Passive actuator for aerosol generation device

Abstract

There is provided a passive actuator for an aerosol generation device configured to cause relative movement between a charging device and the aerosol generation device, the passive actuator comprising: a fixable portion configured to be fixed to one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device; an actuation side configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device, wherein: the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions, configurable in use, or pre-configured, to drive, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device fixed to the fixable portion.

Description

[0001] Passive Actuator for Aerosol Generation Device

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a passive actuator for an aerosol generation device, and a method of manufacturing a passive actuator.

[0003] Background

[0004] Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol precursor material to release aerosol / vapour for inhalation. For example, these devices and systems do not rely on burning the aerosol precursor material. In some examples, e-cigarettes vaporize an e-liquid from a consumable article to an inhalable vapour / aerosol. In some other examples, there is a device which heats a solid aerosol precursor material to generate an aerosol.

[0005] In some examples, the solid aerosol precursor material is provided as part of a consumable article. The consumable article may be inserted or otherwise engaged with a respective aerosol generation device designed specifically forthat kind of consumable article. Various configurations of aerosol generation device and corresponding consumable articles are available.

[0006] Such devices and system are handheld and portable. As such, these devices and systems are powered by one or more batteries housed in the body of the device / system. The battery may be charged by plugging the device / system, using a hardware cable, into a power supply outlet, for example.

[0007] However, technology now exists which allows batteries in portable devices to be wirelessly charged, and to provide power wirelessly. Such technology relies on electromagnetic induction, in which the alignment of the two devices in question is important for adequate coupling and power transfer.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to improvements in the context of wireless power transfer between devices.

[0009] Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a passive actuator for an aerosol generation device configured to cause relative movement of a charging device and the aerosol generation device, the passive actuator comprising: a fixable portion, preferably a fixable surface, configured to be fixed to one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device; an actuation side configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device, wherein: the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions, configurable in use, or preconfigured, to drive, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device fixed to the fixable portion.

[0010] Advantageously, the passive actuator assists in achieving a desired alignment between two devices. The driving done by the plurality of protrusions is in response to a vibration. Accordingly, the actuator is passive in the sense that it does not require its own power source, a motor, a piezoelectric element, and the like to cause there to be physical movement. Physical movement between the devices connecting to one another via the passive actuator occurs passively. Many devices are configured to provide a vibration. For example, smartphones have means to provide haptic feedback, vibration notifications, and the like. These existing means can be utilised by the passive actuator to cause the relative movement. The passive actuator may be deployed on any device which has a surface to be fixed to the fixable portion. For example, the passive actuator may be deployed on the aerosol generation device to move the aerosol generation device and passive actuator together relative to a charging device. Alternatively, the passive actuator may be deployed on the charging device to move the charging device and passive actuator together relative to the aerosol generation device.

[0011] Optionally, the plurality of protrusions are configurable in use to adopt angles different to perpendicular to the base surface when interacting with a surface received on the actuation side, or pre-configured at angles different to perpendicular to the base surface, so as to drive, in response to the vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device fixed to the fixable portion. Optionally, the plurality of protrusions have a set of actuation parameters to provide driving of the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device, the set of actuation parameters comprising: an angle of the protrusions relative to a base surface of the actuation side; a surface density of the protrusions; a shape of the protrusions; a friction coefficient of the protrusions; and a Young’s Modulus value of the protrusions.

[0012] According to different possibile embodiments, one or more of the abovementioned parameters can be used, or a combination of two or more of the abovementioned parameters can be used.

[0013] Advantageously, there are various parameters which can be selected so as to control the manner of the driving of the one device to the other. Accordingly, the passive actuator may be implemented in many different ways, as appropriate, for achieving the desired kind of relative movement. For example, there is access to various different manufacturing techniques and the like.

[0014] Optionally, one or more of the set of actuation parameters of the plurality of protrusions change with respect to a distance from a centre of the passive actuator.

[0015] Advantageously, it can be provided that relative movement is driven in a different manner at a distance from the centre as compared to nearer the centre. In this way, the movement can be controlled having regard to where the centre of the passive actuator is positioned. For example, the actuation may be directed towards the centre and the centre may be aligned with an optimal power transfer coupling position.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of protrusions is arranged into a set of rings about the centre of the passive actuator; each ring occupies a distance range about the centre of the passive actuator; and the protrusions in a first one of the set of rings has a difference in one or more of the set of actuation parameters, as compared to a second one of the set of rings.

[0017] Advantageously, organising the protrusions into rings about the centre having different actuation parameters allows for an organised way to control how actuation occurs differently at different parts of the actuation side. Such variation may also simplify manufacture as opposed to attempting vary parameters in a gradual manner across the actuation side.

[0018] Optionally, at least some of the plurality of protrusions are pre-configured such that the angle of said protrusions relative to the base surface of the actuation side is a non-zero angle such that the protrusions point towards a first axis of the passive actuator, the first axis being perpendicular to the base surface and passing through the centre of the passive actuator; and the surface density of the protrusions changes with respect to the distance from the centre of the passive actuator.

[0019] Advantageously, the passive actuator is pre-configured for actuation towards its centre. The passive actuator can be fixed to the charging device / aerosol generation device in a way so that the centre is aligned with a position where optimal wireless power transfer is expected.

[0020] Optionally, the protrusions have substantially a uniform surface density across the actuation side. Advantageously, a uniform surface density simplifies manufacture and provides all areas of the actuation side to be equally covered with protrusions.

[0021] Optionally, the angle of the protrusions relative to the base surface changes progressively with respect to the distance from the centre of the passive actuator; and the more the angle deviates away from perpendicular to the base surface, the greater is the length of the protrusion in question, such that the protrusions present a flat contact surface.

[0022] Advantageously, when the angle of the protrusions is varied, varying the length of the protrusions in a corresponding manner can provide a substantially flat contact surface as defined with the protrusions of varying angles.

[0023] Optionally, the plurality of protrusions comprise strands. Optionally, the plurality of protrusions comprise wall structures surrounding a centre of the passive actuator. Advantageously, the plurality of protrusions may be provided as hair like structures or wall-like structures. The form of the protrusions may be selected according to the desired characteristics of the relative movement and the physical parameters of the devices. Optionally, each protrusion comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being between the second portion and the base surface of the actuation side; the first portion has a first longitudinal axis perpendicular, when the protrusion is in an undeflected state, relative to the base surface of the actuation side; the second portion has a second longitudinal axis perpendicular, when the protrusion is in the undeflected state, relative to the base surface of the actuation side; and the second longitudinal axis is positioned closer to the centre of passive actuator than the first longitudinal axis, when the protrusion is in the undeflected state.

