Heating module and system

Abstract

A heating module including a hollow tubular substrate; an induction coil concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate; and a joule heating tubular arrangement concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate. The joule heating tubular arrangement includes an open tubular structure having a first opened tubular end and a second opened tubular end. The open tubular structure being made of an electrical conductor material. The induction coil is operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of a susceptor when the susceptor is disposed within the hollow tubular substrate. The open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field.

Description

HEATING MODULE AND SYSTEMTechnical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to a heating module. Various embodiments also relate to a heating system. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to a heating module and a heating system for heating an aerosol-generating article.Background

[0002] Aerosol-generating article generally may contain solid substances that may be heated to produce an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include tobacco that may be heated to produce an aerosol containing nicotine. The aerosol-generating article may generally be in the form of a stick or a rod. Conventionally, such aerosol-generating article may be heated via a heating element in contact with the aerosol-generating article, whereby the heating element may be heated via either one of non-induction or induction heating. However, usually, the aerosol-generating article may not be uniformly heated by such heating methods resulting in wastages and / or incomplete heating of the aerosol-generating article Therefore, there is a need to improve heating of the aerosol -generating article, via an improved heating module or system.Summary|0003| According to various embodiments, there is provided a heating module. The heating module including a hollow tubular substrate; an induction coil concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate; and a joule heating tubular arrangement concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate. The induction coil is operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of a susceptor when the susceptor is disposed within the hollow tubular substrate which acts as a heating element. The joule heating tubular arrangement includes an open tubular structure having a first opened tubular end and a second opened tubular end, the open tubular structure being made of an electrical conductor material. The open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil, and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field.

[0004] According to various embodiments, there is provided a heating system. The heating system including a heating module and a susceptor. The heating module including a hollow tubular substrate; an induction coil concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate, and a joule heating tubular arrangement concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate. The joule heating tubular arrangement includes an open tubular structure having a first opened tubular end and a second opened tubular end. The open tubular structure being made of an electrical conductor material. The susceptor is disposed within the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module. The induction coil of the heating module is operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of the susceptor disposed within the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module. The joule heating tubular arrangement of the heating module is operable for heating of the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module via thermal conduction. The open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil, and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field.Brief description of the drawings

[0005] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Tn the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1 shows schematic cross-sectional view of a heating system according to various embodiments;FIG. 2A shows schematic drawing of a heating module according to various embodiments;FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the heating module of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments;FIG. 3A shows schematic drawing of a heating module according to various embodiments;FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the heating module of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments;FIG. 4A shows schematic drawing of a heating module according to various embodiments;FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of the heating module of FIG. 4A according to various embodiments;FIG. 5A shows schematic drawing of a heating module according to various embodiments;FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the heating module of FIG 5A according to various embodiments; andFIG. 6 shows an example of an open tubular structure of a joule heating tubular arrangement of the heating module of the various embodiments.Detailed description

[0006] Embodiments described below in the context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0007] It should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “ftont”, “lateral”, “side”, “up”, “down” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.|0008| Various embodiments generally relate to heating module. Various embodiments also relate to a system for heating. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to a heating module and a heating system for heating an aerosol-generating article. According to various embodiments, the aerosol -generating article may be in the form of a stick or a rod. Further, the aerosol-generating article may include solid substances that may be heated to produce an aerosol According to some embodiments, the aerosol -gen erating article may include tobacco that may be heated to produce an aerosol containing nicotine. As an example, the aerosolgenerating article may be a cigarette.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the heating module and the heating system may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article uniformly. According to various embodiments, the heating module may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article, which is in the form of the stick or the rod, by providing heat along a central longitudinal axisof the aerosol-generating article for heating the aerosol-generating article from the central longitudinal axis radially outwards and providing heat around a circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article for heating the aerosol-generating article from the circumferential surface radially inwards. Accordingly, the heating module and the heating system of the various embodiments may be capable of providing heating from both radial directions of the aerosolgenerating article so as to achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generating article.[00010J According to various embodiments, the heating module and the heating system of the various embodiments may directly transfer thermal energy to the circumferential surface of the aerosol -generating article via conductive heating. For example, the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article may be in direct thermal contact with the heating module such that thermal energy may be transferred directly via conduction from the heating module to the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article. In this manner, the heating module and system of the various embodiments may provide heating from the circumferential surface of the aerosol -gen erating article radially inwards.

