Aerosol provision device

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (200) comprising: an article receiving portion (206) shaped to receive, during use, an article (300) which comprises: an aerosol generating material (304); and at least one resistive element (342) comprising a first electrical contact (360) and a second electrical contact (365) for providing an electrical connection to the resistive element (342). The device (200) also includes an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts (232) configured to engage with respective ones of the first and second electrical contacts (360, 365) of the resistive element (342); and a control system (222) configured to: determine, during use, an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts (360, 365) of the resistive element (342); and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device (200) based on the determined electrical property.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to an article for use with an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a method of operating an aerosol provision device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0006] Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use resistive heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium.

[0007] Summary

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, during use, an article which comprises: an aerosol generating material; and at least one resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive element; an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts configured to engage with respective ones of the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to: determine, during use, an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

[0009] The first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element may be considered to be article electrical contacts.

[0010] The electrical property may comprise a current flow. Determining the current flow may comprise measuring the current flow.

[0011] The control system may be configured to: apply a fixed voltage across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and measure a current flow through the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element. The electrical property may comprise a voltage drop. Determining the voltage drop may comprise measuring the voltage drop.

[0012] The control system may be configured to: apply a fixed current through the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and measure a voltage drop across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element.

[0013] The electrical property may comprise a resistance. The resistance may be determined based on a determined current and or voltage drop between the first and second electrical contacts.

[0014] The control system may be configured to: apply a fixed voltage across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; measure a current flow through the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and determine the resistance between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on the measured current.

[0015] The control system may be configured to: apply a fixed current through the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; measure a voltage drop across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and determine the resistance between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on the measured voltage drop.

[0016] In either of the embodiments described above, the resistance may be determined using Ohms Law, whereby resistance is equal to voltage divided by current.

[0017] The at least one resistive element may comprise a resistive heating element forming part of a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0018] A resistance of the resistive heating element may be related to the location of the resistive heating element within the article, and the control system may be configured to control a supply of power to the resistive heating element based on the location of the resistive heating element within the article. The resistance may thus impact the electrical property which is determined and thus the determination of the electrical property may allow for determination of the location of the resistive heating element within the article.

[0019] The control system may be configured to measure the current flow between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element, and determine the resistance based on the measured current flow. The control system may be configured to compare the determined electrical property to one or more thresholds, and to control the aerosol provision device according to the result of the comparison. For example, the control system may be configured to prevent operation of the device if the determined electrical property is below a first threshold and / or exceeds a second threshold.

[0020] The control system may be configured to determine whether the determined electrical property (e.g. resistance and / or voltage drop and / or current flow) falls within a first operational range, defined between a first (e.g. lower) threshold and a second (e.g. upper) threshold, and the control system may be configured to prevent use of the device when the determined electrical property is outside of the first operational range. The control system may be configured to permit use of the device (e.g. allow the device to operate) when it is determined that the electrical property falls within the first operational range. The first and second thresholds of the range may be inclusive or exclusive end points of the first operational range.

[0021] The control system may be configured to determine whether the electrical property falls within a second operational range, defined between a third threshold and a fourth threshold, wherein the second operational range is entirely contained within the first operational range, and wherein the control system is configured to indicate that the device and / or the article requires maintenance if the determined electrical property is within the first operational range but outside of the second operational range. The third threshold may be greater than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold may be greater than the third threshold, but less than the second threshold. The device may be configured to operate the device as normal when it is determined that the electrical property falls within the second operational range. The third and fourth thresholds may be inclusive or exclusive end points of the second operational range.

[0022] The threshold(s) (e.g. one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth thresholds which may define the second operational range and / or the first operational range) may be pre- determined (e.g. fixed).

[0023] The threshold(s) (e.g. one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth thresholds which may define the second operational range and / or the first operational range) may be set during use of the device (e.g. the thresholds may be dynamic).

[0024] The threshold(s) (e.g. one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth thresholds which may define the second range and / or the first range) may be set based on (e.g. dependent on) a property of the device, e.g. a current temperature of the device. In any of the embodiments described above, the threshold(s) may represent a threshold resistance, current or voltage (e.g. voltage drop) and the electrical property may comprise a resistance, current or voltage drop, respectively.

[0025] The control system may be configured to modify the voltage which is applied across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on the determined electrical property. The control system may modify the voltage applied across the first and second electrical contacts so as to achieve a target (e.g. predetermined) current flowing between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element.

[0026] The control system may be configured to maintain a predetermined current flow between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element by increasing or decreasing the voltage which is applied across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on (e.g. proportionally with) the determined electrical property. The control system may be configured to identify the type of article which is inserted into the cavity based on the determined electrical property.

[0027] The control system may be configured to determine the insertion (e.g. determine full insertion) of the article based on the electrical property. For example, the detection of an electrical property, e.g. a non-zero current, or a non-infinite resistance, may indicate that at electrical circuit has been established between the plurality of connector electrical contacts which have engaged the respective one of the first and second electricals contacts of the resistive element. This determination of insertion (e.g. full insertion) may allow the control system to suitably control operation of the device. For example, it may allow the control system to provide power to the at least one resistive heating element, which may, in some embodiments, cause the generation of an aerosol. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine removal (e.g. full removal) of the article based on the electrical property. For example, the detection of a particular electrical property, e.g. a zero current or an infinite resistance, may indicate that the connector electrical contacts are no longer in electrical contact with the first and second article electrical contacts, which may be indicative of the article having been removed. The control system may then control operation of the device based on this determination. For example, the control system may cut off the supply of power to the connector electrical contacts when it is determined that the article has been removed.

[0028] The control system may comprise a memory storing a plurality of control profiles, and the control system may be configured to control operation of the device according to the identification of the type of article which is inserted into the cavity. The resistive element may not function to heat the aerosol generating material, and the article may comprise at least one further resistive element arranged to heat the aerosol generating material. The article may comprise at least one further resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the further resistive element. The control system may be configured to determine, during use, an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the further resistive element; and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

[0029] According to a second aspect, there is provided an article, for use with an aerosol provision device; comprising: an aerosol generating material; at least one resistive element in the form of a resistive heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive heating element; and at least one further resistive element in the form of an identification resistive element comprising first and second electrical contacts for providing an electrical connection to the identification resistive element, wherein a resistance between the first and second electrical contacts of the further resistive element is pre-set depending on the type of article, such that the pre-set resistance can be determined by an aerosol provision device for use in identifying the type of article. The resistance may be pre-set depending on a type of aerosol generating material.

[0030] The resistance may be pre-set depending on a number of resistive elements in the form of heating elements present within the article. The resistance may be pre-set depending on an intended use of the article.

[0031] The resistance may be pre-set depending on a size of the article.

[0032] The resistance may be pre-set depending on a size of the at least one electrically resistive element. According to a third aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device according to the first aspect; and an article suitable for use with the aerosol provision device. The article may be an article according to the second aspect or any embodiment thereof. In such embodiments, the electrical property determined by the aerosol provision device may comprise the resistance of the identification resistive element, or an electrical property which is indicative of the resistance of the identification resistive element. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision device according to the first aspect, the method comprising: receiving, in the article receiving portion an article which comprises: an aerosol generating material and a resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive element; determining an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and controlling operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises: an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive the article; a plurality of device electrical contacts configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of article electrical contacts; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to determine which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another, and to control the aerosol provision device based on the determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another.

[0034] The control system may be configured to identify the type of article which is inserted into the cavity based on the determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another.

[0035] The control system may comprise a memory storing a plurality of control profiles, and may be configured to control the device according to the identification of the type of article which is inserted into the cavity.

[0036] The article electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection to the at least one resistive heating element. The article electrical contacts may be electrically isolated from the at least one resistive heating element

[0037] It may be that when the article is received in the article receiving portion, the article electrical contacts together with the device electrical contacts create a closed electrical circuit, and that determination of which device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged is achieved based on determination of which electrical circuits have been closed.

[0038] The device may comprise an electrical connector comprising the device electrical contacts. In other words, the device electrical contacts may define the electrical connector. The device electrical contacts may thus be considered to be connector electrical contacts.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a set of articles comprising at least a first article and a second article, wherein each of the articles comprises: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are arranged to engage with device electrical contacts of an aerosol provision device when the article is inserted therein during use; and wherein the article electrical contacts on the first article are arranged in different positions to the article electrical contacts on the second article. The article electrical contacts may be displaced along a length of the article, and at least one of the article electrical contacts on the first article has a different position along the length of the article than at least one of the article electrical contacts on the second article. The article electrical contacts may be displaced around an article, e.g. on different sides thereof, or around a circumference thereof. In such embodiments, at least one of the article electrical contacts on the first article may have a different position around the first article than at least one of the article electrical contacts on the second article. The plurality of article electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection to the at least one resistive heating element. In other embodiments, the plurality of article electrical contacts may be connected to a further electrical component of the article. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical contacts may be connected to a nonfunctional electrical component. For example, two of the article electrical contacts may be connected together by an electrically conductive element which only functions to provide an electrical connection between the two article electrical contacts.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, in use, an article comprising: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; a plurality of device electrical contacts configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of article electrical contacts; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to determine which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another when an article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and to control the aerosol provision device based on the determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another.

