Aerosol generating device for increased aerosol volume

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol generating device (100). The aerosol generating device (100) comprises a heating chamber (101) having an opening (103) to accommodate an aerosol generating article (105) placed over a raised central section (108) extending from a base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101). In addition, the aerosol generating device (100) comprises a battery (107) to power the heating chamber (101). Further, the heating chamber (101) comprises a washer (109) circumferentially arranged around the raised central section (108) and a thermally responsive element (111) disposed on at least a bottom portion (110) of the washer (109). The thermally responsive element (111) is confgured to move the washer (109) along the longitudinal axis (102) of the heating chamber (101) to vary a gap (112) between an aerosol substrate section (106) of the aerosol generating article (105) and the base portion (104), based on the vaping session.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE FOR INCREASED AEROSOL VOLUME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device which is suitable for increased aerosol volume delivery.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] An aerosol generating device is designed to produce aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate housed in an aerosol generating article. Unlike traditional methods that involve burning or combusting tobacco, this device heats the substrate to produce aerosol for inhalation during a vaping session. In recent years, the use of such tobacco products has gained popularity compared to traditional tobacco consumption methods.

[0006] Managing the heat of the aerosol generated by an aerosol generating device presents a significant challenge, as it often exceeds the temperature that a user finds comfortable for inhalation. To address this challenge, various techniques are employed. One such technique involves adjusting the distance between the aerosol substrate section and the filter section of the aerosol generating article to regulate the heat of the aerosol.

[0007] Another technique used to control the heat of the aerosol is the incorporation of ventilation holes in the aerosol generating article. These ventilation holes allow ambient air to mix with the aerosol, effectively cooling it down. However, it is important to note that the presence of ventilation holes may lead to excessive dilution of the aerosol throughout a vaping session, which can reduce the overall volume of aerosol inhalable by a user on each individual puff. This dilution effect becomes more pronounced after approximately three puffs, as the water content, which contributes to the generation of hot aerosol, decreases significantly. Consequently, the need for ventilation holes is greatly reduced after this point.

[0008] In conventional aerosol generating articles, the ventilation holes are fixed, meaning that the ventilation continues throughout the vaping session. As a result, the aerosol temperature gradually decreases, along with the aerosol volume. The size of the ventilation holes is typically a compromise. Larger holes allow for a greater amount of ambient air to be drawn through, resulting in a cooler aerosol. However, if the holes are too large, the aerosol becomes diluted, providing a weaker sensory performance. On the other hand, if the holes are too small, the ventilation rate is insufficient, and the aerosol remains too hot. This creates a trade-off when determining the optimal size for the ventilation holes.

[0009] To address these limitations, increasing the ventilation rate at a start of the vaping session reduces the aerosol hotness but the pressure drops across the aerosol generating article to increase the aerosol volume during the vaping session remains a challenge. Moreover, adding additional features to the aerosol generating article increases the cost.

[0010] In light of the above discussion, there is a need for a low-cost aerosol generating device that allows airflow to vary through the aerosol generating article that overcomes the above stated drawbacks. Further, the aerosol generating device should be suitable for increased aerosol volume delivery though the aerosol generating article.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure seeks to provide an aerosol generating device.

[0013] The present disclosure also seeks to provide an aerosol generating device suitable for increased aerosol volume.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber having an opening configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber; a power source configured to deliver electrical power to a heating element associated with the heating chamber, the heating element being configured to heat an aerosol substrate material of the aerosol generating article inserted in the heating chamber to generate aerosol during a vaping session; and a raised central section extending from a base portion of the heating chamber, arranged for an aerosol generating article to abut against said raised central section upon insertion in the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber further comprises a washer being circumferentially arranged around the raised central section, a thermally responsive element being disposed on at least a bottom portion of the washer, the thermally responsive element being configured to move the washer along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber, based on the vaping session, and a gap between an aerosol substrate section of the aerosol generating article and the base portion of the heating chamber being varied based on the movement of the washer.

[0015] Additonally, the thermally responsive element is in an extended state at a start of the vaping session and the extended state of the thermally responsive element is configured to flush the washer with a top portion of the raised central section.

[0016] The thermally responsive element is configured to alter a shape of the thermally responsive element, based on the heat from the heating chamber during the vaping session and the movement of the washer is based on the alteration of the shape of the thermally responsive element.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, according to the preceding aspect, a size of the washer corresponds to a size of the gap.

[0018] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, according to the preceding aspect, the thermally responsive element corresponds to a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring. Further, a first end of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is welded at the base portion of the heating chamber and a second end of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is welded to the washer.

[0019] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the thermally responsive element corresponds to a bi-metallic disc. Further, an outer peripheral edge of the thermally responsive element is connected at the base portion of the heating chamber and an inner peripheral edge of the thermally responsive element is connected to the washer.

[0020] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the thermally responsive element corresponds to a bi-metallic strip. Further, the bi-metallic strip has a concertina pattern extending around a part of the gap.