[0011] According to various embodiments, a susceptor may be provided along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol -generating article. The susceptor may be part of the heating system of the various embodiments. For example, the susceptor may be part of the aerosolgenerating article such that when the aerosol-generating article is fitted to the heating module, the heating module and the susceptor together form the heating system. As another example, the susceptor may be part of a device including the heating module such that when the aerosolgenerating article is fitted to the device, the heating module and the susceptor together may form the heating system. In the various embodiments, the heating module may heat the susceptor via induction heating. Accordingly, the heating module may create an electromagnetic field to cause the susceptor to generate heat due to electromagnetic induction. Hence, the susceptor may serve as a heating element. With the susceptor being along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, the susceptor may then transfer thermal energy to the aerosol-generating article from within a center of the aerosol-generating article. In this manner, the heating module and the heating system of the various embodiments may provide heating from the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article radially outwards.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows schematic cross-sectional view of a heating system 100 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the heating system 100 may include a heating module 110. In the various embodiments, the heating module 110 and the heating system 100 may be configured for heating the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be fitted to the heating module 110 and / or the heating system 100 so as to be heated. According to various embodiments, the heating system 100 may include the susceptor 102. The susceptor 102 may be disposed within the heating module 110. In an example, the susceptor 102 may be embedded within the aerosol -generating article as part of the aerosol-generating article. Hence, when the aerosol-generating article is fitted to the heating module 110, the susceptor 102 together with the heating module 110 may form the heating system 100. In another example, the susceptor 102 may be part of a heating device, whereby the aerosol-generating article may be fitted to the heating device with the susceptor 102 inserted into the aerosol-generating article. Further, the heating module 110 may be part of the heating device. Accordingly, the heating device with both the heating module 110 and the susceptor 102 may be the heating system 100.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the heating module 110 may be configured to heat the susceptor 102 via induction heating. Further, the heating module 110 may be configured to heat the circumferential surface of the aerosol -generating article, when fitted thereto, via thermal conduction. Therefore, the heating module 110 may be operable to heat from within the aerosol -generating article by heating the susceptor 102 in the aerosolgenerating article and also heat the aerosol-generating article from the circumference thereof inwards. Thus, the heating module 110 may provide dual heating or bi-directional heating, i.e. to heat from inside radially outwards and from outside radially inwards.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the heating module 110 may include a hollow tubular substrate 120. The hollow tubular substrate 120 may serve as a base frame of the heating module 110 providing a supporting framework to support other components of the heating module 110. The hollow tubular substrate 120 may also provide a physical form to support and receive the aerosol -generating article to be heated. According to various embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may include a surrounding wall 122 to define or encircle an elongated hole or channel or tunnel extending through the hollow tubular substrate 120. Accordingly, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be in the shape of, including but not limited to, a hollow cylinder, a pipe, a duct or a tube. As an example, the aerosol -generating article may be inserted into the elongated hole or channel or tunnel defined by the surrounding wall 122 of the hollow tubular substrate 120 so as to be supported and held by the heating module 110. According to various embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may have a central longitudinal axis 121 extending through a centre of the hollow tubular substrate 120. The central longitudinal axis 121 may coincide or correspond to a centreline of the hollow tubularsubstrate 120 or a hole-axis of the elongated hole (or channel or tunnel) of the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the susceptor 102 may be disposed within the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the susceptor 102 may be disposed in the elongated hole or channel or tunnel defined by the hollow tubular substrate 120. For example, the susceptor 102 may be fitted or inserted into the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 so as to be surrounded by the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110.|00016| According to various embodiments, the heating module 110 may include an induction coil 130. The induction coil 130 may be a wire or a metallic rod or a metallic tube or a metallic strip wound into a coil. The induction coil 130 may include a coil axis 131 extending through a centre or centreline of the induction coil 130. The induction coil 130 may serve as an inductor for induction heating of the susceptor 102, which may act as a heating element. Hence, the induction coil 130 may be operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of the susceptor 102 disposed within the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating modulel 10. In various embodiments, field lines of the electromagnetic field within the induction coil 130 may be parallel to the coil axis 131. According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 may be concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate 110. Accordingly, the induction coil 130 and the hollow tubular substrate 110 may be arranged such that they have a common center. In other words, the coil axis 131 of the induction coil 130 may coincide with the central longitudinal axis 121 of the hollow tubular substrate 1 10. Thus, the field lines of the electromagnetic field within the induction coil 130 may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis 121 of the hollow tubular substrate 110. According to some embodiments, the induction coil 130 may be wound around the hollow tubular substrate 110 so as to surround the hollow tubular substrate 110. While not shown, it is envisaged that, according to some embodiments, the induction coil 130 may possibly be wound within the surround wall 122 of the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the heating module 1 10 may include a joule heating tubular arrangement 140. The joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include an open tubular structure 142 that is configured to provide joule heating, whereby heat is produced due to an electric current passing therethrough. The open tubular structure 142 may have a central axis 141 extending through a centre (or along a centreline) of the open tubular structure 142. The open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may have a first opened tubular end 144 and a second opened tubular end 146. Hence, the open tubularstructure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be in the form of, including but not limited to, an open cylindrical structure, a pipe-like structure, or a duct-like structure. According to various embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate 110. Accordingly, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and the hollow tubular substrate 110 may be arranged such that they have a common center. In other words, the central axis 141 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may coincide with the central longitudinal axis 121 of the hollow tubular substrate 110. According to some embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may surround the hollow tubular substrate 110. While not shown, it is envisaged that, according to some embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may possibly be disposed within the hollow tubular substrate 110.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 of the heating module 1 10 may be operable for heating the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 via thermal conduction. Accordingly, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may provide joule heating to the hollow tubular substrate 120. With the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 heated by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may in turn heat the circumferential surface of the aerosolgenerating article via thermal conduction when the aerosol-generating article is fitted therein.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be made of an electrical conductor material The electrical conductor material may produce heat when the electric current is passed through the electrical conductor material. The electrical conductor material may be shaped to form the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. According to various embodiments, the electrical conductor material may include, but not limited to, Tungsten, Tungsten-Molybdenum, Platinum, Silver-Palladium, or Silver.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil 130. Further, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130. Accordingly, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed and oriented such that the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 may be running alongside the opentubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Hence, the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 may be parallel to the central axis 141 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. With the open tubular structure 142 (which has the first opened tubular end 144 and the second opened tubular end 146) being parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field, minimum or negligible number of field lines may pass through the open tubular structure 142 because the open tubular structure 142 may be free of any surfaces (or have minimum surfaces) perpendicular to the field lines. Hence, a magnetic flux through the open tubular structure 142 may be minimum or negligible. Thus, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may minimize interaction (e g. minimize reflection and / or absorption) with the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 such that optimal induction heating, in view of the presence of the j oule heating tubular arrangement 140, may be provided to the susceptor 102 by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 130.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include an openwork tube 143. When the open tubular structure 142 is in the form of the openwork tube 143, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include one or more gap formation 147. According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include a grill-like or network-like or grid-like or netting-like or weblike tubular structure.