[0041] Control of the aerosol provision device based on the determination of which device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another may comprise applying any of the control schemes discussed above with respect to other aspects of the invention. For example, it may comprise applying a different voltage to the article, and / or supplying power to different ones of the at least one resistive heating element, depending on which device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged.

[0042] Determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another may be achieved by determining whether there is an electrical connection between any two given device electrical contacts. This may be achieved by applying an electrical current between two of the device electrical contacts. determination may be made as to whether the current is able to flow between the two of the device electrical contacts and when the current is able to flow, this may be indicative of the two device electrical contacts being engaged with the article electrical contacts. The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating layer.

[0043] The heating arrangement may comprise an electrically conductive layer formed into the one or more heating elements, and the electrically conductive layer may form the (electrically) resistive element.

[0044] At least a portion of the electrically conductive layer may form a resistive heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The one or more heating elements may be configured to resistively heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0045] The electrically conductive layer may further comprise electrical tracks extending from the one or more heating elements. The electrical tracks may extend to or provide the article electrical contacts. The at least one resistive element may be considered to be at least one electrically resistive element. The at least one resistive element may be at least one resistive heating element. In an embodiment of any of the above, the article may be formed from a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may form a layered structure. At least one of the layers may comprise a resistive heating layer. At least one of the layers may comprise a support configured to support the resistive heating layer. At least one of the layers may at least partially define an air flow path through the article. At least one of the layers may comprise an outermost layer which encloses at least one other layer of the article (e.g. the resistive heating layer). The outermost layer may be considered to be a wrap or sleeve. At least one of the plurality of layers may form a body of the article. Such an at least one of the plurality of layers which forms the body of the article may be considered to be a body layer. At least one of the layers may define an air inlet of the article and / or an air outlet of the article, or indeed any other feature of the article.

[0046] In an embodiment of any of the above, an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth.

[0047] In an embodiment of any of the above, the at least one resistive element and the aerosol generating material together form an aerosol generator. The at least one resistive element may be in the form of a resistive heating layer.

[0048] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a support configured to support the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises a support layer.

[0049] In an embodiment of any of the above, the support is electrically insulative.

[0050] In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises at least one of paper and card. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material may be in the form of an aerosol generating layer.

[0051] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in direct contact with the at least one resistive heating element (e.g. resistive heating layer). In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in direct contact with the at least one resistive heating element (e.g. resistive heating layer).

[0052] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in indirect contact with the at least one heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in indirect contact with the at least one heating layer.

[0053] In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive heating layer and the support layer define a substrate.

[0054] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a laminate comprising the resistive heating layer and the support layer.

[0055] In an embodiment of any of the above, the laminate comprises the aerosol generating layer.

[0056] In an embodiment of any of the above, the support layer comprises a card layer.

[0057] In an embodiment of any of the above, the first and second contacts of the resistive element comprise a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact.

[0058] In an embodiment of any of the above, the first type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with a device electrical connector and the second type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector.

[0059] In an embodiment of any of the above, the support defines an exposed contact area of the first type of electrical contact.

[0060] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the exposed contact area is a first exposed contact area, and the support defines a second exposed contact area of the second type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a continuous aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a continuous aerosol generating layer.

[0061] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a discontinuous aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a discontinuous aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions.

[0062] In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive (e.g. heating) element is one of a plurality of resistive (e.g. heating) elements.

[0063] In an embodiment of any of the above, one of the discrete aerosol generating portions is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of resistive (e.g. heating) heating elements.

[0064] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises at least one of dots, strips and patches.

[0065] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive element may be a first heating element and the resistive heating layer may form a second resistive element, each resistive element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive element may be a first heating element and the resistive heating layer may form a second resistive element, each resistive element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating layer.

[0066] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer forms an array of resistive heating elements comprising at least the first resistive (heating) element and the second resistive (heating) element. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are configured to enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the resistive elements.

[0067] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generating layer comprises a film or gel layer comprising the aerosol generating material.

[0068] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the first type of electrical contact, wherein each of the heating elements comprises a separate first type of electrical contact.

[0069] In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the second type of electrical contacts, wherein each of the resistive heating elements comprises a separate second type of electrical contact.

[0070] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a single second type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the single second type of electrical contact is shared between each of the resistive elements.

[0071] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is formed by at least one of: cutting the resistive heating layer; chemically etching the resistive heating layer; forming or pressing the resistive heating layer in the substrate; and printing the resistive heating layer.

[0072] In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer is in the form of a foil.

[0073] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0074] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision system; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an article comprising aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first side of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2;

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of part of a second side of the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol provision system such as the system shown in Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 6 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the article of Figure 2, with an aerosol generator shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components; Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3;

[0078] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

[0079] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator of Figure 3 with a plurality of heating elements;

[0080] Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

[0081] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generator being formed;

[0082] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

[0083] Figure 13 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

[0084] Figure 14 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 15 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

[0085] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

[0086] Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator; Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator;

[0087] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of part of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2;

[0088] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a device connector of an aerosol provision device of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1; Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 ; Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; and

[0089] Figures 23 to 25 show an aerosol generator being formed;

[0090] Figure 26 schematically shows an aerosol provision system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0091] Figure 27 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol provision device such as the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 26;

[0092] Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol provision device such as the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 26; Figure 29 schematically illustrates an aerosol provision device alongside two different articles, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 30 is a flow chart showing a method for operating an aerosol provision device such as the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 29; Figure 31 schematically illustrates an aerosol provision device alongside an article, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0094] Figure 32 schematically illustrates another aerosol provision device alongside two different articles, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 33 is a flow chart showing a method for operating an aerosol provision device such as the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 32.

[0095] Detailed Description

[0096] As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolisable material without combusting the aerosolisable material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials; and articles comprising aerosolisable material and configured to be used in one of these non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

[0097] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0098] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0099] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0100] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0101] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source.

[0102] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0103] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” (which is sometimes referred to herein as an aerosolisable material) is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0104] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

[0105] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0106] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0107] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0108] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.

[0109] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosolgenerating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol- generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0110] In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of aerosolgenerating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and / or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0111] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0112] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0113] The aerosol-generating material may be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a “monolithic solid”. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dried gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosolgenerating material) or the retained fluid may be solvent (such as when the aerosolgenerating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water. The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0114] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales.

[0115] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0116] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol transfer component an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosolgenerating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may comprise a conductor which can be heated by the passage of an electrical current through the conductor. Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision system 100. The aerosol provision system 100 comprises an aerosol provision device 200 and an article 300 comprising aerosol generating material 302 (refer to Figure 3). The article 300 is shown in Figure 2 removed from the aerosol provision device 200. An aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is shown in Figure 3 with a perspective view of a first side 306, with a perspective view of part of a second side 307 shown in Figure 4.

[0117] The article 300 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 302 upon operation of the aerosol provision system 100, as will be describe in detail below. The aerosol provision system 100 may be elongate, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision system 100 has a proximal end 102, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system 100, and a distal end 104 which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision system 100 accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use. Further, the aerosol provision system 100 likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use. The terms ‘proximal’ and ‘distal’ as applied to features of the system 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along a longitudinal axis.

[0118] The article 300 is received by the aerosol provision device 200. The configuration of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200 may vary. In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision device 200 comprises a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 enclosing components of the device 200. An article receiving portion 206, sometimes referred to as a device chamber, as shown in Figure 5, is configured to receive a portion of the article 300. A proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200 when the article 300 is received in the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 comprises a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle peripheral wall 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary in dependence on the configuration of the article 300.

[0119] One or more user-operable control elements 224, such as a button or switch, which can be used to operate the aerosol provision system 100 may be provided on the aerosol provision device 200. For example, a user may activate the system 100 by pressing the control element 224. The one or more user-operable control elements may be omitted. In embodiments, the aerosol provision system 100 is operated by another user action, for example puff activated by a user drawing air through the system.

