Aerosol providing device

Abstract

An aerosol providing device (102) for heating an article (200) containing an aerosol generating material, wherein the device (102) comprises: a body (104); and an elongated heating member (106) configured to be received in at least a portion of the article (200) containing the aerosol generating material, defining a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the elongated heating member (106) comprises a first heating element (124) and a second heating element (126), wherein the first heating element (124) and the second heating element (126) are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A); and the first heating element (124) is configured to be heated independently of the second heating element (126).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol providing device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol providing system comprising an aerosol providing device and an article comprising an aerosol generating material. Background Technology

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

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol providing device for heating an article comprising an aerosol generating material is provided, wherein the device comprises: a body; and a heating member having a longitudinal axis and configured to be received in at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, wherein the elongated heating member comprises a first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the first heating element is controllable independently of the second heating element.

[0004] The heating element can be slender.

[0005] The first heating element may include a first heating surface, and the second heating element includes a second heating surface.

[0006] The heating element may include a core.

[0007] The core can be extended at least partially between the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0008] The core can separate the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0009] The core can at least partially isolate the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0010] The core may include an electrical insulator.

[0011] The core may include a thermal insulator.

[0012] The first heating element and the second heating element may be on opposite sides of the core.

[0013] The slender heating element can be a blade.

[0014] The first heating element and the second heating element may be on opposite sides of the blade.

[0015] The core can have a rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross-section.

[0016] The device may include a receptacle arranged to accommodate at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, and an elongated heating member protrudes from the receptacle.

[0017] Each of the heating elements may be a directional heater in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the heating surface of the individual heating element.

[0018] The cross-section of the core can be uniform along the length of the core.

[0019] Each planar outer surface of the core can have an associated heating element.

[0020] The first heating element may be a resistive heating element. The second heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0021] The first heating element may be an inductive heating element.

[0022] The device may include a plurality of first heating elements and a plurality of second heating elements. The plurality of first heating elements may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of second heating elements may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Each of the multiple first heating elements can be controlled independently.

[0024] Each of the multiple first heating elements can be heated independently.

[0025] Multiple first heating elements can be controlled independently of multiple second heating elements.

[0026] Multiple first heating elements can be heated independently of multiple second heating elements.

[0027] The first heating element may be a first inductor coil, and the second heating element may be a second inductor coil.

[0028] The core can be configured to limit the magnetic flux so that the magnetic field of a single inductor coil is limited to a single heating element.

[0029] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol providing system is provided comprising a device of any of the embodiments described herein and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0030] The article may include a bore configured to accommodate a protrusion.

[0031] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol providing device for heating an article comprising an aerosol generating material is provided, wherein the device comprises: a body; and a heating member that defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to be received in at least a portion of the article comprising the aerosol generating material.

[0032] According to some embodiments described herein, a method for operating an aerosol providing device for heating an article comprising an aerosol generating material is provided, wherein the device comprises: a body; and a heating member configured to be received in at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, the heating member comprises a first heating element and a second heating element, the first heating element and the second heating element being spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the method comprises the step of controlling the first heating element independently of the second heating element. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol providing device. Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the aerosol providing device of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the aerosol providing device of Figure 2. FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device. FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device. FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol providing device of Figure 7. Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of the aerosol providing device of Figure 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating material” is a material capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other way. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, for example, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavoring agents. The aerosol generating material may include any plant-based material, such as a tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of, for example, tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol generating material may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be known as "smoking-capable materials."

[0035] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material substantially contains no plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material substantially contains no tobacco.

[0036] The aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid" or may be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may contain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of an amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0037] The aerosol generating material may include an aerosol generating membrane. The aerosol generating membrane may include a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form a shredded sheet, or may be such a sheet. The aerosol generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0038] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is such that the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or a component of the aerosol delivery system) does not burn or burn during use in order to enable the delivery of at least one material to a user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol providing system is an aerosol-generating material heating system also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol providing system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0043] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device, also known as an article.

