Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (202) is disclosed that includes a drive mechanism (512) for rotating or translating an aerosol product article, the drive mechanism (512) including one or more triangular shaped protrusions for engaging with one or more corresponding openings or recesses in the aerosol product article.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

[0005] Next-generation devices are being developed that utilize consumables with shapes other than cylindrical, such as consumables with planar substrates. 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 having an aluminum foil layer bonded to it. The aluminum foil layer may act 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 Initiative]

[0006] According to one embodiment, a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol product comprises one or more triangular projections for engaging with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product. An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following.

[0007] The drive mechanisms in various embodiments are beneficial in that they offer improved torque levels compared to other designs, and the openings or recesses in the aerosol product do not become rounded during use sessions, thereby preventing the aerosol product from potentially slipping.

[0008] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a rotatable hub.

[0009] Optionally, one or more triangular protrusions are positioned on a rotatable hub.

[0010] Selectively, the height of one or more triangular protrusions is H1, the thickness of the aerosol product is H2, and H1 > H2.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol product comprises two or more lugs, pins or projections for engaging with two or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product. An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following.

[0012] The drive mechanisms in various embodiments are beneficial in that they offer improved torque levels compared to other designs, and the openings or recesses in the aerosol product do not become rounded during use sessions, thereby preventing the aerosol product from potentially slipping.

[0013] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a rotatable hub.

[0014] Optionally, two or more lugs, pins, or protrusions are placed on the rotatable hub.

[0015] Optionally, two or more lugs, pins, or projections are spaced symmetrically apart about the central axis of rotation of the aerosol product.

[0016] Optionally, the height of two or more lugs, pins, or protrusions is H1, the thickness of the aerosol product is H2, and H1 > H2.

[0017] According to another embodiment, A drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol product, comprising a wavy or rough surface for frictional engagement with the surface of the aerosol product. An aerosol supply device is provided that includes the following.

[0018] The drive mechanisms in various embodiments are beneficial in that they offer improved torque levels compared to other designs, and the openings or recesses in the aerosol product do not become rounded during use sessions, thereby preventing the aerosol product from potentially slipping.

[0019] Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.

[0020] Optionally, the wavy surface or the rough surface is formed by etching.

[0021] Optionally, the drive mechanism has a surface roughness of less than 0.1 μm, 0.1 - 1 μm, 1 - 10 μm, 10 - 20 μm, 20 - 30 μm, 30 - 40 μm, 40 - 50 μm, or more than 50 μm.

[0022] Optionally, the rotatable hub includes a first opening. The first opening may be arranged symmetrically about the axis of rotation of the rotatable hub.

[0023] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a movable spigot disposed within the first opening and / or protruding or extending through the first opening during use.

[0024] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a movable aerosol chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the movable spigot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and in the extended position, the movable spigot is arranged to move the aerosol chamber away from the aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article can be rotated, removed, or replaced.

[0026] According to another aspect, the above-described aerosol supply device, an aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating system is provided.

[0027] Optionally, the aerosol product includes (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate 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 aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product.

[0028] The aerosol product may include either an open-type consumable or a closed-type consumable.

[0029] The aerosol product may have two or more openings or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins, or projections provided on the drive mechanism of the aerosol supply device.

[0030] The aerosol product may have a wavy or rough surface for frictional engagement with the surface of the drive mechanism of the aerosol supply device.

[0031] The aerosol product may have one or more triangular openings or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular projections provided on the drive mechanism of the aerosol supply device.

[0032] According to another embodiment, A method for generating an aerosol is provided, which includes rotating or translating an aerosol product by engaging one or more triangular protrusions with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product.

[0033] According to another embodiment, A method for generating an aerosol is provided, which includes rotating or translating an aerosol product by engaging two or more lugs, pins, or projections with two or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product.

[0034] According to another embodiment, A method for generating an aerosol is provided, which includes rotating or translating an aerosol product by frictionally engaging a corrugated or rough surface with the surface of the aerosol product.

[0035] Optionally, the method further comprises applying an electric current to the aerosol product, the aerosol product comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0036] In another embodiment, an aerosol product is provided having two or more openings or recesses for engaging with two or more corresponding lugs, pins, or projections provided on the drive mechanism of an aerosol supply device.

[0037] In another embodiment, an aerosol product is provided having a wavy or rough surface for frictional engagement with the surface of a drive mechanism of an aerosol supply device.

[0038] In another embodiment, an aerosol product is provided having one or more triangular openings or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular projections provided on the drive mechanism of an aerosol supply device.

[0039] Optionally, the aerosol product includes (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate 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 aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product.

