Aerosol generation device with airflow provision mechanism

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article, the consumable article receiving region comprising a heat provision arrangement; an airflow provision mechanism configured to deliver an airflow into a distal end of the consumable article, received in the consumable article receiving region, to expel water vapour from the consumable article, wherein: the airflow provision mechanism is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement initially heats the aerosol precursor material prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user; and the airflow provision mechanism comprises an air charge storing mechanism configured to releasably store an air charge.

Description

[0001] AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 1

[0002] Aerosol Generation Device with Airflow Provision Mechanism

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device comprising an airflow provision mechanism, and a control method of an aerosol generation device.

[0004] Background

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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 for that kind of consumable article. Various configurations of aerosol generation device and corresponding consumable articles are available.

[0007] When the aerosol precursor material is first heated, water vapour is released. The released water vapour may be at a temperature high enough to be uncomfortable to a user, if drawn by the user into their mouth during the first puffs taken from the aerosol generation device / consumable article. It would be desirable to mitigate against the heat sensation arising from water vapour released upon initially heating the aerosol precursor material and inhaled in the first puffs of a vaping session by users.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to improvements in the context of reducing perceived hotness felt by users of heated aerosol generating articles upon initial puffing actions of a vaping session, which arises from water vapour released from the aerosol precursor material during an initial heating phase of the aerosol precursor material to thereby decrease water content in the first puffs. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 2

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising: a consumable article receiving region for receiving the consumable article, the consumable article receiving region comprising a heat provision arrangement; an airflow provision mechanism configured to deliver an airflow into a distal end of the consumable article, received in the consumable article receiving region, to expel water vapour from the consumable article, wherein: the airflow provision mechanism is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement initially heats the aerosol precursor material prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user; and the airflow provision mechanism comprises an air charge storing mechanism configured to releasably store an air charge.

[0011] Advantageously, there is provided an airflow for clearing away water vapour which may be released from the aerosol precursor material during the initial heat-up phase. In particular, there is provided an air charge storing mechanism which can store an air charge. Rather than delivering a continuous flow of air, having an air charge stored up provides immediate access to a relatively large volume of air which can be quickly delivered at the moment that it is desired. This provides great control over when to implement expulsion of the water vapour.

[0012] Optionally, the air charge storing mechanism is configured to release the air charge as a discrete air burst which constitutes the airflow.

[0013] Advantageously, there is provided a more instantaneous and forceful expulsion of the air charge in a burst like fashion. This means that water vapour is more likely to be expelled due to the greater force of the burst. Even more control over the timing of the delivery of the air charge is provided than, for example, merely relying on the air charge to flow out without active assistance.

[0014] Optionally, the air charge storing mechanism comprises a resiliently deformable membrane configured to transition between a stretched state in which the air charge is stored, and a relaxed state in which an air charge is not stored. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 3

[0015] Advantageously, the resiliently deformable nature of the membrane is exploited in order to actively accelerate the air charge out of the air charge storing mechanism. A reliantly deformable membrane provides and efficient and simple to construct way of providing an air burst.

[0016] Optionally, the air charge storing mechanism comprises a charge retaining mechanism configured to releasably maintain the resiliently deformable membrane in the stretched state.

[0017] Advantageously, the reliantly deformable membrane can be kept in a loaded position against its bias until such a time when it is desired to be released. For example, where the air charge is held at relatively high pressure, the air charge does not untimely escape.

[0018] Optionally, the air flow provision mechanism comprises an air pump configured to deliver air to the air charge storing mechanism.

[0019] Advantageously, the air pump provides a controllable way of preparing the air charge. By controlling the air pump the amount of air in the air charge (and to what degree the membrane is stretched) can be controlled.

[0020] Optionally, the charge retaining mechanism comprises a one-way valve positioned between the resiliently deformable membrane and the consumable article receiving region.

[0021] Advantageously, the one-way valve so positioned allow the air charge to be released into the receiving region without allowing air to flow back into the charge storing mechanism. The one-way valve can be fully opened at once to provide the air charge as a discrete air burst.

[0022] Optionally, the air pump is an aerographene pump.

[0023] Advantageously, an aerographene pump can deliver a given amount of air at a relatively low energy cost, which is particularly advantageous for hand-held, battery powered device as the aerosol generation device may be. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 4

[0024] Optionally, the charge retaining mechanism is in the form of a magnetic structure comprised in the resiliently deformable membrane, and an electromagnet arrangement configured such that when activated to generate a magnetic field, attracts the magnetic structure to maintain the resiliently deformable membrane in the stretched state.

[0025] Advantageously, there is provided a simple and controllable way maintaining the membrane in the stretched state. In certain examples, such a mechanism may provide for a more extreme stretched state, further enhancing the discrete nature of the air burst compared to what may be the case when relying on air pressure of the air charge.

[0026] Optionally, the electromagnetic arrangement is configured such that when activated to generate the magnetic field, it causes the resiliently deformable membrane to transition from the relaxed state to the stretched state.

[0027] Advantageously, not only can this arrangement hold the stretched state, but it can actually actuate the membrane out of the relaxed state. In such examples, the air pump may be omitted, provided an even more simple mechanism.

[0028] Optionally, the airflow provision mechanism comprises an air permeable mesh element configured between the charge storing mechanism and the consumable article receiving region such that the airflow passes through the mesh element prior to reaching the consumable article received in the consumable article receiving region.

[0029] Advantageously, the mesh element allow air to flow into the receiving region, but prevents debris from the consumable article from falling into the air charge storing mechanism.

[0030] Optionally, the aerosol generation device comprises a controller configured to control the operation of the airflow provision mechanism.

[0031] Advantageously, the operation of the aerosol generation device can be controlled in various desired ways by implementing control through the controller.

[0032] Optionally, the controller is configured to control the air charge storing mechanism to: release the air charge a predetermined time from commencement of heating by the heat provision arrangement having elapsed; or release the air charge responsive to a AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 5 measured temperature reaching a threshold temperature, the measured temperature being sensed by a temperature sensing arrangement in the aerosol generation device functionally connected to the controller and being the measured temperature of one of: the heat provision arrangement; the consumable article receiving region; and a part of the consumable article inserted in the consumable article receiving region.

