comprise one or more induction coils) and an aerosol product that is inserted into a receiving region during use. The first layer may comprise an insulating layer, or it may comprise a glass or ceramic layer. According to another embodiment, the first layer may comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK). It will be understood that during use, the aerosol generator (e.g., one or more induction coils) does not come into direct contact with the aerosol product. Instead, a first insulating (thermal) layer is provided between the aerosol generator (e.g., one or more induction coils) and the aerosol product.

[0008] The first layer may have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. For example, PEEK may have a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 50 × 10⁻⁶. -6 Glass and ceramics have a linear expansion coefficient of approximately 5-10 × 10°C. -6It may have a linear expansion coefficient of / °C. As a result, the first layer can expand by a negligible amount during use, and consequently, the distance between one or more induction coils and the susceptor layer provided in the aerosol product remains substantially constant during operation, thereby improving the consistency of heating performance.

[0009] The first layer may include glass or ceramic, and the aerosol product may be pressed against the first layer during use to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material provided on the aerosol product. The aerosol product may comprise a substrate, a susceptor layer (e.g., aluminum foil), and a layer of aerosol-generating material.

[0010] It has been found that the heating performance of the susceptor layer may depend on the vertical separation distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils.

[0011] According to various embodiments, a first layer is provided between the aerosol generator (i.e., one or more induction coils) and the aerosol product, the first layer comprising a thermal insulating layer such as glass or ceramic having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, and by pressing the aerosol product against the first layer, it is ensured that the separation distance between the susceptor layer of the aerosol product and one or more induction coils is kept constant during use. As a result, uniform heating performance can be achieved.

[0012] Furthermore, the first layer, which includes glass or ceramic, is beneficial in that the glass or ceramic layer may have relatively high resistance to thermal cycling.

[0013] In addition, providing a first layer with a thermal insulating layer helps ensure that the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device retains thermal energy, and that less thermal energy is dissipated into the body of the aerosol supply device during use. As a result, the aerosol supply device can generate a first puff from the aerosol product within a shortened time period, which is particularly beneficial.

[0014] Optionally, the first layer includes an insulating layer.

[0015] Optionally, the first layer may comprise one or more glass layers.

[0016] Optionally, the first layer may comprise one or more ceramic layers.

[0017] Optionally, the first layer may comprise a combination of one or more glass layers and one or more ceramic layers.

[0018] Optionally, the first layer 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, or 40 to 50 W / mK.

[0019] The first layer may contain a plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or another material.

[0020] Optionally, the first layer has a flatness of ±1 μm, ±1-5 μm, ±5-10 μm, ±10-15 μm, ±15-20 μm, or ±20-25 μm over a 10 mm × 10 mm area. Optionally, the first layer has a flatness tolerance of less than 1 μm, 1-5 μm, 5-10 μm, 10-15 μm, 15-20 μm, or 20-25 μm. Since the first layer can come into contact with the aerosol product during use, and the aerosol product may have a susceptor layer, it will be understood that having a first layer with a high level of flatness ensures that the distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils is substantially constant over the desired heating area.

[0021] Optionally, the lower surface of the first layer may include a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the first (or upper) surface of the first layer may include a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. The plurality of castellations or regular protrusions enable an additional air gap to be provided between the aerosol-generating article and one or more induction coils or other parts of the aerosol supply device.

[0022] It is contemplated that the castellations or regular protrusions provided on the second (or lower) surface and / or the first (or upper) surface of the first layer may all be of the same size. Alternatively, the castellations or regular protrusions provided on the second (or lower) surface and / or the first (or upper) surface of the first layer may have different sizes, widths or circumferences.

[0023] The castellations or regular protrusions may be hemispherical, elliptical or polygonal in shape.

[0024] Optionally, the first (or upper) surface of the first layer may include one or more depressions.

[0025] Optionally, the first layer is magnetically permeable. For example, the first layer may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation emitted by an aerosol generator (i.e., one or more induction coils) with a transmission efficiency of at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.

[0026] Optionally, the first layer may have a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10×10 -6 / °C in the temperature range of 40 to 400°C. The first layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10 to 20×10 -6 / °C, 20 to 3×10 -6 / °C, 30 to 40×10 -6 / °C, 40 to 50×10 -6 / °C, 50 - 60×10 -6 / °C, 60 - 70×10 -6 / °C, 70 - 80×10 -6 / °C, 80 - 90×10 -6 / °C or other embodiments having a coefficient of thermal expansion of 90 - 100×10 -6 / °C are contemplated.