[0040] Here, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] The aerosol product comprises multiple parts of an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply device comprises a single induction heating element, and the transfer mechanism is used to rotate the aerosol product relative to the single induction heating element, as shown in the aerosol supply device combined with the aerosol product. [Figure 2A] A perspective view of the base of an aerosol supply device is shown, which includes a drive mechanism having a triangular projection for engaging with a corresponding triangular opening provided in the aerosol product. [Figure 2B] The base and lid of the aerosol supply device are shown, into which a disc-shaped aerosol product is inserted and engages with a triangular projection-forming portion of the drive mechanism to rotate the aerosol product. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the drive mechanism of an aerosol supply device is shown, in which the drive mechanism comprises two pins for engaging with corresponding openings provided in the aerosol product. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a drive mechanism according to another embodiment is shown, which includes a rough surface that is arranged to frictionally engage with the rear surface of the aerosol product. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] This specification discusses or describes aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be implemented 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 implemented according to the prior art for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply 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 supply 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.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0052] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. 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 flavorings.

[0053] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance 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-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0054] The aerosol-generating film may comprise a sheet, or may be a sheet, or may be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0055] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0056] An aerosol generator is a device configured to produce 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 in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0057] 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 generates heat during use to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0058] 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.

[0059] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit element). The power source 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.

[0060] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object called a susceptor by passing it through a fluctuating magnetic field. 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 alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are positioned appropriately relative to each other so that the 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, their flow against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0061] 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 heat generation in the magnetic material.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Here, we will describe various embodiments.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the aerosol supply device 202. The aerosol supply device 202 is shown together with the aerosol product 204, which contains 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.

[0065] A drive mechanism is provided for rotating or translating the aerosol product 204 (which is omitted from Figure 1 for clarity but will be shown and described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2A). According to various embodiments, the drive mechanism may include one or more triangular projections for engaging with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product 204 (which is omitted from Figure 1 for clarity but will be shown and described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2A).

[0066] The aerosol product 204 has a first upper surface 112 on which an aerosol-generating material 244 can be placed. The aerosol product 204 may include 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 placed as multiple doses of the aerosol-generating material 244. The aerosol product 204 has a second lower surface 116 on the side opposite to the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and / or the second surface 116 may be smooth or rough.

[0067] 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 positioned 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.

[0068] The aerosol supply device 202 may have a transfer mechanism 130 configured to move a specific portion (or, optionally, a dosage) 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 the portion of the aerosol generating material 244 is presented to the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a individually in this case. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the induction heating element(s) 224a may include an induction coil, and the aerosol product 204 includes a layer that acts as a susceptor.

[0069] The aerosol supply device 202 may be positioned such that at least one dose of the aerosol generating material 244 rotates around axis A at a constant angle θ with respect to the second surface 116. The control circuit 223 may be configured to actuate both the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a and the moving mechanism 130 so that the aerosol product(s) 204 rotate to align individual portions of the aerosol generating material 244 with the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a in close proximity. The aerosol product(s) 204 may be substantially flat or planar. The carrier layer 242 of the aerosol product(s) 204 may be formed from paper or card, partially or entirely.

[0070] The aerosol product 204 shown in Figure 1 contains 5 doses (or portions) of aerosol-generating material 244. In other examples, the aerosol product 204 may have more or fewer 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 1.

[0071] In other examples, the dosage may be in the form of a disc that may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the aerosol product 204. In yet another example, the dosage 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 dosages on the first surface 112 about axis A. The symmetrical distribution of dosages allows for dosages (within the rotationally symmetric distribution) that are equally positioned to receive the same heating profile from the induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a when rotated about axis A, as needed.

[0072] In this example, the aerosol product 204 includes an aerosol-generating material 244 arranged 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] In some implementations, the carrier layer 242 or substrate may be a metallic element, or may include one, that is configured to be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field and thus act as a susceptor layer. In such implementations, the induction heating element 224a may include one or more induction coils 224a that, when energized, cause heating within the metallic element of the aerosol product 204. The degree of heating may be influenced by the distance between the metallic element or susceptor layer and the induction coils 224a.

[0075] The arrangement shown in Figure 1 operates by indexing (or moving) multiple doses of aerosol-generating material 244 to an induction heating element(s) or induction coil(s) 224a. While this arrangement in Figure 1 may slightly increase the complexity of the movement mechanism 130 to provide movement to the aerosol product 204, it has the advantage that the aerosol supply device 204 can include 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 arrangement can reduce the cost and control complexity related to the operation and control of the induction heating element 224a.