[0033] Advantageously, the air charge can be delivered at a particular desired stage of the initial heat-up phase. In this way, expulsion of the water vapour from the consumable article can be optimised. Furthermore, there are different ways of determining when to release the air charge. A predetermined time can be used, but also a threshold temperature can be used. The most suitable approach may be selected base on the manner of heating during the initial heat-up phase and / or the aerosol precursor material.

[0034] Optionally, the controller is configured to control the air charge storing mechanism to: release a plurality of air charges at respective stages relative to the initial heat-up phase.

[0035] Advantageously, the airflow provision mechanism is not limited to providing just a single air charge. Great control and fine tuning is possible by releasing multiple air charges at particularly appropriate time over the course of the initial heat-up phase and some time after the initial heat-up phase as well.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises: a consumable article receiving region for receiving a consumable article, the consumable article receiving region comprising a heat provision arrangement; an airflow provision mechanism configured to deliver a airflow into a distal end of the consumable article, received in the consumable article receiving region, to expel water vapour from the consumable article, wherein: the airflow provision mechanism is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement initially heats the aerosol precursor material prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user; and the airflow provision mechanism comprises an air charge storing mechanism configured to releasably store an air charge, the method comprising: controlling the airflow provision mechanism to deliver the airflow during the initial heat-up phase. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 6

[0037] Advantageously, the control method allows the advantages of the aerosol generation device according to the first aspect to be realised. For example, according to the control method, the air charge is delivered during the initial heat-up phase. Therefore water vapour can be expelled from the consumable article in a manner which is highly controllable and times by virtue of the water vapour expulsion airflow being provided as a release of an air charge.

[0038] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: releasing the air charge as a discrete air burst to deliver the water vapour expulsion airflow.

[0039] Advantageously, the discrete air burst provides a relatively forceful expulsion of water vapour from the consumable article such that it is less likely that a notable amount of water vapour will remain in the consumable article.

[0040] The above-mentioned features may be combined together in various combinations.

[0041] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of an aerosol generation device, according to examples;

[0044] Figure 2 is a first simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device showing certain internal components, according to examples;

[0045] Figure 3 is a second simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device showing certain internal components, according to examples;

[0046] Figure 4 is a third simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device showing certain internal components, according to examples;

[0047] Figure 5 is a fourth simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device showing certain internal components, according to examples;

[0048] Figure 6 is a simplified schematic plan view of a resiliently deformable membrane, according to examples; and

[0049] Figure 7 is a simplified schematic sketch of the resiliently deformable membrane in a stretched state within a reservoir, according to examples. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 7

[0050] Detailed Description

[0051] 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, cellulose-based sheet material, paper, 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 in any one of shredded, crimped or gathered reconstituted tobacco sheet form. 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 non-polyol 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 may comprise a liquid or a gel, which may comprise nicotine and / or 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.

[0052] 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” or “hand-held” 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.

[0053] 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. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 8

[0054] The present disclosure relates to addressing issues relating to the heating of aerosol precursor material. As described, the aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. When heat is first supplied to aerosol precursor material, water vapour may be produced. For example, a phase during which heat begins to be supplied to the aerosol precursor material until a time at which the aerosol precursor material has been heated enough to provide inhalable aerosol as desired, may be referred to as an initial heat-up phase.

[0055] During an inhalation session, which starts with the initial heat-up phase, the temperature of the aerosol precursor material is raised due to the heating. Water has a notably lower boiling point (at 100°C) than other components which may be comprised in the aerosol precursor material such as glycerol (boiling point 290°C), propylene glycol (boiling point 188°C), etc. As an example, the peak temperature to which the aerosol precursor material is heated (or the peak temperature to which a heating arrangement is raised) during the inhalation session may be in the range 250°C to 300°C. Accordingly, the concentration of the water vapour within the aerosol is highest towards the beginning of the inhalation session, e.g., in the initial heat-up phase. For this reason, water vapour is produced relatively early in the inhalation session. For example, a significantly large amount of water vapour may be produced by the aerosol precursor material during the initial heat-up phase. The concentration of the water vapour may then decrease as the user takes more and more puffs.

[0056] Although the magnitude of the temperature of the water vapour (at around 100°C) is not greater than certain other components, a relatively large quantity of the water vapour is produced early on in the inhalation session as discussed. In addition, the water vapour has greater energy density. For example, the specific heat capacity of water is about 4.19 J / kg°C, whereas the specific heat capacity of glycerol is about 2.62 J / kg°C and that of propylene glycol is about 2.36 J / kg°C. This means that if the water vapour is not somehow expelled / excluded, the first puffs (e.g., the first few inhalations within the inhalation session) contain relatively greater energy. The greater energy of the first puffs is due to the large quantity of the water vapour in combination with the greater energy density of the water vapour. This physical energy state of the aerosol of the first puffs may lead to a perception of a hotter / uncomfortably hot puff for the user.

[0057] Therefore, it is desired to get rid of the water vapour before the user commences the inhalation session. For example, it would be advantageous to expel a significant AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 9 amount of the water vapour from the consumable article during or shortly after the initial heat-up phase.

[0058] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic sketch of an aerosol generation device 100, according to examples. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 is a hand-held device. The aerosol generation device 100 is for receiving a consumable article 102 comprising aerosol precursor material 104. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a consumable article receiving region 106 for receiving the consumable article 102. The consumable article receiving region 106 comprises a heat provision arrangement 108. The aerosol generation device 100 also comprises an airflow provision mechanism 110 configured to deliver an airflow into a distal end 101 of the consumable article 102, received in the consumable article receiving region 106, to expel water vapour from the consumable article 102.

[0059] The airflow provision mechanism 110 is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement initially heats the aerosol precursor material 104 prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user. In this initial heat up phase, water vapour is generated from water contained in the aerosol precursor material 104 as it is vaporized at a lower temperature (100°C) than other aerosol formers like glycerin or propylene glycol as discussed above. The airflow is thus a water vapour expulsion airflow. In other words, the purpose of the airflow is to expel water vapour from the consumable article 102. However, it should be noted that the airflow may be delivered in the manner described herein in some examples where a notable amount of water vapour is not produced by the aerosol precursor material 104 (e.g., due to the nature of the aerosol precursor material 104). For example, the aerosol generation device 100 configured to deliver the described airflow may be used with consumable articles with aerosol precursor material 104 which does not produce a notable amount of water vapour. In addition, the airflow provision mechanism 110 comprises an air charge storing mechanism 112 configured to releasably store an air charge.