[0027] Optionally, the first layer has a stiffness or Young's modulus greater than 50 GPa. For example, the first layer may have a Young's modulus in the range of 50 - 60 GPa, 60 - 70 GPa, 70 - 80 GPa, 80 - 90 GPa, 90 - 100 GPa or greater than 100 GPa.

[0028] Optionally, the first layer may protrude from the surrounding housing such that the aerosol generating article contacts the first layer during use but does not contact the surrounding housing.

[0029] Optionally, a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions may form an air gap or air insulation layer.

[0030] Optionally, the air gap or air insulation layer has a thickness less than 50 μm, 50 - 100 μm, 100 - 150 μm, 150 - 200 μm, 200 - 250 μm, 250 - 300 μm, 300 - 350 μm, 350 - 400 μm or greater than 400 μm.

[0031] Optionally, the first layer may have a thickness less than 50 μm, 50 - 100 μm, 100 - 150 μm, 150 - 200 μm, 200 - 250 μm, 250 - 300 μm, 300 - 350 μm, 350 - 400 μm, 400 - 450 μm, 450 - 500 μm, 500 - 550 μm, 550 - 600 μm or greater than 600 μm.

[0032] Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction heating elements, and the one or more induction heating elements are at least partially embedded within the first layer.

[0033] Optionally, the aerosol generator may include one or more conductive tracks provided on and / or within the first layer. According to one embodiment, one or more conductive tracks may form one or more elements of an induction coil structure. One or more conductive tracks may be printed, etched, or deposited on the first layer.

[0034] Optionally, the first (or upper) surface of the first layer may be convex, concave, or planar. It is also intended that the second (or lower) surface of the first layer may be convex, concave, or planar.

[0035] Optionally, the aerosol generator comprises one or more concave, convex, or planar induction coils.

[0036] Optionally, the first layer is gas-impermeable. Beneficially, any gas generated within the electronic equipment housing, which may include one or more induction coils, is prevented from escaping from the electronic equipment housing by the first layer. Furthermore, any gas that may be generated is prevented by the first layer from entering an aerosol chamber, which may be positioned, for example, in contact with an aerosol product. For example, according to various embodiments, the aerosol chamber may be pressed to engage with the aerosol product, thereby strictly controlling the separation distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils within the aerosol product, thereby enabling consistent heating of the susceptor layer.

[0037] In another embodiment, an aerosol generation system, • The aerosol supply device described above, • Aerosol products and, An aerosol generation system is provided that includes the following features.

[0038] Selectively, the aerosol product is, (i) A substrate that is approximately circular, elliptical, or polyhedral in shape, having 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 having one or more portions of an aerosol generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, or (iii) Aerosol products in the shape of a rectangular prism or cylinder It is equipped with.

[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 step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator having a receiving region for receiving aerosol products and a first layer between the aerosol generator and the receiving region, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the receptive region, A method is provided that includes this.

[0041] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device, • A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, • One or more first aerosol generators positioned on the first side surface of the receptor region, • One or more second aerosol generators positioned on the second side surface of the receptive region, An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following:

[0042] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a first thermal insulating layer provided between one or more first aerosol generators and a receiving region.

[0043] Optionally, the first thermal insulating layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions that form an air gap or air insulating layer.

[0044] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a second thermal insulating layer provided between one or more second aerosol generators and a receiving region.

[0045] Optionally, the second thermal insulating layer has multiple castellations or regular protrusions that form an air gap or air insulating layer.