[0044] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-flammable aerosol-providing devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol providing system, such as a non-flammable aerosol providing device of the non-flammable aerosol providing system, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate capable of receiving energy to distribute power in the form of heat to a heat transfer material or an aerosol generating material located near the exothermic power source.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0047] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol providing device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0048] An aerosol generating device may accommodate an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, the “article” is a component comprising or containing an aerosol generating material that is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may heat the article to generate an aerosol after inserting the article into the aerosol generating device, and then the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device sized to accommodate the article.

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol providing system (100) comprising an aerosol providing device (102) and an article (200) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The article (200) is an article comprising an aerosol generating material. The article (200) is illustrated separated from the device (102). The device (102) may be used to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device (102) by heating a replaceable article (200), also known as a consumable, which comprises an aerosol generating material. When in use, the article (200) is inserted onto the device (102) for heating.

[0050] The aerosol delivery system (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is generally designed like a pen and a pen cap, and an article (200) is removably positioned over the device (102) such that at least a portion of the device (102) is covered by the article (200). At least a portion of the device (102) is received within the article (200). The article (200) is configured to be received at the proximal end of the device. The proximal end of the article (200) is configured to function as a mouthpiece. When positioned on the device (102), the article (200) can be releasedably secured in position by any suitable means. Examples include a releaseable catch, clasp or feature, magnet, or screw thread.

[0051] The device (102) is configured to provide heating to the article (200). The device (102) is configured to provide directional heating so that heating can be provided to specific sections or zones of the article (200). The device (102) provides heating to the internal portion of the article (200). The internal portion of the article (200) is a part of the article (200) that is not accessible to the user when the article (200) is in place on the device (102). The device (102) provides heating to the article containing an aerosol-generating material. The device (102) is configured to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material by providing suitable heating. The aerosol generated upon heating of the article (200) exits the system (100) through an opening in the proximal portion of the article or the end of the mouse.

[0052] As illustrated in various views of FIGS. 1 through 4, the device (102) comprises a body (104) and an elongated member (106). The elongated member (106) is positioned at the proximal end (108) of the device (102), and the body (104) is positioned at the distal end (110) of the device (102). The elongated member (106) extends from the body (104). The elongated member (106) extends from the uppermost surface (114) of the body (104). The elongated member (106) defines a longitudinal axis, and the elongated member (106) extends along the longitudinal axis. The elongated member (106) has a constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis (A). The elongated member (106) is generally prismatic in shape. The configuration of the elongated member (106) may vary.

[0053] The elongated member (106) is an elongated heating member (106). The elongated member (106) has a first surface (118) and a second surface (120) spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A). The first surface (118) and the second surface (120) may also be referred to as the first heating surface and the second heating surface. When an article (200) is placed on the device (102), the first surface (118) and the second surface (120) are positioned in close proximity to the aerosol-generating material of the article (200). The elongated heating member (106) includes a heating arrangement (122). The elongated heating member (106) emits directional heat from the first surface (118) and the second surface (120). The heat is emitted in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The heating arrangement (122) includes first heating elements (124) placed on a first surface (118) and second heating elements (126) placed on a second surface (120). Each first heating element (124) transfers heat from the first surface (118) or heating surface in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first heating element. Each second heating element (126) transfers heat through the second surface (120) or heating surface in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second heating element (126). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the direction of heat transfer from the first heating element (124) is opposite to the direction of heat transfer from the second heating element (126), as illustrated by the arrow (H) in FIG. 3.

[0054] The body (104) surrounds and accommodates various components of the device (102). The components of the device (102) accommodated in the body (104) may include a power source (107) and a controller (109). The power source (107) may be a battery. The controller (109) may be electrically connected to a control means (111). The control means may be a means for a user to operate the device. The control means (111) may be a button or a switch, or a plurality of buttons or switches. The control means (111) may receive user interactions with the control means as input and control the device based on the user inputs.