[0060] The consumable article receiving region 106 is where the consumable article 102 comprising the aerosol precursor material 104 is received. In these examples, the consumable article 102 is presented as an elongate article, and in certain examples, the consumable article 102 may have a rod like profile. However, various shapes, sizes and configurations of consumable articles 102 are possible, and the present disclosure AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 10 is not limited to particular ones. The heat provision arrangement 108 provides heat for heating the aerosol precursor material 104 such that aerosol can be released for inhalation. Various examples of the heat provision arrangement 108 are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the heat provision arrangement 108 may comprise one or more resistive heating elements. In some examples, the heat provision arrangement 108 may comprise conductive elements (e.g., coil(s)) which provide a varying magnetic field for one or more susceptor elements to be heated by means of eddy currents.

[0061] In these examples, the distal end 101 of the consumable article 102 is the end which is farthest from the mouth of the user when the user draws aerosol with their mouth. The distal end 101 is the end of the consumable article 102 which leads the rest of the consumable article 102 into the consumable article receiving region 106 when being inserted. For example, the consumable article receiving region 106 has a depth corresponding to a given length of the consumable article 102 desired to be inserted in the consumable article receiving region 106 for optimal aerosol generation from heating of the aerosol precursor material 104 by the heat provision arrangement 108. Reference may be made to an insertion direction in which the consumable article is spatially translated to enter or progress inwards into the consumable article receiving region 106. Where the consumable article receiving region 106 (hereafter, simply referred to as the receiving region 106) terminates along the insertion direction may be referred to as the distal receiving region end 114.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the aerosol has to be made ready, i.e. has to be generated from heating of the aerosol precursor material 104 in the consumable receiving region 106, before the user can start an inhalation session. For example, the aerosol is not ready immediately upon the heat provision arrangement 108 first being activated. Some time is required for heat to act on the aerosol precursor material 104 so that certain components can be released to create the aerosol for inhalation. For example, the initial heat-up phase is implemented when the heat provision arrangement 108 is controlled to first start delivering heat to the received consumable article 102. The purpose of the initial heat-up phase is to prepare the aerosol before the user draws on the consumable article 102 or a mouthpiece comprised in the aerosol generation device 100 for the first time for that given inhalation session. It is during this initial heating that a majority of the described water vapour to be expelled from the aerosol generating article 102 is produced. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 11

[0063] As described, the airflow provision mechanism 110 is configured to deliver the water vapour expulsion airflow into the distal end 101 of the consumable article 102. In the examples of Figure 1 , at least one or more parts of the airflow provision mechanism 110 is positioned in alignment with the receiving region 106 along the insertion direction. For example, the airflow provision mechanism 110 is positioned adjacent to the distal receiving region end 114 such that it can provide the water vapour expulsion airflow to the consumable article 102 via the distal receiving region end 114. It should be noted, however, that not all components constituting the airflow provision mechanism 110 may be positioned adjacent the distal receiving region end 114.

[0064] As previously described, the airflow provision mechanism 110 comprises the air charge storing mechanism 112. For example, the air charge storing mechanism 112 can store a given volume of air, which is stored, but can be released at a desired time (or upon a desired condition being met). In other words, rather than providing a flow which may be deemed continuous, the air charge storing mechanism 112 holds on to the air charge until release of the air charge is desired.

[0065] In these examples, the release of the stored air charge constitutes the water vapour expulsion airflow (or at least a part of the water vapour expulsion airflow to be delivered relative to the particular initial heat-up phase in question). For example, the air charge can be stored up such that a significant volume of air is available as the water vapour expulsion airflow, at once, at the desired time. In this way, a delay in the desired volume of air being delivered as the water vapour expulsion airflow is avoided. For example, taking the example of an air pump which provides a flow of air, such an air pump would deliver the desired volume of air over a relatively extended period of time as the air pump draws in and delivers the air. In contrast, the entire desired volume of air (or a significant part of the desired volume) can already be prepared in the form of the air charge by the air charge storing mechanism 112.

[0066] Even if a single air charge does not contain the entire air volume which is desired to be delivered as the water vapour expulsion airflow overall (for example, a first air charge may be supplemented by delivery of further air charges later on), the air charge nevertheless means that a relatively large volume of air is already prepared to be delivered as compared to a continuous flow and the like by an air pump. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 12

[0067] It will be appreciated that depending on the construction of the air pump, the air may be delivered in pulses and the like rather than with a strictly homogenous flow rate. However, as referred to herein, this is still considered as a continuous flow because this is different to an entire air charge being released at once.

[0068] Another advantage of the air charge storing mechanism 112 is that the air charge can be prepared and ready prior to the commencement of the initial heat-up phase. In other words, the air charge can be prepared before the initial heat-up phase even starts. In this way if a large volume of air as the water vapour expulsion airflow is desired to be delivered relatively early during the initial heat-up phase, that becomes possible due to such early preparation of the air charge. In contrast, when a continuous flow is being delivered as the water vapour expulsion airflow, it would take some time for said large volume of air to be delivered, depending on the flow rate of the pump etc.

[0069] Also, for example, if a large volume of air as the water vapour expulsion airflow is desired to be delivered relatively late into the initial heat-up phase, the air charge can be stored up and not released until such a late time. In contrast, to deliver said same large volume of air in the case of the continuous flow example, air delivery would have to start earlier, depending on the flow rate, for the same volume of air to be delivered.

[0070] Because the air charge stores a larger volume of air available to be released at once, the release of the entire volume of the air charge may be described as instantaneous. However, it will be appreciated that “instantaneous” is relative and is intended to mean much faster than the same volume being delivered by a typical pump of a size which may fit in the hand-held aerosol generation device 100.

[0071] In some examples, there may be provided a reservoir as part of the air charge storing mechanism 112, which is filled with air to store the air charge. For example, the air charge may be stored at greater than atmospheric pressure. Then, by virtue of the pressure of the air charge, when released, the air charge may be expelled relatively instantaneously to provide the water vapour expulsion airflow. For example, the reservoir may be filled by an air pump to a desired pressure.