[0046] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device, • One or more aerosol generators, • A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, A first thermal insulating layer provided between one or more aerosol generators and a receiving region, wherein the first thermal insulating layer has a first side facing the receiving region and a second side opposite to the receiving region, and the first thermal insulating layer further comprises (i) The first thermal insulating layer is provided with a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on its first surface to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and the aerosol product when the aerosol product is placed within the receiving area during use, and / or (ii) A first thermal insulating layer having a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or depressions on the second side surface of the first thermal insulating layer in order to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and one or more aerosol generators, An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [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 the upper lid of the aerosol supply device, which has a mouthpiece, to the lower base. [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 the aerosol product inserted into the device. [Figure 5] This figure shows some components of an aerosol supply device, in which a first (i.e., insulating) layer is provided above the induction coil, and the first (i.e., insulating) layer is positioned to be in contact with the aerosol product during use. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device showing a first (i.e., insulating) layer provided between the induction coil and the aerosol product. [Figure 7]The diagram shows a structure comprising a first (i.e., insulating) layer, the first (i.e., insulating) layer having a plurality of castellations provided on a second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e., insulating) layer, which is positioned adjacent to one or more induction coils, and the first (i.e., insulating) layer extending beyond the surrounding housing. [Figure 8A] This table shows the performance of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer and the time it takes to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 275°C for different tests with various components during the calibration process. [Figure 8B] This figure shows how the temperature of the aluminum foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product changed over time using a first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests. [Figure 9A] This table shows the performance of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer and the time it takes for the surface of the foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 300°C for different tests using various compositions. [Figure 9B] This figure shows how the temperature of the aluminum foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product changed over time using a first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests. [Figure 10A] This table shows the performance of the first (i.e., insulating) layer and the time it takes for the surface of the aerosol-generating material (gel) layer of the aerosol product to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 300°C for different tests using various configurations. [Figure 10B] This figure shows how the surface temperature of the aerosol product layer changed over time using a first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests. [Figure 11]This is an exaggerated view of a component of a first (i.e., insulating) layer having a concave first (or upper) surface, in which a curved aerosol product is placed on the first (i.e., insulating) layer, so that when the aerosol product is heated, it expands and the susceptor layer provided within the aerosol product takes on a planar profile, so that the separation distance between the susceptor layer and one or more induction coils is substantially constant over the desired heating region of the aerosol product. [Figure 12] This figure shows a configuration in which a concave first (i.e., insulating) layer is provided on a concave inductor coil, and an aerosol product having a similar concave profile is placed on the first (i.e., insulating) layer. [Figure 13A] This figure shows a configuration in which a planar inductor coil is bonded to the second (or lower) surface of a first (i.e., insulating) layer. [Figure 13B] This diagram shows a structure in which a planar inductor coil is embedded in a first (i.e., insulating) layer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible 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. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, sheets that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a one-component aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply device 202 is shown to comprise an outer housing 221, a power supply 222, a control circuit 223, an induction heating element such as one or more dielectric coils 224a, a receiving region or aerosol forming chamber 225, an inlet end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end-of-use indicator 231.

[0070] According to various embodiments described in more detail below, an aerosol supply device is disclosed, comprising an aerosol generator (which may include one or more induction coils 224a), a receiving region for receiving aerosol products, and a first layer provided between the aerosol generator and the receiving region. For clarity, the barrier layer is not illustrated or described in relation to Figures 1 to 4, but is shown below in relation to Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 11 to 13.

[0071] In the configuration, one or more induction heating elements 224a may comprise one or more of the following: (i) a flat spiral coil, the spiral coil may include a circular or oval spiral, a square or rectangular spiral, a trapezoidal spiral, or a triangular spiral; (ii) a multilayer induction configuration in which subsequent complete or partial windings of the coil are provided on adjacent layers, wherein optionally the multilayer induction configuration has a staggered structure such that the first layer is spaced apart from the second layer in a first direction and the third layer is spaced apart from the second layer in the opposite direction and is located within or near the first layer; or (iii) optionally one or more three-dimensional inductor coils, such as a regular helical or conical inductor coil having a variable spiral pitch.

[0072] The aerosol supply device 202 may include a lid, a base, and a fixing part.

[0073] The outer housing 221 may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic. The outer housing 221 may be configured such that the power supply 222, control circuit 223, one or more induction coils 224a, receiving area 225, and intake sensor 230 are located inside the outer housing 221. The outer housing 221 also defines an air inlet 227 and an air outlet 228. The touch-sensitive panel 229 and end-of-use indicator 231 may be located outside the outer housing 221.

[0074] The outer housing 221 further includes 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 that includes 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] The aerosol supply device 202 may further include a receiving region 225 configured to receive an aerosol product 204. The receiving region 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 appropriate location within the receiving area 225.

[0081] 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 into the receiving region 225. 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 surface 112. The first surface 112 and / or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The aerosol product 204 may comprise a carrier component 242, which may be formed from a card. The carrier component 242 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 30–80 mm, a width of 7–25 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged at separate, distinct locations on a single surface of the component carrier 242. Although the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are shown as 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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 part of the surface of the receiving region 225. That is, the outer or first (upper) surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a is coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving region 225.

[0102] 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 in the receiving region 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] One or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent to the receiving region 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 region 225 and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Various configurations are described in which one or more susceptors are provided as part of the aerosol product 204. However, other configurations are also conceivable 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, or one or more susceptors may be arranged so as to be in contact with the second (or lower) surface of the carrier component 242.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] In one configuration, an array of induction heating coils 224a may be provided to supply energy to individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244. However, in another configuration, 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 the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 provided on the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0115] Alternatively, a single induction coil 224a may be provided, and the aerosol product 204 may be rotated relative to the single induction coil 224a. 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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, less aerosols are generated, or no aerosols are 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] In the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may have one or more tracks, and the lid and / or base may be configured to apply force along one or more tracks to allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation around the axis of rotation. In some configurations, one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol product 204 that do not contain aerosol-generating material. In some configurations, one or more tracks may comprise regions of the aerosol product 204 that contain metal foil.