[0022] According to various embodiments, each of the one or more gap formation 147 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include, but not limited to, a hole or a gap or a void or a break or a slot or a spacing in the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, each hole or gap or break or slot may extend fully across a thickness of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be a network of tracks and traces (of the electrical conductor material) forming the open tubular structure 142. Accordingly, one or more spacing between the tracks and traces may serve as the one or more gap formation 147 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140.

[0023] According to various embodiments, with the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 having minimum interaction with the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 1 0, the induction coil 130 and the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubulararrangement 140 may be simultaneously operable to generate the electromagnetic field for induction heating of the susceptor 202 and to produce heat for heating the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 via thermal conduction. In particular, when the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 is between the induction coil 130 and the susceptor 202, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may allow the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 to reach the susceptor 202 for induction heating of the susceptor 202 without shielding or blocking the electromagnetic field from the susceptor 202.

[0024] According to various embodiments, a length of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 along the central axis 141 of the open tubular structure 142 may be shorter than a length of the induction coil 130 along the coil axis 131. Accordingly, when the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the induction coil 130 and the hollow tubular substrate 120 are in the concentric arrangement, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be within a segment of the length of the induction coil 130. In this manner, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may minimize interaction with the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 may be integrally formed on the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the induction coil 130 may be integrally printed, or laminated, or overlayed, or bonded, or adhered on the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110. According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 may be in one of the layers 124 integrally formed on the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110.|00026| According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be integrally formed on the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be integrally printed, or laminated, or overlayed, or bonded, or adhered on the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110. According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be in one of the layers 124 integrally formed on the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the heating module 110 may be formed by layering different components of the heating module 110 on the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the heating module 110 may be a multi-layered tubular unit, whereby different layers 124 (e.g. tubular layers) of components may be integrallyprinted, or laminated, or overlayed, or bonded, or adhered to the hollow tubular structure 120 of the heating module 110. According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 may be in an induction coil layer 124a of the heating module 110 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be in a joule heating layer 124b of the heating module 110, wherein the induction coil layer 124a and the joule heating layer 124b may be different layers 124 of the heating module 110.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 may be made of a material having thermal conductive property to conduct thermal energy generated from the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 through the hollow tubular substrate 120. Accordingly, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may transfer and distribute the thermal energy throughout the hollow tubular substrate 120 upon receiving the thermal energy via heating of the hollow tubular substrate 120 Therefore, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be a thermal conductive or heat conducting substrate. According to various embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may serve as a heating medium for heating the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-generating article is fitted therein.[000291 According to various embodiments, the material of the hollow tubular substrate 120 may also has electrical insulation property to prevent flow of electric current. This may reduce or prevent electrical loss during operation of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and / or the induction coil 130 so as to enhance the efficiency of the heating by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and / or the induction coil 130.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the material of the hollow tubular substrate 120 may also have chemical resistance property to minimize corrosion and / or oxidation. With the hollow tubular substrate 120 being less susceptible or not susceptible to corrosion and / or oxidation, the heating module 110 may be more environmentally friendly and sustainable when compared to corrosion-prone / oxidation-prone materials.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be made of ceramic material or metal alloy material. For example, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be made of any one or a combination of the follow materials including, but not limited to, Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, Zirconia, Zirconia toughened Alumina, or Alumina toughened Zirconia.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 may be opened at both ends. Accordingly, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may define a through-hole or through-channel or through -tunnel extending therethrough. According to some embodiments, the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110 may beclosed a one end. Accordingly, the hollow tubular substrate 120 may define a blind-hole or blind-channel or blind-tunnel.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 of the heating module 110 may surround the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the induction coil 130 may be wound around an exterior of the hollow tubular substrate 120. Hence, the induction coil 130 of the heating module 110 may be coiled over the hollow tubular substrate 120. According to various embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 of the heating module 110 may also surround the hollow tubular substrate 120 of the heating module 110. Accordingly, the open tubular structure 142of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be laid or formed over the exterior of the hollow tubular substrate 120. According to some embodiments, the induction coil 130 may surround the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may surround both the induction coil 130 and the hollow tubular substrate 120 (for example see FIG. 3A). According to some embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may surround the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil 130 may surround both the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and the hollow tubular substrate 120 (for example see FIG. 2A, 4A, 5A).