[0021] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the aerosol generating device further comprises an air inlet tube and a thermal actuator. Further, the air inlet tube is disposed at the base portion of the heating chamber and extending between the base portion of the heating chamber and a bottom surface of the aerosol generating device along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The thermal actuator is disposed at a first portion of the air inlet tube and the first portion is proximal to the base portion of the heating chamber.

[0022] Additionally, at a start of the vaping session, the thermal actuator is configured to compress the first portion of the air inlet tube. The thermal actuator is configured to alter a shape of the thermal actuator, based on the heat from the heating chamber during the vaping session and an expansion of the first portion of the air inlet tube is based on the alteration of the shape of the thermal actuator.

[0023] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the aerosol generating device further comprises an L-shaped airflow tube and a user- driven sliding mechanism. Further, the L-shaped airflow tube is disposed at the base portion of the heating chamber and extending between the base portion of the heating chamber and a side surface of the aerosol generating device. The user-driven sliding mechanism is disposed at an end portion of the L-shaped airflow tube and extending along the side surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the user-driven sliding mechanism is configured to be positioned in a first position configured to completely cover the L-shaped airflow tube. In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the user-driven sliding mechanism is configured to be positioned in a second position configured to at least partially cover the L-shaped airflow tube.

[0025] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the user-driven sliding mechanism is configured to be positioned in a third position configured to completely uncover the L-shaped airflow tube.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art and provides an aerosol generating device which brings more air through the aerosol generating article to increase the aerosol volume.

[0027] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0028] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring as an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 2B illustrates an altered shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring of FIG. 2 A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bi-metallic disc as an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 3B illustrates an altered shape of the bi-metallic disc of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view a bi-metallic strip in an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 4B illustrates an altered shape of the bi-metallic strip of FIG. 4 A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 5 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an air inlet tube and a thermal actuator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5B illustrates compression of a first portion of the air inlet tube at a start of the vaping session, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 5C illustrates expansion of the first portion of the air inlet tube during the vaping session, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 6A illustrates illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an L-shaped airflow tube and a user-driven sliding mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6B illustrates the user-driven sliding mechanism positioned in at least one of a first position, a second position, and a third postion, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] FIG. 6C illustrates the user-driven sliding mechnism from a side surface of the aerosol generating device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship terms "one end", "another end", "the other end", "outside", "inside", "upper", "lower", "above", "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "coaxial", "central", "length", "distance", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Specifically, the orientation or positional relationship terms should be understood as the aerosol-generating device being in its upright position (top-down) and / or taking the centre of the opening of the heating chamber as the centre point or reference. Otherwise, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention should be understood according to specific situations that make the most technical sense for the skilled person in the art. As an overview of an aerosol-generating device of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating device with some of its subassemblies. FIG. 2 to FIG. 6C show more details of some of the subassemblies. For ease of understanding and brevity, certain features shown in the drawings have not been described in detail and certain features have been omitted entirely. As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device", "E-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may include an electronic cigarette system configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a heating chamber 101, an opening 103, and an aerosol generating article 105. The opening 103 is configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article 105 in a vertical orientation along a longitudinal axis 102 of the heating chamber 101. In an examplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be aheat-not-bum device. In an examplary embodiment, the aerosol generating article 105 may include a heat tobacco stick (HTS).

[0048] The heating chamber 101 is made from stainless steel, for example. Examples of the stainless steel may inlcude but not limited to a steel with a grade such as 316L that is made very thin with a low thermal conductivity. This allows high heat to transfer through the thin walls but low heat to the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The aerosol generating article 105 may include an aerosol substrate section 106, a tubular cooling section, and a filter section. The opening 103 is configured to accomodate the aerosol generating article 105 such that the aerosol substrate section 106 and the tubular cooling section are placed inside the opening 103 and the filter section remains outside of the opening 103. Further, the aerosol substrate section 106 is configured to accomodate an aerosol substrate material. The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a power source, for instance a battery 107, heating chamber that is configured to deliver power to a heating element (not represented) of the heating chamber 101. The heating element can, as well known by the skilled person in the art, take several forms. It can for example be formed by a resistive thinfilm heater wrapped about an outer wall of the heating chamber, the latter being made of heat conductive metal. Alternatively, it can be formed of a thickfilm deposited on the outer wall of the heating chamber 101 formed of a heat conductive metal, or on an inner wall of a vacuum insulator placed around the heating chamber, that inner being the outer wall of the heating chamber itself eventually. In a further example the heating chamber can comprise a metallic susceptor material and one or several inductive coils wrapped about the heating chamber. The heating chamber 101 and associated heating element are advantageously configured to heat the aerosol substrate material of the aerosol generating article 105 to generate aerosol during a vaping session by heat transfer in a manner known in the art.