[0120] The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an opening 214 at the proximal end, leading into the device chamber 206. The opening 214 is provided in one end, through which the article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 may vary, for example the opening may be in a longitudinal side wall of the device 200, and / or may be closed by another feature of the device 200 during use. In the present configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at the proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines the mouthpiece. The user places their mouth over the mouthpiece during use.

[0121] The device 200 defines the longitudinal axis along which an article 300 may extend when inserted into the device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be an axis along which the article 300 is inserted into the device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered to be a receiving axis of the device 200. The article 300 may similarly have a longitudinal axis along which it is inserted into the device and this axis may be considered to be an insertion axis.

[0122] The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, for example a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also comprises a control circuit 222, acting as a controller, comprising a processor and a memory.

[0123] As discussed in detail below, a heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material 302 of an article 300. The article 300 in embodiments is a consumable, and is interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 comprises other components of the aerosol provision system 100 including components of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200, for example the power source 220 and the control circuit 222. The aerosol generator 304 forms part of the article 300. The aerosol generator

[0124] 304 comprises a heating arrangement 312 configured to heat aerosol generating material 302, for example at least one of a film and a gel to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material may be referred to as aerosolisable material. The heating arrangement 312 is a resistive heating arrangement. The or each heating element in embodiments is a resistive heating element, as described in detail below. In such arrangements the heating system 110 comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heating arrangement 312 via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating element, and the resulting flow of current in the heating element, acting as a heating component, causes the heating element to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating element comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating arrangement 312 comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material. The provision of a resistive heating arrangement 312 allows for a compact arrangement. Resistive heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0125] In the use of the aerosol provision system 100, air is drawn into an air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is in a distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have a different configuration, for example in the side. The air flow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined, for example by at least one of an air path through the device 200, an air path external to the device 200, and an air path between the device 200 and the article 300. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at an aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In embodiments the aerosol outlet 318 is in the mouthpiece of the article 300, such that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 into the mouth of a user of the system 100.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision system comprises two main components, namely a control section forming a reusable part and a consumable section forming a replaceable or disposable part which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge. As described herein, the aerosol provision device 200 forms a control section and the article 300 forms the consumable section. In the use of the aerosol generating system, the control section and the consumable part may be releasably connected at an interface. The consumable part may be removable and replaceable, for example when the consumable part is used, with the control section being re-used with a different consumable part.

[0127] The aerosol provision system 100 as shown is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Different aerosol generating devices and other devices may be used in example implementations of the principles described here. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section, passes through the interface, and exits the consumable part.

[0128] As shown schematically in Figure 5, and described in detail below, the article 300 has an article electrical contact configuration 320. The electrical contact configuration 320 in embodiments is formed by the aerosol generator 304. The electrical contact configuration 320 comprises heater electrical contacts 322. The heater electrical contacts 322 may also be known as heater or article contacts. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 comprises connector electrical contacts 232. The connector electrical contacts 232 may also be known as connector or device contacts. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to electrically communicate with the device electrical connector 230.

[0129] The configuration of the article 300 may vary. The article 300 comprises a body 324. The body 324 is hollow. The body 324 defines a flow path 326 (refer to Figure 6) through the article 300. The flow path 326 extends between the air inlet 314 and the aerosol outlet 318. The flow path 326 is defined by an internal space in the article along which air and / or aerosol can flow. The flow path 326 is defined in the body 324. The or each aerosol generator 304 bounds the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. The internal space in embodiments comprises two or more chambers. The air inlet 314 comprises an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the opening is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature. The aerosol outlet 318 comprises an outlet opening 317. The outlet opening 317 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the outlet opening 317 is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature.

[0130] As shown in Figure 6, the article 300 comprises two aerosol generators 304 forming an aerosol generator arrangement. The number of aerosol generators 304 may differ. Each aerosol generator 304 comprises aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. In embodiments the article 300 comprises a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 will be described in detail, with such detail being applicable to one or more further aerosol generators 304 in embodiments.

[0131] The or each aerosol generator 304 and the body 324 are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements such as a tubular arrangement of the article are envisaged. In such tubular arrangements the aerosol generator 304 defines a tubular configuration. Tubular may include circular cross-sectional, an elliptical cross section and other polygonal shapes.

[0132] In embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, wherein an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are envisaged.

[0133] Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the article 300, with an aerosol generator 304 shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components. The article 300 comprises a first one of the aerosol generator 302, the body 324 and a second one of the aerosol generator. The body 324 spaces the first and second aerosol generators 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 close the internal space defined by the body 324 along which air and / or aerosol can flow. The aerosol generating material 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 face each other and is exposed to the internal space. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment of Figure 6 at least, the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body have equal plan areas. In embodiments, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body 324 has a greater length and / or width. In embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 comprises a body layer. The body may comprise a plurality of body layers. The body layers may be formed in a stack and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as the air inlet 314 and aerosol outlet 318. wrap encircles the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may comprise a sheet. The wrap acts as a fixed sleeve. The or each aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at a distal end. Exposed electrical contact regions 323 of the heater contacts 322 are exposed at the distal end, for example refer to Figure 2. Other configurations are envisaged, for example at least one exposed electrical contact region 323 may additionally or alternatively be defined along a minor longitudinal face or edge of the article 300, and on a major face of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304.

[0134] The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross section in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol provision system 100 described above. The aerosol generator 304 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer is also known as an aerosolisable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 comprises the aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340, in embodiments, is formed as an electrically conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the resistive heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may in embodiments comprise a coating. As described in detail below, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, for example as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The or each resistive heating element 342 forms at least a portion of an electrically conductive path between a pair of the electrical contacts 322. The or each resistive heating element 342 provides the electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least of portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material 302 is, in embodiments, in the form of a film or a gel.

[0135] The resistive heating layer 340 is formed as an electrically conductive layer. This layer in embodiments takes the form of at least one of a metal layer, such as an aluminium layer, or a non-metallic material, such as graphene. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, for example an aluminium foil.

[0136] The aerosol generator 304 comprises a support 350. The support 350 in embodiments comprise a paper or card material. The support 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. The resistive heating layer 340 is on the support 350. The support 350 is configured as a support layer. As shown in Figure 7, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistive heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support 350 and the aerosol generating layer 330.

[0137] The support 350 is electrically insulative. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define a substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generating layer 330. The article 300 may comprise a laminate 354 comprising the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 comprises the aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a contiguous configuration, or may be formed from discrete portions. The discrete portions may comprise one or more of dots, strips, spirals, or other shapes. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises an aerosolgenerating film. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and / or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0138] One or more of the aerosol generating layer 330, resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 may comprise a further layer. For example the support layer 350 may comprise a backing layer or an intermediate layer. The support layer 350 in embodiments is omitted.

[0139] Figure 8 shows one of the resistive heating elements 342. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a single resistive heating element 342.

[0140] The plurality of heating elements 342 may be formed in an array 344 as shown in Figure 9. Other configurations are envisaged.

[0141] The resistive heating element 342 comprises a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by an electrically conducting path. The resistive heating path is non-straight. The resistive heating path is convoluted. The configuration of the resistive heating path may vary. The electrical resistance of the heating element 342 may be dependent on the nature of the resistive heating path in the conductive layer, for example the length, width, thickness and arrangement of the path.

[0142] The resistive heating element 342 extends between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact and the second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Electrical current flows between the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 through the path. The contact arrangement may be reversed. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 are heater electrical contacts 322. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320. The meandering or serpentine nature of the path of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path is increased when compared with a straight path between the first and second type of electrical contacts.

[0143] The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 comprises the first type of electrical contact 360. The electrical contact 360 of the first type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 comprises a first type of exposed contact region 362. The first type of exposed contact region 362 is exposed on the article for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230.

[0144] The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a second type of electrical track 366 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The second type of electrical track 366 comprises the second type of electrical contact 365. The electrical contact 365 of the second type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 comprises a second type of exposed contact region 367. The second type of exposed contact region 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230.

[0145] As discussed in detail below, the conducting path of the resistive heating element 342 in embodiments is created by defining at least one electrical barrier 346 in the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the electrical barrier 346 is formed by cutting electrical barrier restrictions (i.e. electrically insulating portions), such as gaps, channels or slots into a sheet formed of electrically conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the electrically conductive element 342 is preformed to define the or each resistive heating element 342 and then applied to the support 350. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350, and the or each resistive heating element 342 then defined in the resistive heating layer 340. The or each restive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater.

[0146] The at least one electrical barrier 346 defines the first and second types of electrical track 361 , 366.