[0072] In some examples, the air charge storing mechanism 112 is configured to release the air charge as a discrete air burst which constitutes the water vapour expulsion airflow. For example, the air charge may not merely be released such that it flows out of the air AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 13 charge storing mechanism 112 by virtue of air pressure. Rather, the air charge storing mechanism 112 may actively urge the air charge to be released. In other words, in these examples, the air charge storing mechanism 112 is configured such that the air charge is actively assisted in being released. The active urging / actively assisted release of the air charge causes the release of the air charge to be even more instantaneous than when the air charge is released in an unassisted manner. Accordingly, such release of the air charge is herein referred to as a discrete air burst. Because the release is actively urged, the release is an active / forceful expulsion of the air charge. In other words, the discrete air burst is an active / forceful expulsion of the air charge from the air charge storing mechanism 112. Various example mechanisms by which this is achieved are described in further detail below.

[0073] Figure 2 is a first simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device 100 showing certain internal components, according to examples. In these examples, the air charge storing mechanism 112 comprises a resiliently deformable membrane 200 configured to transition between a stretched state (which is the state shown in the examples of Figure 2) in which the air charge is stored, and a relaxed state in which an air charge is not stored.

[0074] In the examples of Figure 2, there is provided a reservoir 202 in which the resiliently deformable membrane 200 is housed. For example, the resiliently deformable membrane 200 may be in the form of a diaphragm which separates two portions of the reservoir 202 and seals the two portions from one another against the flow of air. In other words, the resiliently deformable membrane 200 forms an air impermeable barrier between portions of the reservoir 202.

[0075] For example, a first portion 204 of the reservoir 202 may be filled with air in order to place the resiliently deformable membrane 200 (hereafter simply referred to as the membrane 200). In some examples, the pressure of the air which enters into the first portion 204 causes the membrane 200 to be in the stretched state. In such examples, air may be forced into the first portion 204 to cause the membrane 200 to stretch. However, in some other examples, the membrane 200 may be actuated such that the volume in the first portion 204 increases, causing air to be drawn into the first portion 204. Whichever the case, in such examples, when the membrane 200 is in the stretched state, the first portion 204 contains the air charge. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 14

[0076] The membrane 200 is biased towards the relaxed state. In other words, the membrane 200 is moved or held away from the relaxed state upon application of a force. The arrangement and orientation of the reservoir 202 and the membrane 200 is such that the movement of the membrane 200 in accordance with its bias to the relaxed state is in the direction of the receiving region 106.

[0077] For example, the reservoir 202 may have a first end closest to the receiving region 106 and a second end farthest from the receiving region 106. For example, a part of the membrane 200 is fixed to the reservoir 202, and the remainder which is not fixed is what moves when deformation takes place during the transition to the stretched state. For example, the fixed part of the membrane 200 is fixed towards the first end of the reservoir 202. As referred to herein, “towards the first end” means notably closer to the first end than a centre of the reservoir 202.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various ways of fixing the membrane 200 to another structure such as the reservoir 202 which acts as a housing in these examples. Figure 6 is a simplified schematic plan view of the membrane 200, according to examples. Figure 7 is a simplified schematic sketch of the membrane 200 in the stretched state within the reservoir 202.

[0079] Various shapes and geometries of the membrane 200 and reservoir 202 are possible. For example, the reservoir 202 may be a cylindrical chamber with a longitudinal axis 702 pointing towards the receiving region 106. In such examples, the membrane 200 may have a circular profile and when in the relaxed state, may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 702. However, these are merely examples, and the reservoir 202 and membrane 200 may be provided in various different shapes. For example, the membrane 200 may form at least a part of a side of the reservoir 202, which reservoir 202 may therefore only have the first portion 204, rather than the membrane being completely inside of a housing constituting the reservoir 202. What is desired is that the membrane 200 be able to deform to increase the volume of the first portion 204 where the air charge can be stored.

[0080] In the examples of Figure 6 and 7, the membrane 200 comprises a rim 602 at its boundary region. For example, the rim 602 may comprise a rigid material which does not deform like the remainder of the membrane 200 does. In these examples, the reservoir 202 comprises a channel 704 positioned towards the first end 706 opposite AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 15 the second end 708. The rim 602 can be at least partially inserted into the channel 704 such that the rim 602 of the membrane 200 is fixed at the channel 704. In this case, the centre of the membrane may move (e.g., in the direction of the second end 708 of the reservoir 202) as the membrane deforms.

[0081] In some examples, the air charge storing mechanism 112 comprises a charge retaining mechanism 206 configured to releasably maintain the membrane 200 in the stretched state. For example, the charge retaining mechanism 206 causes the air charge to be held in the first portion 204. For example, the charge retaining mechanism 206 inhibits the air charge from escaping into the receiving region 106. In some examples, the charge retaining mechanism 206 comprises a one-way valve. For example, the oneway valve is configured to only allow air flow into the receiving region 106 and not out of the receiving region back into the charge retaining mechanism 112.

[0082] In some examples, a solenoid valve is used. The solenoid valve may be advantageous due to its small size and low power consumption being particularly suitable for a handheld device such as the aerosol generation device 100. In some examples, the valve may be a pressure relief valve. For example, the pressure relief valve may have a latching pressure which is at or close to atmospheric pressure to allow the air charge to be fully discharged.

[0083] For example, the valve may be operated to open when release of the air charge is desired. For example, a valve may be particularly suitable in examples in which the membrane 200 is held in the stretched state by the pressure of the air charge in the first portion 204. Examples other than valves are also possible, as discussed further below.

[0084] In some examples, the air flow provision mechanism 110 comprises an air pump 208 configured to deliver air to the air charge storing mechanism 112. Referring to the examples of Figure 2, the air pump 208 delivers air into the first portion 204, thereby causing the membrane 204 to transition to the stretch state. Figure 3 is a second simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device 100 showing certain internal components, according to examples. In the examples of Figure 3, the membrane 200 is shown in the relaxed state. In these examples, the air pump 208 may pump air into the first portion 204 (which has a small volume in the examples of Figure 3) in order to stretch the membrane 200. In other words, the membrane 200 resiliently deforms when the air pump 208 pumps air into the first portion 204. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 16

[0085] In some examples, when preparing an air charge, the air pump 208 may deliver a predetermined amount of air. For example, there may be enough air delivered such that the membrane 200 becomes fully stretched, for example, as allowed by the size of the reservoir 202. However, a smaller amount of air may also be delivered. In this way the size of the air charge may be controlled by controlling how much air is pumped into the first portion 204. In other words, a dosed air volume less than the maximum capacity of the air charge storing mechanism 112 may be delivered. In this way the characteristics of the air charge may be controlled.