[0121] The lid may comprise a plenum and a mouthpiece. In some configurations, the mouthpiece and plenum may be integrated with the lid. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid ensures even compression over the aerosol product 204. It is also intended that the plenum may be removable.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The lid 1006 and / or base 1008 may comprise one or more walls configured to form an aerosol chamber or aerosol-forming chamber when the lid 1006 engages with the base 1008. The lid 1006 and / or base 1008 can apply uniform pressure to a substantially flat aerosol product through one or more walls to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Figure 5 shows a part of a one-component aerosol supply device 202 comprising a component 520 which may include an aerosol chamber and a mouthpiece 226. The aerosol chamber may be configured to receive aerosol generated from a portion of an aerosol product 204 inserted into the aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol received into the aerosol chamber may then be transmitted forward to the mouthpiece 226, thereby allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0126] As described above, a portion of the component 520 (particularly the aerosol chamber) may be configured to come into contact with the aerosol product 204 if it is desired to generate an aerosol from the aerosol product 204. A portion of the component 520 may be forced to engage with the aerosol product 204, thereby fixing the aerosol product 204 to the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503.

[0127] According to one configuration, the aerosol product 204 may be configured to come into contact with a first (i.e., thermal) layer 503 when it is desired to generate an aerosol. The first (i.e., thermal) layer 503 may be substantially permeable to a magnetic field emitted by one or more induction coils 501. For example, the first (i.e., thermal) layer 503 may be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation emitted by an aerosol generator (i.e., one or more induction coils 501) with a transmission efficiency of at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%.

[0128] 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), a susceptor layer 506 (which may include aluminum foil), and a layer 507 of aerosol-generating material (which may include a gel film).

[0129] A consumable bed 500 is shown, and a PCB inductor coil 501 is placed within the consumable bed 500. The inductor coil 501 is bonded to the back surface of a first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 by an adhesive layer 502. The first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 is fixed to the consumable bed 500 and is not rotatable.

[0130] As can be understood, depending on the configuration, the component 520 may be removed from contact with the aerosol product 204, thereby allowing the aerosol product 204 to rotate relative to the induction coil 501.

[0131] 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 can be released from the aerosol-generating layer 507, and the resulting aerosol can then be captured by an aerosol chamber that forms part of the component 520. The aerosol can then be transmitted forward from the aerosol chamber to the mouthpiece 226.

[0132] Once a dose of aerosol 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 usage session. To rotate the aerosol product 204 relative to the induction coil 501, the components 520, including the aerosol chamber, may be removed from contact with the aerosol product 204.

[0133] According to one configuration, an aerosol supply device 202 comprising an aerosol generator is disclosed. The aerosol generator may comprise, for example, one or more induction coils 501 or induction heating elements.

[0134] 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 may be forced into contact with a barrier layer 503 provided between the induction coil 501 and the aerosol product 204. The first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may comprise an insulating layer including a glass, ceramic, or plastic layer. The barrier layer may be optically transparent and may have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.01 W / mK, 0.05 W / mK, 0.05 W / mK, 0.1 W / mK, 0.5 W / mK, 0.5 W / mK, 1 W / mK, 5 W / mK, 10 W / mK, 10 W / mK, 20 W / mK, 30 W / mK, 40 W / mK, and 40 W / mK. It is also intended that the barrier layer 503 may comprise a plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0135] In the configuration shown in Figure 6, the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may be integrated with the consumable bed 500. Alternatively, the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may be located within or fixed to the consumable bed 500.

[0136] The first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may have a flatness of ±1 μm, ±1 to 5 μm, ±5 to 10 μm, ±10 to 15 μm, ±15 to 20 μm, or ±20 to 25 μm over a 10 mm × 10 mm area. Depending on the configuration, the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may have a flatness tolerance of less than 1 μm, 1 to 5 μm, 5 to 10 μm, 10 to 15 μm, 15 to 20 μm, or 20 to 25 μm. Since the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may come into contact with the aerosol product 204 during use, and the aerosol product 204 may comprise the susceptor layer 506, it will be understood that ensuring the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 has a high level of flatness ensures that the distance between the susceptor layer 506 and one or more induction coils 501 is substantially constant over the desired heating area. As a result, a uniform heating structure is provided.