[0147] In some embodiments, the tracks of the or each resistive heating element 342 have a width in the region of 0.5mm to 1mm (two example prototypes have widths of 0.93mm and 0.72mm respectively) and gaps between the tracks of less than about 0.25mm (the same two example prototypes have gaps of 0.2mm and 0.05mm respectively). The or each resistive heating element 342 may have overall dimensions of the order of 10mm x 10mm. Other dimensions are possible in other example embodiments. By forming the or each resistive heating element 342 of these dimensions from an aluminium foil of having a thickness of 0.006mm and an electrical resistivity of between 2 and 6 pOhmcm, the resistance of the path has been calculated to be of the order of 1 Ohm. In one example embodiment, the resistance was measured at between 0.83 and 1.31 Ohms.

[0148] As shown in Figure 9, the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed into a plurality of resistive heating elements, indicated generally by the reference numerals 342a, 342b, 242c, 342d and 342e. Each of the resistive heating elements 342a-342e extends from a respective one of the first type of electrical contact, indicated generally by the reference numerals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts may vary. As such, each resistive heating element 342a-342e extends between a discrete first type of electrical contact and a common second type of electrical contact.

[0149] Each of the resistive heating element 342a-342e provides an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generator 304.

[0150] The separate first type 360a-360e of electrical contacts enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the plurality of resistive heating elements 342a- 342e. The heating of different zones of the aerosol generating layer 330 can be controlled. For example, an aerosol generator may be provided with five aerosol generating zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of those zones to be activated separately. Accordingly, for example, five puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, and ten puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

[0151] In the example resistive heating layer 340, the plurality of first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e, for example a positive electrical connection, are provided and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical connection is provided. This is not essential to all implementations. For example, multiple contacts of the second type could be provided. In embodiments each resistive heating element 342a-342e comprises a corresponding one of the first type of electrical contact 360 and a corresponding one of the second type of electrical contact 365. In the shown embodiment of Figure 9 of the resistive heating layer 340, the first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e are arranged on a first edge 363 of the resistive heating layer 340 and the second type of electrical contact 365 is arranged on a second edge 368 of the resistive heating layer 340. This may allow for convenient connection of electrical power, but, of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which are discussed further below.

[0152] Figure 10 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method or algorithm 400 starts at operation 402, where a resistive heating layer is formed into one or more heating elements (e.g. a plurality of heating elements), wherein each resistive heating element extends from an electrical contact of a first type to an electrical contact of a second type. In use, the or each heating element may be used to provide an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the or each resistive heating element may occur prior to or post application of the resistive heating layer on a support, where a support is present. The resistive heating layer may be adhered to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in a different configuration.

[0153] At operation 404, the formed resistive heating layer is placed in contact with the aerosol generating layer, wherein said aerosol generating layer incorporates aerosol generating material. Algorithm 400 may be used to produce the aerosol generator 304 described above.

[0154] Figure 11 shows the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistive heating layer 340 by depositing aerosol generating material, for example by spraying, painting, dispensing or in some other way. The aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on resistive heating layer 340 as indicated by the arrow 406, in an example implementation of the operation 404.

[0155] Figure 12 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an example embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the process of being cut using a laser cutter 408. The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 can be used to form the paths of the heating elements described herein. The use of the laser cutter 408 (or some other cutting process) is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described herein may be generated. Some example methods are described below.

[0156] Figure 13 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 410. The method or algorithm 410 starts at operation 412, where the resistive heating layer is provided. At operation 414, one or more of the resistive heating elements are formed in the resistive heating layer by chemically etching the resistive heating layer. The operations 412 and 414 are an example implementation of the operation 402 of the method 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

[0157] Figure 14 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 418. The method or algorithm 418 starts at operation 420, where one or more heating elements are formed, at least in part, by printing a resistive heating layer. The operation 420 is therefore an example implementation of the operation 402 of the algorithm 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

[0158] The cutting, etching and printing methods described above are provided by way of example; other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so- called “hot foiling” approach could be used in which a heating element is made out of a resistive heating layer, and then assembled / bonded onto a support. Yet other techniques could be used, such as die cutting. Moreover, two or more technologies could be combined (e.g. electrical conductivity could be added to connection traces by adding more conductive material, such as additional foil, printed material, etc.). The skilled person will be aware of many further technologies, or combinations of technologies, that could be used in implementations of the principles described herein.

[0159] Figure 15 is a flow chart showing method of operation or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 424, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method or algorithm 424 may, for example, be implemented using any of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when an instruction to activate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the instruction to activate heating, a determination is made (in operation 428) regarding whether a heating element is available. As discussed above, a plurality of heating elements may be provided. The operation 428 may involve determination which of the heating elements have been used and / or the corresponding available aerosol generating material used up.

[0160] If a heating element is available, the algorithm moves to operation 430, where an available heating element is used. As discussed above, heating elements may be individually controllable, for example by providing electrical power to individual heating elements. Once the operation 430 is complete, the algorithm terminates at operation 432. If, at operation 428, a determination is made that no heating elements are available, for example because all heating elements have been used, then the algorithm terminates at operation 432. This may mean that a consumable part being used to implement the algorithm 424 needs to be replaced.

[0161] Figure 16 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using the laser cutter 408, although other methods could be used, such as chemical etching or printing, as discussed above. The cutting of the electrically conductive layer 340 forms the heating elements as described herein.

[0162] In the embodiment of Figure 16, the paths cut are linear paths, extending along the length of the electrically conductive layer 120.

[0163] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, each resistive heating element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to one of the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, both types of electrical contact are provided at the same end of the resistive heating layer 340 and are provided next to each other. In such an arrangement that there is free from a common second type of electrical contact as is some other embodiments; instead, each heating element has separate first and second types of electrical contacts.

[0164] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of heating elements 342, each heater element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, the different types of electrical connection are provided at the opposite ends of the resistive heating layer 340 and a common second type of electrical contact is provided. Although a linear path is provided, an increase in the electrical resistance may be provided by means of providing a crenelated path, acting as a convoluted path. Note that the paths of any other embodiments described herein could also be crenelated. Figure 19 shows the distal end of the article 300. As shown, the body 324 comprises a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a stack of body layers 325. The body layers 325 form a laminate. The body layers 325 in embodiments are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define features of the article 300. At least one body layer in embodiments comprises a gap defining the air inlet 315. The gap defines the opening 314.

[0165] The aerosol generator 304 comprises the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises the resistive heating elements 342, the first type of electrical contacts 360, for example providing positive electrical connections to each of a plurality of heating elements 342 and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example providing a common negative electrical connection to the plurality of heating elements 342. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365, namely the heater contacts 322, together form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304. The resistive heating elements 342 are on an inner side of the resistive heating layer 340. The inner side defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304 as shown in Figure 3. The heater contacts 322 are on the second side 307 of the resistive heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines an outer side of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contacts 322 are exposed so that they are able to be brought into contact with the device electrical connector 230. The heater contacts 322 are on an opposing side of the resistive heating layer 340 to the resistive heating elements 342. Other configurations are envisaged.

[0166] The support layer 350 is between an inner portion of the resistive heating layer 340 and an outer portion of the resistive heating layer 340. A fold 370 is formed in the resistive heating layer 340. The fold 370 defines the heater contacts 322. The fold 370 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 19 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The fold 370 defines a flap 372. The heater contacts 322 are on the flap 372. The flap defines a contact panel. The remaining part of the blank defines a main panel.

[0167] In embodiments with the support layer 350, the support layer 350 in embodiments is folded. The substrate 352 is folded at the fold 370. In embodiments, the support layer 350 ends at the fold. In embodiments, the fold 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The folded portion of resistive heating layer 340 is affixed in the folded position.

[0168] This folded portion in embodiments is adhered, for example by bonding. Other fixing means are anticipated.

[0169] The fold 370 defines the first type of exposed contact region 362. The fold 370 defines the second type of exposed contact region 367. The electrical tracks 361, 366 electrically communicate across the fold 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 are defined on the second side of the resistive heating layer 340. Portions of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 extend on the first side of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the resistive heating elements extend from the fold 370. Other configurations are anticipated.

[0170] The device 200 comprises a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 of the electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 is dependent on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments, such as the aerosol generator as shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 300 comprises a plurality of heater contacts 322 including a plurality of the first type of heater contact 360 and one of the second type of heater contact 365. The article 300 comprises another set of heater contacts 322 on the opposing side of the article 300 corresponding to the second aerosol generator 304.

[0171] Figure 20 shows a device connector 230 of the aerosol provision device 200 used in some embodiments. The connector 230 has separate connector electrical contacts 232 for connection with the heater contacts 322.