[0076] The shape of the aerosol supply device 202 may be cigarette-shaped (i.e., one dimension is longer than the other two) 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.

[0077] The aerosol product 204 may include 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 act as the base of one or more susceptors or susceptor layers on which the aerosol-generating material 244 is provided or deposited. The carrier component 242 may be substantially cubic or disc-shaped. The carrier component 242 may have a length (or diameter) of 30 to 80 mm, a width of 7 to 25 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm. However, it should be understood that other arrangements are possible on which the carrier component 242 may have different dimensions as needed. In some implementations, the carrier component 242 may include one or more protrusions extending in the longitudinal and / or width directions of the carrier component 242 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol product 204 by the user.

[0078] The aerosol product 204 may include multiple individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 arranged on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelfth, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0079] 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, there may be more or fewer individual portions, and / or those portions may be arranged in different forms of arrays (e.g., a 1 × 6 array). Other arrangements are also conceivable in which the aerosol product 204 includes a disk, and the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are provided on separate segments of the disk.

[0080] The aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged in separate, distinct positions on a single surface of the part carrier 242. While the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are shown having a circular footprint, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 may take any other footprint, such as a square, trapezoid, or rectangle, as needed. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 have a diameter d and a thickness t. a It may have the thickness t of the individual part. a It can take any appropriate value, for example, thickness t a The thickness can be in the range of 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some configurations, the thickness t a The thickness may be approximately 50 μm to 200 μm, or approximately 50 μm to 100 μm, or approximately 60 μm to 90 μm, and preferably approximately 77 μm. In other configurations, the thickness t a The diameter may be larger than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0081] The individual parts of the aerosol-generating material 244 may be arranged separately from each other so that each individual part can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol.

[0082] In some implementations, the portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized by the induction heater or induction coil 224a and associated susceptor element is relatively small at any given time. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. The total mass of the aerosol product 204 may be greater than 20 mg.

[0083] The aerosol product 204 may include multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244, all formed from the same aerosol-generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol product 204 may include multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material 244, at least two of which are formed from different aerosol-generating materials.

[0084] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be positioned such that the surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a forms part of the surface of the receiving region. That is, the outer or upper surface of one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving region.

[0085] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be positioned so that, when the aerosol product 204 is received in the receiving area, each or each induction heating element or induction coil 224a aligns with the corresponding individual portion of the aerosol generating material 244. For example, if six induction heating elements or induction coils 224a are arranged in a 2x3 array, the aerosol product 204 may include a 2x3 array of six individual portions of the aerosol generating material 244. However, as described above, the number of induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may vary in different implementation configurations. For example, separate induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can be provided according to various arrangements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.

[0086] Each of the induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be operated individually to heat the corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 244. The induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be coplanar with the inner surface of the receiving region, but in other configurations, the induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may protrude into the receiving region.

[0087] The receiving region may include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204 to press it against the surface of the aerosol supply device 202 in order to prevent relative motion of the aerosol product 204 when it is desired to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The lid of the aerosol supply device 202 may be configured to engage with the base via a fixing mechanism. Therefore, the lid and / or base may include components that apply force to the surface of the aerosol product 204 to fix the aerosol product 204 against relative motion.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol product 204, and may be pressed into the surface of a carrier component 242 that does not contain the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0089] In arrangements 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 place to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204, thereby preventing relative movement in directions other than the specified or desired direction.

[0090] For example, in an arrangement 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 still allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate with respect to one or more induction heater elements or induction coils 224a while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation around the rotation axis.

[0091] One or more induction coils 224a may be provided adjacent to the receiving region and may include substantially flat coils arranged such that the axis of rotation around which a given coil is wound extends within the receiving region and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0092] The control circuit 223 may include a mechanism for generating an alternating current that flows through one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the corresponding susceptor(s) or a portion of the susceptor layer. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) or a portion of the susceptor layer is transferred accordingly to a portion of the aerosol-generating material 244.

[0093] The control circuit 223 may be configured to supply current to the induction coil 224a in response to receiving signals from the touch-sensing panel and / or the inhalation sensor.

[0094] Various configurations are described in which one or more susceptors are provided as part of the aerosol product 204. However, other arrangements are possible in which one or more susceptors may be located within or as part of the aerosol supply device 202. For example, one or more susceptors may be located above one or more induction coils 224a, or one or more susceptors may be located in contact with the lower surface of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204.

[0095] The aerosol product 204 for use with the aerosol supply device 202 may include a carrier component 242, one or more susceptor elements, and one or more portions of the aerosol generating material.