[0024] Optionally, each protrusion comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being between the second portion and the base surface of the actuation side; the second portion comprises an angled surface facing away from the centre of the passive actuator, the angled surface being angled such that a portion of the angled surface closest to a base surface of the actuation side is positioned farther, in a direction parallel to the base surface, from the centre of the passive actuator as compared to a portion of the angled surface farther from the base surface, when the protrusion is an undeflected state.

[0025] Advantageously, there are provided different structures of protrusions which allow the protrusions to adopt an angle which they come into contact with a surface received on the actuation side. This simplifies manufacture in the sense that protrusions do not need to be preconfigured with an angle on the base surface of the actuation side.

[0026] Optionally, at least some of the protrusions comprise a magnetic core and an outer layer of a resiliently deformable material covering the magnetic core; or the actuation side is configured such that the relative movement leads to a predetermined relative position of the aerosol generation device and the charging device.

[0027] Advantageously, either the alignment position can be preconfigured, or the protrusions are magnetic so that their configuration can be changed in a live manner. For example, the protrusions may be configured in a live manner depending on the direction in which relative movement is desired for optimal power transfer coupling between devices.

[0028] Optionally, the passive actuator has a flat surface profile. Advantageously, the flat profile provides for easy deployment of the passive actuator onto surfaces of devices. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a passive actuator configured to cause relative movement of a charging device and an aerosol generation device, the method comprising providing, as part of the passive actuator: a fixable portion configured to be fixed to one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device; an actuation side configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device, wherein: the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions configurable in use, or preconfigured, to drive, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device fixed to the fixable portion.

[0029] Advantageously, there is provided a method which allows the advantages of the passive actuator to be realised.

[0030] Optionally, the method comprises producing the protrusions using 3D printing technique, or injection moulding techniques; and providing an adhesive layer on the fixable portion, preferably on the fixable surface.

[0031] Advantageously, highly controllable manufacture can be achieved by using 3D printing techniques. On the other hand, simpler injection moulding techniques may also be used. Appropriate manufacturing techniques can be selected based on the materials to be used and the desired physical characteristic of the protrusions, for example. Furthermore, providing an adhesive layer on the fixable portion (preferably on the fixable surface) provides a convenient way of deploying the passive actuator.

[0032] The above-mentioned features may be combined together in various combinations.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a system comprising an aerosol generation device, a passive actuator and a charging device, according to examples;

[0036] Figure 2 is a first simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator, according to examples; Figure 3 is a second simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator, according to examples;

[0037] Figure 4 is a third simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator, according to examples;

[0038] Figure 5 is a fourth simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator, according to examples;

[0039] Figure 6 is a fifth simplified schematic plan view of the passive actuator, according to examples;

[0040] Figure 7 is a simplified schematic perspective view of some protrusions, according to examples;

[0041] Figure 8 is a simplified schematic side view of some protrusions, according to examples;

[0042] Figure 9 is a second simplified schematic plan view of the passive actuation deployed on the aerosol generation device, according to examples; and

[0043] Figure 10 is a second simplified schematic sketch of a system comprising an aerosol generation device, a passive actuator and a charging device, according to examples.

[0044] Detailed Description

[0045] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs, in addition to a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye may be in the form of various materials such as shredded rye, granulated rye, rye leaf and / or reconstituted rye. The one or more herbs may be in the form of various materials such as shredded herbs, granulated herbs, herb leaf, ground herbs and / or reconstituted herbs. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a nonpolyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid or a gel that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials. For example, the aerosol precursor material comprises tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel.

[0046] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol provision device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is a solid. In other words, the aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0047] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0048] An aerosol generation device may comprise a battery to power it, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery may be configured to receive and to provide charge wirelessly. For example, wireless power transfer relies on electromagnetic induction in which alternating current in a first coil generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field induces an alternating current in a second coil which is positioned to interact with the varying magnetic field. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the details of electromagnetic induction in the context of wireless charging.

[0049] In the context of the aerosol generation device and the charging device, one of the aerosol generation device and the charging device comprises the first coil and the other of the aerosol generation device and the charging device comprises the second coil. As referred to herein, “first” and “second” coils are named, however, electrical power can be transferred in both directions. For example, electrical power may be transferred from the aerosol generation device to the charging device, or it may be transferred from the charging device to the aerosol generation device.

[0050] The rate at which electrical power may be transferred between the coils (and thus the devices) would depend on the relative position of the devices, among other factors. For example, if one of the coils is not positioned to interact strongly with the varying magnetic field generated by the other coil, power will not efficiently be transferred. Whereas, when this coil is better positioned to interact with the varying magnetic field, power will be transferred at a more enhanced rate.

[0051] Therefore, for two devices which can exchange power wirelessly in this manner, it is desirable that they be optimally aligned with one another for efficient power transfer.

[0052] Therefore, in examples, there is provided a passive actuator for an aerosol generation device. The passive actuator can assist in improving the positioning of the aerosol generation device relative to another device for the purpose of wireless charging. The passive actuator is configured to cause relative movement of a charging device and the aerosol generation device. Figure 1 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a system comprising an aerosol generation device 800, a passive actuator 100 and a charging device 900, according to examples. For example, in use, the passive actuator 100 is positioned between and the in contact on opposite sides with the aerosol generation device 800 and the charging device 900.

[0053] The passive actuator is so configured in the following manner. The passive actuator comprises a fixable portion configured to be fixed to one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device. The passive actuator comprises an actuation side configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device and the aerosol generation.

[0054] In some examples, the fixable portion is fixed to the aerosol generation device 800 and the actuation side receives and acts on the charging device. On the other hand, in other examples, the fixable portion is fixed to the charging device and the actuation side receives and acts on the aerosol generation device.

[0055] The term “fixable” is used herein to indicate that the passive actuator can be fixed to a surface of a device via the fixable portion in a manner so that relative movement does between the passive actuator and said device does not occur, when the actuation surface drives another received device to move. However, the fixable portion may allow the passive actuatorto be detached. In examples, the fixable portion may be configured such that the passive actuator can be attached and detached repeatedly.