[0137] Figure 7 shows a configuration in which a barrier layer 503 is provided with a plurality of castellations on a second (or lower) surface of a first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. The first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 is positioned adjacent to one or more induction coils 501 and provides thermal insulation or heat insulation to the one or more induction coils 501, more generally, to insulate the aerosol product from the main body of the aerosol supply device 202. The castellations may be provided on the second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503, and the air gap may be provided by or around the castellations. The castellations may have depths of less than 100 μm, 100-200 μm, 200-300 μm, or 300-400 μm. The castellations provide improved thermal insulation, resulting in a greater amount of thermal energy being retained by the susceptor of the aerosol product. As a result, the aerosol product can be heated more rapidly to the desired setpoint temperature, which is particularly beneficial as it allows the user to generate aerosol puffs on demand within a time period of approximately 1 second. Depending on the other configuration, the aerosol product may be heated to the desired setpoint temperature within a time period of less than 1 second, 1-2 seconds, 2-3 seconds, or 3-4 seconds.

[0138] Depending on the configuration, the second (or lower) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may have multiple castellations or regular protrusions. However, other configurations are envisioned in which the first (upper) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may have additional or alternatively multiple castellations or regular protrusions. Multiple castellations or regular protrusions make it possible to provide an air gap that provides additional thermal insulation or thermal insulation in addition to the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 itself. It is envisioned that the castellations or regular protrusions provided on the second (or lower) surface and / or the first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may all be the same size and / or have the same profile. Alternatively, the castellations or regular protrusions provided on the second (or lower) surface and / or the first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may have different sizes, widths, circumferences, or profiles. Castellations or regular projections may be hemispherical, elliptical, or polygonal in shape. Castellations or projections may be arranged in a regular pattern, or they may be arranged irregularly or non-repeatingly.

[0139] As shown in Figure 7, the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may be positioned to protrude beyond the surrounding housing 550, so that when the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol supply device 202, it may be positioned to contact the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 rather than the surrounding housing 550. For example, the aerosol product may be substantially rigid so that when the aerosol product contacts the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503, it contacts the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 but not the surrounding housing 550. As a result, the thermal insulation of the aerosol product is improved. The aerosol product is intended to have a stiffness or Young's modulus of less than 10 GPa, 10-20 GPa, 20-30 GPa, 30-40 GPa, 40-50 GPa, 50-60 GPa, 60-70 GPa, 70-80 GPa, 80-90 GPa, 90-100 GPa, or greater than 100 GPa, such that the aerosol product contacts only the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 and not the housing immediately adjacent to the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503. It will be understood that the aerosol product may additionally contact an aerosol chamber provided, for example, within the lid of an aerosol supply device.

[0140] Figure 8A shows a table illustrating the performance of the first (i.e., insulating) layer for different tests and the time to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 275°C. Various different first (i.e., insulating) layers were tested, including white ceramic (W), black ceramic containing yttrium oxide (B), two different types of glass, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) of two different thicknesses. Figure 8B shows how the temperature of the aluminum foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product changed over time using the first (i.e., insulating) layer for different tests during the calibration routine.

[0141] The highest temperature of the aluminum foil susceptor layer (TC) is measured by a thermocouple in direct contact with the aluminum foil susceptor layer. Max The time to reach the maximum temperature and the determined temperature gradient are shown.

[0142] The determined temperature gradient is related to the determined resonant frequency of the resonant circuit including the susceptor layer. The determined temperature gradient is a measure of the change in the resonant waveform period per degree Celsius. Depending on the configuration, the temperature of the susceptor layer provided within the aerosol product may be determined by measuring the decay resonant frequency of a series resistor-inductor-capacitor network. The capacitance is fixed (e.g., provided by a PCB component), the resistance is partly due to the resistivity of the susceptor foil, and the inductance is largely fixed by the inductor coil.

[0143] It will be understood that as the temperature of the susceptor increases, both the foil resistivity and z height increase, resulting in a decrease in the measured resonant frequency. The temperature gradient is a measure of the change in the resonant waveform period per degree Celsius (the time period is 1 / frequency). For example, if the resonant frequency at a temperature of 100°C is determined to be 2.1980 MHz, then the time period = 1 / 2.198 MHz = 454.96 ns. If the resonant frequency at a temperature 1°C higher, i.e., 101°C, is 2.1975 MHz, then the temperature gradient is 95 ps / °C, i.e., 1 / (454.96 ns + 95 ps) = 2.1975 MHz.

[0144] The time-to-temperature or resonant frequency-to-temperature response is nonlinear; therefore, determining the temperature calculated by measuring the resonant frequency is most accurate at two temperatures used for calibration: the ambient temperature (e.g., 22°C) and a high-temperature calibration point, which may be 275°C.

