Aerosol supply device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol provision device and a chassis for the aerosol provision device.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision device is described. The device comprises an aerosol generating assembly, an electrical component, which may be a printed circuit board (PCB), and a chassis holding the aerosol generating assembly and the electrical component. The aerosol generating assembly has a heater assembly to receive aerosol generating material. The heater assembly has: a susceptor which is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field; and an inductor coil extending around the heater assembly. The inductor coil generates the varying magnetic field. The inductor coil has a coil wire end engaged with the electrical component. The chassis has a coil wire end positioning arrangement to hold and align the coil wire end with the electrical component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device and a chassis for an aerosol supply device.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generation assembly, an electrical component, and a housing that holds the aerosol generation assembly and the electrical component. The aerosol generation assembly is a heater assembly configured to receive an aerosol generation material and includes a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a varying magnetic field, and an inductor coil extending around the heater assembly and configured to generate a varying magnetic field. The inductor coil has a coil wire end that engages with the electrical component, and the housing includes a coil wire end positioning arrangement configured to hold and align the coil wire end with respect to the electrical component.

[0004]

[0005] The coil wire end may be a first end of the inductor coil, and the inductor coil may include a second end.

[0006] In some examples, the coil wire end positioning configuration may include a first positioning means configured to position the first end of the inductor coil at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to position the second end of the inductor coil at a second position.

[0007] In some examples, the device comprises only one inductor coil. In other examples, the device may comprise two or more inductor coils, and therefore the aforementioned inductor coil may be referred to as the first inductor coil.

[0008] The aerosol supply device may further include a second inductor coil extending around a coil support. The second inductor coil may include a second coil wire, the first and second coil wire ends of which are engaged with an electrical component. The positioning component may be configured to provide (and / or hold and align) the first and second coil wire ends of the second inductor coil to the electrical component.

[0009] The coil wire end positioning configuration may include a third positioning means configured to position the first end of the second inductor coil at a third position, and a fourth positioning means configured to position the second end of the second inductor coil at a fourth position.

[0010] In examples where two or more coil wires are provided, the positioning structure may include multiple positioning means.

[0011] In some examples, the positioning configuration is further configured to hold the coil wire ends in first, second, third, and fourth positions (or any other multiple positions). In some embodiments, the first and second positions do not need to be axially aligned with each other.

[0012] In other embodiments, the first and second positions may be aligned axially with respect to each other.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third and fourth positions do not have to be axially aligned with each other.

[0014] In other embodiments, the third and fourth positions may be aligned axially with respect to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and third positions may be aligned on a first axis, and the second and fourth positions may be aligned on a second axis. The first and second axes are offset from each other. They may also extend in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth positions are aligned with each other axially.

[0017] The aerosol supply device may further include a battery and a battery connector, the battery connector being configured to receive a cable for charging the device's battery, and the battery connector may be positioned on an electrical component, such as a PCB, to be aligned axially with first, second, third, and fourth positions.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the positioning means may include an alignment tab protruding from the housing, the alignment tab having a through-hole of a size and shape suitable for receiving the coil wire end.

[0019] Alignment tabs may extend inward from the housing and parallel to the electrical components (which may be PCBs). Through holes may extend perpendicular to the electrical components.

[0020] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol supply device. The housing comprises an electrical component mounting section, an aerosol generation assembly mounting section, and an inductor coil wire end positioning configuration configured to hold and align first and second wire ends of an inductor coil of an aerosol generation assembly mountable in the housing with respect to an electrical component mountable in the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrical component is a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0022] The inductor coil wire end positioning configuration may include a first positioning means configured to position a first inductor coil wire end at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to hold a second inductor coil wire end at a second position. This can be achieved by providing the first positioning means at a first position on the housing and the second positioning means at a second position on the housing. This can also be achieved by other means.

[0023] The coil wire end positioning configuration may further include a third positioning means configured to position and / or hold the third inductor coil wire end of the inductor coil wire at a third position and the fourth inductor coil wire end of the inductor coil wire at a fourth position. This can be achieved by providing the third positioning means at a third position on the housing and the fourth holding means at a fourth position on the housing. This can also be achieved in other ways.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first and second positions do not have to be axially aligned with each other. In other embodiments, the first and second positions may be axially aligned with each other.

[0025] In some embodiments, the third and fourth positions do not have to be axially aligned with each other. In other embodiments, the third and fourth positions may be axially aligned with each other.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first and third positions may be aligned on a first axis, and the second and fourth positions may be aligned on a second axis. The first and second axes are different from each other. They may also extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth positions may be axially aligned with each other. The housing may further include a battery and a battery connector, the battery connector being configured to receive a cable for charging the device's battery, and the battery connector being arranged on an electronic component, such as a PCB, so as to be axially aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth positions.

[0028] In some embodiments, each of the positioning means may include an alignment tab protruding from the housing, the alignment tab having a through-hole sized and shaped to receive a coil wire end. The alignment tab may extend inwardly from the housing and in a direction parallel to the front component or the PCB. The through-hole may extend in a direction perpendicular to the electrical component. Although protrusions having alignment tabs with through-holes are described in the examples described herein, the devices and housings described herein are not limited thereto, and other means for holding the coil wire ends in a predetermined position relative to each other and / or relative to the electrical components may be contemplated.

[0029] The coil support may be a tubular member.

[0030] The coil support may be a heat insulating member.

[0031] The aerosol supply device may include a heat insulating layer extending around the susceptor between the susceptor and the coil support.

[0032] The coil support can act as a barrier.

[0033] The aerosol supply device may include an electromagnetic shield extending around the coil support. The electromagnetic shield may be a ferrite shield. The electromagnetic shield may be in contact with the coil support.

[0034] The coil support may also support the electromagnetic shield.

[0035] The electromagnetic shield may be bonded to the coil support.

[0036] The inductor coil may be surrounded by a coil support and an electromagnetic shield.

[0037] One or more inductor coils may be surrounded by a coil support and an electromagnetic shield.

[0038] The coil support may have an integrated structure.

[0039] The aerosol supply device may include a first end support member at one end of the susceptor and a second end support member at the other end of the susceptor, in which case the coil support extends between the first end support member and the second end support member.

[0040] The aerosol supply device may include a thermocouple mounting section adjacent to the locating feature or locating mechanism. The thermocouple mounting section may include at least one of a flat positioning surface, a recess, and a clip.

[0041] During use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature of approximately 200°C to 300°C. During use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature of approximately 350°C.

[0042] An inductor coil may be substantially helical. An inductor coil may follow a helical path or a non-helical path. An inductor coil may follow a spiral path. For example, an inductor coil may be composed of a wire, such as Litz wire, wound helically around a coil support. Other wires are also possible. For example, the wire may be a solid wire.

[0043] The axial position refers to the position relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0044] The actual "thickness" of an object refers to the average distance between its inner surface and its outer surface. The thickness may be measured perpendicular to the axis of one or more inductor coils.

[0045] The inductor coil(s), susceptor, and insulating material may be coaxial.

[0046] In some cases, during use, the inductor coil is configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature of approximately 200°C to 350°C (e.g., approximately 240°C to 300°C or approximately 250°C to 280°C). If the outer cover is at least this distance away from the susceptor, the temperature of the outer cover will be kept at a safe level, such as below approximately 60°C, below approximately 50°C, below approximately 48°C, or below approximately 43°C.