[0055] The body (104) includes an outer wall (112). The outer wall (112) defines the shape of the body (104) that is ergonomically advantageous for a user to grip. The body (104) is an elongated body. The body (104) is a tubular body, and in some examples, the body (104) is a cylindrical body. The body (104) includes a proximal surface (114) and a distal surface (116). The proximal surface (114) is located at the proximal end of the body (104) and contacts the article (200) at least partially when the article (200) is inserted onto the device (102). The body (104) acts as a locating feature of the device (102). The body (104) prevents further insertion of the article (200) onto the device (102). When the article (200) is in place on the device (102), at least a portion of the article (200) comes into contact with the body (104). The proximal surface (114) of the body (104) acts as a shoulder.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the body (104) is positioned to extend along the same longitudinal axis defined by the slender member (106). In other examples, the body (104) is offset from the longitudinal axis of the slender member (106). The shape of the slender member (106) is different from the shape of the body (104). The cross-section of the slender member (106) is different from the cross-section of the body (104). In examples, the slender member and / or body have a constant cross-section along their length. In other examples, the slender member and / or body may have a variable cross-section along their length.

[0057] The article (200) includes a bore (202) and an article wall (203). The bore (202) forms an internal cavity. The bore (202) extends into the article from a distal end (205). The bore (202) may extend through substantially the entire length of the article (200). The bore (202) is bounded by the article wall (203). As illustrated, the bore (202) is a through bore. The article (200) is inserted onto an elongated member (106). The article (200) is fitted onto the elongated member (106). The article (200) is fitted onto a device so that the elongated member (106) is placed within the article (200). The elongated member (106) is fitted into the bore (202) of the article (200). The bore (202) has a shape corresponding to the elongated member (106). The article wall (203) has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines the bore (202). The aerosol generating material is positioned in close proximity to the inner surface of the article (200). The proximal end (207) is the mouse end of the article (200). The distal end of the article (200) contacts the shoulder of the body (104). The article includes a first portion of the aerosol generating material heatable by a first heating element and a second heating element heatable by a second heating element, as described in detail below. In examples, the article wall may also include an insulating portion which may be in the form of an insulating layer extending around the perimeter of the article. The insulating layer is configured to minimize heat transfer through the article so that the aerosol generating material is heated efficiently.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, an exemplary heating arrangement (122) of an elongated heating member (106) is illustrated. The heating arrangement (122) of the elongated heating member (106) comprises a plurality of first heating elements (124), identified below as a first plurality of heating elements (124), and a plurality of second heating elements (126), identified below as a second plurality of heating elements (126). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of first heating elements (124) and the plurality of second heating elements (126) each comprise three heating elements (128). In other examples, the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) may each comprise only one heating element and have any number of heating elements (128).

[0059] Each heating element (128) of the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) is a directional heating element. The first plurality of heating elements (124) is spaced apart from the second plurality of heating elements (126). The first plurality of heating elements (124) is spaced apart from the second plurality of heating elements (126) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A). Each element (128) of the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) includes a heating surface (130). The heating surface (130) may be integral with the heating element (128) or may form a housing for the heating element (128). The heating surface (130) is defined to face between the heating element (128) and the inner surface of the article (200). The heating surface defines or forms a section of the surfaces (118, 120). In embodiments, the heating surface may be integral with the surfaces (118, 120). In other embodiments, the heating surface (130) is a separate, removable component. The heating surface (130) provides a barrier between the heating element (128) and the aerosol-generating material to prevent any condensation, particulates, or non-aerosolized material from forming on the heating element. The heating surface (130) is easily cleaned by the user.