[0056] In some examples, the fixable portion is in the form of a fixable surface. For example, the fixable surface may be fixed to a device surface using adhesive, and the like. However, in other examples, the fixable portion may not merely be a surface and may comprise one or more fixing structure configure to attach to a surface of device. For example, there may be a system of protrusions which dovetail into correspondingly shaped channels and the like. The skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many way to attach a component such as the passive actuator to the surface of a device. In some examples, separate fixation elements may be deployed between the fixable portion and the device surface to provide the attachment (for example, a re-usable or disposable attachment pad with opposing surfacing having adhesives layers, and the like). In this manner, the passive actuator may be deployed in diverse ways. While there are numerous possibilities, for the sake of brevity, the following description is in the context of the fixable portion being the fixable surface. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited.

[0057] In examples, the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions configured in use, or pre-configured, to drive the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device 800 on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device 900 and the aerosol generation device 800 fixed to the fixable surface. The driving (compelling) is done in response to a vibration.

[0058] As referred to herein, driving the relative movement means that the conditions are generated, upon the application of the vibration, which compel the relative movement to occur in a particular direction.

[0059] For example, the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions, configurable in use to adopt angles different to perpendicular to the base surface when interacting with a surface received on the actuation side, or pre-configured at angles different to perpendicular to the base surface, so as to drive, in response to the vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device 800 on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device 900 and the aerosol generation device 800 fixed to the fixable portion.

[0060] In some examples, the plurality of protrusions become so configured when in use. For example, the configuration of the protrusions may change when e.g., the charging device is received thereon such that the movement can be driven. In other example, the configuration of the protrusion which drives the movement may already be set e.g., without or before any interaction with the device that is to be received on the actuation side. Such examples are further described later. In some examples, the protrusions may be pre-configured, or configurable in use, to direct movement in a particular direction. Taking the example of the passive actuator being fixed on the charging device, the passive actuator may be deployed at a position such that the passive actuator causes movement in a direction in which power transfer coupling is improved. For example, and as described later, the passive actuator may cause the received device to move towards the centre of the passive actuator. In this case, the passive actuator may be deployed on the charging device such that its centre is aligned with the position of the charging device expected to provide the strongest coupling. In some examples, the passive actuator may be deployed prior to the device in question being provided to a user. In other examples, the user may deploy the passive actuator, and may be provided with guidance on positioning (for example, depending on the device(s) said user intends to use).

[0061] In some examples, the protrusions may be pre-configured, or configurable in use, to direct movement towards a particular position of the passive actuator 100. One example of a particular position is towards the centre of the passive actuator 100 as described above. In other examples, the protrusions may be pre-configured, or configurable in use, to direct movement towards a position of the passive actuator 100 other than the centre of the passive actuator 100. For example, it may be the case that the passive actuator 100 is to be deployed on the aerosol generation device 800 such that the centre of the passive actuator 100 does not coincide with the optimal power transfer coupling position. In such examples, a different position of the passive actuator 100 may coincide with the optimal power transfer coupling position, and the protrusions may direct movement towards said different position of the passive actuator 100.

[0062] For example, various aspects in relation to the protrusions may be controlled in order to control the relative movement. In some examples, the plurality of protrusions have a set of actuation parameters to provide driving of the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device 800 (whichever of these is received on the actuation side). The set of actuation parameters comprises an angle of the protrusions relative to the base surface of the actuation side, a surface density of the protrusions, a shape of the protrusions, a friction coefficient of the protrusions, and a Young’s Modulus value of the protrusions. Various examples in relation to these various parameters are described later. Figure 2 is a first simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. The passive actuator 100 comprises the fixable surface 102 and the actuation side 104, as described above. In these examples, the actuation side 104 comprises the plurality of protrusions 106. It is these protrusions 106 which cause the relative movement to be driven. The driving of the described relative movement may also be referred to as the actuation. In these examples, the protrusions 106 extend from a base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. As referred to herein, the base surface 108 is a part of the actuation side 104, and the protrusions 106 are also considered as part of the actuation side 104.

[0063] The fixable surface 102 is to be fixed onto the aerosol generation device 800 or the charging device, as the case may be. For examples, the fixable surface 102 may be provided with a layer of adhesive to allow for fixation onto another surface. However, for simplicity of explanation, the following description generally assumes that the fixable surface 102 is to be fixed onto the charging device and it is the aerosol generation device 800 which is received onto the actuation side 104, unless described otherwise. However, it should be noted that the fixation of the fixable surface 102 is not limited, and the fixable surface 102 may be fixed to the aerosol generation device, the charging device, or some other device in the context of wireless charging.

[0064] In the examples of Figure 2, the protrusions 106 are pre-configured at an angle different to perpendicular to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. In other words, in these examples, the protrusions 106 do not extend perpendicularly in relation to the base surface 108. For example, the protrusions 106 form an acute angle with respect to the base surface 108, which is further described below (see Figure 3). Reference is made to the protrusions 106 being “pre-configured” in this way because the described angle is present without requiring contact with another surface. For example, the protrusions 106 maintain the described non-perpendicular angle by themselves, without any interactions / being subjected to a force. However, in other examples, the protrusions 106 may not be pre-configured with an angle and an angle may be created when they interact with a surface received on the actuation side 104, as described later.

[0065] Due to the angle of the protrusions 106 (whether pre-configured or created upon application of a force, in use), when the aerosol generation device 800 is received on the actuation side 104, there is anisotropic friction. For example, the friction between the actuation side 104 and the received aerosol generation device 800 is greater in one direction as compared to another direction. This anisotropic friction is a consequence of the non-perpendicular angle formed by the protrusions 106 between the base surface 108 and the received aerosol generation device. As a consequence of the anisotropic friction, an object received on the actuation side 104 moves in the direction in which the acute angle is formed by the protrusions, when a vibration is applied. The direction in which the acute angle is formed is the direction in which friction is least, and therefore, the relative movement is in that direction when a vibration is applied. In other words, the aerosol generation device 800 received on the actuation side 104 moves in the direction in which the protrusions in contact with the aerosol generation device 800 generally point, when the vibration is applied. Figure 10 is a second simplified schematic sketch of a system comprising an aerosol generation device 800, a passive actuator 100 and a charging device 900, according to examples. In the examples of Figure 10, due to application of vibration, the aerosol generation device 800 has shifted, as compared to Figure 1 , to align with the centre of the passive actuator 100 in accordance with the direction of the protrusions. In this way, the relative position of the aerosol generation device 800 and the charging device 900 has changed due to the action of the passive actuator 100.