[0086] As previously described, the membrane 200 is biased towards the relaxed state. In other words, the membrane 200 is moved or held away from the relaxed state upon application of a force. In these examples, it is the force of the air being pumped into the first portion 204 by the air pump 208 which causes the membrane 200 to move against its bias and to transition towards the stretched state.

[0087] For example, in order to implement the discrete air burst, the charge retaining mechanism 206 is caused to allow the release of the air charge. In examples where the charge retaining mechanism 206 is a kind of valve, the valve may be opened to provide the discrete air burst. It will be appreciated that in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, there is air pressure built up in the first portion 204. When released, the air charge moves into the receiving region 106 by virtue of this pressure in part. In addition, when air pressure is relieved due to the opening of the charge retaining mechanism 206, the membrane 204 moves according to its bias towards the relaxed state and thereby pushes the air charge out into the receiving region 106.

[0088] In some examples, the valve comprised in the charge retaining mechanism 112 is a one-way valve positioned between the membrane 200 and the receiving region 106. For example, it is desired that the air charge flow only in the direction towards the receiving region 106 and not in the opposite direction. The one-way valve so positioned substantially ensures that this is the case. Furthermore, between the membrane 200 and the receiving region 106 is an appropriate positioning to release the air charge directly into the receiving region 106.

[0089] It will be appreciated that in these examples, it is not desired for the charge to flow back in the direction of the air pump 208. Accordingly, there may be provided a suitable AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 17 valve arrangement and the like at the outlet of the air pump 208 into the reservoir 202 such that the air charge moves substantially (within acceptable tolerances) into the receiving region 106.

[0090] In this manner, the described discrete air burst is provided in the examples discussed thus far. The discrete air burst flows into the distal end 101 of the consumable article 102. This flow is intended to cause the water vapour to be taken away from the consumable article 102 in a kind of simulated puff. In the examples of the Figures, a proximal end 103 of the consumable article 102 protrudes from the aerosol generation device 100 and is used as a mouthpiece by the user to draw aerosol. For example, the air charge mixed with water vapour may flow out of the proximal end 103 of the consumable article 102. However, other examples are also possible. For example, ventilation holes may be provided in the consumable article 102 through which the mixture containing water vapour can exit the consumable article 102. Other flow paths may be provided in the aerosol generation device 100 to remove the water vapour mixture thus ejected from the consumable article 102, from the aerosol generation device 100.

[0091] In some examples, the air pump 208 is an aerographene pump. In other examples, the air pump 208 may be a different kind of pump such as a diaphragm pump, a compressor, a piston pump, a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, a rotary vane pump, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each kind of pump has its own advantages and disadvantages. It should be appreciated that some kinds of pumps may be more suitably scaled to the size appropriate for the aerosol generation device 100, which is a hand-held device.

[0092] Aerographene pumps are different to conventional air pumps of the kind of sizes which would be suitable for the hand-held aerosol generation device. For example, in an aerographene pump, graphene is made into a highly porous material (e.g., it may be up to 99.9% porous) with a low density (for example, as low as 20 milligrams per cubic centimetre), which has an ultra-low volumetric heat capacity. In other words, it does not require much energy in order to raise the temperature of the highly porous graphene. In some examples, the volumetric heat capacity of the aerographene may be between 1 and 5 kilo Joules per cubic metre per Kelvin. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 18

[0093] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that graphene is conductive. For example, current flows through the aerographene when a voltage is applied. Due to the electrical resistance of the aerographene, heat is generated when the current flows. In other words, resistive heating takes place in the aerographene material.

[0094] Due to the described physical properties of the aerographene material, it undergoes rapid heating upon application of electrical power. For example, for parameters such as those mentioned above, 15 Watts of electrical power applied in a 10 millisecond pulse may cause an increase in temperature of the aerographene from ambient temperature to about 400°C. Because of the speed of the temperature increase, this process is adiabatic, meaning that little to no heat is transferred to the air in the vicinity of the aerographene, but the energy is instead dissipated in a rapid expansion of the volume of the air. Due to this expansion in volume of the air, air is forced out, thus providing an air pump function. Due to the speed at which the air can be forced from the graphene and the high repetition rate, the process is known as electrically powered repeatable air explosions (EPRAE). This rapid expansion of gas in the graphene coupled with two one-way or check valves creates a pump which is used to provide atmospheric air.

[0095] For example, the air may be taken up from inside the body of the aerosol generation device, or there may be provided specific flow paths for air to flow from outside the aerosol generation device 100 and into the aerographene pump (this may also be the case for other types of air pumps used as the described air pump 208 as well).

[0096] Advantageously, the aerographene pump can deliver a significant volume of air at a relatively low energy cost. In other words, the aerographene pump is particularly energy efficient. In an example, an aerographene section having a diameter of 6 millimtres and a height of 6 millimetres may provide about 0.2 millilitres per Joule of energy used. As an example, over a duration of 25 seconds, this would equate to 3.75 millilitres of air for only 18.75 Joules of energy used. Accordingly, for a hand-held device where it is desired for a battery to last as long as possible, such energy efficiency is particularly advantageous. In some examples, the initial heat-up phase may last for 25 seconds, which provides elaboration on the energy which may be used by such a pump in practical scenarios. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 19

[0097] Figure 4 is a third simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device 100 showing certain internal components, according to examples. In these examples, there is provided a different kind of charge retaining mechanism 206. In these examples, the charge retaining mechanism 206 is in the form of a magnetic structure 402 comprised in the membrane 200, and an electromagnet arrangement 404. In these examples, the electromagnet arrangement 404 is configured such that when activated to generate a magnetic field, it attracts the magnetic structure 402 to maintain the membrane 200 in the stretched state. The examples of Figure 4 show the membrane 200 in the stretched state.