[0034] According to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 may include one or more electrical terminals 138. The one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130 may be connectable to a power source Accordingly, the induction coil 130 may receive an electric current from the power source via the one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130. With the one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130 connected to the power source, the electric current may run through the induction coil 130 so as to generate the electromagnetic field for induction heating.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include one or more electrical terminals 148. The one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be connectable to a power source. Accordingly, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may receive an electric current from the power source via the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. With the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 connected to the power source, the electric current may run through the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, which is made of the electrical conductor material, to produce heat for heating via thermal conduction.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130 and the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be connected to the same power source / power circuit. However, the power circuit of the power source may independently control and / or regulate the electric current for the induction coil 130 and the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. According to some embodiments, the one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130 and the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be connected to different power sources and / or different power circuits.

[0037] According to various embodiments, each of the one or more electrical terminals 138 of the induction coil 130 and the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include, but not limited to, a lead wire, a ring terminal, a pin terminal, a fork terminal, a connector, or a lug.

[0038] FIG. 2A shows schematic drawing of a heating module 210 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the heating module 210 of FIG. 2 A and FIG 2B includes all the features of the heating module 110 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the heating module 110 of FIG. 1 are also applicable to the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity

[0039] According to various embodiments, the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B may, similar to the heating module 110 of FIG. 1, include the hollow tubular substrate 120, the induction coil 130 concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate 120, and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0040] As shown, the heating module 210 may have a layered arrangement wherein the joule heating layer 124b is layered over the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil layer 124a is layered over the joule heating layer 124b. Accordingly, the joule heating layer 124b may be between the induction coil layer 124a and the hollow tubular substrate 120. Hence, according to various embodiments, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 of the heating module 210 may surrounds an outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, and the induction coil 130 may be coiled over the joule heating tubular arrangement 140.

[0041] According to various embodiments, in the heating module 210, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be proximal to the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil 130 may be distal from the hollow tubular substrate 120 with respect to a radial direction of the hollow tubular substrate 120. Further, the hollow tubular substate 120 may be heated by the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 via thermal conduction, and the susceptor 102 may be heated by the induction coil 130 via induction heating when the susceptor 102 is disposed within the hollow tubular substate 120. In this embodiment, due to the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 being disposed within the induction coil 130 and oriented parallel to the coil axis 131 of the induction coil 130, the field lines of the electromagnetic field within the induction coil 130 may be parallel to the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, in the heating module 210, even though the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 is between the induction coil 130 and the susceptor 102 when the susceptor 102 is disposed within the hollow tubular substate 120, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may not block or shield the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 from the susceptor 102.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the heating module 210 may include an intermediate insulation arrangement 150. The intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed between the induction coil 130 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. The intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be configured for electrical insulation. Accordingly, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may provide electrical insulation between the induction coil 130 and the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 so as to prevent flow of electric current therebetween. This may reduce or prevent electrical loss during operation of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and / or the induction coil 130 so as to enhance the efficiency of the heating respectively. According to various embodiments, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may include, but not limited to, an electrical insulation coating, an electrical insulation lamination, an electrical insulation foil, an electrical insulation film, or an electrical insulation adhesive. According to various embodiments, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be made of material including, but not limited to, Silicon, Aluminum, Calcium, Boron, Titanium, or Zirconium.

[0043] According to various embodiments, in the heating module 210, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may surround the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollowtubular substrate 120, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed to wrap around the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, and the induction coil 130 may be disposed to coil around the intermediate insulation arrangement 150. Accordingly, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be laid to cover over the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Further, the induction coil 130 may be coiled over the layer of electrical insulation material. According to various embodiments, with the heating module 210 being the multilayered tubular unit, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may serve as an intermediate insulation layer 124c directly layered over the joule heating layer 124b, and the induction coil layer 124a may be directly layered over the intermediate insulation layer 124c. Accordingly, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly between the joule heating layer 124b and the induction coil layer 124a.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the heating module 210 may include a base insulation arrangement 160. The base insulation arrangement 160 may be disposed to directly cover over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120. Hence, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be in immediate contact with the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120 and to surround the hollow tubular substrate 120. The base insulation arrangement 160 may be configured for electrical insulation. Further, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to immediately surround the base insulation arrangement 160. Accordingly, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be between the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Thus, the base insulation arrangement 160 may provide electrical insulation between the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 and the hollow tubular substrate 120 so as to prevent flow of electric current therebetween.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be configured to have an adhesive property. Accordingly, in addition to the electrical insulation property, the base insulation arrangement 160 may serve to adhere or bond the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 to the hollow tubular substrate 120. According to various embodiments, the adhesive property of the base insulation arrangement 160 may include a heat- resistant adhesive property. Accordingly, the base insulation arrangement 160 may maintain the adhesiveness during heating when the temperature is elevated. Thus, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may remain adhered or bonded to the hollow tubular substrate 120 via the base insulation arrangement 160 during heating.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the base insulation arrangement 160 may include, but not limited to, a coating, a lamination, a foil, or a fdm. According to variousembodiments, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be made of material including, but not limited to, Silicon, Aluminum, Calcium, Boron, Titanium, or Zirconium.