[0172] Figure 21 schematically shows the aerosol provision system 100. The system 100 comprises the article 300 and aerosol provision device 200, both shown in block diagram. The device 200 comprises first and second connectors 230a and 230b. The connectors 230a and 230b enable the aerosol provision device 200 to provide regulated or controlled electrical voltages and / or currents to the various first and second type of heater contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304 when the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device 200. The aerosol provision device 200 may comprise a connector arrangement configured to provide electrical power to the connectors 230a, 230b. The aerosol provision device 200 may, for example, operate the method as described above.

[0173] Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 440, in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0174] The method or algorithm 440 starts at operation 442, where a resistive heating layer is formed into at least one resistive heating element, the or each heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least a portion of an aerosolisable material to generate an aerosol. Example heating elements that may be formed in the operation 442 are described elsewhere in this document.

[0175] At operation 442, an aerosol generating material is applied and / or formed on the resistive heating layer.

[0176] The operations 442 and 444 of the method or algorithm 440 are similar to (and may be identical to) the operations 402 and 404 of the method or algorithm 400 described above.

[0177] In operation 446 at least one first type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above. In operation 448 at least one second type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above.

[0178] In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal a single edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal to different edges of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the first types of electrical contact (e.g. positive connection(s)) are provided along a first edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the second types of electrical contact (e.g. negative electrical connection(s)) are provided along a second edge of the resistive heating layer. The operations 446 and 448 could be performed in a different order, or at the same time. Moreover, the operations 446 and 448 could be performed together with the operation 442.

[0179] At operation 450, the resistive heating layer is folded. In embodiments, the support layer is folded together with the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer is folded such that electrical contacts of the first and second type are provided adjacent to one another, as discussed in detail below.

[0180] Figures 23 to 25 show an embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with the algorithm 440.

[0181] Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using a laser cutter 408. The prefolded configuration defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. The blank in embodiments defines fold lines along which folds are made during formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank comprises the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define panels defined by the fold lines.

[0182] As shown in Figure 23, the resistive heating layer 340 is formed into a plurality of heating elements 192, although the number may differ and may be one. A plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360 (e.g. positive electrical contact) are provided along the first edge of the electrically conductive layer (one contact for each heating element is shown). A single second type of electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the contacts are spaced from the edges. As discussed above, each heating element of the plurality extends from an electrical contact of the first type to an electrical contact of the second type.

[0183] The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 by the laser cutter 408 forms the paths of the or each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser formation or some other cutting process is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described above may be generated. Some example alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

[0184] As indicated in Figure 24, the aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistive heating layer 340. The blank is then folded, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 24. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 is defined comprising the heating elements 342. A second panel 376 is formed comprising the plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360. A third panel 377 is formed comprising the second type of electrical contact 365. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375. Figure 25 shows the folded aerosol generator 304.

[0185] In some embodiments, the properties of each heating element 342 may vary, e.g. due to corrosion build-up on the article contacts 322 or device (i.e. connector) electrical contacts 232. It may be advantageous to take this into account when operating the device 200 so as to ensure appropriate heating of the article 300. Various embodiments which seek to address this issue are discussed below.

[0186] Figure 26 schematically shows an aerosol provision system 100 comprising an aerosol provision device 200 and an article 300. The article 300 comprises a first article electrical contact 360 and a second article electrical contact 365. The first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 are article electrical contacts 322. The article 300 also comprises a resistive element 342 which, in the embodiment of Figure 26 may be a resistive heating element 342. The first and second electrical contacts 360, 365 may provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating element 342. The resistive heating element 342 may be arranged to heat an aerosol generating material 302 which is present in the article 300.

[0187] The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an article receiving portion 206 which may be shaped to receive the article 300, in use. The article receiving portion 206 may be in the form of a receptacle, e.g. a cavity, shaped to receive the article 300. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electrical connector 230 which comprises device electrical contacts 232 (also referred to as connector electrical contacts 232) which may be configured to engage with the article electrical contacts 322. The device electrical contacts 232 may provide power to the article electrical contacts 322 such that power can be provided to the resistive heating element 342 to heat the aerosol generating material 302.

[0188] The aerosol provision device 200 also comprises a control system 222 which may comprise a processor 223 and a memory 225. The control system 222 may be configured to determine, during use, an electrical property (e.g. a resistance) between the first article electrical contact 360, and the second article electrical contact 365, and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 200 based on the determined resistance. The electrical property (e.g. resistance) determination may be achieved by any suitable manner. For example, this may be achieved by applying a fixed voltage between the first and a second article electrical contacts 360, 365 and measuring the current flow therebetween. Using Ohms Law, resistance may then be determined. Alternatively, a fixed current may be provided, and the voltage drop may be measured between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365. Again, using Ohms Law, resistance may be determined. . As shown in Figure 26, the aerosol provision device 200 may also comprise a temperature sensor 240. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 26, the aerosol provision device 200 may also comprise an indication element 229, e.g. in the form of an LED, a speaker, a display, a haptic device. The electrical property, e.g. the resistance, may then be used to suitably control operation of the device 200 and article 300. This is described in more detail below.

[0189] Figure 27 is a flow chart illustrating a method 450 of operating the aerosol provision device 200 shown in Figure 26. It will be understood that the method 450 is a method of operating the device in use. As such, it will be understood that a precursor to the method 450 is that the article 300 has been inserted into the device 200. At step 452, the control system 222 determines the resistance between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365. As explained in relation to Figure 26, the control system 222 may be configured to measure the current flow between the first article electrical contact 360, and the second article electrical contact 365, and to determine the resistance based on the measured current flow.

[0190] At step 454, the determined resistance may then be compared to a second resistance (i.e. operational) range. The second resistance range may be an optimal resistance range. In some embodiments, the second resistance range may be predetermined, e.g. between fixed values, and be defined between a third threshold and fourth threshold. The pre-determined second resistance range may include a range of resistances within which the aerosol provision device 200 can be operated with preferred performance characteristics (e.g. improved efficiency). If the determined resistance is within the second resistance range, then the control system 222 may operate the device 200 as normal (e.g. provide power to the article electrical contacts 322 to power the heating element 342), as illustrated by step 457 of method 450.

[0191] The resistance between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 may vary due to corrosion (e.g. corrosion deposits) on the contacts, due to the temperature coefficient of resistivity of the material, or due to faults with the resistive heating element 342. Since the article receiving portion 206 is an area where aerosol is generated, it may be a moist environment, and as such, contact corrosion may be an issue. Since an increased resistance between the contacts may be indicative of a fault with the article 300, it may be advantageous to prevent further operation of the device 200 when the resistance is too high or too low, or to indicate to a user that the device 200 and / or article 300 requires maintenance both when the resistance is too high or too low, or when the resistance is not yet too high or too low, but is approaching a value which may be too high or too low.. The resistance between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 may also depend on the quality of the connection between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 and the device electrical contacts 232.

[0192] In line with the above, if the determined resistance is outside the second resistance range, the determined resistance may then be compared to a first resistance (i.e. operational) range, as illustrated by step 455 of method 450. The first resistance range may be an acceptable resistance range. The first resistance range may be defined between a first and second threshold value. In some embodiments, the first resistance range may be pre-determined, e.g. between fixed (threshold) values. The pre-determined first resistance range may include a range of resistances within which it is acceptable to operate the aerosol provision device 200.

[0193] If the determined resistance is within the first resistance range, but outside the second range, then the control system may operate the device 200, but provide an indication that the device 200 and / or article 300 requires maintenance, as illustrated by step 458 of Figure 27. The indication may be provided via indication element 229 which may for example be a light, display, speaker etc. The indication may be a visual indication, an audible indication or a haptic indication. In some embodiments, the control system 222 may prevent further operation of the device 200 (e.g. by not providing power to the article electrical contacts 322 so as to prevent the supply of power the heating element 342) in response to determining that the measured resistance is outside the second resistance range (even if it is inside the first resistance range).

[0194] In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 27, if the determined resistance is outside of the first resistance range, the control system 222 may prevent further operation of the device 200 (e.g. it may prevent the supply of power to the article electrical contacts 322 to and thus prevent the supply of power to the heating element 342), as illustrated by step 459 of Figure 27. In embodiments, alongside not operating the device 200, the control system 222 may provide an indication that the device 200 and / or article 300 requires maintenance. The method 450 may be carried out upon start-up of the device 200 (e.g. upon the start a usage session) and then not carried out again throughout the usage session. Alternatively, the method 450 may be continually carried out throughout a usage session. In some embodiments, the method 450 may be carried out at the start of every usage session. In some embodiments, the method 450 may be carried out multiple times within a usage session.