[0066] In some examples, one or more of the set of actuation parameters of the plurality of protrusions 106 change with respect to a distance from a centre 110 (see the examples of Figure 2) of the passive actuator 100. In this manner, the driving of the relative movement can be varied depending on the distance from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. For example, one or more of the actuation parameters may be varied such that there is stronger driving further away from the centre 110, and comparatively weaker driving closer to the centre 110. In this way, the passive actuator 100 may cause the aerosol generation device (or the charging device, as the case may be) to arrive at / be aligned with the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. For example, the passive actuator 100 may be positioned such that its centre 110 coincides with an optimal position for power transfer. Advantageously, devices can therefore be optimally aligned for wireless power transfer.

[0067] As previously described, the protrusions 106 may be configurable in use, or alternatively, pre-configured to drive the relative movement. In some examples, at least some of the plurality of protrusions 106 are pre-configured such that the angle of said protrusions 106 relative to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104 is a non-zero angle such that the protrusions 106 point towards a first axis of the passive actuator 100, the first axis being perpendicular to the base surface 108 and passing through the centre 110 of the passive actuator. The first axis is indicated as 112 in Figure 2, and is hereafter referred to as the central axis 112.

[0068] For example, the protrusions 106 may be angled so as to point generally towards the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. For clarity, the protrusions 106 pointing generally towards the centre 110 as referred to herein means that the distal ends 114 of the protrusions 106 are closer to the central axis 112 perpendicular to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104, as compared to respective proximal ends 116 of the protrusions 106. As referred to herein, the distal ends 114 are the ends of the protrusions 106 further away from the base surface 108 and the proximal ends 116 are the ends of the protrusions 106 closest to the base surface 108. Figure 3 is a second simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. In order to explain what is meant by the acute angle of the protrusions 106, these examples show a single large protrusion 106 as an example and an indication of the acute angle 202 formed between said protrusion 106 and the base surface 108. For simplicity, only the one protrusion 106 is shown.

[0069] In the examples of Figure 3, there is the acute angle 202 between the protrusion 106 and the base surface 108 which faces the central axis 112. As compared to a perpendicular relation, the distal end 114 is leaned in the direction of the central axis 112, for example.

[0070] By virtue of the way the protrusions 106 are angled in the examples of Figure 2, the aerosol generation device is driven to move towards the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. In some of the examples in which one or more of the set of actuation parameters of the plurality of protrusions 106 change with respect to the distance from the centre 110, it is the surface density of the protrusions 106 which changes with respect to the distance from the centre 110. Figure 4 is a third simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. Figure 4 shows examples in which the surface density of the protrusions 106 changes with respect to the distance from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. More specifically, in these examples, the surface density of the protrusions 106 of the actuation side 104 is greater further away from the centre 100 as compared to closer to the centre 110. In some such examples, the surface density may vary gradually (in a relatively continuous rather than a discrete manner) with respect to the distance from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. The surface density of the protrusions 106 is the number of the protrusions 106 per unit surface area of the base surface 108. For example, where there is a higher surface density of the protrusions 108, there is a larger number of the protrusions 106 in a given area size as compared to a region with a lower surface density of the protrusions.

[0071] For example, the greater the number protrusions 106 in a given surface area, the more efficiently the aerosol generation device will be driven to move when in contact with that given surface area. That is because in areas with a greater number of the protrusions 106 per unit area, there is a greater number of the protrusions 106 that could be used, for example, to deploy the anisotropic friction effect on the received surface. For example, the aerosol generation device is driven to move more efficiently since increasing the number of protrusions 106 in a given surface area may improve the efficiency in the conversion of energy from the haptic motor to anisotropic friction). In some examples, there may be a centre region of the base surface 108 which is devoid of the protrusions 106. For example, the surface density may reduce to zero at the very centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. For example, this kind of configuration may be useful because the movement can slow down when closer to the centre 110, making the aerosol generation device less likely to overshoot (move past) the centre 110.

[0072] As previously described, the surface density of the protrusions 106 is one of a number of actuation parameters that can be varied to control the manner in which the passive actuator 100 drives relative movement. Parameters, such as the described surface density, may change with respect to distance from the centre (for example, increasing radius) in a gradual manner. In some examples however, the plurality of protrusions 106 is arranged into a set of rings about the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. In such examples, each ring occupies a distance range about the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. In this case, the protrusion 106 in a first one of the set of rings has a difference in one or more of the set of actuation parameters, as compared to a second one of the set of rings. In some examples, the distance range defining one of the rings comprises a single line of the protrusions surrounding the centre 110. However, in other examples, there are multiple protrusions 106 across the width of the ring (e.g., in the same cross section taken parallel to the central axes 112). For example, the ring may comprise one or more lines of protrusions which each surround the centre 110 at different distances from the centre 110 but within the distance range that defines said ring. The protrusions within each ring may be organized in various ways.

[0073] For example, in examples of the actuator 100 having a circular shape, the rings may be defined by respective radius ranges. For example, the one or more parameters in question may vary across at least two of the rings (and in some examples, they may vary across all the rings). As an example, a first ring may have a first surface density of the protrusions 106, and a second ring further away from the centre may have a second surface density greater than the first surface density. This can be considered a way of implementing changes in the one or more actuation parameters with distance from the centre which is controllable, and for example, easier to manufacture. A circular shaped passive actuator 100 is mentioned in these examples, however, the passive actuator is not so limited, as described later. For example, the passive actuator 100 may have an oval shape and the rings may also have a corresponding oval shape. For example, as referred to herein, the term “ring” is not limited to circular shapes, but also includes other shapes which can surround the centre 110. For example, the described rings may also be shapes having one or more corners and / or some combination of straight and curved sides. As such, the rings may interchangeably be referred to as surrounding sections, encircling sections, bounding sections, and the like.

[0074] Figure 5 is a fourth simplified schematic side cross-sectional view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. In these examples, there is a set of rings comprising a first ring 402, a second ring 404 and a third ring 406. In the relevant examples, any number of such rings may be provided, and examples are not limited to three rings. The first ring 402 is positioned closest to the centre 110 as compared to the other rings. The second ring 404 is positioned further away from the centre 110 and the third ring 406 is positioned further still such that the third ring 406 is farthest away from the centre 110 and the second ring 404 is between the first 402 and the third 406 rings.