[0096] One or more susceptor elements may be formed from aluminum foil, but it should be understood that other metals and / or conductive materials may be used in other mounting configurations. The carrier component 242 may include several susceptor elements whose size and position correspond to individual portions of the aerosol-generating material placed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptor elements may have similar widths and lengths to the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0097] The susceptor element may be embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other arrangements, the susceptor element may be placed or positioned on the surface of the carrier component 242. According to another arrangement, the susceptor may be provided as a single layer substantially covering the carrier component 244. According to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may include a substrate or support layer, a single layer of aluminum foil acting as a susceptor, and one or more regions of the aerosol-generating material 244 deposited on the aluminum foil susceptor layer.

[0098] However, according to other configurations, a single induction coil 224a may be provided, and the aerosol product 204 may be configured to move relative to the single induction coil 224a. Therefore, there may be fewer induction coils 224a than the individual parts of the aerosol generating material 244 provided on the carrier component 242 of the aerosol product 204, and as a result, relative motion between the aerosol product 204 and the induction coils 224a is required so that each individual part of the aerosol generating material 244 can be energized individually.

[0099] Alternatively, a single induction coil 224a may be provided, and the aerosol product 204 may be rotated relative to the single induction coil 224a.

[0100] While embodiments in which separate, spatially distinct portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 are deposited on a carrier component 242 have been described above, it should be understood that in other implementations, the aerosol-generating material 244 may not be provided in separate, spatially distinct 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 can be selectively heated to generate aerosols in substantially the same manner as described above. Specifically, regions (corresponding to portions of the aerosol-generating material) can be defined on a continuous sheet of aerosol-generating material 244 based on the dimensions of one or more induction heating elements 224a. Each region or portion of the aerosol-generating material 244 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, but the entire continuous sheet, film, or layer may have a mass of more than 20 mg.

[0101] Depending on the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include disc-shaped or circular consumables.

[0102] As described above, one or more heating elements 224a are arranged to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material 244 (or a portion thereof) at an operating temperature from 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(s) may be arranged to preheat a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a preheating temperature (lower than the operating temperature).

[0103] At the preheating temperature, when a portion is heated to the preheating temperature, a smaller amount of aerosol may be generated, or substantially no aerosol may be generated. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuit 223 may be configured to supply power or energy before the start of a first predetermined period, i.e., before receiving a signal indicating the user's intention to inhale the aerosol. Less energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material 244 from the preheating temperature to the operating temperature, and therefore the system's responsiveness is improved. This may be particularly suitable for relatively thick portions of aerosol-generating material having a thickness greater than 400 μm, for example, where a relatively large amount of energy may be required to reach the operating temperature.

[0104] Furthermore, if a portion of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the carrier component 242, that portion may, in some implementations, include weakening regions such as through-holes or relatively thin areas of aerosol-generating material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242. The through-holes may provide a channel for the generated aerosols to escape and be released into the environment or the airflow through the aerosol supply device 202, rather than causing a potential accumulation of aerosols between the carrier component 242 and the aerosol-generating material 244. Such accumulation of aerosols can reduce the heating efficiency of the system, as the accumulation of aerosols may, in some implementations, cause the aerosol-generating material to lift from the carrier component 242, thus reducing the efficiency of heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material. Each portion of the aerosol-generating material may be provided with one of more weakening regions as needed.

[0105] The aerosol supply device 202 includes a rotating device configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 about a rotation axis. The rotating device may be configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 with respect to one or more induction coils 224a such that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product 204 are moved in proximity to one or more induction coils 224a. The fixing mechanism is configured to allow the aerosol product 204 to rotate with respect to one or more induction coils 224a while preventing relative motion of the aerosol product 204 in directions other than rotation about the rotation axis.

[0106] In the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include 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 include areas of the aerosol product 204 that do not contain aerosol-generating material. In some configurations, one or more tracks may include areas of the aerosol product 204 that contain metal foil.

[0107] The aerosol supply device 202 may include a lid that may contain an aerosol chamber or plenum and a mouthpiece. In some arrangements, the mouthpiece and the aerosol chamber or plenum may be integrated with the lid.

[0108] The aerosol chamber or plenum is expected to come into contact with the surface of the aerosol product 204 during a usage session. It will be understood that an integrated mouthpiece and lid may be provided to ensure uniform compression of the aerosol product 204. That is, if the mouthpiece and lid are provided as a single, integrated part, there is virtually no additional mechanical play or difference arising from the connection between the mouthpiece and the lid. As a result, the force exerted on the aerosol product 204 by the lid may be substantially constant across the surface of the aerosol-generating material facing the lid.