[0047] One or more of the housing, coil support, barrier member, first end support, and second end support may be made from an insulating material such as plastic. In a particular example, the coil support is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK has excellent thermal insulation properties and is well-suited for use in aerosol supply devices.

[0048] In another example, the coil support, barrier member, first end support, and second end support may include mica or mica-glass ceramic.

[0049] The aerosol supply device may also be a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0050] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are shown only as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partially exploded side view of the aerosol supply device, showing the housing, PCB, end members, power supply, aerosol generation assembly, replaceable parts, and outer cover. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing the proximal portion of the aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing the distal portion of the aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is another enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a side view of the aerosol generation assembly, including the inductor coil and coil support. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a side view of the coil support. [Figure 11]Figure 2 is a side view of the housing and aerosol generation assembly. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged side view of a portion of the coil support shown in Figure 4, which illustrates the thermocouple mounting area. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the housing of the device described herein. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the housing, showing the first and second inductor coils installed inside, with the ends of each coil positioned within the positioning component. [Figure 15a] This figure shows the PCB when the first and second inductor coils are connected to the PCB in the first configuration and positioned within the enclosure. [Figure 15b] Figure 15a is a side view showing the first and second inductor coils connected to the PCB. [Figure 16a] This figure shows the PCB when the first and second inductor coils are connected to the PCB in the second configuration and positioned within the enclosure. [Figure 16b] Figure 16a is a side view showing the first and second inductor coils connected to the PCB. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] In this specification, the term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that, usually in the form of an aerosol, release volatile components upon heating. Aerosol generating materials include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, extended tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Other non-tobacco products can also be used as aerosol generating materials, and some products may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, gels, waxes, etc. Aerosol generating materials may also be combinations or mixtures of materials. Aerosol generating materials are sometimes also known as "smoking materials."

[0053] Devices are known that form an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material and volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, usually without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-supplying devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices," etc. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that vaporize an aerosol-generating material (which may or may not contain nicotine), usually in liquid form. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a part of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as a part. The heater that heats and volatilizes the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0054] An aerosol supply device can receive and heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material. In this context, “article” is a component that, when used, comprises or contains an aerosol-generating material and is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components when used. After a user inserts an article into the aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device may be heated to generate an aerosol that the user will later inhale. The article may be of a predetermined size, or a specific size, configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0055] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Generally, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other aspirable medium for the user of the device 100 to inhale.

[0056] The device 100 includes a housing 102 (including an outer cover) that encloses and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 can be inserted and heated by a heater assembly 105 (see Figure 2). When in use, the article 110 may be inserted all or partly into the heater assembly 105 and heated by one or more components of the heater assembly 105.

[0057] Furthermore, device 100 may include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates device 100 when pressed. For example, the user may turn on device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0058] Device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of the device 100 of Figure 1. The device 100 comprises an outer cover 102, a first end member 106, and a second end member 116. The device 100 comprises an aerosol generation assembly 111 including a housing 109, a power supply 118, and a heater assembly 105. The device 100 further comprises at least one electronics module 122.

[0060] The outer cover 102 constitutes part of the device shell 108. A first end member 106 is located at one end of the device 100, and a second end member 116 is located at the opposite end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106 and 116 close the outer cover 102. The first and second end members 106 and 116 constitute part of the shell 108. The device 100 of the embodiment includes a lid (not shown) that can close the opening 104 by movement relative to the first end member 106 when the article 110 is not in place.

[0061] Furthermore, device 100 may include electrical components, such as a connector / port 114, that can receive a cable and charge the device's battery. For example, the connector 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the connector 114 may be used, either additionally or as an alternative, for data transfer between device 100 and another device, such as a computer device.

[0062] The device 100 comprises a housing 109, which is received by an outer cover 102. The aerosol generation assembly 111 includes a heater assembly 105 into which all or part of an article 110 can be inserted during use, and the article 110 may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly 105. The aerosol generation assembly 111 and the power supply 118 are mounted in the housing 109. The housing 109 is a one-piece component.

[0063] The housing 109 may be integrally formed during manufacturing, for example, by an injection molding process. Alternatively, two or more features of the housing 109 may be formed separately first, and then an integral component may be formed during the manufacturing stage by integral formation, for example, by a welding process.

[0064] An integrated component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after the device 100 has been assembled. Integrated formation refers to two or more features that are formed as an integrated component during the manufacturing stage of the components.

[0065] The first and second end members 106 and 116 together define at least partially the end face of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 defines at least partially the bottom surface of the device 100. Alternatively, the edge of the outer cover 102 may define part of the end face. The first and second end members 116 close the open end of the outer cover 102. The second end member 116 is located at one end of the housing 109.

[0066] The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104 and operates the user control 112 to start heating the aerosol-generating material, utilizing the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along the flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0067] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user utilizes the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 will be explained by referring to the relative arrangement of such features in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 101.

[0068] The power supply 118 is located at the distal end of the device 100. The housing 109 houses the power supply 118. The housing 109 includes a power supply mounting section 119. The housing 109 partially encloses the power supply 118. The power supply 118 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples include lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generation assembly 111 and supplies power as needed, as well as heating the aerosol generation material under the control of the control device 121. In this example, the battery is connected to the housing 109, which acts as a central support for holding the battery 118 in place.

[0069] The power supply 118 and the aerosol generation assembly 111 are arranged as an axial component, with the power supply 118 at the distal end of the device 100 and the aerosol generation assembly 111 at the proximal end of the device 100. Other configurations are possible. The housing 109 includes an aerosol generation assembly mounting section 113.

[0070] Device 100 further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 123. The PCB 123 may support at least one control device 121, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 123 may also have one or more electrical tracks that electrically integrate various electronic components of device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 123 so that power can be distributed throughout device 100. The connector 114 may also be electrically coupled to a battery 118 via an electrical track. The housing 109 includes a PCB mounting section 117.

[0071] The aerosol generation assembly 111 is an induction heating assembly comprising various components for heating the aerosol generation material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductor (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element (e.g., one or more inductor coils) and a device that passes a fluctuating current, such as alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. Since the susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. Furthermore, if the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, i.e., the fluctuating orientation of the magnetic dipole of the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, rapid heating is possible because heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, the degree of freedom in configuration and application is increased.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing a portion of device 100. The outer cover 102 surrounds the aerosol generation assembly 111. The aerosol generation assembly 111 of device 100 comprises a heater assembly 105 and an inductor coil assembly 127. The inductor coil assembly 127 extends around the heater assembly 105. The inductor coil assembly 127 includes a first inductor coil 124 and a second inductor coil 126. The inductor coil assembly 127 also comprises a coil support 200.

[0073] The heater assembly 105 comprises a susceptor component 132 (hereinafter referred to as the "susceptor"). The susceptor 132 in this example is hollow and defines a receptacle 131 into which an aerosol-generating material is received. For example, an article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 132 is tubular with a circular cross-section. The susceptor 132 defines a first part of the heater assembly 105. The susceptor 132 has a substantially constant diameter along its axial length. The susceptor 132 has a flared portion 134 at its proximal end 133, which is the first end. The flared portion 134 widens outward. The flared portion 134 defines an outwardly extending lip 135, that is, the lip 135 has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the main part of the susceptor 132. The lip 135 acts to minimize contact between the first end 133 and other components of the susceptor 132. This configuration helps reduce heat transfer, for example, by conduction, when the susceptor 132 is heated.