[0075] In some examples, the angle of the protrusions 106 relative to the base surface 108 changes progressively with respect to the distance from the centre 110. In some such examples, e.g., the acute angle 202 changes in a continuous, non-discrete, or nonstepwise manner. However, in some such examples, there are provided the described rings and the acute angle 202 changes in a stepwise manner between rings. In these examples, the acute angle 202 (not labelled in Figure 5) of the protrusions 106 relative to the base surface 108 is different from one ring to the next. Accordingly, the acute angle 202 of the protrusions 106 varies with distance from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. The smaller the acute angle 202 (in other words, the more the protrusions lean towards the central axis 112), the more strongly the protrusions 106 drive movement in the direction in which they lean. In the examples of Figure 5, in this manner, the protrusions 106 in one ring have a difference in an actuation parameter compared to another ring.

[0076] In some such examples, the more the angle deviates away from perpendicular to the base surface 108, the greater is the length of the protrusion in question, such that the protrusions 106 present a flat contact surface. For example, it will be appreciated that a protrusion of the same length is leaned to a greater degree towards the central axis 112, it will consequently extend a smaller distance (in a perpendicular direction) away from the base surface 108. However, it may not be desirable that a contact surface provided by the distal ends 114 of the protrusions 106 is at a greater elevation from the base surface 108 closer to the centre 110, but at a lower elevation from the base surface 108 further away from the centre 110 due to the angle variation. It may be more desirable to instead provide a relatively flat contact surface as defined by the distal ends 114. Advantageously, increasing the length of those protrusions which are in a more angled state (with greater lean) in correspondence with the angle provides such a relatively flat contact surface 408.

[0077] In the examples of Figure 5, the feature of such a length variation is illustrated such that the contact surface 408 (indicated by dashed line) is relatively flat. Here, relatively flat is with respect to the base surface 108, and it means that the contact surface 408 is substantially parallel (within acceptable tolerances) to the base surface 108 across its span.

[0078] Examples have been described in which the surface density of the protrusions 106 is varied. However, in some examples, the protrusions 106 have substantially a uniform surface density across the actuation side 104. In such examples, the protrusions 106 are also present at the centre of the actuation side 110. For example, there is no central region which is devoid of the protrusions 106 as may be the case in some of the previously described examples. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacture. In some examples, such as the ones shown in Figures 1 to 4, the plurality of protrusions 106 comprise strands. For examples, the strands are hair-like structures which extend from the base surface 108. The strands may be resiliently deformable. On the other hand, in some examples, the plurality of protrusions 106 comprise wall structures surrounding the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100.

[0079] Figure 6 is a first simplified schematic plan view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. In these examples, the actuation side 104 can be seen. Instead of hair like structures, the protrusions 106 in these examples are in the form of wall structures. For example, each wall structure is a continuous structure which loops around the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. For example, in cross-section taken parallel to the central axis 112 (which points into and out of the page in Figure 6), the wall structure may look the same / similar to the triangle-like shape shown in the examples of Figure 3.

[0080] For example, providing the protrusions 106 as wall structures which curve around to surround the centre 110 may be advantageous in that manufacturing is simplified and there are fewer individual structures to be defined on the based portion, while still providing the desired level of actuation.

[0081] In the examples of Figure 6, the passive actuator 100 is shown to have an oval shape. In other examples, the passive actuator 100 may have a circular shape in plan view. In some instances, an oval shape may be advantageous for providing a larger (as compared to circular with a radius same as the semi-minor axis of the alternative oval) actuation side 104 which can act on the aerosol generation device, for example.

[0082] In some examples, there may be no variation of the actuation parameters of the wall structures with respect to the distance from the centre 110. For example, the wall structures may drive movement similarly at all parts of the actuation side 104. This may also be the case for the examples of hair-like protrusions. However, in some examples of the wall structure protrusions, one or more of the actuation parameters may be varied with distance from the centre 110, as in the relevant examples described previously. In the particular examples of Figure 6, the outermost wall structure has a smaller acute angle 202 (more extreme lean) compared to the wall structures closer to the centre 110. In this manner, there is implemented an example similar to that of Figure 5. As previously described, in some examples, the protrusions 106 may be configurable in use to provide the actuation, rather than preconfigured to do so. In such examples, when there is no device / surface received on the actuation side 104, the protrusions 106 are in substantially perpendicular relation to the base surface 108. However, the protrusions 106 have a shape, a structure and the like, which causes said protrusions 106 to adopt an angle (such as the acute angle 202) when the protrusions 106 come into contact with a received surface such as a surface of the aerosol generation device. In these examples, the protrusions 106 are configured to adopt such angles as to drive relative movement in a desired manner. For example, the protrusions 106 of such examples may stand perpendicular to the base surface 108 when undeflected, but adopt the “lean” as shown in Figure 4 (in other words, become deflected) when in contact with a received surface, for example.

[0083] There are various ways in which the protrusions 106 may be configured to change angle in this manner. Figure 7 is a simplified schematic perspective view of some protrusions 106, according to examples. In these examples, each protrusion 106 comprises a first portion 602 and a second portion 604, the first portion 602 being between the second portion 604 and the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. In these examples, the first portion 602 has a first longitudinal axis 606 perpendicular, when the protrusion 106 is in an undeflected state, relative to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. In these examples, the second portion 604 has a second longitudinal axis 608 perpendicular, when the protrusion 106 is in the undeflected state, relative to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. Further, in these examples, the second longitudinal axis 608 is positioned closer to the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100 than the first longitudinal axis 606, when the protrusion is in the undeflected state.

[0084] In this manner, the second portion 604 is offset from the first portion 602 in a desired direction. The desired direction is the direction in which the protrusion 106 is to lean to create e.g., the acute angle 202, when a surface is received on the actuation side 104 and contacts the distal end of the second portion 604. In this way, the direction in which the angle is created can be controlled by the physical structure of the protrusion 106. In the examples of Figure 7, the protrusions 106 are configured to lean in the direction indicated by arrow 610. Accordingly, Figure 7 illustrates certain examples of how the protrusions may be configurable in use to drive relative movement. In some other examples, a different physical structure of the protrusions 106 may be provided. Figure 8 is a simplified schematic side view of some protrusions 106, according to examples. In these examples, each protrusion again comprises a first portion 602 and a second portion 604, the first portion 602 being between the second portion 604 and the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104. However, in these examples, the portions are not offset as in the case of Figure 7.