[0195] Thus, it will be seen that where the resistance at the article electrical contacts 322 is too high (e.g. as a result of corrosion on the article electrical contacts 322 or device electrical contacts 232) then operation of the device can be prevented for safety reasons, and / or a user can be advised that maintenance (e.g. cleaning the article electrical contacts 322 or device electrical contacts 232) is required.

[0196] In the embodiments described above, the thresholds (e.g. at least one of the first, second, third or fourth thresholds) are pre-determined. However, this is not essential. In some embodiments, one or more of the thresholds may be set during use of the device 200. The one or more thresholds may thus be considered to be dynamic thresholds.

[0197] The one or more thresholds may be varied (e.g. by the control system 222, e.g. by the processor 223 of the control system 222) and depend on one or more external factors. In an example embodiment, the threshold resistance values (e.g. the first operational range and / or the second operational range) may be dynamically dependent on the current temperature of the device (e.g. as measured by temperature sensor 240). For example, when the temperature of the device 200 is low, the threshold resistance at the upper end of the first operational range may be increased (since a greater degree of resistive heating may be allowable), and when the temperature of the device 200 is high, the threshold value at the upper end of the first operational range may be decreased (since a lesser degree of resistive heating may be allowable). The method 450 described above may utilise pre-determined thresholds and / or thresholds that are set during use of the device 200.

[0198] The temperature dependence of the threshold values may be advantageous since, a danger with continuing to operate the device 200 whilst the resistance is too high, is the generation of dangerous levels of resistive heating. However, where the temperature of the device 200 is low, a greater degree of heating is allowable before a dangerous device 200 temperature is reached. As such, the device 200 may be allowed to continue operating for longer when the device 200 temperature is low, increasing user convenience. By contrast, when the device 200 temperature is high, a lesser degree of heating is allowable before a dangerous device 200 temperature is reached. As such, the device 200 may not be allowed to continue operating for as long when the device 200 temperature is high, increasing safety.

[0199] The embodiment described above with respect to Figure 27 is discussed in the context of an electrical property in the form of resistance, and wherein the second operational range and first operational range are defined by resistance values. However, it will be appreciated that the same method may be applied to an electrical property in the form of current or voltage, wherein the first operational range and second operational range are defined by current or resistance values respectively.

[0200] Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating another method 460 of operating the aerosol provision device 200, shown in Figure 26, in accordance within another embodiment of the present invention. The method 460 is a method of operating the device 200 in use, as such, it will be understood that a precursor to the method is that the article 300 has been inserted into the device 200. At method step 463, the control system 222 may determine the current flow between the first article electrical contact 360, and the second article electrical contact 365. This current flow may be considered to be an electrical property between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365. This determination may be achieved by any suitable manner, for example by applying a fixed voltage between he first and a second article electrical contacts 360, 365 and measuring the current flow therebetween. At step 464, the determined current flow is compared to a target current flow.

[0201] This target current flow may be considered to be a threshold. The target current flow may be a fixed value which is deemed to be a preferred current flow at which to operate the aerosol provision device 200. In embodiments, the target current flow may be a dynamic value which is varied (e.g. by the control system 222, e.g. by the processor 223 of the control system 222) and depend on one or more external factors. In an example, the target current flow may be dynamically dependent on the current temperature of the device 200 (e.g. as measured by temperature sensor 240). For example, when the temperature of the device 200 is low, the target current flow may be increased (since a greater degree of resistive heating may be allowable), and when the temperature of the device 200 is high, the target current flow may be decreased (since a lesser degree of resistive heating may be allowable).

[0202] In some embodiments, the target current flow may comprise a target current flow range (e.g. between an upper and a lower threshold). If the determined current flow is less than the target, then the control system 222 may operate the device 200 to increase the voltage across the article electrical contacts 322 proportionally with the determined current flow such that the target current flow is reached, as illustrated by step 467 of method 460. If the determined current flow is equal to the target, then the control system 222 may operate the device 200 to maintain the voltage across the article electrical contacts 322 at its present as illustrated by step 468 of method 460. If the determined current flow is greater than the target, then the control system 222 may operate the device 200 to decrease the voltage across the article electrical contacts 322 proportionally with the determined current flow such that the target current flow is reached, as illustrated by step 469 of method 460. As will be appreciated, whilst current is determined in this embodiment, as current, voltage and resistance are all directly related under Ohms Law, determining the current between the article electrical contacts 360, 365 based on a fixed voltage, and adapting the electrical supply accordingly, effectively takes into account the resistance between the article electrical contacts 360, 365.

[0203] It will be understood that the method 460 may be carried out upon start-up of the device 200 (for a usage session) and then not carried out again throughout the usage session. Alternatively, the method 460 may be continually carried out throughout a usage session. Such embodiments may be advantageous in maintaining a target current flow despite changes in resistance caused by the temperature coefficient of resistivity of the material of the resistive element 342 (e.g. changes in resistance as the resistive element 342 heats up).

[0204] It will further be understood that the method 40 may be iterative. For example, where, at step 464, it is determined that the current flow is less than the target, the voltage may be increased by a pre-set increment. The method may then revert back to step 462, and the newly determined current flow (with the updated voltage) may be compared to the target current flow at step 464 to determine if any further changes to the applied voltage are required.

[0205] Thus, it will be seen that where the determined current (and thus the resistance) between the article electrical contacts 322 varies as a result of minor corrosion, (i.e. not severe enough to warrant the prevention of use of the device), or slight misalignment of engagement between the contacts) on the article electrical contacts 322 or device electrical contacts 232, or as a result of different articles 300 having different resistive elements 342 being used with the device 200 then operation of the device can adapted to account for these resistance changes. In embodiments, the article may comprise a plurality of resistive elements, and the methods described herein may be carried out in relation to each of the plurality of resistive elements (e.g. simultaneously).

[0206] The Applicant has also appreciated that determined resistance (or indeed a related electrical property) may also be used to identify the type of article 300 which has been inserted into the device 200. Accurate identification of the type of article 300 inserted into the device 200 may allow for the application of tailored control profiles such that the operation of the device 200 can be adapted to work with a specific article 300.

[0207] Whilst the above embodiment has been described in the context of applying a fixed voltage and measuring the current, it will be appreciated that the method may instead apply a fixed current and measure the voltage drop between the two article contacts 360, 365.

[0208] The above method may be repeated for multiple sets of article electrical contacts within the device, e.g. where each set of article electrical contacts is connected to a different heating element within the device. In such embodiments, the method may ensure suitable operation of a plurality of heating elements.

[0209] Figure 29 schematically illustrates another aerosol provision device 200 alongside two different articles, first article 300a, and second article 300b which are suitable for use with the device 200. Both of the first and second articles 300a, 300b comprise a first article electrical contact 360 and a second article electrical contact 365. The first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 are article electrical contacts 322. The articles 300a, 300b also each comprise a respective resistive element 342a, 342b which in the embodiment of Figure 26 may be resistive heating elements 342a, 342b. The first and second electrical contacts 360, 365 may provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating elements 342a, 342b. The resistive heating elements 342a, 342b may be arranged to heat an aerosol generating material 302 which is present on the articles 300a, 300b.

[0210] The resistive elements 342a, 342b may be formed as electrical tracks, as discussed above in relation to Figures 8 and 9. It can be seen from Figure 29 that the resistive element 342b of second article 300b has a much longer track length than the resistive element 342a of first article 300a. As such, the resistance of the resistive element 342b of the second article 300b (and thus the resistance at article electrical contacts 322) may be greater than that of the resistive element 342a of the first article 300a. Similarly to the embodiments described above, the aerosol provision device 200 of this embodiment comprises an article receiving portion 206 which may be shaped to receive an article 300, e.g. the first or second articles 300a, 300b, in use. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electrical connector 230 which comprises electrical contacts 232 which may be configured to engage with the article electrical contacts 322. The device electrical contacts 232 may provide power to the article electrical contacts 322 such that power can be provided to the resistive heating element 342a, 342b to heat the aerosol generating material 302a, 302b.

[0211] The aerosol provision device 200 also comprises a control system 222 which comprises a processor 223 and a memory 225. The control system 222 may be configured to determine, during use, a resistance between the first article electrical contact 360, and the second article electrical contact 365, and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 200 based on the determined resistance. The control system 222 may be configured to measure the resistance between the first and second article contacts 360, 365. This may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, it may be achieved by applying a fixed voltage between the first and second article contacts 360, measuring the current flow therebetween and determining resistance using Ohms Law. Alternatively, it may be achieved by applying a fixed current between the first and second article contacts 360, 365, measuring the voltage drop between the first and second electrical contacts 360, 365 and determining resistance using Ohms Law.