[0047] According to various embodiments, in the heating module 210, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be disposed to directly cover over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to directly surround the base insulation arrangement 160, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed to directly wrap around the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, and the induction coil 130 may be disposed to directly coil around the intermediate insulation arrangement 150. According to various embodiments, with the heating module 210 being the multi-layered tubular unit, the base insulation arrangement 160 may serve as a base insulation layer 124d directly layered on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating layer 124b may be directly layered over the base insulation layer 124d, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly layered over the joule heating layer 124b, and the induction coil layer 124a may be directly layered over the intermediate insulation layer 124c. Accordingly, the base insulation layer 124d may be a first layer on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating layer 124b may be a second layer on the first layer, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be a third layer on the second layer, and the induction coil layer 124a may be a fourth layer on the third layer.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the heating module 210 may include a thermal sensing arrangement 170. The thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be associated with the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 for temperature sensing. According to various embodiments, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be configured to sense a temperature variation or change due to the heating from the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may serve as feedback or a measure for sensing the heating due to the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. According to some embodiments, since the hollow tubular substrate 120 is heated by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be configured to sense a temperature of the hollow tubular substrate 120 (or a region of the hollow tubular substrate 120 heated by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140). Hence, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be disposed to be in thermal contact with the hollow tubular substrate 120 for temperature sensing. According to some embodiments, since the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the hollow tubular substrate 120 which is heated by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may beconfigured to sense a temperature of the circumferential surface of the aerosol -generating article (or a region of the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article). Hence, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be disposed to be in thermal contact with the circumferential surface of the aerosol-generating article for temperature sensing.

[0049] According to various embodiments, as shown, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 of the heating module 210 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be integrated into a same layer (e.g. a single tubular layer) surrounding the hollow tubular substrate 120. In other words, with the heating module 210 being the multi-layered tubular unit, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may together form the single joule heating layer 124b. Accordingly, thejoule heating layer 124b between the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil layer 124a may include both the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. With the thermal sensing arrangement 170 being together with the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may similarly surround the hollow tubular substrate 120. More particularly, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may similarly be disposed to directly surround the base insulation arrangement 160 that is covering over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the thermal sensing arrangement 170 of the heating module 210 may include a supplementary open tubular structure 172 that may be independent of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, while the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be in the same layer, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the open tubular structure 142 of thejoule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be separate and distinct from each other. Therefore, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the open tubular structure 142 of thejoule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to form the single tubular layer to surround the hollow tubular substrate 120. For example, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be alongside each other; or lined abreast with each other; or in a side-by-side arrangement; or arranged in an alternating manner from each other in the same layer. Hence, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may also be directly disposed over the base insulation arrangement 160 covering over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may, similar to the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, be in the form of, including but not limited to, an open cylindrical structure, a pipe-like structure, or a duct-like structure. Further, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may also be concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate 110. Accordingly, supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 and the hollow tubular substrate 110 may share a common center.|000521 According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be made of an electrical conductor material. Further, a resistance of the electrical conductor material may vary according to the temperature sensed. For example, as the temperature increases, the resistance of the electrical conductor material may also increase. According to various embodiments, the electrical conductor material may be shaped to form the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. According to various embodiments, the electrical conductor material may include, but not limited to, Tungsten, Tungsten-Molybdenum, Platinum, Silver-Palladium, or Silver.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may, similar to the open tubular structure 142 of thejoule heating tubular arrangement 140, be disposed in a manner so as to be within the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil 130, and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130. Accordingly, the o supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be disposed and oriented such that the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 may be running alongside the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. With the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 being parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field, minimum or negligible number of field lines may pass through the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 because the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be free of any surfaces (or have minimum surfaces) perpendicular to the field lines. Hence, a magnetic flux through the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be minimum or negligible. Thus, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 mayminimize interaction (e.g. minimize reflection and / or absorption) with the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 such that optimal induction heating, in view of the presence of supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170, may be provided to the susceptor 102 by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 130