[0098] For example, the magnetic structure 402 may comprise a magnetic piece at least comprising a ferromagnetic metal. In some examples, the magnetic piece may simply be a piece of a ferromagnetic metal. In some other examples, the magnetic piece may comprise a non-magnetic material (such as a polymer) in which fragments of the ferromagnetic metal are embedded.

[0099] In some examples, the magnetic piece comprises magnetic material rather than ferromagnetic material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a magnetic material acts as a magnet in that it may adhere itself to a piece of iron, for example. On the other hand, a magnetic field applies force to a ferromagnetic material, but the ferromagnetic material does not itself act as a magnet.

[0100] The magnetic structure 402 may comprise one or more of the described magnetic pieces according to any of the described examples. The magnetic structure 402 is fixed to the membrane 200. In some examples, the magnetic structure 402 may be embedded in the membrane.

[0101] The magnetic structure 402 may be positioned in the centre of the membrane 200. For example, such positioning of the magnetic structure 402 may allow a relatively greater deformation / stretch of the membrane, when the magnetic structure 402 is actuated. For example, in the case of the examples of Figures 6 and 7, the centre of the membrane 200 would be the most distant location from the rim 602 which is the part of the membrane 200 that is fixed.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which the electromagnetic arrangement 404 may be provided. For example, there may be provided a coil wrapped AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 20 around a conductive element, and a current may be supplied to the coil to generate the desired magnetic field. The electromagnetic arrangement 404 may comprise one or more such coils. The electromagnetic arrangement 404 may be in alignment, along the longitudinal axis of 702 of the reservoir 202, with the magnetic structure 402.

[0103] When the electromagnetic arrangement 404 is active, the magnetic structure 402 is attracted to the electromagnetic arrangement 404 so that a force is applied to hold the membrane 200 in the stretched state. In this manner the magnetic structure 402 and the electromagnetic arrangement 404 function as the charge retaining mechanism 206.

[0104] The magnetic structure 402 and the electromagnetic arrangement 404 may be deployed in the described examples comprising the air pump 208 (although the air pump is not depicted in Figure 4). For example, the magnetic structure 402 and the electromagnetic arrangement 404 may be used to further stretch the membrane 200 beyond what results merely from the pressure of the air pumped in by the air pump 208, such that the membrane 200 returns from a greater stretch when released to further enhance the discrete air burst. However, the magnetic structure 402 and the electromagnetic arrangement 404 may allow for the discrete air burst to be supplied even without the use of an air pump.

[0105] Figure 5 is a fourth simplified schematic partial sketch of the aerosol generation device 100 showing certain internal components, according to examples. In the examples of Figure 5, there is also provided the magnetic structure 402 and the electromagnetic arrangement 404 similar to Figure 4, however, the membrane 200 is shown in the relaxed state. In some examples, the electromagnetic arrangement 404 is configured such that when activated to generate the magnetic field, it causes the resiliently deformable membrane 200 to transition from the relaxed state to the stretched state. In other words, this arrangement does not merely hold the stretched state, but provides enough attraction force to draw the membrane 200 into the stretched state from the relaxed state.

[0106] In some such examples, the air pump 208 may be omitted. A filling air path may be provided so that when the stretched state is achieved in this manner, the first portion 204, now having an expanded volume, fills with air. For example, the air may be drawn from elsewhere inside the body of the aerosol generation device 100, or from the AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 21 outside environment depending on the specific arrangement of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0107] In these examples, the membrane 200 is held in the stretched state by means other than air pressure, there may not be provided a valve and the like between the reservoir 202 and the receiving region 106. For example, there may be air at atmospheric pressure in the first portion 204, which is directly expelled into the receiving region when the membrane 200 moves in accordance with its bias towards the relaxed state.

[0108] However, there may be provided a one-way valve, shutter, and the like in the filling path configured to allow air into the first portion 204 (whether from somewhere inside the aerosol generation device, or more directly from the outside environment), but to not allow air to be expelled back out of the first portion 204 via the filling air path. That is because it is desired that the air charge be delivered to the receiving region only and not elsewhere.

[0109] In these examples, when the electromagnetic arrangement 404 is deactivated, the membrane 200 moves according to its bias to return to the relaxed state and in doing so pushes the air charge out of the first portion 204 and into the receiving region 106 as the discrete air burst. Advantageously, a further simplified discrete air burst system is thereby provided.

[0110] In any of the described examples, the airflow provision mechanism 110 may comprise an air permeable mesh element 210 (see Figure 2 to 5) configured between the charge storing mechanism 112 and the receiving region 106 such that the water vapour expulsion airflow passes through the air permeable mesh element 210 prior to reaching the consumable article 102 received in the receiving region 106.

[0111] The purpose of the air permeable mesh element is to prevent debris from falling into the charge storing mechanism 112. For example, in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, there may be no other barrier between the charge storing mechanism 112 and the receiving region. In these examples, the air permeable mesh 210 may function to catch debris falling in the direction of the charge storing mechanism 112, while allowing the air charge to be delivered to the receiving region. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 22

[0112] For example, the air permeable mesh element may comprise a mesh which is fine enough to catch the kind of debris expected to fall from the consumable article 102 during use. The air permeable mesh element may comprise a woven fabric composed of stainless steel or other similar material (for example, another material with comparable characteristics to stainless steel which can be used to make a woven fabric).

[0113] For example, if there is debris in the charge storing mechanism 112 (e.g., on the membrane 200), this may adversely affect the functioning of the charge storing mechanism 112, especially as the debris builds up over time.

[0114] The air permeable mesh element 210 may also be advantageous in examples where the charge retaining mechanism 206 is in the form of a one-way valve positioned between the membrane 200 and the receiving region 106. For example, the air permeable mesh element 210 may be positioned on the opposite side of the one-way valve compared to the membrane 200. In this way, the mesh element 210 may prevent debris from falling into the one-way valve and interfering with its functioning.

[0115] In some examples, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a controller (not shown in the figures) configured to control the operation of the device 100. For example, the controller may control the operation of the air provision mechanism 110. For example, the controller may comprise control circuitry configured to operate the aerosol generation device 100 according to a pre-determined scheme (e.g., which specifies when to deliver the air charge, when to turn on the air pump 208 in relation to the heat provision arrangement 108, etc.). In some examples, the controller may comprise one or more processors configured to implement computer executable instructions. For example, the controller is functionally connected to the components which it controls. For example, the controller can communicate signals to and / or from said components.