[0074] The susceptor 132 is made of a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. In this example, the susceptor is made of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials (e.g., ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt) can also be used.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a portion of the article 110 received by the receptacle 131 provided by the susceptor 132. The susceptor 132 and the article 110 are dimensionally defined so that the article 110 is received by the susceptor 132. In this example, the article 110 includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is located inside the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0076] The heater assembly 105 also includes a funnel portion 140. The funnel portion 140 is located at the distal end 136, which is the second end of the susceptor 132. The funnel portion 140 protrudes from the susceptor 132. In this embodiment, the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140 are an integrated component.

[0077] The funnel portion 140 has a thimble structure. The funnel portion 140 is located at the distal end 136, which is the second end of the susceptor 132. The funnel portion 140 defines the second part of the heater assembly 105. The funnel portion 140 comprises a first portion 141 of a first diameter and a second portion 142 of a second diameter. An intermediate portion 143 extends between the first and second portions 141, 142. The first portion 141 is tubular and extends axially. The second portion 142 is tubular and extends axially. The funnel portion 140 is hollow. The intermediate portion 143 constitutes a shoulder portion 145. The shoulder portion 145 acts as a stopper that restricts the insertion of the article 110 into the receptacle. The shoulder portion 145 extends to the longitudinal axis 101 in a substantially vertical plane.

[0078] The first portion 141 has a larger inner diameter than the second portion 142. Therefore, the funnel portion 140 widens from the first portion 141 to the second portion 142. As a result, the diameter of the funnel portion 140 decreases from the susceptor end 148 to the distal end 149.

[0079] The funnel portion 140 defines an air passage 146 passing through its interior. The first portion 141 and the susceptor 132 partially overlap at one end of the susceptor 132. In one example, this overlap is approximately 1 mm to 3 mm. In a particular example, the overlap is 2 mm. There are also examples where there is no overlap. In such examples, the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140 are adjacent. The first portion 141 overlaps the distal end 136, which is the second end of the susceptor 132. The first portion 141 is substantially cylindrical and has an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the susceptor 132. The first portion 141 is adjacent to the susceptor 132. A joint 147 is formed between the first portion 141 of the funnel portion 140 and the susceptor 132. The joint 147 assists in forming a heat transfer path between the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140.

[0080] The joint 147 is a fluidically sealed joint. The fluid seal is formed between the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140. Therefore, a fluidly sealed fluid path is defined between the opposing ends of the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140. Thus, the receptacle defined by the susceptor 132 constitutes a fluid-sealed air passage with an air passage 146 formed by the funnel portion 140.

[0081] In embodiments, the fluid seal at the joint 147 is formed by a mechanically processed joint (e.g., welding). The fluid seal at the joint 147 is formed by a laser welding process, but it will be understood that other methods such as brazing or bonding may be used. The funnel portion 140 is formed of a heat transfer material. In embodiments, the funnel portion 140 is formed of carbon steel. In embodiments, the funnel portion is formed of the same material as the susceptor 132. The joint is configured to maintain the fluid seal when the susceptor 132 is at its predetermined operating temperature. Through such a process, the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140 are manufactured as a single integrated component.

[0082] Therefore, the sealed fluid path between the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140 extends from one open end of the heater assembly 105 through the heater assembly 105 to the other open end of the heater assembly 105. Thus, the heater assembly 105 contains any fluid flow passing through it. A drying zone may be defined outside the heater assembly 105.

[0083] The proximity of the susceptor 132 and the funnel portion 140 enables heat transfer from the susceptor 132 to the funnel portion 140 by conduction. This allows for the assistance of passive heating of the funnel portion 140. Passive heating of the funnel portion 140 makes it possible to limit the rate of condensation accumulation in the device 100.

[0084] The funnel portion 140 is axially separated from the inductor coil assembly 127. In particular, the second portion 142 of the funnel portion 140 is axially separated from the inductor coil assembly 127. Therefore, direct heating of the funnel portion 140 by the inductor coil assembly 127 is minimized or eliminated. The funnel portion 140 may be adjacent to the inductor coil assembly 127 in the axial direction.

[0085] Referring particularly to Figures 4 to 8, the device 100 comprises a first end support 220 and a second end support 230. The heater assembly 105 extends between the first and second end supports 230. A barrier member 250 extends between the first end support 220 and the second end support 230. The barrier member 250 acts as a support member.

[0086] The first end support 220 engages with the proximal end, which is the first end of the heater assembly 105, to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The first end support 220 acts as an expansion chamber, as will be described later. Referring particularly to Figures 7 and 8, the first end support 220 extends away from the first end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104. At least a portion of a retaining structure 221, such as a retaining clip, is located within the first end support 220 to hold the article 110 adjacent to it when received within the device 100. The first end support 220 is connected to the end member 106.

[0087] The first end support 220 comprises a chamber 222, which is configured to receive an article 110 inside. The retaining structure 221 is located in the chamber 222. The chamber 222 has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the article 110. The first end support 220 constitutes the proximal collar, which is the first collar of the heater assembly 105. A perforation 223 extends inside it. On the inner surface of the perforation 223, for example as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a distal opposing shoulder 225 is defined. The distal opposing shoulder 225 aligns with the lip 135 of the susceptor when the susceptor 132 is received by the first end support 220.

[0088] Referring particularly to Figures 4 and 5, the first end support 220 has a seal rim 226 at its distal end. The distal seal rim 226 extends around the hole 223. A first mounting flange 227 extends from the proximal end outer surface 228, which is the first end outer surface of the first end support 220. The first mounting flange 227 extends circumferentially and is spaced apart from the seal rim 226. The first mounting flange 227 rises upright from the first end outer surface 228 and forms the proximal end mounting surface 229, which is the first end mounting surface. The proximal end outer surface 228 and the first end mounting surface 229 define a stepped configuration. The first end mounting surface 229 has a larger diameter than the first end outer surface 228. In this embodiment, the first end outer surface 228 and the first end mounting surface define the first and second stepped surfaces.

[0089] Referring particularly to Figures 4 to 8, the device 100 further comprises a second end support 230 that holds the heater assembly 105 in place by engaging with the funnel portion 140 at the distal end, which is the second end of the susceptor 132. The second end support 230 constitutes the distal collar, which is the second collar of the heater assembly 105. In embodiments in which the funnel portion is omitted, the second end support 230 engages directly with the susceptor 132. The second end support 230 acts as an air inlet, as will be described later. The second end support 230 extends away from the second end of the susceptor 132 toward the distal end of the device 100.

[0090] Referring particularly to Figures 4 and 6, the second end support 230 includes a second end perforation 231. The second end support 230 is configured to receive the funnel portion 140 at least partially. The inner surface of the second end support 230 is stepped. The inner surface comprises a first stepped region 232 with a first step and a second stepped region 233 with a second step. The first stepped region 232 receives the first portion 141 of the funnel portion 140. The second stepped region 233 receives the second portion 142 of the funnel portion 140. The second stepped region 233 includes a first sealing surface 234. The second stepped region 233 includes a second sealing surface 235. The first sealing surface 234 is an internal circumferentially extended surface. The second sealing surface 235 is a circumferentially extended surface that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101.

[0091] A second mounting flange 237 extends from the distal outer surface 238, which is the second outer surface of the second end support 230. The second mounting flange 237 extends circumferentially and is spaced apart from the proximal end of the second end support 230. The second mounting flange 237 rises upright from the second end outer surface 238 and forms the distal end mounting surface 239, which is the second end mounting surface. The distal end outer surface 238 and the distal end mounting surface 239 define a stepped configuration. The second end mounting surface 239 has a larger diameter than the second end outer surface 238. In this embodiment, the second end outer surface 238 and the second end mounting surface 239 define first and second stepped surfaces.