[0212] In embodiments of the type discussed above, whereby the resistance between the article electrical contacts 322 differs between the first and second articles 300a, 300b, this difference in resistance can be used to identify the different articles 300, and facilitate adaptation of control of the operation of the device 200 depending on the article 300 which is being used.

[0213] In embodiments, the memory 225 of the control system 222 may store a plurality of control profiles. Each control profile may correspond to a different article 300 and as such, be associated with a resistance value which is characteristic of that article type. Each control profile may comprise information such as operating voltage, indication information (e.g. indicate to user that article type B has been inserted) etc. As such, the article 300 which has been inserted into the article receiving portion 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 can be conveniently identified, and operation of the device 200 can be adapted, according to the control profiles, depending on the article 300 which is inserted into the article receiving portion 206. Figure 30 is a flow chart showing a method 470 for operating the aerosol provision device 200 shown in Figure 29. At step 472, the resistance between the first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 is determined. At step 474, the determined resistance is compared to the resistance values stored in the memory 225 to match the determined resistance to one of the stored resistance values. The control system 222 may apply a tolerance to the comparison on step 474 (e.g. to account for minor changes in resistance as a result of corrosion build up on the article electrical contacts 322 or device electrical contacts 232). The memory 225 may, for example, store a look-up-table which details different articles 300 and their associated resistance, along with an associated control profile.

[0214] At step 476, once the determined resistance has been matched up to a stored resistance value, the control system 222 controls operation of the device 200 according to the control profile which is associated with that stored resistance value.

[0215] This method of operation may advantageously facilitate operation of the device 200 and article 300 which does not, necessarily, require a user to input any information regarding the type of article 300 which has been inserted into the device 200. This may make operation of the device 200 and article 300 easier for a user. Whilst the method described above has been explained in the context of determining resistance, it will be appreciated that another electrical property (which may be related to resistance) may be determined and used to identify the type of article 300. For example, a fixed voltage may be applied to the article electrical contacts 360, 365 and the current flow therebetween may be measured. This current flow (which is related to resistance) may then be used to identify which article 300a, 300b has been inserted. This may be achieved in a similar manner to the embodiment above whereby the current is compared to stored current values in the controller 222. The same may equally be applied using voltage measurement, whereby a fixed current is provided, and the voltage drop across the article electrical contacts 360, 365 is measured.

[0216] Figure 31 schematically illustrates another aerosol provision device 200 alongside an article 300 which is suitable for use with the device 200. The article 300 comprises a first article electrical contact 360 and a second article electrical contact 365. The first and second article electrical contacts 360, 365 are article electrical contacts 322. The article 300 also comprises a resistive heating element 342. The first and second electrical contacts 360, 365 may provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating element 342. The resistive heating element 342 may be arranged to heat an aerosol generating material 302 which is present in the article 300. The article 300 also comprises a secondary (i.e. further) resistive element 343. The secondary resistive element 343 may not be a resistive heating element, but rather may act purely to offer a characteristic (i.e. identification) resistance such that the article 300 can be identified by the device 200. The secondary resistive element 343 may be considered to be an identification resistive element. The secondary resistive element 343 comprises first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369. The first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 of the secondary resistive element 343 may provide an electrical connection to the secondary resistive elements 343.

[0217] In some embodiments, the secondary resistive element 343 may be the only resistive element (e.g. the article may not comprise a resistive heating element).

[0218] The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an article receiving portion 206 which may be shaped to receive an article 300, in use. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises device electrical contacts 232 which may be configured to engage with the article electrical contacts 322. The device electrical contacts 232 may provide power to the article electrical contacts 322 such that power can be provided to the resistive heating element 342 to heat the aerosol generating material 302.

[0219] The aerosol provision device 200 may further comprise secondary device electrical contacts 234 which may be configured to engage with the first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 of the secondary resistive element 343. The secondary device electrical contacts 234 may provide an electrical connection (e.g. power) to the first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 of the secondary resistive element 343.

[0220] The aerosol provision device 200 also comprises a control system 222 which comprises a processor 223 and a memory 225. The control system 222 may be configured to determine, during use, a resistance between the first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 of the secondary resistive element 343 , and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 200 based on the determined resistance. In other embodiments, a different electrical property, e.g. current flow between or voltage drop across, the first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 may be determined (e.g. measured) and the control system 222 may control operation based on said electrical property.

[0221] The device 200 of Figure 31 can also be operated according to the method 470 shown in Figure 30. Specifically the memory 225 of the control system 222 may store a plurality of control profiles. Each control profile may correspond to a different article 300 and as such, be associated with a resistance value which is characteristic of that article type (e.g. the resistance value of the secondary resistive element 343). Each control profile may comprise information such as operating voltage, indication information (e.g. indicate to user that article type B has been inserted) etc. As such, operation of the device 200 can be adapted, according to the control profiles, depending on the article 300 which is inserted into the article receiving portion 206.

[0222] At step 472, the resistance at the first and second article electrical contacts 364, 369 of the secondary resistive element 343 is determined. At step 474, the determined resistance is compared to the resistance values stored in the memory 225 to match the determined resistance to one of the stored resistance values. The control system 222 may apply a tolerance to the comparison on step 474 (e.g. to account for minor changes in resistance as a result of corrosion build up on the article electrical contacts 364, 369 or device electrical contacts 234).

[0223] At step 476, once the determined resistance has been matched up to a stored resistance value, the control system 222 may control operation of the device 200 according to the control profile which is associated with that stored resistance value. Again, whilst this method has been described in the context of resistance, it may equally be applied using a measured current flow and / or voltage drop.

[0224] In another embodiment, the article 300 may comprise a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, as discussed in relation to Figure 9. In such embodiments, resistive heating elements 342 at different locations on an article 300 may have different resistances and so the resistance which is provided by a resistive heating element 342 may be indicative of a location of said resistive heating element on the article 300. As such, the method 470 may be adapted such that different control profiles are stored in the memory 225 for each resistive heating element 342 location, and the control system 222 may be configured to operate the device according to said control profiles. Such embodiments may be advantageous since it may be desirable for resistive heating elements which are proximal to a mouthpiece of the article 300 to undergo a lesser degree of resistive heating (e.g. to prevent burning of the user’s mouth). As such, the control profile for a resistive heating element 342 which is proximal to a mouthpiece may contain instructions for a lower voltage to be applied to the article contact elements 322.

[0225] The Applicant has appreciated that determining resistance is not the only mechanism for determining what type of article 300 has been inserted into the device. Figure 32 schematically illustrates another aerosol provision device 200 alongside two different articles, first article 300a, and second article 300b which are suitable for use with the device 200. Both of the articles 300a, 300b respectively comprise a first article electrical contact 360a, 360b and a second article electrical contact 365a, 365b. The first and second article electrical contacts 360a, 360b, 365a, 365b are article electrical contacts 322. The articles 300a, 300b also each comprise a resistive element 342, which in the embodiment of Figure 32 may be a resistive heating element 342. The first and second electrical contacts 360a, 360b, 365a, 365b may provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating elements 342. The resistive heating elements 342 may be arranged to heat an aerosol generating material 302 which is present on the articles 300a, 300b.

[0226] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 32, the first article electrical contacts 360a, 360b are in different locations on the articles 300a, 300b, and / or the second article electrical contacts 365a, 365b are in different locations on the articles 300a, 300b. The first and second article electrical contacts 360a, 360b, 365a, 365b may, for example, have different positions along the length, and / or around, and / or on different sides of, the respective article 300a, 300b

[0227] The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an article receiving portion 206 which may be shaped to receive an article 300, in use. The aerosol provision device 200 may comprise an electrical connector 230 comprising a plurality of, e.g. two sets of, device (e.g. connector) electrical contacts 232a, 232b, which may be configured to engage with the article electrical contacts 322. More specifically, the device electrical contacts 232a are configured to engage with the first and second article electrical contacts 360a, 365a of article 300a, and the device electrical contacts 232b are configured to engage with the first and second article electrical contacts 360b, 365b of article 300b. The device electrical contacts 232 may provide power to the article electrical contacts 322 such that power can be provided to the resistive heating element 342 to heat the aerosol generating material 302.