[0116] For example, the controller controls the release of the air charge stored in the air charge storing mechanism 112. For example, in examples where the air charge as delivered as a discrete air burst (as previously described), the controller controls the delivery of the discrete air burst.

[0117] For example, the controller may control the air charge storing mechanism 112 to release the air charge at a predetermined time from commencement of heating by the heat AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 23 provision arrangement 108 having elapsed. For example, the start of the initial heat-up phase is when the heat provision arrangement 108 begins providing heat to the receiving region 106. For example, depending on the type of the aerosol precursor material 104, most of the water vapour may be released once a particular point of the initial heat-up phase is reached. For example, once that particular point of the initial heat-up phase is reached, the controller may cause the air charge to be released to expel the water vapour.

[0118] For example, the controller may determine the amount of time passed since the heat provision arrangement 108 became active to deliver heat, in order to determine whether or not the predetermined time has passed. For example, the predetermined time may be fixed, or the controller may vary it depending upon variation in the initial heat-up phase and / or the type of the consumable article 102. For example, it may take a different amount of time for enough water vapour to be released from the aerosol precursor material 104 so as to make air charge delivery beneficial, depending on the manner of heating during the initial heat-up phase (e.g., rate of temperature increase, a duration of the initial heat-up phase, maximum temperature of the initial heat-up phase and the like) and / or the specific aerosol precursor material 104.

[0119] In some examples, the user may input instructions (e.g., using a user interface provided on the aerosol generation device 100) to set the predetermined time. The predetermined time may include a time after the initial heat-up phase has finished. For example, this may be appropriate if significant water vapour is released from the aerosol precursor material 104 towards the end of the initial heat-up phase.

[0120] However, release of the air charge based on an amount of time is not the only example of how the release of the air charge may be controlled. In some examples, the controller is configured to control the air charge storing mechanism 112 to release the air charge responsive to a measured temperature reaching a threshold temperature. For example, the measured temperature is a temperature sensed by a temperature sensing arrangement 212 in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the temperature sensing arrangement 212 is functionally connected to the controller. In other words, the temperature sensing arrangement 212 is set up to exchange signals with the controller. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 24

[0121] For example, the measured temperature is intended to provide an indication of the temperature of the aerosol precursor material 104. As such the measured temperature may be the temperature of a component in close proximity to the consumable article, or may be the temperature of the consumable article 102 itself.

[0122] In some examples, the measured temperature is the temperature of the heat provision arrangement 108. In these examples, the temperature sensing arrangement 212 is arranged to measure the temperature of the heat provision arrangement 108. For example, a sensor part of the temperature sensing arrangement 212 may make physical contact with a part of the heat provision arrangement 108. However, in some examples, the heat provision arrangement 108 may be able to self-sense its own temperature and the heat provision arrangement 108 and the temperature sensing arrangement 212 may be considered to be integrated together. For example, there may be a well-established relationship between an amount of electrical power delivered to a resistive heater of the heat provision arrangement 108 and the consequent increase in temperature. In such examples, the temperature may be determined on the basis of the amount of electrical power that has been delivered.

[0123] In some examples, the measured temperature is the temperature of the consumable article receiving region 106. For example, a sensor of the temperature sensing arrangement 212 may be positioned within the receiving region 106 (e.g., on an internal wall of the receiving region 106, and the like). These are the examples shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0124] In some examples, the measured temperature is the temperature of a part of the consumable article 102, which part is inserted in the receiving region 106. For example, a sensor of the temperature sensing arrangement 212 may be positioned so as to make contact with said part of the consumable article 102 when inserted into the receiving region 106.

[0125] In examples where the measured temperature is used to determine when to release the air charge, the threshold temperature may be set at a level where it is expected that most of the water vapour has been released from the aerosol precursor material 104. For example, once the threshold temperature is reached, the controller may cause the air charge to be released to expel the water vapour. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 25

[0126] For example, the threshold temperature may be fixed, or the controller may vary it depending upon variation in the initial heat-up phase and / or the type of the consumable article 102. For example, it may be a different threshold temperature at which enough water vapour is released from the aerosol precursor material 104 so as to make air charge delivery beneficial, depending on the manner of heating during the initial heatup phase (e.g., rate of temperature increase, a duration of the initial heat-up phase, maximum temperature of the initial heat-up phase and the like) and / or the specific aerosol precursor material 104. In some examples, the user may input instructions (e.g., using a user interface provided on the aerosol generation device 100) to set the threshold temperature.

[0127] The controller may also control the air charge storing mechanism 112 to prepare the air charge in good time before the air charge is desired to be released. For example, in examples with the described air pump 208, the controller may activate the air pump 208 early enough such that the air charge is ready by the time it is desired to be delivered. In some examples, the controller may control the air pump 208 so as to deliver a particular dosed air volume into the air charge storing mechanism 112. For example, the dosed air volume may be less than the maximum capacity of the air charge storing mechanism 112. In this way, the amount of air in a particular air charge may be controlled and varied (by varying the dosed air volume). The dosed air volume may be selected depending on the nature of the initial heat-up phase and / or the aerosol precursor material 104.

[0128] In some examples, the controller may cause the air charge to start being prepared prior to activating the heat provision arrangement 108. For example, even in cases where the air charge is released based on a threshold temperature being reached, the controller may estimate when to prepare the air charge based on the time expected to reach the threshold temperature on the basis of the initial heat-up phase and / or the received consumable article 102.

[0129] It should also be noted that the operation of the airflow provision mechanism 110 is not limited to delivering a single air charge in relation to the initial heat-up phase. Instead, a plurality of air charges (such as a plurality of discrete air bursts, depending on the example) may be delivered in relation to the initial heat-up phase. As referred to herein, “in relation / relative to the initial heat-up phase” means during the initial heat-up phase, but also some time after the initial heat-up phase has terminated. AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 26

[0130] For example, releasing a plurality of air charges would mean preparing a first air charge and releasing the first air charge to basically empty the air charge storing mechanism 112 (or reverting the air charge storing mechanism 112 to a state in which an air charge is not stored). Then, a subsequent air charge may be prepared and released. For example, the controller may be configured to control the air charge storing mechanism 112 to release a plurality of air charges at respective stages relative to the initial heatup phase.