[0092] The barrier member 250 extends between the first end support 220 and the second end support 230. The barrier member 250 extends between the first and second end supports 220 and 230. Together with the first and second end supports 220 and 230, the barrier member 250 surrounds the heater assembly 105. This acts as an aid in the thermal isolation of the heater assembly 105 from other components of the device 100. The barrier member 250 is a hollow tubular member.

[0093] The barrier member 250 is fixedly attached to the first and second end supports 220 and 230. The first and second end supports 220 and 230 are received at the ends of the barrier member 250. The first end support 220 closes the proximal end of the barrier member 250. The second end support 230 closes the distal end of the barrier member 150. The barrier member 250 partially overlaps with the first and second end supports 220 and 230. In one example, this overlap is approximately 2 mm to 3 mm. In a particular example, the overlap is approximately 2.2 mm. There are also examples where there is no overlap. The proximal end of the barrier member 250 is adjacent to the outer surface 228 of the first end. The distal end of the barrier member 250 is adjacent to the outer surface 238 of the second end.

[0094] The barrier member 250 is fixedly attached to the first and second end supports 220 and 230. The barrier member 250 and the first and second end supports 220 and 230 constitute a fluid seal. In this embodiment, a mechanically processed joint (e.g., welding) is formed between the barrier member 250 and the first and second end supports 220 and 230, respectively. The fluid seal at the joint of the parts is formed by the welding process, but it will be understood that other methods such as brazing or bonding may be used. In this embodiment, the barrier member 250 and the first and second end supports 220 and 230 are made of the same material. The joint is configured to maintain the fluid seal when the susceptor 132 is at its predetermined operating temperature. Through this process, the barrier member 250 and the first and second end supports 220 and 230 are manufactured as a single integrated component.

[0095] In embodiments, the barrier member 250, formed from a non-metallic material, helps limit interference with magnetic induction. In this particular example, the barrier member 250 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The first and second end supports 220 and 230 are made of PEEK. Other suitable materials are possible. Components formed from such materials help the barrier member 250 maintain rigidity / solidity when the susceptor is heated. The barrier member 250, formed from a rigid material, helps support other components such as the heater assembly 105 and the end supports 220 and 230. The barrier member 250 may be made of an insulating material, such as plastic. In one example, the thickness of the barrier member 250 is about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. In this example, the thickness is about 0.3 mm.

[0096] The heater assembly 105, the barrier member 250, and the first and second end supports 220 and 230 are coaxial with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132. The barrier member 250 may help to insulate various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0097] A radial gap is provided between the susceptor 132 and the first end support 220. The diameter of the perforation 223 is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the susceptor 132. The radial gap is approximately 0.2 mm, but may be different. Providing a radial gap helps to minimize heat transfer between the susceptor 132 and the first end support 220.

[0098] Referring particularly to Figures 4 to 6, the first sealing member 240 constitutes a fluid seal between the heating assembly (heater assembly) 105 and the first end support 220. The first sealing member 240 is a circumferentially stretchable member. The first sealing member 240 includes a silicone rubber seal. Other suitable materials can be used. The first sealing member 240 is elastic. This material is configured to stabilize when the heater assembly 105 is at its operating temperature. The first sealing member 240 is fixedly mounted on the susceptor 240. The first sealing member 240 adheres to the susceptor 132, for example, by overmolding the first sealing member 240 onto the outer surface of the susceptor 132. The first sealing member 240 is separated from the proximal end of the susceptor 132. When the proximal end of the susceptor 132 is received by the first end support 220, the seal rim 226 of the first end support 220 contacts the first seal member 240 to form a seal. Such a seal is formed between the first end support 220 and the susceptor 220. The first seal member 240 constitutes an axial seal.

[0099] The first sealing member 240 seals the barrier member 250 in contact with it. The first sealing member 240 is upright from the susceptor 132. The first sealing member 240 is adjacent to the inner surface of the barrier member 250. Therefore, a seal is formed between the susceptor 132 and the barrier member 250. The first sealing member 240 constitutes a radial seal. The first sealing member 240 acts to position and orient the susceptor relative to the first end support 220 and the barrier member 250.

[0100] A second sealing member 245 constitutes a fluid seal between the heating assembly (heater assembly) 105 and the second end support 230. The second sealing member 245 is a circumferentially stretchable member. The second sealing member 245 includes a silicone rubber seal. Other suitable materials can be used. The second sealing member 245 is elastic. This material is configured to stabilize the heater assembly 105 when it is at its operating temperature. The second sealing member 245 is fixedly mounted on the funnel portion 140. In embodiments, the second sealing member is located on the susceptor 132, and the funnel portion is omitted, for example. The second sealing member 245 is attached to the susceptor 132, for example, by overmolding the second sealing member 245 onto the outer surface of the funnel portion 140. The second sealing member 245 is adjacent to the open end of the funnel portion 140. When the distal end of the heater assembly is received by the second end support 230, the first sealing surface 234 of the second end support 230 contacts the second sealing member 245 to form a seal. Such a seal is formed between the second end support 230 and the heater assembly 105. The second sealing member 245 constitutes a radial seal.

[0101] The second sealing member 245 contacts the second sealing surface 235 of the second end support 230 to provide a seal. The second sealing member 245 constitutes an axial seal. The second sealing member 245 is upright from the heater assembly 105. The second sealing member 245 acts to position and orient the heater assembly 105 relative to the second end support 230 and the barrier member 250.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first sealing member 240 is located on the first end support 220 and seals together with the heater assembly 105. In this embodiment, the second sealing member 245 is located on the second end support 230 and seals together with the heater assembly 105. The second sealing member 245 is located on the second portion 142 of the funnel portion 140. In this embodiment, the second sealing member 245 is located on the first portion 141 of the funnel portion 140. In this embodiment, the second sealing member 245 seals the proximal rim of the second end support 230.

[0103] The first sealing member 240 and the second sealing member 250 constitute a sealed air passage through the second sealing member 250, the heater assembly 105, and the first sealing member 240. The barrier member 250 and the first and second end supports 220, 230 constitute a continuously sealed enclosure of the heater assembly 105. The barrier member 250 is separated from the susceptor 132. The inner surface of the barrier member 250 is positioned away from the outer surface of the susceptor 132, thereby providing a gap between the barrier member 250 and the heater assembly 105. The gap provides insulation from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0104] A fluidically sealed cavity 260 is formed between the heater assembly 105 and the barrier member 105. The fluidically sealed cavity 260 constitutes a chamber. The cavity 260 provides a gap. A fluidly sealed enclosure 261 is formed around a portion of the heater assembly 105. The fluidly sealed enclosure is formed by the barrier member 105, the first and second sealing members 240, 245, the heater assembly 105, and the second end support 230. In some embodiments, the first end support 220 constitutes part of the enclosure 261. In some embodiments, the fluidly sealed enclosure 261 is formed by the barrier member 105, the heater assembly 105, and the first and second sealing members 240, 245. In some embodiments, the gap between the heater assembly 105 and the barrier member 105 is about 0.8 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the gap is about 0.9 mm.