[0109] Other possible arrangements include the aerosol supply device 202 having a removable mouthpiece that can be held in place within the housing of the aerosol supply device 202 by one or more magnets. The aerosol chamber or plenum may also be removable.

[0110] Figure 2A shows the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202 according to various embodiments, and a rotatable drive mechanism 512 having a triangular projection 513.

[0111] The drive mechanism 512 is configured to rotate an aerosol product (not shown in Figure 2A) that can be loaded into the drive mechanism 512 during use, around a rotation axis. The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product relative to one or more induction heating elements 224a that may be located at the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202. Specifically, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product such that one or more fresh areas of the aerosol-generating material supplied on the aerosol product are moved closer to one or more induction heating elements 224a.

[0112] Figure 2B shows perspective views of various embodiments of an aerosol supply device 202 having a disc-shaped aerosol product 204 loaded on a base 1008. The aerosol supply device 202 includes a lid 1006 connected to the base 1008 via a hinge 515.

[0113] The lid 1006 may be fixed to the base 1008 by the interaction of one or more magnetic elements 521 provided on the base 1008 and one or more corresponding magnetic elements 522 provided on the lid 1006. The base 1008 may include two first magnets 521 configured to be magnetically attracted to two corresponding second magnets 522 provided on the lid 1006. The first magnets 521 and the second magnets 522 may have opposite polarities.

[0114] One or more first magnets 521 and / or one or more second magnets 522 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic, or ferrite magnets.

[0115] Other configurations are possible if one of the permanent magnets 521 or 522 can be replaced with a magnetizable component or temporary magnet which may be made of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium, or dysprosium alloy.

[0116] Further arrangements are conceivable in which the lid 1006 and / or base 1008 may be equipped with one or more electromagnets to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008. In such arrangements, one or more electromagnets can be actuated to generate a magnetic field that attracts a corresponding permanent magnet or magnetizable component provided on either the lid 1006 or the base 1008. Further arrangements are conceivable in which both the lid 1006 and the base 1008 may be equipped with electromagnets. A control circuit (not shown) may be configured to actuate one or more electromagnets.

[0117] To secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008, one or more projections or lugs 523 can be provided on the lid 1006 that can engage with corresponding recesses 524 provided on the base 1008. Additionally and / or alternatively, to secure the lid 1006 to the base 1008, one or more projections or lugs may be provided on the base 1008, and one or more corresponding recesses may be provided on the lid 1006.

[0118] The lid 1006 may further comprise an aerosol chamber (or plenum) 517 that can be attached to the mouthpiece 518. The aerosol chamber 517 may be moved to contact the surface of the aerosol product 204 during use so that aerosols generated from areas of the aerosol product 204 adjacent to one or more induction heating elements 224a are captured within the aerosol chamber 517 and then proceed to the mouthpiece 518 or otherwise fed in, and subsequently inhaled by the user.

[0119] It will be understood that the aerosol product 204 may be rotated during a usage session, and that the aerosol product 204 may contain multiple sectors of aerosol-generating material. For example, according to one arrangement, the aerosol product 204 may have 12 sectors, which may allow the user to obtain up to 12 puffs per usage session.

[0120] After puffing, it may be desirable to rotate the aerosol product 204 so that a fresh area of ​​the aerosol-generating material is positioned close to one or more induction heating elements 224a. Therefore, to allow the aerosol product 204 to be rotated during a usage session, the aerosol chamber 517 can be disengaged from contact with the surface of the aerosol product 204.

[0121] In one configuration, the spigot 514 can be provided on the base 1008 of the aerosol supply device 202. The spigot 514 may be located at the center of the drive mechanism 512, or it may extend through the center of the triangular projection 513. Although the spigot 514 is shown in a retracted position in Figures 5A and 5B, the spigot 514 may be extended so that it protrudes beyond the upper surface of the triangular projection 513.

[0122] The spigot 514 may be positioned to engage with the aerosol chamber 517 in order to push or displace the aerosol chamber 517 to disengage from the aerosol product 204, thereby allowing the aerosol product 204 to rotate relative to one or more induction heating elements 224a. After the aerosol product 204 has rotated, the spigot 514 may be retracted so that the aerosol chamber 517 re-engages with the upper surface of the aerosol product 204. A locking mechanism may be provided that allows the lid 1006 to be locked to the base 1008 during a usage session.

[0123] Depending on the configuration, the aerosol product 204 may include a substrate layer having a metal foil layer bonded to the substrate. The aerosol generating material may be provided on the upper surface of the metal foil layer.