[0060] The heating elements (124, 126) are resistive heating coils. In this embodiment, the heating surface (130) is a thermally conductive material, such as a metal panel, for example, aluminum. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) can be controlled independently. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) can be activated independently. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) each act to heat the first surface and the second surface. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) are planar heating elements. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) are in close proximity to the inner surface of the article (200) when the article (200) is placed on the device (102). When activated, the first plurality of heating elements (124, 126) generate heat transferred from the heating surface (130). The aerosol generating material is aerosolized and can be inhaled by the user.

[0061] In embodiments of the system (100), the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) are inductive coils also known as inductor coils. In this embodiment, the article (200) further comprises a susceptor (not shown). The susceptor is an electrically conductive object capable of being heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. Each of the inductor coils can generate a changing magnetic field that causes the susceptor to be heated. Once heated, the susceptor transfers heat to an aerosol-generating material that emits an aerosol. In this example, the heating surfaces are magnetically permeable materials that allow the magnetic field to penetrate through the heating surfaces and reach the susceptor.

[0062] In the embodiments, the heating surfaces (130) are susceptors heated by individual heating elements. The susceptors act as heaters. In the embodiments where the heating elements are resistive elements, heat is generated within the heating elements themselves. In the embodiments where the heating elements are inductive elements, the inductive elements, for example, coils, generate a magnetic field to cause heat to be generated in other elements, such as the susceptors.

[0063] In the embodiments, the first surface (118) acts as the heating surface of the first plurality of heating elements (124), and the second surface (120) acts as the heating surface of the second plurality of heating elements (126). In other words, each of the heating elements (128) is disposed below the first surface (118) and the second surface (120). The heating elements are disposed within an elongated heating member. The first surface (118) and the second surface (120) may be thermally conductive surfaces.

[0064] The elongated member (106) includes a core (132). The core (132) separates a first plurality of heating elements (124) and a second plurality of heating elements (126). The core (132) is positioned between the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126). The core (132) extends at least partially between the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126). The core (132) separates the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126). The core (132) isolates the first heating element (124) and the second heating element (126) from each other at least partially. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) are on opposite sides of the core (132). The core (132) is made of a material different from the first surface (118) and the second surface (120) of the elongated member (106). The core (132) is a thermal insulator. The core (132) comprises at least one of a thermal insulating material, for example, a polymer, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and a ceramic material. The core (132) extends along the length and width of the elongated member (106) at least between the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126). In embodiments, the heating elements are inductive coils, and the core (132) may additionally limit the magnetic flux to limit the range of the magnetic fields of the first plurality of heating elements (124). Each of the plurality of heating elements has an associated first susceptor. The core (132) can limit the magnetic field of each of the plurality of heating elements so that the range of the magnetic flux of the specific plurality of elements is within the zone where the associated susceptor is located. The range of the magnetic field of the first plurality of heating elements is within the zone of the first susceptor. The range of the magnetic field of the second plurality of heating elements is within the zone of the second susceptor.The core (132) limits the range of the magnetic field of the first plurality of heating elements from the region of the second susceptor, and vice versa. The associated susceptor may be the associated plurality of susceptors or the associated susceptor section. In the embodiments, the core (132) comprises a material for limiting magnetic flux, for example, an iron material. In other words, the core (132) may be both a thermal insulator and a magnetic insulator.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a device similar to the device (102) of FIGS. 1 through 4, but the elongated member (106) has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, each of the heating elements (124, 126) is curved. The shape of the heating elements (128) corresponds to the surface of the elongated member (106). The associated heating surface (130) of each of the heating elements (128) is also curved. The bore (202) of the article (200) corresponds to the shape of the elongated member (106), so in this embodiment, the bore (202) is a cylindrical bore. The article (200) is a tubular article. The bore (202) and the elongated member (106) generally have corresponding shapes to improve the efficiency of heat transfer from the article (200). The heating element (128) is a directional heater, but the curved heating element increases the heating area compared to the planar heater of the example of FIGS. 2 to 4. In this example, the core (132) extends across the width (W) of the elongated member (106) to isolate the first plurality of heating elements (124) from the second plurality of heating elements (126).