[0085] In the examples of Figure 8, the second portion 604 comprises an angled surface 702 facing away from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. The angled surface 702 is angled such that a portion of the angled surface 702 closest to the base surface 108 of the actuation side 104 is positioned farther, in a direction parallel to the base surface, from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100 as compared to a portion of the angled surface 702 farther from the base surface 108, when the protrusion 106 is in an undeflected state. In other words, a bottom part of the angled surface 702 is positioned farther away from the centre 110 compared to a top portion of the angled surface 702, in the orientation shown in Figure 8.

[0086] In other words, the angled surface 702 faces away and diagonally up from the base surface 108. The angled surface 702 also faces diagonally up and away from the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. The angled surface 702 is configured such that when a surface comes into contact with the distal ends of the protrusions 106, said protrusions are caused to lean (due to the angled surface 702) in the direction of the central axis 112 and to create the acute angle 202, as previously described. In this manner, the protrusions 106 of the examples of Figure 8 are configurable in use to drive the relative movement.

[0087] Examples have been described in which there are configurations to direct the actuation towards the centre 110. However, it will be appreciated that these configurations may be adapted to direct the actuation in a different direction, as desired.

[0088] Various references are made above to the aerosol generation device being received on the actuation side 104. However, as also described, it may be the charging device which is received on the actuation side 104 and the fixable surface 102 may be fixed to the aerosol generation device instead. Various devices may be used as charging devices, such as a smartphone, a wireless charging pad, and the like. Such charging devices may not be specifically adapted for use with the passive actuator, but may nevertheless function with the passive actuator as long as they can provide a vibration. In some examples, it may be the aerosol generation device which provides the vibration. However, the intended use of the passive actuator 100 is in the context of the aerosol generation device.

[0089] There are examples described above in which the relative movement of devices is directed towards the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100. These are examples of the actuation side 104 being configured such that the relative movement leads to a predetermined relative position of the aerosol generation device and the charging device (e.g., alignment of the received one of the devices with the centre 110 of the passive actuator 100). However, in some examples, there may not be a preconfigured relative position. Instead, the relative position towards which motion is directed may be changed according to need. In some such examples, at least some of the protrusions 106 comprise a magnetic core and an outer layer of resiliently deformable materials covering the magnetic core. By application of an appropriate magnetic field, these protrusions may therefore take up a desired angle so as to drive movement in a particular direction.

[0090] Figure 9 is a second simplified schematic plan view of the passive actuator 100, according to examples. In these examples, the passive actuator has a rectangular shape in plan view. The passive actuator is shown installed on the aerosol generation device 800. In some examples, rather than the fixable surface 102 being fixed onto the aerosol generation device 800, the passive actuator 100 may be integrated into the aerosol generation device 800 to provide an aerosol generation system capable of moving relative to another surface (such as that of a charging device).

[0091] For example, the aerosol generation device 800 may comprise a magnetic arrangement which can provide a variable magnetic field to control the angle of the magnetic protrusions, as desired. In the examples of Figure 9, the magnetic arrangement is configured to drive the magnetic protrusions 106 to lean so as to change angle with respect to a first lateral axis 802, and configured to drive the magnetic protrusions 106 to lean so as to change angle with respect to a second lateral axis 802 which is perpendicular to the first lateral axis 802. The first and second lateral axes are substantially parallel to the base surface 108. The magnetic protrusions 106 may be driven to lean along the first and / or second lateral axes 802, 804 according to independently controlled magnitudes. For example, given the orientation of Figure 9, if the magnetic protrusions 106 are driven in the up direction with equal strength to that with which they are driven in the right direction, the magnetic protrusions may lean diagonally up and to the right. Independent control along the first and second lateral axes 802, 804 may allow lean in any desired direction so that the relative movement driven by the passive actuator 100 can be controlled.

[0092] For example, the magnetic arrangement may comprise a pair of electromagnetic bars in perpendicular relation to one another. The bars may be positioned adjacent to sides of the passive actuator 100 which are adjacent and perpendicular to one another (for example at the positions where the first and second axes 802, 804 are shown in Figure 5). Alternatively, the bar magnets may define sides of a square region and the magnetic protrusions may be provided within that square region. Such square regions may be the active region which provides the actuation. For example, the aerosol generation device 800 may have a curved surface and the active region (and the electromagnetic bars) may be positioned where said curved surface is likely to contact the charging device. For example, protrusions outside of the active region may be kept for aesthetics purposes. However, in some examples, the aerosol generation device 800 may have a flat surface on which the passive actuator 100 with magnetic protrusions 106 is deployed.

[0093] For example, the electromagnetic bars may be powered to attract or to repel the magnetic protrusion. The strength of the attraction / repulsion may be controlled independently between the two electromagnetic bars to provide various directions of lean of the magnetic protrusions, as desired.

[0094] In some examples, the aerosol generation device 800 may automatically control the magnetic arrangement to direct movement. For example, the aerosol generation device 800 may comprise a controller which controls the magnetic arrangement. The relative movement may be controlled based on a level of power transfer coupling between the aerosol generation device 800 and the charging device. For example, one or more feedback loops may be implemented by the controller based on how well coupled is the aerosol generation device 800 with the charging device. The controller may then control the magnetic arrangement to cause the magnetic protrusions 106 to drive movement in a way so as to improve the coupling. For example, the strength of electromagnetic coupling (e.g., during wireless charging) may be used as feedback (in the one or more feedback loops) to control the magnetic arrangement to drive movement in the desired direction.

[0095] For example, there may be implemented a feedback loop in which there is a process of determining a strength of the electromagnetic coupling (for example, by determining the rate of electrical power transfer, and the like). Then, the magnetic arrangement may be adjusted in a manner so as to attempt to achieve an improvement in the coupling. Then vibration may be supplied to cause the movement in the chosen direction. This process may be iterated until no further improvement (within certain tolerance levels) is being achieved with further iterations, for example.