[0131] For example, a first air charge may be released at a first stage (first predetermined time, or first threshold temperature) and a second air charge may be released at a second stage (second predetermined time, or second threshold temperature). In some examples, a combination of predetermined times and threshold temperatures may be used.

[0132] For example, it may be that to get rid of a desired amount of water vapour overall, it is desired that water vapour initially released is expelled and water vapour is allowed to build up again to be expelled a second time, a third time, etc. This may depend upon the nature of the initial heat-up phase and / or the aerosol precursor material 104, for example.

[0133] Advantageously, by virtue of the charge storing mechanism 112, such air charges can be targeted and well time. Far greater control over the expulsion of water vapour is thus achieved as compared to provide a continuous low-rate flow of air.

[0134] There may be provided a control method of an aerosol generation device, for example, the aerosol generation device 100 according to any of the described examples. For example, the method comprises controlling the airflow provision mechanism to deliver the water vapour expulsion airflow during the initial heat-up phase. In some examples, the method further comprises causing the resiliently deformable membrane (e.g., the described membrane 200) to take up and maintain the stretched state such that an air charge is stored.

[0135] For example, the method comprises activating the air pump 208 so as to fill the first portion 204 of the reservoir 202 and to force the membrane 200 into the stretched state against its bias. For example, the method comprises activating the electromagnetic AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 27 arrangement 404 to attract and pull the magnetic structure 402 and thereby put the membrane 200 in the stretched state. In putting the membrane 200 in the stretched state, air is drawn into the first portion 204 of the reservoir 202 such that the air charge is prepared.

[0136] The method may further comprise releasing the air charge as a discrete air burst to deliver the water vapour expulsion airflow. For example, in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, a one-way valve between the membrane 200 and the receiving region 106 may be opened. For example, in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, the electromagnetic arrangement 404 may be deactivated so that the membrane forcefully returns to the relaxed state in its direction of bias to provide a discrete air burst as the water vapour expulsion airflow.

[0137] Various examples of the operation of the controller of the aerosol generation device 100 have been discussed, and these operations may be implemented as part of the method. Therefore, there is provided an advantageous aerosol generation device and method which address the issue of hot water vapour generated when the aerosol precursor material is first heated.

[0138] 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

AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 28CLAIMS1. An aerosol generation device (100) for receiving a consumable article (102) comprising aerosol precursor material (104), the aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a consumable article receiving region (106) for receiving the consumable article (102), the consumable article receiving region (106) comprising a heat provision arrangement (108); an airflow provision mechanism (110) configured to deliver an airflow into a distal end (101) of the consumable article (102), received in the consumable article receiving region (106), to expel water vapour from the consumable article (102), wherein: the airflow provision mechanism (110) is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement (108) initially heats the aerosol precursor material (104) prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user; and the airflow provision mechanism (110) comprises an air charge storing mechanism (112) configured to releasably store an air charge.

2. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein: the air charge storing mechanism (112) is configured to release the air charge as a discrete air burst which constitutes the airflow.

3. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the air charge storing mechanism (112) comprises a resiliently deformable membrane (200) configured to transition between a stretched state in which the air charge is stored, and a relaxed state in which an air charge is not stored.

4. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the air charge storing mechanism (112) comprises a charge retaining mechanism (206) configured to releasably maintain the resiliently deformable membrane (200) in the stretched state.

5. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: the air flow provision mechanism (110) comprises an air pump (208) configured to deliver air to the air charge storing mechanism (112).AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 296. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 5, wherein: the charge retaining mechanism (112) comprises a one-way valve positioned between the resiliently deformable membrane (200) and the consumable article receiving region (106).

7. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claims 5 or claim 6, wherein: the air pump (208) is an aerographene pump.

8. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: the charge retaining mechanism (112) is in the form of a magnetic structure (402) comprised in the resiliently deformable membrane (200), and an electromagnet arrangement (404) configured such that when activated to generate a magnetic field, attracts the magnetic structure (402) to maintain the resiliently deformable membrane (200) in the stretched state.

9. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the electromagnetic arrangement (404) is configured such that when activated to generate the magnetic field, it causes the resiliently deformable membrane (200) to transition from the relaxed state to the stretched state.

10. The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the airflow provision mechanism (110) comprises an air permeable mesh element (210) configured between the charge storing mechanism (112) and the consumable article receiving region (106) such that the airflow passes through the air permeable mesh element (210) prior to reaching the consumable article (102) received in the consumable article receiving region (106).

11. The aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a controller configured to control the operation of the airflow provision mechanism (110). I12. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 11 , wherein: the controller is configured to control the air charge storing mechanism (112) to:AL Ref: P46527WO | JTI Ref: 6581 30 release the air charge a predetermined time from commencement of heating by the heat provision arrangement (108) having elapsed; or release the air charge responsive to a measured temperature reaching a threshold temperature, the measured temperature being sensed by a temperature sensing arrangement (212) in the aerosol generation device (100) functionally connected to the controller and being the measured temperature of one of: the heat provision arrangement (108); the consumable article receiving region (106); and a part of the consumable article (102) inserted in the consumable article receiving region (106).

13. The aerosol generation device (100) according to claim 11 , wherein: the controller is configured to control the air charge storing mechanism (112) to: release a plurality of air charges at respective stages relative to the initial heat-up phase.

14. A control method of an aerosol generation device (100), wherein the aerosol generation device (100) comprises: a consumable article receiving region (106) for receiving a consumable article (102), the consumable article receiving region (106) comprising a heat provision arrangement (108); an airflow provision mechanism (110) configured to deliver an airflow into a distal end (101) of the consumable article (102), received in the consumable article receiving region (106), to expel water vapour from the consumable article (102), wherein: the airflow provision mechanism (110) is configured to deliver the airflow during an initial heat-up phase in which the heat provision arrangement (108) initially heats the aerosol precursor material (104) prior to a commencement of inhalation of aerosol by a user; and the airflow provision mechanism (110) comprises an air charge storing mechanism (112) configured to releasably store an air charge, the method comprising: controlling the airflow provision mechanism (110) to deliver the airflow during the initial heat-up phase.

15. The control method according to claim 14, comprising: releasing the air charge as a discrete air burst to deliver the airflow.

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