[0145] According to one configuration, the first (i.e., insulating) layer may contain a ceramic such as yttrium(II)(YO) oxide, which may have a dark brown color. Alternatively, the first (i.e., insulating) layer may be formed of an optically transparent ceramic such as yttrium(III)(Y2O3). According to another configuration, the first (i.e., insulating) layer may contain glass such as alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass. The glass does not have to contain alkali oxides and may contain 15-25% Al2O3, 52-60% SiO2, and about 15% alkaline earth. The first (i.e., insulating) layer may have a thickness of less than 50 μm, 50 to 100 μm, 100 to 150 μm, 150 to 200 μm, 200 to 250 μm, 250 to 300 μm, 300 to 350 μm, 350 to 400 μm, 400 to 450 μm, 450 to 500 μm, 500 to 550 μm, 550 to 600 μm, or greater than 600 μm.

[0146] The temperature gradient can be considered an indicator of how rapidly the susceptor layer 243 of the aerosol product 204 can be heated by the various components. Note that the average temperature gradient of the first (i.e., insulating) layer of the two ceramics was 108.5 ns / °C, and the average temperature gradient of the two glass layers was 113.5 ns / °C. The average temperature gradient of the two PEEK layers was 117.5 ns / °C.

[0147] The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 2.2 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of ceramic, 1.9 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of glass, and 2.6 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of PEEK.

[0148] Therefore, it has been found that using either a ceramic layer or a glass layer for the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 is particularly beneficial. A first (i.e., insulating) layer of PEEK may also be used, resulting in an improvement in the time to the first puff compared to a configuration in which no first (i.e., insulating) layer is provided between one or more induction coils and the aerosol product.

[0149] Figure 9A shows a table illustrating the performance of the first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests and the time it took for the surface of the foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 300°C, while Figure 9B shows how the temperature of the aluminum foil susceptor layer of the aerosol product changed over time using the first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests.

[0150] The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 3.5 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) ceramic layer, 3.0 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) glass layer, and 3.2 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) PEEK layer.

[0151] Figure 10A shows a table illustrating the performance of the first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests and the time it took for the surface of the aerosol-generating material (gel) layer of the aerosol product to reach the maximum desired setpoint temperature of 300°C, while Figure 10B shows how the surface temperature of the aerosol-generating material layer changed over time using the first (i.e., insulating) layer in different tests.

[0152] The average time to reach the maximum temperature was determined to be 3.8 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of ceramic, 4.0 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of glass, and 4.0 seconds for the first (i.e., insulating) layer of PEEK.

[0153] Figure 11 shows an exaggerated view of one configuration of a first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 having a concave first (or upper) surface and a planar second (or lower) surface. The first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 is provided adjacent to one or more induction coils 501. According to one configuration, a curved aerosol product 204 may be placed on the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503, so that when the aerosol product 204 is heated, it expands, and the susceptor layer 506 provided within the aerosol product 204 bends from its curved shape to a planar shape. As a result, the distance between the susceptor layer 506 and one or more induction coils 501 becomes substantially constant at the desired operating temperature, thereby enabling the maintenance of more uniform heating performance.

[0154] According to one configuration, the aerosol chamber (not shown) may have a planar or convex profile and may engage at least a portion or substantially the entire aerosol product 204 to press the aerosol product 204 against the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. The aerosol chamber may be molded or deformable such that the susceptor layer 506 has a profile (e.g., planar) substantially corresponding to the profile of one or more induction coils 501, so as to allow the aerosol product to expand when heated and so as to maintain a constant separation distance between the susceptor layer 506 and one or more induction coils 501.

[0155] Figure 12 shows a further configuration provided with a concave first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. The concave first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may be provided on a corresponding concave inductor coil 501. An aerosol product 204 having a similar profile is placed on the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. With this configuration, if it is desired to generate an aerosol from the aerosol product 204, the distance between the susceptor layer and the inductor coil 501 located within the aerosol product 204 can be kept substantially constant.

[0156] According to one configuration, an aerosol chamber (not shown) may have a convex shape and may engage with the aerosol product 204 to press it against the first (or upper) surface of the first (i.e., insulating) layer 503. The aerosol chamber may prevent the aerosol product 204 from deforming, thereby keeping the separation distance between the susceptor layer provided within the aerosol product 204 and one or more induction coils 501 substantially constant.

[0157] Other configurations are envisioned in which the aerosol generator may comprise one or more conductive tracks provided on and / or within the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. For example, Figure 13A shows a configuration in which one or more inductor coils 501 are bonded to the second (lower) surface of the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503. One or more conductive tracks may be printed, etched, or deposited on the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503, and the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer may contain glass, ceramic, or a plastic material such as PEEK. Configurations are also envisioned in which one or more inductor coils 501 are embedded within the first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503, as shown in Figure 13B. With this configuration, one or more inductor coils 501 may be thermally insulated or heat-insulated to prevent deformation, e.g., bending, during operation. The first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer 503 may contain a plastic material such as PEEK.