[0096] In this way, relative position of the devices may be finely controlled. In such examples, it may not matter if the passive actuator 100 is fixed in a position which aligns its centre with the optimal coupling position. For example, the passive actuator 100 need not be aligned perfectly with the power transfer coil of the aerosol generation device 100 because relative movement can nevertheless be guided by the level of coupling.

[0097] It will be appreciated that the passive actuator 100 may be a pad like component. In some examples, the passive actuator 100 has a flat profile. This provides for an unobtrusive passive actuation pad which can be deployed on the aerosol generation device or the charging device.

[0098] Specific cases relating to the angle, surface density and shape of the protrusions 106 have been described. Other examples are also possible. In some examples, the friction coefficient of the protrusions may be varied in order to control the actuation. For example, the friction coefficient may be chosen according to the characteristics of the aerosol generation device and the charging device and / or the friction coefficient may be varied across the actuation side 104 to provide different actuation (driving of relative movement) at different parts of the actuation side 104 (such as relative to the centre 110 as discussed in the above examples). For example, the friction coefficient may be varied by choice of material used in the protrusions 106, and the like.

[0099] In some examples, the Young’s Modulus of the protrusions 104 may be controlled in order to control the manner in which the movement is driven. For examples, the Young’s Modulus may be chosen according to the characteristics of the aerosol generation device and the charging device and / or the Young’s Modulus may be varied across the actuation side 104 to provide different actuation (driving of relative movement) at different parts of the actuation side 104 (such as relative to the centre 110 as discussed in the above examples). For example, the Young’s Modulus may be varied by choice of material used in the protrusions 106, and the like.

[0100] There may be provided a method of manufacturing a passive actuator (such as the described passive actuator 100 according to any of the described examples) configured to cause relative movement of a charging device and an aerosol generation device. For example, the method comprises providing, as part of the passive actuator, a fixable surface (such as the fixable surface 102 according to any of the described examples) configured to be fixed to one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device. For example, the method also comprises providing an actuation side (such as the actuation side 104 according to any of the described examples) configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device. For example, the actuation side comprises a plurality of protrusions configurable in use, or pre-configured, to urge, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device and the aerosol generation device on which the actuation side acts to move relative to the one of the charging device and the aerosol generation device fixed to the fixable surface.

[0101] The actuation side 104 may be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. In some examples, such techniques may be referred to as 3D printing. For examples, the protrusions 106 may be defined on the base surface 108 using additive manufacture techniques. Advantageously, such techniques allow that the height, thickness, profile / shape, angle etc., of the protrusions 106 may be highly controllable. This is particularly advantageous because such parameters impact on how the relative movement is driven.

[0102] However, in some examples, the actuation side 104 including the protrusions 106 may be manufactured using injection moulding techniques. In this case, more cost effective and simpler techniques may be used.

[0103] The manufacturing techniques used may vary depending on the particular examples to be implemented. For example, in the case of the protrusions 106 having a magnetic core as described in relation to Figure 9, the protrusions 106 may be produced from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicon or another flexible material with a magnetic material at the core. As an example, the manufacturing process may involve the following processes. A protrusion master (for the purpose of moulding) may be created using e.g., photolithography and deep reactive ion etching (or such other techniques as may be suitable). Using the master, a template of the protrusions 106 may then be created. For example, the template may be treated with a salinisation agent. Then the cavities of the template may be filled. For example, the cavities may be filled with a PDMS mixture for the case where PDMS is used for the protrusions 106. For example, the mixture contains superparamagnetic particles. For example, the ratio of the superparamagnetic particles may be 50% by weight. Advantageously, a permanent magnet can be used to assist with the filling of the mixtures. Advantageously, filling in this way may reduce the chances of cavities being left because the permanent magnet can actively pull the mixture into the desired places.

[0104] For example, to provide the base surface 108 (again taking the example of PDMS), a flat back plate of cured PDMS may be placed onto the filled template. This assembly may then be cured, for example with UV light, or as appropriate for the materials used. For example, in the case of PDMS, the assembly may then be soaked in liquid nitrogen for the purpose of separating the PDMS structure from the template. The PDMS structure and the template may be separated from one another in this way due to the difference in their respective thermal expansion coefficients.

[0105] In some examples, the magnetic protrusions may be manufactured to have the following characteristics. For example, the height of the protrusions may be between 100 and 500 micrometres and they may have a diameter of between 50 and 250 micrometres. In some examples, the surface density of the magnetic protrusions on the base surface 108 may be between 6.25 and 180 protrusions per square millimetres. Such protrusions may cause the desired actuation when subjected to vibration frequencies between 10 and 200 Hertz, with an amplitude between 0.05 and 1 millimetre.

[0106] Various other examples are possible. For example, the protrusions 106 may comprise a photopolymer (for example, if 3D printed), silicon or polyurethane. In some examples, the silicon or polyurethane (as the case may be) is used to coat or be moulded over an inner structure made of flexible fibres, e.g., nylon, polyester or cotton (for example, such techniques may even be used to create the described wall structures). Various examples of characteristics of the protrusions are also possible. For example, in cases where the protrusions are in the form of wall structures, the wall structure may be provided to have a Young’s Modulus between 1 .5 and 3 Mega Pascals. The height of the wall structures may be between 50 and 1000 micrometres, and the thickness may be between 50 and 250 micrometres. As previously described, the angle of the protrusions may be controlled to control the actuation. In some examples, the acute angle 202 of the wall structures farther from the centre 110 may be between 45 and 75 degrees.

[0107] For example, the protrusions 106 of any of the examples should provide actuation with vibrations that overcome static friction but are not so great that damage may occur to the charging device and / or the aerosol generation device. In some examples, the vibration frequency is between 10 and 200 Hertz, with an amplitude of 0.1 to 2 millimetres. As regards frequency, movement efficiency may be enhanced by aligning the vibration frequency with the resonant frequency of the charging device and aerosol generation device together as a system.

[0108] For example, the characteristics of the protrusions 106 are chosen taking account of the desired actuation and the physical characteristics of the charging device and the aerosol generation device, for example. The following example calculations relate to a relative movement of 10 centimetre using wall structure protrusions which have parameter values as just described. The Coefficient of friction is taken to be 0.3p. The normal force may be calculated using Equation (1) below.