[0054] According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be an openwork tube 173 having one or more gap formation 177. Accordingly, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may include a grill-like or network-like tubular wall structure. According to various embodiments, each of the one or more gap formation 177 of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may include, but not limited to, a hole or a gap or a void or a break or a slot or a spacing in the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. Accordingly, each hole or gap or break or slot may extend fully across a thickness of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be a network of tracks and traces (of the electrical conductor material) forming the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. Accordingly, one or more spacing between the tracks and traces may serve as the one or more gap formation 177 of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 1700 may include one or more electrical terminals 178. The one or more electrical terminals 178 of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be connectable to a sensing circuit. Accordingly, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170may be controlled by the sensing circuit via the one or more electrical terminals 178 of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170for thermal sensing. With the one or more electrical terminals 178 of the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 connected to the sensing circuit, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170may be in electrical communication with the sensing circuit for communicating an output signal to the sensing circuit. According to various embodiments, each of the one or more electrical terminals 178 of supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170may include, but not limited to, a lead wire, a ring terminal, a pin terminal, a fork terminal, a connector, or a lug.

[0056] According to various embodiments, in the heating module 210, the induction coil 130 may surround the thermal sensing arrangement 170. Accordingly, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may be proximal to the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil 130 may be distal from the hollow tubular substrate 120 with respect to the radial direction of the hollow tubular substrate 120. Due to the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 being disposed within the induction coil 130 and oriented parallel to the coil axis 131 of the induction coil 130, the field lines of the electromagnetic field within the induction coil 130 may be parallel to the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170. Accordingly, in the heating module 210, even though the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 is between the induction coil 130 and the susceptor 102 when the susceptor 102 is disposed within the hollow tubular substate 120, the supplementary open tubular structure 172 of the thermal sensing arrangement 170 may not block or shield the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 from the susceptor 102.

[0057] FIG. 3 A shows schematic drawing of a heating module 310 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the heating module 310 of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the heating module 310 of FIG. 3A and FIG 3B is a variation of the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG 2B. Accordingly, the heating module 310 of FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B includes all the features of the heating module 1 10 of FIG. 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the heating module 110 of FIG. 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are also applicable to the heating module 310 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the heating module 310 of FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B may differ from the heating module 210 of FIG 2A and FIG 2B in that the heating module 310 has a different layered arrangement. As shown, the heating module 310 may have a layered arrangement wherein the induction coil layer 124a is layered over the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the joule heating layer 124b is layered over the induction coil layer 124a. Accordingly, the induction coil layer 124a may be between the joule heating layer 124b and the hollow tubular substrate 120. Hence, according to various embodiments, the induction coil 130 of the heating module 310 may surround the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubularsubstrate 120, and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to surround the induction coil 130.

[0059] According to various embodiments, in the heating module 310, the induction coil 130 may be proximal to the hollow tubular substrate 120 and open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be distal from the hollow tubular substrate 120. Further, the hollow tubular substate 120 may be heated by the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 via thermal conduction, and the susceptor 102 may be heated by the induction coil 130 via induction heating when the susceptor 102 is disposed within the hollow tubular substate 120. In this embodiment, with the induction coil 130 proximal to the hollow tubular substrate 120, as an incidental consequence of the induction coil 130 heating the susceptor 102 via induction heating, the induction coil 130 may simultaneously provide heat to the hollow tubular substrate 120 via thermal conduction. The incidental heating of the hollow tubular substrate 120 caused by the induction coil 130 may elevate the temperature of the hollow tubular substrate 120 Thus, the amount of thermal energy required by the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 to heat up the hollow tubular substrate 120 to a desired temperature may be reduced.

[0060] According to various embodiments, similar to the heating module 210, the heating module 310 may include the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 disposed between the induction coil 130 and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, in the heating module 310, the induction coil 130 may surround the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed to wrap around the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to surround the intermediate insulation arrangement 150. Accordingly, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be laid to cover over the induction coil 130. Further, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be laid over the layer of electrical insulation material. According to various embodiments, with the heating module 310 being the multi-layered tubular unit, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 being the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly layered over the induction coil layer 124a, and the joule heating layer 124b may be directly layered over the intermediate insulation layer 124c. Accordingly, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly between the joule heating layer 124b and the induction coil layer 124a.

[0061] According to various embodiments, similar to the heating module 210, the heating module 310 may include the base insulation arrangement 160. The base insulation arrangement 160 may be disposed to directly cover over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollowtubular substrate 120. Hence, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be in immediate contact with the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120 and to surround the hollow tubular substrate 120. Further, the induction coil 130 may be disposed to immediately coil around the base insulation arrangement 160. Accordingly, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be between the hollow tubular substrate 120 and the induction coil 1 0. Thus, the base insulation arrangement 160 may provide electrical insulation between the induction coil 130 and the hollow tubular substrate 120 so as to prevent flow of electric current therebetween.|00062| According to various embodiments, in the heating module 310, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be disposed to directly cover over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the induction coil 130 may be disposed to directly coil around the base insulation arrangement 160, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed to directly wrap around the induction coil 130, and the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to directly laid over the intermediate insulation arrangement 150. According to various embodiments, with the heating module 310 being the multi-layered tubular unit, the base insulation arrangement 160 may serve as a base insulation layer 124d directly layered on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the induction coil layer 124a may be directly layered over the base insulation layer 124d, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly layered over the induction coil layer 124a, and the joule heating layer 124b may be directly layered over the intermediate insulation layer 124c. Accordingly, the base insulation layer 124d may be a first layer on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the induction coil layer 124a may be a second layer on the first layer, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be a third layer on the second layer, and the joule heating layer 124b may be a fourth layer on the third layer.