[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a device similar to the device (102) of FIGS. 1 through 5, but the elongated member (106) is in the shape of a triangular prism. The elongated member (106) further comprises a third surface (134) and a corresponding third plurality of heating elements (136). The third plurality of heating elements (136) are substantially identical to the first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126), and each heating element (128) comprises a heating surface (130). In this embodiment, the first plurality of heating elements, the second plurality of heating elements, and the third plurality of heating elements (136) are planar. The article bore (202) corresponds substantially to the shape of the elongated member (106), so that the cross-section of the bore (202) is triangular in shape along the length of the bore (202). By providing a first plurality of heating elements (124), a second plurality of heating elements (126), and a third plurality of heating elements (136), this embodiment of the device can provide directional heating in three directions.

[0067] The article (200) may have portions of an aerosol-generating material associated with each heating element (128) of a plurality of heating elements (124, 126, 136). The article may have any number of zones up to the number of heating elements (128). In examples, the article has three separate portions or zones of an aerosol-generating material that can be heated independently by each of the first plurality of heating elements (124), the second plurality of heating elements (126), and the third plurality of heating elements (136). The material of these zones may provide the user with different sensations, such as different tastes. The user has the option to experience any of the aerosols associated with the three zones.

[0068] In other examples, the elongated member (106) may be formed in a prismatic shape having any cross-sectional shape. In examples where the cross-sectional shape is polygonal, there may be a plurality of associated heating elements on each surface of the elongated member (106). The bore (202) of the article (200) substantially corresponds to the elongated member (106) and may have zones of aerosol-generating material at least equal to the number of heating elements. In other examples, the elongated member (106) is a blade. The first plurality of heating elements (124) and the second plurality of heating elements (126) are on opposite faces of the blade. In other examples such as those illustrated in FIG. 5, the cross-sectional shape of the elongated member (106) and the associated shape of the bore (202) do not need to be polygonal, but may be any shape.

[0069] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the body (104) has a circular cross-section, but in other examples, the body (104) may have a cross-section of a different shape, such as an elliptical or triangular shape, or may have a variable cross-section along the length of the body (104).

[0070] FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate additional embodiments of an aerosol providing device (302) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The device (302) of this embodiment includes a body (304) and an elongated member (306) as in previous examples. The body (304) defines a housing that surrounds and accommodates various components of the device (302) and has a proximal end and a distal end.

[0071] In this embodiment, the body (304) includes a receptacle (340), and the elongated member (306) extends within the receptacle (340). The elongated member (306) extends into the receptacle from the distal or base end of the receptacle. The elongated member (306) is similar to the elongated member (306) of FIGS. 1 through 5. The elongated member (306) shown in FIG. 7 is substantially identical to the elongated heating member of FIGS. 1 and 2, but the elongated member (306) of any of the described embodiments may be used with the body (304). In this embodiment, the first plurality of heating elements (324) includes five heating elements. The second plurality of heating elements (326) are positioned opposite the elongated heating member (306) as shown in FIG. 9. The elongated heating element (306) can heat parts of the receptacle (340) in a directional manner.

[0072] The device (302) is used to heat a replaceable article (200) similar to an article (200) containing an aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol or other inhalable medium inhaled by a user of the device (302). When in use, the article (200) is inserted into the device (302) for heating. An opening (342) is formed at one end of the body (304), through which the article (200) can be inserted into the receptacle (340) for heating. The receptacle (340) is defined by a receptacle wall (344). In this example, the outer surface of the article (200) corresponds to the receptacle wall (344). The cross-section of the receptacle wall (344) is uniform along the length of the receptacle (340). The shape of the cross-section of the receptacle is different from the shape of the cross-section of the elongated member (306). In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the article (200) is different from the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the article (200). In other examples, the cross-sectional shapes of the receptacle and the slender member (306) are the same.