[0158] It will be understood that various configurations are intended in which an aerosol supply device 202 is provided having an insulating or thermal insulating layer 501 provided between one or more induction coils 501 and an aerosol product 204. The first (i.e., insulating) layer 503 may include a glass layer, a ceramic layer, a plastic layer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or another material that functions as an insulating material and may have a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion. According to various configurations, the first (i.e., insulating) layer 501 may have a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, for example, 10 -6 It may have a temperature below / ℃.

[0159] The first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer may have a concave, convex, or planar first (or upper) surface that can come into contact with the aerosol supply device during use. The first (i.e., thermal insulation) layer may have a concave, convex, or planar lower or second surface that can be positioned in contact with one or more induction coils 501. One or more induction coils 501 may be provided on a printed circuit board ("PCB").

[0160] The first (i.e., insulating) layer 501's first (or upper) surface and / or second (or lower) surface may have multiple castellations that can provide an additional air gap between the aerosol product 204 and one or more inductor coils 501. The first (i.e., insulating) layer 501, made of various components, can have improved resistance to thermal cycling and can help ensure that the aerosol product 204 placed within the aerosol supply device 202 retains thermal energy and that less thermal energy is dissipated into the body of the aerosol supply device 202 during use. As a result, the aerosol supply device 202 can generate a first puff from the aerosol product 204 in a shorter time period (because more thermal energy is retained within the aerosol product), and the heating performance of the aerosol supply device is substantially consistent from session to session. Thus, it will be seen that an aerosol supply device incorporating the first (i.e., insulating) layer between the aerosol product and one or more inductor coils is particularly beneficial.

[0161] 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 envisioned 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 in which v1 > v2 in the operating mode are contemplated. Embodiments in which v1 = v2 in the operating mode are contemplated. Embodiments in which v1 < v2 in the operating mode are also contemplated.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 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, may consist of, or may essentially consist of, any 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. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] Aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, A first layer is provided between the aerosol generator and the receiving region, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features. [Item 2] The aerosol supply device according to item 1, wherein the first layer comprises a thermal insulation layer. [Item 3] The aerosol supply device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first layer comprises one or more glass layers. [Item 4] The aerosol supply device according to item 1, 2, or 3, wherein the first layer comprises one or more ceramic layers. [Item 5] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first layer comprises a combination of one or more glass layers and one or more ceramic layers. [Item 6] An aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the 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. [Item 7] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first layer has a flatness of ±1 μm, ±1 to 5 μm, ±5 to 10 μm, ±10 to 15 μm, ±15 to 20 μm, or ±20 to 25 μm over an area of ​​10 mm × 10 mm. [Item 8] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first layer has a flatness tolerance of less than 1 μm, 1 to 5 μm, 5 to 10 μm, 10 to 15 μm, 15 to 20 μm, or 20 to 25 μm. [Item 9] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first or lower surface of the first layer comprises a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions. [Item 10] The aerosol supply device according to item 9, wherein the plurality of castellations or regular protrusions form an air gap or an air insulating layer. [Item 11] The aerosol supply device according to item 10, wherein the air gap or the air insulating layer has a thickness of less than 50 μm, 50 to 100 μm, 100 to 150 μm, 150 to 200 μm, 200 to 250 μm, 250 to 300 μm, 300 to 350 μm, 350 to 400 μm or more than 400 μm. [Item 12] An aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the first layer has a thickness of less than 50 μm, 50 to 100 μm, 100 to 150 μm, 150 to 200 μm, 200 to 250 μm, 250 to 300 μm, 300 to 350 μm, 350 to 400 μm, 400 to 450 μm, 450 to 500 μm, 500 to 550 μm, 550 to 600 μm, or greater than 600 μm. [Item 13] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the first or upper surface of the first layer comprises one or more depressions. [Item 14] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the first layer is magnetically permeable. [Item 15] The first layer is 10 × 10 -6 An aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 14, having a thermal expansion coefficient of less than / ℃ (40 to 400℃). [Item 16] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the first layer has a stiffness or Young's modulus in the range of 50-60 GPa, 60-70 GPa, 70-80 GPa, 80-90 GPa, 90-100 GPa, or greater than 100 GPa. [Item 17] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the first layer protrudes from the surrounding housing, so that during use, the aerosol product comes into contact with the first layer but not with the surrounding housing. [Item 18] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction heating elements, the one or more induction heating elements being at least partially embedded in the first layer. [Item 19] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more conductive tracks provided on and / or within the first layer. [Item 20] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the first or upper surface of the first layer is convex, concave, or planar. [Item 21] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 20, wherein the second or lower surface of the first layer is convex, concave, or planar. [Item 22] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more convex, concave, or planar induction coils. [Item 23] The aerosol supply device according to any one of items 1 to 22, wherein the first layer is impermeable to gas. [Item 24] Aerosol generation system, an aerosol supply device described in any one of items 1 to 23, Aerosol products and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features. [Item 25] The aerosol product is (i) A substrate that is substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral in shape, having one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, (ii) A substantially planar substrate having one or more portions of an aerosol generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of an aerosol generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate, or (iii) Aerosol products in the shape of a rectangular prism or cylinder An aerosol generating system as described in item 24, comprising: [Item 26] The aerosol generating system according to item 24 or 25, wherein the aerosol product comprises either an open consumable or a closed consumable. [Item 27] A method for generating an aerosol, The step of providing an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator having a receiving region for receiving aerosol products and a first layer between the aerosol generator and the receiving region, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aforementioned receiving region, Methods that include... [Item 28] Aerosol supply device, A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, One or more first aerosol generators disposed on the first side surface of the receiving region, One or more second aerosol generators disposed on the second side surface of the receiving region, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features. [Item 29] The aerosol supply device according to item 28, further comprising a first thermal insulating layer provided between one or more first aerosol generators and the receiving region. [Item 30] The aerosol supply device according to item 29, wherein the first thermal insulating layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions that form an air gap or air insulating layer. [Item 31] The aerosol supply device according to item 28, 29, or 30, further comprising a second thermal insulating layer provided between the one or more second aerosol generators and the receiving region. [Item 32] The aerosol supply device according to item 31, wherein the second thermal insulating layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions that form an air gap or air insulating layer. [Item 33] Aerosol supply device, One or more aerosol generators, A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, A first thermal insulating layer is provided between the one or more aerosol generators and the receiving region, wherein the first thermal insulating layer has a first side facing the receiving region and a second side opposite to the receiving region, and the first thermal insulating layer further comprises (i) The first thermal insulating layer is provided with a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on its first surface to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and the aerosol product when the aerosol product is placed within the receiving area during use, and / or (ii) In order to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and the one or more aerosol generators, a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or depressions are provided on the second side surface of the first thermal insulating layer Furthermore, it includes a first thermal insulating layer, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply device, Aerosol generator and A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, A first layer is provided between the aerosol generator and the receiving region, Equipped with, An aerosol supply device in which the first layer protrudes from the surrounding housing, thereby causing the aerosol product to come into contact with the first layer but not with the surrounding housing during use.