[0105] A sensor, such as a thermocouple 265, is disposed in the fluid-sealed cavity 260. The thermocouple 265 is mounted on the susceptor 132. The thermocouple 265 is configured to determine the temperature of the susceptor 132. The thermocouple 265 directly detects the temperature of the susceptor 132. Device 100 may have two or more thermocouples 132 configured to determine the temperature of the susceptor 132. Providing the fluid-sealed cavity 260 helps to isolate the thermocouple 265 from the atmosphere outside the fluid-sealed cavity 260. Providing the fluid-sealed cavity 260 helps to isolate the thermocouple 265 from the air passage through device 100. This restricts the flow of condensate from the air passage to the thermocouple 265.

[0106] Referring particularly to Figures 9 and 10, the inductor coil assembly 127 includes a first inductor coil 124 and a second inductor coil 126. The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are made of a conductive material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are made of Litz wire / cable that is wound spirally to provide helical inductor coils 124 and 126. The Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and formed into a single wire by a single twist. The Litz wire is designed to minimize skin effect losses of the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are made of copper Litz wire having a circular cross-section. In other examples, the Litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as rectangular. The number of inductor coils may vary. For example, in an embodiment, the inductor coil assembly 127 may include a single inductor coil. The first or second inductor coil may be omitted.

[0107] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field that heats a first portion of the susceptor 132 (see Figure 4), and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field that heats a second portion of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 100, as shown in Figures 15a and 15b (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 do not overlap). The susceptor configuration 132 may consist of a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. The ends 130 of the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are connectable to the PCB 123 (see Figure 2).

[0108] In some examples, it will be apparent that the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, as an example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In Figures 3 and 4, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 have different lengths such that the portion of the first inductor coil 124 wound around the susceptor 132 is smaller than that of the second inductor coil 126. For this reason, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be substantially identical.

[0109] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in the same direction. The inductor coils may be configured to operate at different timings. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may operate first to heat a first portion of the article 110, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second portion of the article 110. In an embodiment, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the non-operating coil when used in conjunction with certain types of control circuits. In such an example, the first inductor coil 124 may be a right-handed helix, and the second inductor coil 126 may be a left-handed helix. In another embodiment, the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed helix, and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed helix.

[0110] It will be understood that the number of inductor coils may vary. In one embodiment, device 100 comprises a single inductor coil.

[0111] Device 100 includes a coil support 200 that acts as a support member. The support member is substantially tubular and may at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The support member 200 supports the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the coil support 200. Figure 9 is a side view of the coil support 200, showing various components of device 100 omitted. Figure 10 also shows the coil support 200.

[0112] The coil support 200 extends between the first and second end supports 220, 230. Together with the first and second end supports 220, 230, the coil support 200 surrounds the heater assembly 105. This acts as an aid in the thermal isolation of the heater assembly 105 from other components of the device 100. The coil support 200 is a hollow tubular member.

[0113] In embodiments, the coil support 200 is formed from a non-metallic material to help limit interference with magnetic induction. In this particular example, the coil support 200 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. A coil support formed from such a material ensures that the assembly maintains rigidity / solidity when the susceptor is heated. The coil support 200 is formed from a rigid material to help support other components such as coils 124 and 126. The coil support 200 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In one example, the coil support 200 has a thickness of about 1 mm to 1.5 mm. In this example, the thickness is about 1.3 mm.

[0114] In particular, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 9, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are arranged around and adjacent to the coil support 200. The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are located on the radially outward side 201 of the coil support 200. In the embodiment, the first and second inductor coils are located on the radially inward side 202 of the coil support 200.

[0115] The susceptor 132, the coil support 200, and the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are coaxial around the central longitudinal axis 101 of the susceptor 132. The coil support 200 may help to insulate various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0116] The coil support 200 has an outer surface 203. The outer surface 203 is separated from the outer cover 102. The coil support 200 is separated from the heater assembly 105. The coil support 200 has an inner surface that is located away from the outer surface 203 of the susceptor 132.

[0117] The coil support 200 is fixedly attached to the first and second end supports 220 and 230. The first and second end supports 220 and 230 are received at the ends of the coil support 200. The first end support 220 closes the proximal end of the coil support 200. The second end support 230 closes the distal end of the coil support 200. The coil support 200 partially overlaps with the first and second end supports 220 and 230. The proximal end of the barrier member 250 is adjacent to the outer surface 228 of the first end. The distal end of the barrier member 250 is adjacent to the outer surface 238 of the second end. The proximal end of the coil support 220 overlaps with the proximal end mounting surface 229, which is the first end mounting surface of the first end support 220. The distal end of the coil support 220 overlaps with the distal end mounting surface 229, which is the second end mounting surface of the second end support 230.

[0118] The coil support 200 is fixedly attached to the first and second end supports 220 and 230. The coil support 200 is held between the first and second end supports 220 and 230. In the embodiment, the coil support 200 is fixed in place by mechanical joining such as welding or bonding. In the embodiment, the coil support 200 and the first and second end supports 220 and 230 are formed from the same material.

[0119] Referring particularly to Figures 3, 4, 9, and 10, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be aligned with the coil support 200 by the coil support 200. That is, in some embodiments, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be held in a specific arrangement relative to the coil support 200 by a feature of the coil support 200. In some examples, the alignment feature or alignment mechanism may be a channel 205. The channel 205 may be formed on the radially outward surface 201 of the coil support 200. The channel 205 may be a helical channel 205. In some examples with this alignment mechanism, the channel 205 may receive the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126. In that example, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be held by the channel 205. The channel 205 follows a certain helical path. Channel 205 has multiple turns around the coil support 200. Acting as an alignment mechanism, channel 205 provides a consistent path for coils 214 and 216, for example, with consistent spacing. This helps maximize the performance of the inductor coil assembly and / or achieve predetermined characteristics of the coils.

[0120] The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are aligned in a helical arrangement on the coil support 200, respectively. For example, one of the inductor coils may be omitted. The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 each follow a helical path. The windings of the helical paths of the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are spaced equally apart.

[0121] In one embodiment, the helical channel 205 is formed by a groove on the outer surface 203 of the support coil 200. In another embodiment, the helical channel 205 is formed by a pair of adjacent peaks extending in a helical arrangement. The peaks may be discontinuous and formed by a plurality of projections. The projections may define a helical path through which the support coil is received and held.

[0122] In some embodiments, the coil support 200 may have helical recesses 206 between adjacent windings of the channel 205. The helical recesses 206 are elongated grooves. For example, the helical recesses 206 include multiple recesses. For example, the helical recesses 206 act as voids. Providing helical recesses helps to limit heat transfer. Providing helical recesses can help to minimize weight. The helical recesses 206 form a double helix configuration with the channel 205. In some embodiments, the helical recesses are omitted. Figures 3 and 4 do not show helical recesses.

[0123] The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be held in the channel 205. Retaining mechanisms such as clips, bonding, and overlayers may be used to hold the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 in the channel 205.

[0124] The first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may each be fully received by the coil support 200. That is, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may each be coplanar with the surface of the coil support 200 or recessed from the surface of the coil support 200. In the embodiment, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 partially protrude from the channel 205.

[0125] The coil support 200 comprises a single channel. However, it will be understood that the channel 205 may be separated into two channel sections, one for each of the coils 124 and 126. Each channel may have one or more different characteristics (e.g., period, width, depth, and length), which may result in different alignments between the coils 124 and 126.