[0073] Directional heating, which may be provided by the heating arrangement of any of the described embodiments, can be used to provide controlled heating within an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol generating material can be separated into portions not only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis but also in a direction perpendicular to the axis. This allows the user to have greater control over the device experience by heating only the portions of the aerosol generating material that the user wishes to consume.

[0074] In any of the embodiments described, there is an electronic assembly in the body (104, 304). The electronic assembly includes a power source (107). The power source may be a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (e.g., a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to a heating arrangement (122) to heat the aerosol generating material by supplying power when needed and under the control of a controller. The electronic assembly (112) includes an electronic module. The electronic module may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The PCBA may include at least one controller, such as a processor, and a printed circuit board (PCB) supporting memory. The PCB may also include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components together. Battery terminals can be electrically connected to a PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device (302). A heating arrangement (122) is connected to an electronic assembly.

[0075] A system (100) comprising any of the exemplary devices described herein may further include a casing (not shown) for housing the device (102, 302). The casing may be used by a user to store the device (102, 302) and an article (200). The casing may store additional articles for use with the device (102, 302) when the current article is depleted. The casing may further accommodate means for providing additional power to the device (102, 302). The additional power may be used to charge the device (102, 302) for use in heating the article. The casing may include a power source such as a battery. This battery may be electrically connected to the device (102, 302) so that when the device (102, 302) is inserted into the casing, the battery is discharged and the device (102, 302) is charged.

[0076] In various embodiments, the system (100) is operated by a user. Operation of the system (100) includes arranging an article (200) on the device (102) so that an elongated heating element (106) is received in the device (102). The user may make a selection using inputs on the device (102). A controller (109) supplies power to the heating elements (118, 120) associated with the user's selection. The selected heating elements (118, 120) heat the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol, and the user inhales the aerosol through the mouth end of the article. The controller (109) independently commands the heating of individual heating elements in response to the user's selection. In embodiments, the composition of each zone of the aerosol-generating material may differ. For example, different zones of the aerosol-generating material may contain different flavors or have different amounts of aerosol-generating material. In the embodiments, one or more heating elements may be optionally heated in response to a user's selection.

[0077] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modifications made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, be composed of, or constitute essentially of other disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but will be claimed in the future.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol providing device for heating an article comprising an aerosol generating material, comprising: a body; and a heating member having a longitudinal axis and configured to be received in at least a portion of the article comprising the aerosol generating material, wherein the heating member comprises a first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the first heating element is controllable independently of the second heating element. Claim 2 An aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein the first heating element includes a first heating surface and the second heating element includes a second heating surface. Claim 3 The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein the heating member comprises a core that extends at least partially between the first heating element and the second heating element. Claim 4 In claim 3, the core is an aerosol providing device that at least partially isolates the first heating element and the second heating element. Claim 5 In claim 3, the core comprises an electrical insulator, an aerosol providing device. Claim 6 In claim 3, the core comprises a thermal insulator, an aerosol providing device. Claim 7 In claim 3, the elongated heating element is a blade, and the first heating element and the second heating element are on opposite sides of the blade, an aerosol providing device. Claim 8 In claim 3, the core is an aerosol providing device having a rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross-section. Claim 9 The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, comprising a receptacle arranged to accommodate at least a portion of an article including an aerosol generating material, and an elongated heating member protruding from the receptacle. Claim 10 In claim 1, the aerosol providing device, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are resistive heating elements. Claim 11 An aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are inductive heating elements. Claim 12 An aerosol providing device according to claim 11, wherein the first heating element is a first inductive coil and the second heating element is a second inductive coil. Claim 13 The aerosol providing device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of first heating elements and a plurality of second heating elements spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Claim 14 In claim 1, each heating element is independently controllable, an aerosol providing device. Claim 15 An aerosol providing system comprising an article including an aerosol providing device of claim 1 and an aerosol generating material.

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