[0109] Normal Force = m X g = 0.095 X 9.81 = 0.93 / V (1)

[0110] In Equation (1) above, m represents mass of the aerosol generation device (indicated in kilograms), according to examples, g represents acceleration due to gravity, and the result of the above is a normal force of 0.93 Newtons. Frictional for is given by:

[0111] Frictional Force = Normal Force X g = 0.93 X 0.3 = 0.28 / V (2)

[0112] In Equation (2) above, g is the Coefficient of friction between the aerosol generation device and the charging device, and the frictional force comes out as 0.28 Newtons. Word Done = Frictional Force X Distance moved = 0.28 X 0.01 = 0.0028 / (3)

[0113] Equation (3) yields 0.0028 Joules of work done for moving 10cm in this particular example. 0.0028 Joules is the amount of energy needed to overcome the frictional force. The energy required as an output in the form of vibration can also be calculated.

[0114] Vibrational speed = 2nfA = 2n X 100 X 0.001 = 0.628 m / s (4)

[0115] In Equation (4) above, f represents the frequency of vibration and is indicated as 100 Hertz, A represents the amplitude of vibration and is indicated as 1 mm. The energy per cycle of the vibration is given by Equation (5) below. 0.1 X 0.6282= 0.0197 / (5)

[0116] In Equation (5) above, the mass is indicated as the mass of the charging device at 100 grams. For the purpose of this example, it is assumed that relative movement until a desired alignment is reached may take 5 seconds. Friction has to be overcome and the energy required over 5 second will be 5 times the value calculated in Equation (5). Therefore, the energy needed for alignment in this example would be 5x0.0197 J+0.0028J = 0.1013J. Assuming roughly a 10% efficiency, this means that 1 Joule of energy would be needed, in this specific example, for the desired alignment / relative position of the devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this amount of energy can even be delivered by a depleted battery of an aerosol charging device or the charging device (such as a smartphone, for example).

[0117] Accordingly, there are described some specific examples of method and parameters which may be used. However, the present disclosure is not so limited. In a functional sense, the various parameters may be chosen such that relative movement can take place using a reasonable amount of energy in the context of the characteristics of the devices in question (such as the mass of the devices and the like).

[0118] It is important to note that the various features described above may be used in various combinations. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A passive actuator (100) for an aerosol generation device (800) configured to cause relative movement between a charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800), the passive actuator (100) comprising: a fixable portion (102) configured to be fixed to one of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800); an actuation side (104) configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800), wherein: the actuation side (104) comprises a plurality of protrusions (106), configurable in use, or pre-configured, to drive, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800) on which the actuation side (104) acts to move relative to the one of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800) fixed to the fixable portion (102).

2. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of protrusions (106) have a set of actuation parameters to provide driving of the received other of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800), the set of actuation parameters comprising: an angle of the protrusions (106) relative to a base surface (108) of the actuation side (104); a surface density of the protrusions (106); a shape of the protrusions (106); a friction coefficient of the protrusions (106); and a Young’s Modulus value of the protrusions (106).

3. The passive actuator according to claim 2, wherein: one or more of the set of actuation parameters of the plurality of protrusions (106) change with respect to a distance from a centre (110) of the passive actuator (100).

4. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the plurality of protrusions (106) is arranged into a set of rings about the centreeach ring occupies a distance range about the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100); and the protrusions (106) in a first one of the set of rings has a difference in one or more of the set of actuation parameters, as compared to a second one of the set of rings.

5. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: at least some of the plurality of protrusions (106) are pre-configured such that the angle of said protrusions (106) relative to the base surface (108) of the actuation side (104) is a non-zero angle such that the protrusions (106) point towards a first axis (112) of the passive actuator (100), the first axis (112) being perpendicular to the base surface (108) and passing through the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100); and the surface density of the protrusions (106) changes with respect to the distance from the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100).

6. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the protrusions (106) have substantially a uniform surface density across the actuation side (104).

7. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the angle of the protrusions (106) relative to the base surface (108) changes progressively with respect to the distance from the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100); and the more the angle deviates away from perpendicular to the base surface (108), the greater is the length of the protrusion (106) in question, such that the protrusions (106) present a flat contact surface (408).

8. The passive actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of protrusions (106) comprise strands.

9. The passive actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of protrusions (100) comprise wall structures surrounding a centre(110) of the passive actuator (100).

10. The passive actuator (100) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein:each protrusion (106) comprises a first portion (602) and a second portion (604), the first portion (602) being between the second portion (604) and the base surface (108) of the actuation side (104); the first portion (602) has a first longitudinal axis (606) perpendicular, when the protrusion (106) is in an undeflected state, relative to the base surface (108) of the actuation side (104); the second portion (604) has a second longitudinal axis (608) perpendicular, when the protrusion (106) is in the undeflected state, relative to the base surface (108) of the actuation side (104); and the second longitudinal axis (608) is positioned closer to the centre of passive actuator (100) than the first longitudinal axis (606), when the protrusion (106) is in the undeflected state.11 . The passive actuator (100) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each protrusion (106) comprises a first portion (602) and a second portion (604), the first portion (602) being between the second portion (604) and the base surface (108) of the actuation side (104); the second portion (604) comprises an angled surface (702) facing away from the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100), the angled surface (702) being angled such that a portion of the angled surface (702) closest to a base surface (108) of the actuation side (104) is positioned farther, in a direction parallel to the base surface (108), from the centre (110) of the passive actuator (100) as compared to a portion of the angled surface (702) farther from the base surface (108), when the protrusion (106) is an undeflected state.

12. The passive actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: at least some of the protrusions (106) comprise a magnetic core and an outer layer of a resiliently deformable material covering the magnetic core; or the actuation side (104) is configured such that the relative movement leads to a predetermined relative position of the aerosol generation device (800) and the charging device (900).

13. The passive actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the passive actuator (100) has a flat surface profile.

14. A method of manufacturing a passive actuator (100) configured to cause relative movement of a charging device (900) and an aerosol generation device (800), the method comprising providing, as part of the passive actuator (100): a fixable portion (102) configured to be fixed to one of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800); an actuation side (104) configured to receive and act on the other of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800), wherein: the actuation side (104) comprises a plurality of protrusions (106) configurable in use, or pre-configured, to drive, in response to a vibration, the received other of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800) on which the actuation side (104) acts to move relative to the one of the charging device (900) and the aerosol generation device (800) fixed to the fixable portion (102).

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising: producing the protrusions (106) using 3D printing techniques, or injection moulding techniques; and providing an adhesive layer on the fixable portion (102).

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