[0126] A ferrite shield 280 extends around the inductor coils 124 and 126. The ferrite shield acts as an electromagnetic shield. Other suitable materials can be used. The ferrite shield 280 is mounted on the coil support 200. Because the ferrite shield 280 is adjacent to the coil support 200, it may be directly attached to the coil support 200, for example, by adhesive. The channel 205 recesses the coils 124 and 126 into the coil support 200. The inductor coils 124 and 126 are surrounded by the coil support 200 and the ferrite shield 280.

[0127] Refer to Figure 12. A sensor 290, such as a thermocouple, may be mounted on the coil support 200. The coil support 200 includes a sensor mounting portion 291. This assists in the precise placement of the sensor relative to the coil, thereby enabling accurate measurement. The mounting portion 291 includes a recess. The mounting portion 291 constitutes a mounting surface for mounting the thermocouple.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, the alignment mechanism is the channel. However, it should be understood that the channel may be omitted, and the alignment mechanism may be different.

[0129] In the embodiments described above, channels 205 and / or other alignment mechanisms for aligning the coils are provided in the coil support 200. In some embodiments, it will be understood that multiple channels and / or other alignment mechanisms for aligning the coils may be omitted. In such embodiments, the coils may be attached to the surface of the coil support or assembled around the coil support with gaps in between.

[0130] The heater assembly 105, the barrier member 250, and the coil support 200 are coaxial with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132. The coil support 200 can help insulate various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0131] The coil support 200 is separated from the susceptor 132. The coil support 200 is separated from the barrier member 250. The barrier member 250 is located between the heater assembly 105 and the coil support 200. An insulating chamber 270 may be formed between the coil support 200 and the barrier member 250.

[0132] In one example, the distance between the coil support 200 and the barrier member 250 is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In this example, the thickness is approximately 0.9 mm. The coil support 200 acts as a second barrier member. By providing a barrier member that acts as a barrier, it may be possible to provide separate chambers that assist in the separation of different components of the device in a spaced-out arrangement.

[0133] The barrier acts as an insulating member. Therefore, the barrier constitutes part of an insulating stack that limits heat transfer from the susceptor 132 to the outside of the aerosol generation assembly 111. The barrier member 250 acts as a first insulating member. The coil support 200 acts as a second insulating member. An insulating layer 271 extends between the barrier member 250 and the coil support 200. The insulating layer 271 extends around the barrier member 250. The insulating layer 271 is adjacent to the barrier member 250 and the coil support 200.

[0134] In some embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 271 is supported by the barrier member 250 and the coil support 200. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 271 is supported by the barrier member 250. In such embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 271 may be separated from the coil support 200 by, for example, only a small gap. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 271 is supported by the coil support 200. In such embodiments, the thermal insulation layer 271 may be separated from the barrier member 250 by, for example, only a small gap. The thermal insulation layer 271 may be attached to one or both of the barrier member 250 and the coil support 200. In some embodiments, the barrier member 250 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the coil support 200 may be formed integrally with the thermal insulation layer 271. The thermal insulation layer 271 may be omitted. In such embodiments, a gap is formed between the barrier member 250 and the coil support 200. In this configuration, the gap acts as a thermal insulator.

[0135] The thermal insulation layer 271 acts as a third thermal insulation member. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 271 is a sheet before assembly. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 271 is formed in a tubular configuration around the inner surface of the coil support 200. An end lip 272 (see Figure 4) helps to hold the thermal insulation layer 271 in place. The thermal insulation layer 271 is attached to the coil support 20. For example, the thermal insulation layer 271 is attached to a barrier member 250. The barrier member 250 separates the thermal insulation layer 271 from the susceptor 132. The coil support 200 separates the thermal insulation layer 271 from the inductor coils 124 and 126.

[0136] The insulating stack may be provided by a combination of two or more materials, including (i) air (having a thermal conductivity of about 0.02 W / mK), (ii) aerogel (e.g., AeroZero®) (having a thermal conductivity of about 0.03 W / mK to about 0.04 W / mK), (iii) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (in some examples, it may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.25 W / mK), (iv) ceramic cloth (having a specific heat of about 1.13 kJ / kgK), and (v) thermal putty. Other suitable materials may be used.

[0137] The thermal insulation layer 271 is formed of aerogel. Other suitable materials, such as porous foam materials, can also be used. By providing barrier members on both sides of the aerogel, for example, a protective barrier for the thermal insulation layer 271 can be provided. One or more barriers help to support the thermal insulation layer 271 along its length.

[0138] The combination of the barrier member and the aerogel insulation layer helps limit heat transfer from the device 100 to the shell in a compact configuration by enhancing the insulation configuration around the heater assembly 105.

[0139] The insulation layer 271 acts as the inner insulation layer 273. The outer insulation layer 273 extends around the inductor coil assembly 127. The outer insulation layer 273 has a tubular structure. The outer insulation layer 273 is supported by the inductor coil assembly 127. The inner and outer insulation layers 271 and 273 sandwich the inductor coil assembly 127. The outer insulation layer 273 is mounted on the ferrite layer 280. The outer insulation layer 273 is attached to the ferrite layer 280, but other mounting configurations are also possible. By providing the outer insulation layer 273, a predetermined thickness of insulation can be used, while the distance between the coil and the susceptor 132 can be changed. The outer insulation layer 273 is formed of aerogel. Other suitable materials (e.g., porous foam materials) can also be used.

[0140] Referring to Figure 11, the first end support 220 protrudes from the proximal end of the coil support 200. The second end support 230 protrudes from the distal end of the coil support 200. The first end support 220 is axially aligned. The second end support 230 is axially aligned. The aerosol generation assembly 111 is mounted on the housing 109. The aerosol generation assembly 111 has its proximal and distal ends mounted. The aerosol generation assembly mounting portion 113 of the housing 109 holds the aerosol generation assembly 111. The first placement mechanism 300 places the aerosol generation assembly 111 at the proximal end, which is the first end, in the housing 109. The second placement mechanism 301 places the aerosol generation assembly 111 at the distal end, which is the second end, in the housing 109.

[0141] The inductor coil end 130 extends from the aerosol generation assembly 111. The inductor coil end 130 is supported by the housing 109. The inductor coil end 130 is connected to the PCB 123.

[0142] The outer cover 102 protects the internal components of the device and is typically in contact with the user's hands during device use. The outer cover 102 has an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0143] In some cases, when an inductor coil is used to induce a magnetic field, it may generate heat itself, for example, due to resistive heating caused by the current flowing through it for magnetic field induction. Providing an insulating layer between the inductor coil and the outer cover helps to insulate the outer cover from the heated inductor coil. A ferrite shield helps to insulate the outer cover. It has been shown that if a ferrite shield is in contact with and at least partially surrounds one or more inductor coils, it can lower the surface temperature of the outer cover by about 3°C.

[0144] The susceptor 132, barrier member 250, and coil support 200 each have a circular cross-section, but their cross-sections may have any other shape, and in some examples they may be different from each other.

[0145] As described above, the inductor coil end 130 extends from the aerosol generation assembly 111 and is supported on the housing 109. The inductor coil end 130 is connected to the PCB 123.

[0146] In some examples shown in Figures 13 to 16b, and as described below, the aerosol supply device may have a housing 109 further comprising a coil wire end positioning configuration 400, the positioning configuration 400 being arranged and configured to position, hold, and align the ends 130 of the coil wires relative to each other and / or relative to the PCB 123. In other examples not shown, the wire positioning configuration 400 can be used to position, hold, and align the ends 130 of the coil wires relative to each other and / or relative to different electrical components other than the PCB 123. However, in the examples shown herein and described below, the electrical component is the PCB 123.