[0063] FIG. 4A shows schematic drawing of a heating module 410 according to various embodiments. FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of the heating module 410 of FIG. 4A according to various embodiments According to various embodiments, the heating module 410 of FIG. 4A and FIG 4B is a variation of the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Accordingly, the heating module 410 of FIG. 4 A and FIG. 4B includes all the features of the heating module 110 of FIG. 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the heating module 110 of FIG 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are also applicable to the heating module 410 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. Therefore, elements which arethe same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the heating module 410 of FIG. 4A and FIG 4B may differ from the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B in that the heating module 410 may be without the supplementary open tubular structure 172 serving as the thermal sensing arrangement 170. However, in the heating module 410, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be configured for thermal sensing. According to various embodiments, by changing the materials and / or compound of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the electrical conductor material of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be corresponding changed. Accordingly, by selecting a material and / or compound for the electrical conductor material to match a predetermined TCR, the electrical conductor material of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may provide a sufficient change in resistance with temperature change thus rendering thermal sensing using the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 to be feasible.

[0065] According to various embodiments, other than changing the material and / or compound for the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, changing a geometric shape and / or physical size of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may also achieve different types of heating and thermal sensing functions.

[0066] Therefore, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may be configured to serve as ajoule heater and a temperature sensor. According to various embodiments, the one or more electrical terminals 148 of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be connectable to a circuit or a controller, which may be operable to control the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 to function as the joule heater and for temperature sensing.

[0067] FIG. 5 A shows schematic drawing of a heating module 510 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the heating module 510 of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the heating module 510 of FIG. 5A and FIG 5B is a variation of the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Accordingly, the heating module 510 of FIG. 5 A and FIG. 5B includes all the features of the heating module 110 of FIG. 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to theheating module 110 of FIG. 1 and the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are also applicable to the heating module 510 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the heating module 510 of FIG. 5 A and FIG 5B may differ from the heating module 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B in that the heating module 510 may additionally include an outer thermal insulation arrangement 180. The outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may be an outermost cover of the heating module 510. Accordingly, the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may serve as an outer cover to surround all the other components of the heating module 510 therewithin. According to various embodiments, the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may include, but not limited to, a thermal insulation coating, a thermal insulation lamination, a thermal insulation foil, a thermal insulation film, or a thermal insulation sleeve. With the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180, heat loss to the external environment may be reduced or minimized Accordingly, the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may enhance the heating efficiency and performance of the heating module 510. According to various embodiments, the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may be made of material including, but not limited to, Aerogel, porous vacuum Silicon, or Magnesium Silicate.

[0069] As shown, according to various embodiments, the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may be disposed to directly cover or wrap over the induction coil 130. Accordingly, in the heating module 510, the base insulation arrangement 160 may be disposed to directly cover over the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be disposed to directly surround the base insulation arrangement 160, the intermediate insulation arrangement 150 may be disposed to directly wrap around the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, the induction coil 130 may be disposed to directly coil around the intermediate insulation arrangement 150, and the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 may be disposed to directly surround the induction coil 130. According to various embodiments, with the heating module 510 being the multi-layered tubular unit, the base insulation arrangement 160 being the base insulation layer 124d may be directly layered on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating layer 124b may be directly layered over the base insulation layer 124d, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be directly layered over the joule heating layer 124b, the induction coil layer 124a may be directly layered over the intermediate insulation layer 124c, and the outer thermal insulation arrangement 180 serving as a thermal insulation layer124e may be directly layered over the induction coil layer 124a. Accordingly, the base insulation layer 124d may be a first layer on the outer circumferential surface 126 of the hollow tubular substrate 120, the joule heating layer 124b may be a second layer on the first layer, the intermediate insulation layer 124c may be a third layer on the second layer, the induction coil layer 124a may be a fourth layer on the third layer and the thermal insulation layer 124e may be a fifth layer (or an outermost layer) on the fourth layer.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows an example of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 of the heating module 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 of the various embodiments being unfolded into a planar form. According to various embodiments, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may include at least a first region 144a and at least a second region 144b. Further, the first region 144a of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may have a lower electrical resistance than the second region 144b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. By having different regions 144a, 144b with different electrical resistance, a heating temperature provided by the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 at the different regions 144a, 144b may be different. Accordingly, targeted heating may be achieved. For example, when the second region 144b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140has a higher electrical resistance than the first region 144a of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140, for a given electrical current, more heat may be produced at the second region 144b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140with the higher electrical resistance. Therefore, the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may be configured to have at least a first region 144a and at least a second region 144b with different electrical resistance based on desired target heating locations for the hollow tubular substrate 120.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the electrical resistance of the different regions of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may be varied by varying a track pattern of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 with respect to a direction of the current flow. For example, as shown, the second region 114b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may include multiple parallel track segments, whereas the first region 114a of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 may include a single wide track segment. The single-track segment forming the first region 114a of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may have a lower electricalresistance than the multiple parallel track segments forming the second region 114b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Accordingly, more heat may be produced at the second region 144b of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140 as compared to the first region 114a of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140. Therefore, targeted heating based on the track patterns of the open tubular structure 142 of the joule heating tubular arrangement 140may be achieved.