[0228] The aerosol provision device 200 also comprises a control system 222 which may comprise a processor 223 and a memory 225. The control system 222 may be configured to determine, during use, which of the device electrical contacts 232a, 232b has engaged with an article electrical contact 322, and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device 200 based on said determination. In other words, the control system 222 may be capable of determining which device electrical contacts 232a, 232b have been provided with an electrical connection by the article 300 which has been inserted. As such, the article 300 which has been inserted into the article receiving portion 206 can be identified via the location of the article electrical contacts 322 (e.g. the article electrical contact location signature) on said article 300. When the article 300a, 300b is received in the article receiving portion 206, the article electrical contacts 322a, or 322b together with the device electrical contacts 232a, or 232b create a closed electrical circuit. Determination of which device electrical contacts 232a, 232b and article electrical contacts 322a, 322b have engaged may be achieved based on determination of which electrical circuit(s) have been closed.

[0229] The control system 222 may be configured to measure the resistance at the device electrical contacts 232a, 232b, and to determine that the device electrical contact 232a, 232b has not engaged with an article electrical contact if the resistance is infinitely large. In embodiments, the control system 222 may be configured to measure the current flow through the device electrical contacts 232a, 232b, and to determine that the device electrical contact 232a, 232b has engaged with an article electrical contact if the current flow is not equal to zero. The fact that the location of the article electrical contacts 322 will differ between the first and second articles 300a, 300b can be used to identify the different articles 300, and to adapt the operation of the device 200 depending on the article 300 which is being used.

[0230] In embodiments, the memory 225 of the control system may store a plurality of control profiles. Each control profile may correspond to a different article 300 and as such, be associated with an article electrical contact location signature which is characteristic of that article type. Each control profile may comprise information such as operating voltage, indication information (e.g. indicate to user that article type B has been inserted) etc. As such, operation of the device 200 can be adapted, according to the control profiles, depending on the article 300 which is inserted into the article receiving portion 206.

[0231] Figure 33 is a flow chart showing a method 480 for operating the aerosol provision device 200 shown in Figure 32. At step 482, the location of the article electrical contacts 322 is determined by determining which of the device electrical contacts 232a, 232b has engaged with an article electrical contact 322 (i.e. article contacts 360a, 360b,

[0232] 365a, 365b). At step 484, the determined article contact element locations are compared to the article contact element location signatures stored in the memory 225 to match the determined article contact element locations to one of the stored article contact element location signatures. At step 486, once the determined article contact element locations have been matched up to one of the stored article contact element location signatures, the control system 222 controls operation of the device 200 according to the control profile which is associated with that article contact element location signature. It will be understood that features of the embodiments described herein may be combined. For example, a device 200 may simultaneously use the method 470 to identify an article 300 inserted into the article receiving portion, as well as use the method 450 to ensure that the device 200 is not operated unsafely.

[0233] In some embodiments of the different arrangements of aerosol generators and articles described above, the aerosol generating material is formed in a configuration other than as an aerosol generating layer. The aerosol generating material in embodiments is in the form of an aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. The aerosol generating material, arranged as an aerosol generating segment for example, may comprise a plurality of individual pieces of aerosol generating material.

[0234] The aerosol generating material may be individual pieces of tobacco material. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of strips, beads or pellets. In embodiments the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material.

[0235] The aerosol generating segment in embodiments comprises a body of material. The aerosol generating material is a non-liquid. In such an embodiment, the body of material comprises a rod of aerosol generating material, for example a tobacco rod. For example, the body of material may comprise shredded tobacco material. The body of material may be formed into a rod. In some embodiments, the body of material comprises cut rag tobacco that is formed into a rod. The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may comprise extruded tobacco. The aerosol generating material may comprise reconstituted tobacco.

[0236] The aerosol generating material, formed as a solid material, may comprise nicotine. The aerosol generating material may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, tobacco. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material is free from tobacco. In embodiments of any of the above, the heating of the article provides a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into an inhalable medium. In an embodiment of the above, the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material. The article may comprise a mouth end section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section. The article may comprise a ventilation area in the mouth end section. The mouth end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be placed between a user’s lips.

[0237] In embodiments of any of the above described articles, the or each resistive heating element is configured to heat substantially the entire aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating segment in embodiments is at least substantially cylindrical. In embodiments, the aerosol generating segment is at least partially wrapped by the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating element extends in the aerosol generating segment. The resistive heating element may extend around the aerosol generating segment. In embodiments, the resistive heating element encircles the aerosol generating segment. In some arrangements at least a portion of the flow path through the article is through the aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment may define part of the air path. In embodiments, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are exposed from the aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component may contain paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and / or bandcast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fibre such as wood fibre or pulp or wheat fibre. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non- tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-former material. In this context, an "aerosol-former material" is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-former material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporisation and / or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-former material may improve the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol-former material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein.

[0238] Paper reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco feedstock is extracted with a solvent to afford an extract of solubles and a residue comprising fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after refining of the fibrous material, and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibres) by deposition of the extract onto the fibrous material. The process of recombination resembles the process for making paper.

[0239] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, during use, an article which comprises: an aerosol generating material; and at least one resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive element; an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts configured to engage with respective ones of the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to: determine, during use, an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , wherein the electrical property comprises a current flow.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the electrical property comprises a voltage drop.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , wherein the electrical property comprises a resistance.

5. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one resistive element comprises a resistive heating element forming part of a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein a resistance of the resistive heating element is related to the location of the resistive heating element within the article, and wherein the control system is configured to control a supply of power to the resistive heating element based on the location of the resistive heating element within the article.

7. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is configured to compare the determined electrical property to one or more thresholds, and to control the aerosol provision device according to the result of the comparison.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 7, wherein the control system is configured to determine whether the determined electrical property falls within a first operational range, defined between a first threshold and a second threshold, and the control system is configured to prevent use of the device when the determined electrical property is outside of the first operational range.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the control system is configured to determine whether the electrical property falls within a second operational range, defined between a third threshold and a fourth threshold, wherein the second operational range is contained entirely within the first operational range, and wherein the control system is configured to indicate that the device and / or the article requires maintenance if the determined electrical property is within the first operational range but outside of the second operational range.

10. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein one or more of the thresholds are pre-determined.

11. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein one or more of the thresholds are set during use of the device.

12. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is configured to modify the voltage which is applied across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on the determined electrical property.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the control system is configured to maintain a predetermined current flow between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element by increasing or decreasing the voltage which is applied across the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element based on the determined electrical property.

14. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is configured to identify the type of article which is inserted into the cavity based on the determined electrical property.

15. The aerosol provision device of claim 14, wherein the control system comprises a memory storing a plurality of control profiles, and wherein the control system is configured to control operation of the device according to the identification of the type of article which is inserted into the cavity.

16. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resistive element does not function to heat the aerosol generating material, and wherein the article comprises at least one further resistive element arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.

17. The aerosol provision device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article comprises at least one further resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the further resistive element, and wherein the control system is configured to determine, during use, an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the further resistive element; and to control the operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

18. An article, for use with an aerosol provision device; comprising: an aerosol generating material; at least one resistive element in the form of a resistive heating element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive heating element; and at least one further resistive element in the form of an identification resistive element comprising first and second electrical contacts for providing an electrical connection to the identification resistive element, wherein a resistance between the first and second electrical contacts of the further resistive element is pre-set depending on the type of article, such that the pre-set resistance can be determined by an aerosol provision device for use in identifying the type of article.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the resistance is pre-set depending on at least one of: a type of aerosol generating material, a number of resistive elements in the form of heating elements present within the article, an intended use of the article, a size of the article, a size of the at least one electrically resistive element.

20. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and an article suitable for use with the aerosol provision device.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the article is an article according to claim 18 or claim 19.

22. A method of operating an aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising: receiving, in the article receiving portion an article which comprises: an aerosol generating material and a resistive element comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to the resistive element; determining an electrical property between the first and second electrical contacts of the resistive element; and controlling operation of the aerosol provision device based on the determined electrical property.

23. An aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises: an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive the article; a plurality of device electrical contacts configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of article electrical contacts; anda control system, wherein the control system is configured to determine which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another, and to control the aerosol provision device based on the determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another.

24. A set of articles comprising at least a first article and a second article, wherein each of the articles comprises: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are arranged to engage with device electrical contacts of an aerosol provision device when the article is inserted therein during use; and wherein the article electrical contacts on the first article are arranged in different positions to the article electrical contacts on the second article.

25. An aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, in use, an article comprising: an aerosol generating material; a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the article, and a heating arrangement comprising at least one resistive heating element; a plurality of device electrical contacts configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of article electrical contacts; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to determine which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another when an article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and to control the aerosol provision device based on the determination of which of the device electrical contacts and article electrical contacts have engaged with one another.

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