[0147] The housing 109 includes an electrical component mounting section, which in the examples shown herein is a PCB mounting section 117 where the electrical components or PCB 123 are positioned during use. As described above, an aerosol generating assembly 111 is provided on the housing 109, and this aerosol generating assembly has a heater assembly 105 (shown in Figure 2) configured to receive an aerosol generating material. The heater assembly 105 further includes a susceptor 132 (shown in Figure 3), which is heatable by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. In some examples, a first inductor coil 124 extends around the heater assembly 105 and the inductor coil 124 and is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0148] In some embodiments, only one inductor coil 124 may be provided. The inductor coil 124 comprises a coil wire having first and second coil wire ends 130, each of which is connected to and engaged with an electrical component such as a PCB 123 during use. In some examples, the first coil wire end 130 of the inductor coil 124 may be referred to as the proximal coil wire end 130 because it is positioned to face further towards the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device. The second coil wire end 130 of the inductor coil 126 may be referred to as the distal coil wire end because it is positioned to face further towards the distal end of the device during use.

[0149] The coil wire end positioning configuration 400 of the housing 109 includes a first positioning means 401 and a second positioning means 402. The first positioning means 401 may be located on the housing further toward the proximal end of the device than the second positioning means 402, as shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first positioning means 401 is configured to receive and hold in place the first end 130 or proximal end 130 of the inductor coil 124 at a proximal first position, and the second positioning means 402 is configured to receive and hold in place the second distal end of the inductor coil at a distal second position.

[0150] In some examples, the first and second positions are not axially aligned with each other, as shown by the first inductor coil wire 124 in Figure 15b. In other examples, the first and second positions are axially aligned with each other, as shown by the first inductor coil wire 124 in Figure 16b. In examples where both ends of the same inductor coil wire 124 are axially aligned with each other, it is possible to place the battery connector on the PCB such that its position is axially aligned with the positions of both coil wire ends of the inductor coil 124. This has the advantage of simplifying the PCB layout and providing more space on the PCB for additional components.

[0151] In the examples shown in Figures 15a, 15b, 16a, and 16b of this application, the device also comprises a second inductor coil 126 extending around the coil support and heater assembly 105. The second inductor coil 126 comprises wires configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field. The second inductor coil 126 also has both a proximal first coil wire end 130 and a distal second coil wire end 130, each of which engages with an electrical component such as a PCB.

[0152] In such an example where two inductor coils 124, 126 are provided, the positioning configuration 400 is further configured to receive and hold the first and second coil wire ends 130 of the second inductor coil 126 and align them with an electrical component such as a PCB. To achieve this, the coil wire end positioning configuration 400 has a third positioning means 403 configured to position and / or hold the first end or proximal end of the second inductor coil 126 at a third position, and a fourth positioning means 404 configured to position and / or hold the second end or distal end of the second inductor coil 126 at a fourth position.

[0153] The first configuration of this type is shown in Figures 13, 14, 15a, and 15b, and the second configuration of this type is shown in Figures 16a and 16b.

[0154] As described above and shown in these figures, the susceptor 132, the coil support 200, and the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are coaxial around the central longitudinal axis 101 of the susceptor 132 and the device 100. The first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in the direction along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 100, as shown in Figures 15b and 16b (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 do not overlap). In other words, as shown, the distal coil wire end of the first inductor coil wire 124 or the second coil wire end is adjacent to the proximal coil wire end of the second inductor coil wire 126 or the first coil wire end.

[0155] Next, the configurations shown in Figures 13, 14, 15a, and 15b will be described. In these configurations, the first and second positions of the first and second coil wire ends of the first inductor coil wire 124 (and in these examples, the first and second positioning means 401, 402 themselves) are not aligned axially with each other. In other words, the first and second positions are offset circumferentially from each other. In these examples, this is achieved by providing the first positioning means 401 in the housing at the first position and the second positioning means 402 in the housing at the second position, in which case the first and second positions are not aligned axially with each other.

[0156] Similarly, the first and second coil wire ends of the second inductor 126 are not aligned axially with each other. In this example, this is achieved by providing a third positioning means 403 on the housing at a third position and a fourth positioning means 403 on the housing at a fourth position. As can be seen from Figures 13 and 14, the third and fourth positions are not aligned axially with each other.

[0157] In this example, the positions of the respective ends of the individual inductor coils 124 and 126 are not aligned axially, but the proximal ends of both inductor coils 124 and 126 are aligned axially with each other, and the distal ends of both inductor coils 126 are aligned axially with each other. That is, the proximal ends of both wires are located at first and third positions, which are axially aligned on the first axis, and the distal ends of both inductor coil wires 124 and 126 are located at second and fourth positions, which are axially aligned on a second axis different from the first axis. The first and second axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 of the device. This configuration has the advantage of reducing the width of the PCB.

[0158] Next, we will explain the configuration shown in Figures 16a and 16b.

[0159] In this example, the wire positioning structure 400 is configured to hold the wire ends 130 so that all coil wire ends 130 are aligned axially with each other. That is, the first, second, third, and fourth coil positions of the coil wire ends 130 are aligned axially with each other (i.e., not offset circumferentially with each other). This is shown in Figure 16b. This is achieved by providing the positioning structure 400, in which the first, second, third, and fourth positioning means 401, 402, 403, and 404 are provided on the housing at the first, second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, which are aligned axially with each other.

[0160] In this embodiment, the battery connector may also be positioned on the PCB so as to be aligned axially with the first, second, third, and fourth positions of the coil wire ends. This configuration has the advantage of simplifying the PCB layout and providing additional space on the PCB, as all coil wire ends are positioned on the same axis as the battery connector. The positioning means, battery connector, and coil wire ends in this configuration may be provided along axes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 of the device.

[0161] In the examples described herein, each of the positioning means 401, 402, 403, and 404 is shown to include projections, i.e., alignment tabs, that protrude from the housing 109. The alignment tabs have through-holes of a size and shape that receive the ends of the coil wires. Each alignment tab may extend inward from the housing 109 in a direction parallel to an electrical component, such as a PCB, as shown in Figure 14. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14, the through-holes may extend in a direction perpendicular to the PCB. This means that, in use, the ends of the wire coils extend through the through-holes and contact the underside of a PCB positioned above the housing, as shown in Figure 1. Other types of wire positioning means are also conceivable. Thus, the alignment tabs are configured to position the ends of the coil wires correctly and to hold the ends of the coil wires in that position during use.

[0162] The method for assembling the aerosol supply device described above may include positioning the aerosol generation assembly on the housing 109, inserting each of the inductor coil ends into their respective positioning means 401, 402, 403, and 404 so that they are held in the first to fourth positions as described above, and connecting each of the coil ends 130 to an electrical component such as a PCB.

[0163] The above configuration is effective in that it allows for different improved arrangements of electrical components connected to the coil wire ends of the inductor coil.