[0072] According to various embodiments, to further enhance the heat transfer efficiency and performance of the heating module 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, an inner circumferential surface 128 of the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be coated with a material having a high emissivity or reflectivity property. Accordingly, heat transferred to the aerosol-generating article when fitted to the heating module 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 via insertion into the hollow tubular substrate 120 may be transmitted to and / or reflected back to the aerosol-generating article so as to enhance the heating efficiency of the heating module 1 10, 210, 310, 410, 510. According to various embodiments, the material for coating the inner circumferential surface 128 of the hollow tubular substrate 120 may include, but not limited to, Ferric Oxide, Cobaltous Oxide, or Carbon Black.

[0073] Various embodiments have provided a heating module and a heating system that may heat an aerosol-generating article, which is in the form of the stick or the rod, uniformly across a cross-section thereof. According to various embodiments, the heating module and the heating system may provide heating from both radial directions of the aerosol -generating article so as to achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generating article.|00074| While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced

Claims

Claims1. A heating module comprising a hollow tubular substrate; an induction coil concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate; and a joule heating tubular arrangement concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement comprises an open tubular structure having a first opened tubular end and a second opened tubular end, the open tubular structure being made of an electrical conductor material, wherein the induction coil is operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of a susceptor when the susceptor is disposed within the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil, and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field.

2. The heating module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction coil is integrally formed on the hollow tubular substrate.

3. The heating module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is integrally formed on the hollow tubular substrate.

4. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the induction coil comprises one or more electrical terminals connectable to a power supply so as to run an electric current through the induction coil to generate the electromagnetic field for induction heating and the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement comprises one or more electrical terminals connectable to a power supply so as to run an electric current through the open tubular structure to produce heat for heating via thermal conduction.

5. The heating module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the induction coil and the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement are simultaneously operable togenerate the electromagnetic field for induction heating and to produce heat for heating via thermal conduction respectively.

6. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a length of the open tubular structure is shorter than a length of the induction coil.

7. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement comprises an openwork tube.

8. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hollow tubular substrate is made of a material having thermal conductive property to conduct thermal energy generated from the joule heating tubular arrangement through the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the material has electrical insulation property to prevent flow of electric current.

9. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hollow tubular substrate is made of a ceramic material or metal alloy material.

10. The heating module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ceramic material comprises Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, Zirconia, Zirconia toughened Alumina, or Alumina toughened Zirconia.

11. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the induction coil surrounds the hollow tubular substrate, and wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement surrounds the hollow tubular substrate12. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , further comprising an intermediate insulation arrangement disposed between the induction coil and the joule heating tubular arrangement.

13. The heating module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the intermediate insulation arrangement is disposed to wrap around the joule heatingtubular arrangement, and wherein the induction coil is disposed to coil around the intermediate insulation arrangement.

14. The heating module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the induction coil surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the intermediate insulation arrangement is disposed to wrap around the induction coil, and wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed to surround the intermediate insulation arrangement.

15. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a thermal sensing arrangement associated with the joule heating tubular arrangement for temperature sensing.

16. The heating module as claimed in claim 15, wherein the thermal sensing arrangement and the joule heating tubular arrangement are integrated into a single tubular layer surrounding the hollow tubular substrate.

17. The heating module as claimed in claim 16, wherein the thermal sensing arrangement comprises a supplementary open tubular structure that is independent of the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement, wherein the supplementary open tubular structure of the thermal sensing arrangement is made of an electrical conductor material, wherein the supplementary open tubular structure of the thermal sensing arrangement and the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement are disposed to form the single tubular layer to surround the hollow tubular substrate.

18. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is configured for thermal sensing.

19. The heating module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement comprises at least a first region and a second region, wherein the first region of the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement has a lower electrical resistance than the second region of the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement.

20. A heating system comprising a heating module comprising a hollow tubular substrate, an induction coil concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate, and a joule heating tubular arrangement concentrically disposed with respect to the hollow tubular substrate, wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement comprises an open tubular structure having a first opened tubular end and a second opened tubular end, the open tubular structure being made of an electrical conductor material; and a susceptor disposed within the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module, wherein the induction coil of the heating module is operable to generate an electromagnetic field for induction heating of the susceptor disposed within the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module, wherein the joule heating tubular arrangement of the heating module is operable for heating of the hollow tubular substrate of the heating module via thermal conduction. wherein the open tubular structure of the joule heating tubular arrangement is disposed in a manner so as to be within a set of field lines of the electromagnetic field when the electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil, and oriented to be parallel to the set of field lines of the electromagnetic field.

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