[0124] The fixing mechanism may be arranged to prevent relative movement of the metal foil layer of the aerosol product 204 with respect to the substrate. That is, if the aerosol supply device 202 can be configured to heat the aerosol product 204 to generate an aerosol when in use, the fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 1006 with the base portion 1008 to fix the aerosol product 204 and prevent the metal foil layer from peeling off from the substrate during heating.

[0125] Although Figure 2A shows only one induction heating element or induction coil 224a, it will be understood that two or more induction heating elements 224a, such as two or three induction heating elements or induction coils, may be provided. In some arrangements, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more induction heating elements equipped with one or more induction coils for generating a fluctuating magnetic field to heat one or more susceptor elements of an aerosol product 204 (such as metal foil) held in place by a fixing mechanism when in use. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may be replaced with one or more resistance heating elements.

[0126] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a can define a plane as shown in Figure 2A. The fixing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid 1006 with the base 1008 to hold the substantially planar aerosol product 204 in a position parallel to the plane, so as to prevent the substantially planar aerosol product 204 from moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane (i.e., in the z direction as shown in Figure 2B).

[0127] One or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may include substantially planar heating elements, such as one or more flat helical induction coils. However, other arrangements are also conceivable in which one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a are non-planar, but they can still define a plane. For example, one or more induction heating elements or induction coils 224a may comprise one or more inverted cone induction coils, the base of which may be a cone coil, which defines a plane.

[0128] The aerosol chamber 517 may be integrated with the mouthpiece 518. However, other configurations are possible in which the aerosol supply device 202 may include a removable mouthpiece 518 that can be held in the aerosol chamber 517 by one or more magnets.

[0129] The locking mechanism may include a hinge 515 such that the lid 1006 is connected to the base 1008 via the hinge 515, forming a clamshell arrangement. That is, the aerosol supply device 202 may be configured to receive the aerosol product 204 when the hinge 515 is in the open position, for example, as shown in Figure 2B. The lid 1006 may then be closed, and the locking mechanism may be configured to engage the lid 1006 with the base 1008 to hold the aerosol product 204 in place during use to prevent relative movement of the aerosol product 204.

[0130] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate the aerosol product 204 around a rotation axis. In other configurations, the drive mechanism 512 may be configured to translate the aerosol product 204.

[0131] The drive mechanism 512 may be configured to rotate and / or translate the aerosol product 204 relative to one or more heating elements 224a so that one or more fresh aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol product 204 are moved to the vicinity of one or more heating elements 224a.

[0132] The drive mechanism 512 may include a hub having one or more triangular projections 513 provided on the hub. The one or more triangular projections 513 may be arranged to engage with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product 204.

[0133] It was found that by using a drive mechanism 512 having a hub with one or more triangular protrusions 513 provided on the drive mechanism 512, it is advantageous to be able to apply more leverage and higher torque to the aerosol product 204 via the drive mechanism 512 in order to rotate and / or translate the aerosol product 204. Furthermore, it was found that by using the triangular protrusions 513, it becomes possible to use aerosol product 204 that is less rigid and / or thinner.

[0134] In particular, the triangular protrusions 513 have been found to provide an improvement compared to the use of hexagonal protrusions. During testing, it was found that the hexagonal protrusions could round off openings or recesses in the aerosol product 204, which could result in the aerosol product 204 beginning to slip against the drive mechanism during a usage session.

[0135] Figure 3 shows a drive mechanism 512 of an aerosol supply device 202 according to another embodiment, the drive mechanism 512 comprising two or more lugs, pins, or projections 530. The two or more lugs, pins, or projections 530 are arranged to engage with two or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product.

[0136] In one configuration, the spigot 514 is also provided to engage with the aerosol chamber either directly or with a mechanism attached to the aerosol chamber. The spigot 514 may be located at the center of the drive mechanism 512 and may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position (as shown in Figure 3), the spigot 514 can engage with the aerosol chamber or a mechanism attached to the aerosol chamber to release the aerosol chamber from contact with the upper surface of the aerosol product.

[0137] Having at least two engagement points between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol product is seen as beneficial in that various arrangements of the design substantially prevent any rounding of the openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product 204. As a result, an improved drive mechanism 512 is provided. In particular, using a drive mechanism 512 with two or more lugs, pins or openings is seen as beneficial compared to other arrangements, such as using hexagonal protrusions, because it has been found that the edges of hexagonal openings provided in the aerosol product can round during use sessions, potentially leading to slippage of the aerosol product against the drive mechanism 512.