[0164] The embodiments described above are to be understood as exemplary examples of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are also conceivable. Any feature described in any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, and may be used in combination with one or more features of any other or any combination thereof of the embodiments. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the present invention, equivalents and improvements not described above as set forth in the appended claims may also be adopted. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] Aerosol generation assembly and Electrical components and, A housing that holds the aerosol generation assembly and the electrical components, A heater assembly configured to receive an aerosol-generating material, comprising a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, An inductor coil extending around the heater assembly, configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field an aerosol generating device comprising, An aerosol supply device comprising an inductor coil having a coil wire end that engages with the electrical component, and a housing comprising a coil wire end positioning component configured to hold and align the coil wire end with respect to the electrical component. [Item 2] The aerosol supply device according to [1], wherein the coil wire end is the first end of the inductor coil, the inductor coil has a second end, and the coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a first positioning means configured to position the first end of the inductor coil at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to position the second end of the inductor coil at a second position. [Item 3] The aerosol supply device according to [2], wherein the inductor coil is a first inductor coil, and the aerosol supply device comprises a second inductor coil extending around the coil support, the second inductor coil comprising a second coil wire having a first coil wire end and a second coil wire end that engage with the electrical component, and the coil wire end positioning component is configured to hold and / or align the first coil wire end and the second coil wire end of the second inductor coil with the electrical component. [Item 4] The aerosol supply device according to [3], wherein the coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a third positioning means configured to position the first wire coil end of the second inductor coil at a third position, and a fourth positioning means configured to position the second wire coil end of the second inductor coil at a fourth position. [Item 5] The aerosol supply device according to [2], wherein the first position and the second position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 6] The aerosol supply device according to [2], wherein the first position and the second position are aligned axially with respect to each other. [Item 7] The aerosol supply device according to [4] or [5], wherein the third position and the fourth position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 8] The aerosol supply device according to [4] or [6], wherein the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 9] The aerosol supply device according to [5], wherein the first position and the third position are aligned with each other on a first axis, and the second position and the fourth position are aligned with each other on a second axis. [Item 10] The aerosol supply device according to [4], wherein the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 11] The aerosol supply device further comprises a battery and a battery connector. The aerosol supply device according to

[10] , wherein the battery connector is configured to receive a cable for charging the battery of the aerosol supply device, and the battery connector is positioned on the electrical component so as to be axially aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth positions. [Item 12] The aerosol supply device according to any one of [2] to

[11] , each of the positioning means comprising an alignment tab protruding from the housing, wherein the alignment tab has a through hole sized and shaped to receive the end of the coil wire. [Item 13] The aerosol supply device according to

[12] , wherein the alignment tab extends inward from the housing and in a direction parallel to the electrical components. [Item 14] The aerosol supply device according to

[12] or

[13] , wherein the through-hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the electrical component. [Item 15] The aerosol supply device according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the electrical component is a printed circuit board (PCB). [Item 16] A housing for an aerosol supply device, A housing comprising an electrical component mounting section, an aerosol generation assembly mounting section, and an inductor coil wire end positioning structure configured to hold and align the first wire end and the second wire end of the inductor coil of an aerosol generation assembly that can be mounted on the housing with respect to the electrical component that can be mounted on the housing. [Item 17] The housing according to

[16] , wherein the inductor coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a first positioning means configured to position the first wire end of the inductor coil at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to position the second wire end of the inductor coil at a second position. [Item 18] The housing according to

[17] , wherein the coil wire end positioning structure comprises a third positioning means configured to position the third inductor coil end of the inductor coil wire at a third position and the fourth inductor coil wire end of the inductor coil wire at a fourth position. [Item 19] The housing according to

[17] or

[18] , wherein the first position and the second position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 20] The housing according to

[17] or

[18] , wherein the first position and the second position are aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 21] The housing according to

[18] or

[19] , wherein the third position and the fourth position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 22] The housing according to

[20] , wherein the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 23] The housing according to

[18] , wherein the first position and the third position are aligned with each other on a first axis, and the second position and the fourth position are aligned with each other on a second axis. [Item 24] The housing according to

[18] , wherein the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction. [Item 25] The enclosure further includes a battery and a battery connector. The housing according to

[24] , wherein the battery connector is configured to receive a cable for charging the battery of the housing, and the battery connector is positioned on the electrical component such that it is axially aligned with the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position. [Item 26] The housing according to any one of

[16] to

[25] , each of the positioning means having an alignment tab protruding from the housing, and the alignment tab having a through hole sized and shaped to receive the end of the coil wire. [Item 27] The housing according to

[26] , wherein the alignment tab extends inward from the housing and in a direction parallel to the electrical components. [Item 28] The housing according to

[26] or

[27] , wherein the through-hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the electrical component. [Item 29] The enclosure according to any one of

[16] to

[28] , wherein the electrical component is a printed circuit board (PCB).

Claims

1. Electrical components and, A heater assembly configured to receive an aerosol-generating material, comprising a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, An inductor coil extending around the heater assembly, configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field an aerosol supply device comprising, The inductor coil includes a coil wire end that engages with the electrical component, An aerosol supply device comprising a coil wire end positioning component configured to hold and align the coil wire end with respect to the electrical component.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the coil wire end is the first end of the inductor coil, the inductor coil has a second end, and the coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a first positioning means configured to position the first end of the inductor coil at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to position the second end of the inductor coil at a second position.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the inductor coil is a first inductor coil, and the aerosol supply device comprises a second inductor coil extending around the heater assembly, the second inductor coil comprising a second coil wire whose first coil wire end and second coil wire end engage with the electrical component, and the coil wire end positioning component is configured to hold and / or align the first coil wire end and the second coil wire end of the second inductor coil with the electrical component.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the coil wire end positioning structure comprises a third positioning means configured to position the first coil wire end of the second inductor coil at a third position, and a fourth positioning means configured to position the second coil wire end of the second inductor coil at a fourth position.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the first position and the second position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the first position and the second position are aligned with each other in the axial direction.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the third position and the fourth position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the first position and the third position are aligned with each other on a first axis, and the second position and the fourth position are aligned with each other on a second axis.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position are aligned with each other in the axial direction.

11. The aerosol supply device further comprises a battery and a battery connector. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the battery connector is configured to receive a cable for charging the battery of the aerosol supply device, and the battery connector is positioned on the electrical component such that it is axially aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth positions.

12. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a support, wherein the support comprises the coil wire end positioning component.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the coil wire end positioning component comprises an alignment tab.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, as referenced to claim 2 or 4, wherein each of the positioning means comprises an alignment tab.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the alignment tab or each alignment tab extends in a direction parallel to the electrical component.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the alignment tab or each alignment tab has a through hole sized and shaped to receive the end of the coil wire.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein the through-hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the electrical component.

18. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the electrical component is a printed circuit board (PCB).

19. Aerosol generation assembly and A housing that holds the aerosol generation assembly and the electrical components, Equipped with, The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation assembly comprises the heater assembly.

20. A housing for an aerosol supply device, A housing comprising an electrical component mounting section, an aerosol generation assembly mounting section, and an inductor coil wire end positioning structure configured to hold and align the first wire end and the second wire end of the inductor coil of an aerosol generation assembly that can be mounted on the housing with respect to the electrical component that can be mounted on the housing.

21. The housing according to claim 20, wherein the inductor coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a first positioning means configured to position the first wire end of the inductor coil at a first position, and a second positioning means configured to position the second wire end of the inductor coil at a second position.

22. The housing according to claim 21, wherein the inductor coil wire end positioning configuration comprises a third positioning means configured to position the third inductor coil wire end of the inductor coil wire at a third position and the fourth inductor coil wire end of the inductor coil wire at a fourth position.

23. The housing according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first position and the second position are not aligned with each other in the axial direction.

24. The housing according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first position and the second position are aligned with each other in the axial direction.

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