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

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer comprises one or more glass layers.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer comprises one or more ceramic layers.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer comprises a combination of one or more glass layers and one or more ceramic layers.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first or lower surface of the first layer comprises a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of castellations or regular protrusions form an air gap or an air insulating layer.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first or upper surface of the first layer comprises one or more indentations.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is magnetically permeable.

10. The first layer is 10 x 10 －６ An aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, having a thermal expansion coefficient of less than / °C (40 to 400°C).

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more induction heating elements, and the one or more induction heating elements are at least partially embedded in the first layer.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generator comprises one or more conductive tracks provided on and / or within the first layer.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is impermeable to gas.

14. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, Aerosol products and An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

15. A method for generating an aerosol, The steps of providing an aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aforementioned receiving region, Methods that include...

16. One or more first aerosol generators disposed on the first side surface of the receiving region, One or more second aerosol generators disposed on the second side surface of the receiving region, An aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, further comprising a first thermal insulating layer provided between one or more first aerosol generators and the receiving region.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the first thermal insulating layer has a plurality of castellations or regular protrusions that form an air gap or an air insulating layer.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, further comprising a second thermal insulating layer provided between the one or more second aerosol generators and the receiving region.

20. an aerosol supply device, One or more aerosol generators, A receptive region for receiving aerosol products, A first thermal insulating layer is provided between the one or more aerosol generators and the receiving region, wherein the first thermal insulating layer has a first side surface facing the receiving region and a second side surface opposite to the receiving region, and the first thermal insulating layer further comprises (i) The first thermal insulating layer is provided with a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or indentations on its first surface to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and the aerosol product when the aerosol product is placed within the receiving area during use, and / or (ii) In order to form an air gap or air insulating layer between the first thermal insulating layer and the one or more aerosol generators, a plurality of castellations, regular protrusions or depressions are made on the second side surface of the first thermal insulating layer Furthermore, a first thermal insulating layer is provided, Equipped with, An aerosol supply device in which the first thermal insulating layer protrudes from the surrounding housing, thereby allowing the aerosol product to come into contact with the first thermal insulating layer but not with the surrounding housing during use.

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