[0138] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the drive mechanism 512 may comprise different combinations of pins, lugs, or projections 530. The length of the pins, lugs, or projections 530 may be greater than the thickness of the aerosol product 204. For example, according to one arrangement, two or more lugs, pins, or projections 530 may have a height H1 and the aerosol product 204 may have a thickness H2, where H1 > H2. The two or more lugs, pins, or projections 530 may be spaced symmetrically about the central axis of rotation of the aerosol product. According to one arrangement, the spigot 514 may be located at the center of the drive mechanism 512, and the two lugs, pins, or projections 530 may be provided symmetrically on either side of the spigot 514 such that the centers of the two lugs, pins, or projections 530 and the centers of the spigot 514 are collinear.

[0139] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment in which the drive mechanism 512 of the aerosol supply device 202 includes a wavy or rough surface for frictional engagement with the lower surface of the aerosol product 204. The drive mechanism 512 may be substantially planar and may include a central hub region which may have a wavy or rough surface.

[0140] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the drive mechanism 512 may be planar and engage with the bottom surface of the aerosol product over most of the lower surface area of ​​the aerosol product.

[0141] In one configuration, contact between the planar aerosol product and the drive mechanism 512 may be maximized to maximize frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol product 204.

[0142] The surface of the drive mechanism 512 may be formed of a specific material that allows frictional engagement between the drive mechanism 512 and the aerosol product to be maintained during the use session.

[0143] According to one configuration, the wavy or rough surface of the drive mechanism 512 can be achieved by surface etching. The surface roughness of the drive mechanism 512 can be in the range of less than 0.025 μm, 0.025 to 0.05 μm, 0.05 to 1 μm, 0.1 to 1 μm, 1 to 3 μm, 3 to 6 μm, 6 to 10 μm, 10 to 15 μm, or greater than 15 μm. According to other configurations, the drive mechanism 512 can have a surface roughness of less than 0.1 μm, 0.1 to 1 μm, 1 to 10 μm, 10 to 20 μm, 20 to 30 μm, 30 to 40 μm, 40 to 50 μm, or greater than 50 μm.

[0144] An arrangement is conceivable in which the aerosol product inserted into the aerosol supply device may have one or more tracks. The lid and / or base may be configured to apply a force to one or more tracks that allows the aerosol product to rotate while substantially preventing it from moving in directions other than the rotational direction.

[0145] In some configurations, one or more tracks may include areas of aerosol products that do not contain aerosol-generating material. In some configurations, one or more tracks may include areas of aerosol products that contain metal foil. It will be understood that one or more tracks combined with the corrugated or rough surface of the drive mechanism 512 increase the frictional force between the aerosol products and the drive mechanism 512, thereby reducing the occurrence of slippage.

[0146] The drive mechanism 512, which includes a corrugated or rough surface, simplifies the design of the aerosol supply device, reduces manufacturing costs, and increases reliability.

[0147] In one configuration, a movable spigot can be provided in combination with a drive mechanism. The movable spigot may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the movable spigot can move the aerosol chamber away from the aerosol product so that the aerosol product can be rotated, removed, or replaced. In the retracted position, the movable spigot does not have to engage with the aerosol chamber, and therefore the aerosol chamber may be biased to come into contact with the aerosol product.

[0148] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided comprising an aerosol chamber 517 that is movable between a first position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is in contact with the aerosol product 204 and a second position in which the aerosol chamber 517 is not in contact with the aerosol product 204. The first mechanism may be arranged to move the aerosol chamber 517 between the first and second positions. According to various embodiments, the aerosol product may include 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 conceivable in which the substrate may include multiple layers arranged in a sandwich-like manner. For example, the substrate may include a paper or card substrate having a first aluminum foil layer arranged on the first surface and a second aluminum foil layer arranged on the second surface.

[0149] The aerosol product may include either an open or closed consumable. For example, an open consumable is a type of consumable containing an aerosol product, where the aerosol-generating material is provided on one or more outer or outermost surfaces of the aerosol product. In contrast, a closed consumable may include 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 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 aerosol product may be provided in which an innermost substrate has one or more layers of aerosol-generating material provided on one or both sides of the substrate, and the aerosol product is enclosed in or otherwise housed within a housing made of a gas-impermeable material. The closed consumable may include a housing having an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may include an intake.

[0150] 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 inlet end and a second airflow outlet end. For example, the aerosol product may include a prism having a first end face and a second end face. The first end face may include a region into which air enters the aerosol product during use, and the second end face may include a region into which aerosols generated within the aerosol product exit during use.

[0151] Embodiments are conceivable in which the second end face further comprises a suction port. For example, the aerosol product may include a distal end (which may be positioned so that air enters the aerosol product) and a proximal end (which may have a suction port through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated in the aerosol product).

[0152] 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 activated by a single array of heating elements. A double-sided aerosol product may be activated by a double array of heating elements provided on both sides of the aerosol product during use.

[0153] Embodiments are conceivable in which an aerosol product can be rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators. The one or more aerosol generators may consist of, for example, a single aerosol generator, or a plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged, for example, in an array. Embodiments are conceivable in which the aerosol generators are arranged in an n × m array, where n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10, and m = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or > 10. For example, the aerosol generators may be arranged in a 2 × 2 array, 2 × 3 array, 2 × 4 array, 2 × 5 array, 2 × 6 array, 2 × 7 array, 2 × 8 array, 2 × 9 array or 2 × 10 array.

[0154] 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 can be provided are also conceivable.

[0155] The aerosol product may be positioned adjacent to one or more aerosol generators and rotated and / or translated relative to one or more aerosol generators so that it is heated from only one side. Alternatively, the aerosol product may be positioned rotated and / or translated 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 positioned so that it is heated simultaneously or sequentially from two opposing sides.

[0156] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the aerosol product is prismatic in shape. 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 the aerosol generator may be provided at one or more positions around or along the cavity. The aerosol product can then be rotated and / or translated relative to the aerosol generator so that different parts of the aerosol product can be sequentially or progressively heated or otherwise accessed.

[0157] Embodiments are conceivable in which the aerosol product can be translated to one of many aerosol generators. For example, the aerosol product may comprise multiple parts of the aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol product may be translated longitudinally so that multiple distinct parts of the aerosol-generating material can be activated or heated successively or sequentially.

[0158] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol-generating article may include a cylinder or more generally a prism. A plurality of aerosol generators may be arranged around or near a cylindrical or prismatic aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is considered to be able to rotate within a stationary array of aerosol generators. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may remain stationary and a plurality of aerosol generators may rotate relative to the aerosol-generating article. Even further embodiments are contemplated in which both the aerosol-generating article and one or more aerosol generators are movable. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be rotated and / or translated at a first speed v1, and one or more aerosol generators may be rotated and / or translated at a second speed v2. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 > v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments are contemplated in which v1 = v2 in the operating mode. Embodiments are also contemplated in which v1 < v2 in the operating mode.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include 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 includes 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.

[0160] 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 and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism for rotating or translating an aerosol product, wherein the drive mechanism is One or more triangular projections for engaging with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product, Two or more lugs, pins or projections for engaging in two or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product and a spigot positioned at the center of the drive mechanism, A drive mechanism comprising one of the following: a wavy surface or a rough surface for frictional engagement with the surface of an aerosol product. An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rotatable hub.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein one or more triangular protrusions, or two or more lugs, pins, or protrusions are arranged on the rotatable hub.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the height of one or more triangular protrusions, or two or more lugs, pins, or protrusions is H1, the thickness of the aerosol product is H2, and H1 > H2.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the two or more lugs, pins, or protrusions are spaced symmetrically apart with respect to the central axis of rotation of the aerosol product.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the wavy surface or rough surface is formed by etching.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism has a surface roughness of less than 0.1 μm, 0.1 to 1 μm, 1 to 10 μm, 10 to 20 μm, 20 to 30 μm, 30 to 40 μm, 40 to 50 μm, or greater than 50 μm.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable hub comprises a first opening.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the spigot is a movable spigot positioned within the first opening and / or protruding or extending through the first opening when in use.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, further comprising a movable aerosol chamber.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the movable spigot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and in the extended position, the movable spigot is positioned to move the movable aerosol chamber away from the aerosol product so that the aerosol product can be rotated, removed, or replaced.

12. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Aerosol products and an aerosol generation system, including...

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol product comprises (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate 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 aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product.

14. Engaging one or more triangular protrusions with one or more corresponding openings or recesses provided in the aerosol product, A step of rotating or translating an aerosol product by frictionally engaging a corrugated or rough surface with the surface of the aerosol product. A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

15. A method for generating an aerosol according to claim 14, further comprising the step of applying an electric current to the aerosol product, wherein the aerosol product comprises an aerosol generating material.

16. One or more triangular openings or recesses for engaging with one or more corresponding triangular projections provided on the drive mechanism of the aerosol supply device, and An aerosol product having one of the following surfaces: a wavy surface or a rough surface for frictional engagement with the surface of the drive mechanism of an aerosol supply device.

17. The aerosol product according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol product comprises (i) a substantially circular, elliptical, or polyhedral substrate 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 aerosol-generating material disposed on a first surface of the substrate and / or one or more portions of aerosol-generating material disposed on a second surface of the substrate; or (iii) a prismatic or cylindrical aerosol product.

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