[0049] Further, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a raised central section 108 that extends from a base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101. For example, the raised central section 108 may be a t-plug in the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101. The aerosol generating article 105 is placed over the raised central section 108 such that a gap 112 is formed between the aerosol generating article 105 and the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101. The gap 112 allows airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing an increase in aerosol volume. The heating chamber 101 further includes a washer 109 that is circumferentially arranged around the raised central section 108. The washer 109 may be of a circular shape, for example. The size of the washer 109 may correspond to a shape of the gap 112.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a thermally responsive element 111 disposed on at least a bottom portion 110 of the washer 109. The thermally responsive element 111 may exhibit discontinuous changes in physical properties (for example, shape of the thermally responsive element 111) with change in temperature. The thermally responsive element 111 may be made of a material such as Nitinol, which has an Austenite Finish Temperature (Af) of 120°C and a Martensite Start Temperature (Ms) of 100°C, a blend of approximately 50% nickel to 50% titanium. The thermally responsive element 111 is configured to move the washer 109 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the heating chamber 101, based on the vaping session. Further, based on a movement of the washer 109, the gap 112 between the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 and the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 may vary.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the thermally responsive element 111 is in an extended state at a start of the vaping session. Further, the extended state of the thermally responsive element 111 is configured to flush the washer 109 with a top portion 114 of the raised central section 108 (as illustrated in FIG. 2A). The extended state of the thermally responsive element 111 causes a large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105, which further causes the aerosol to cool down. Thereafter, during the vaping session, the heating chamber 101 heats up to warm the thermally responsive element 111 to alter a shape of the thermally responsive element 111. For example, the alteration in shape of the thermally responsive element

[0052] 111 may correspond to compression of the thermally responsive element 111. Further, based on the alteration of the shape of the thermally responsive element 111, the thermally responsive element Ill is configured to move the washer 109 away from the opening 103 of the heating chamber 101. The movement of the washer 109 based on the alteration of the shape of the thermally responsive element 111 causes the gap 112 to vary. For example, the gap 112 may vary up to a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Further, varrying the gap

[0053] 112 allows the airflow from the gap 112 to reach the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing a change in pressure drop across the aerosol substrate section 106. So, when a user inhales, a ratio of the airflow through the ventilation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 to that through the aerosol substrate section 106 also changes. Therefore, the gap 112 allows airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 to cause an increase in aerosol volume.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 100 further include a PCB (Printed circuits board) 113 that is configured to electrically connect the heating element associated with the chamber 101, where appropriate an inductive coil of the heating element, and the battery 107. The power to heat the heating chamber 101 is provided by the battery 107 through the PCB 113. Additionally, the PCB 113 is configured to electrically connect a plurality of electrical components (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 100 to each other and to the heating chamber 101 and the battery 107.

[0055] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring as an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 200A further illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 in the extended state. The shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 includes a first end 202 that is welded at the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101. The shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 futher includes a second end 203 that is welded to the washer 109. The second end 203 is different from the first end 202. For example, the first end 202 and the second end 203 of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 is laser welded at the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 and to the washer 109. The shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 may be made up of a material such as Nitinol, which has an Austenite Finish Temperature (Af) of 120 C and a Martensite Start Temperature (Ms) of 100 C, a blend of approximately 50% nickel to 50% titanium. At the start of the vaping session, the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 is in an extended state. The extended state of shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 causes a large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 that causes the aerosol to cool down.

[0056] FIG. 2B illustrates an altered shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 200B illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the altered shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201. During the vaping session, the heating chamber 101 heats up to warm the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 to alter the shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201. For example, the alteration in shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 may correspond to compression of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201. Further, based on the alteration of the shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201, the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 is configured to move the washer 109 away from the opening 103 of the heating chamber 101. The movement of the washer 109 based on the alteration of the shape of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring 201 causes the gap 112 to vary. For example, the gap 112 may vary up to a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Further, varrying the gap 112 allows the airflow from the gap 112 to reach the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 that cause a change in pressure drop across the aerosol substrate section 106. So, when the user inhales, a ratio of the airflow through the ventilation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 to that through the aerosol substrate section 106 also changes. Therefore, the gap 112 allows airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing an increase in aerosol volume. FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bi-metallic disc as an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 300A further illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the bi-metallic disc 301 in the extended state. The bi-metallic disc 301 includes an outer peripheral edge 302 that is connected at the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101. The bi-metallic disc 301 futher includes an inner peripheral edge 303 that is connected to the washer 109. The inner peripheral edge 303 is different from the outer peripheral edge 302. At the start of the vaping session, the bi-metallic disc 301 is in the extended state and the shape of the bi-metallic disc 301 in the extended state may be domed shape, for instance. The extended state of the bi-metallic disc 301 allows a large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105, causing the aerosol to cool down.

[0057] FIG. 3B illustrates an altered shape of the bi-metallic disc of FIG. 3A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 300B illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the altered shape of the bi-metallic disc 301. During the vaping session, the heating chamber 101 heats up to warm the bi-metallic disc 301 to alter the shape of the bi-metallic disc 301. For example, the altered shape of the bi-metallic disc 301 may be a flattened shape. Further, based on the alteration of the shape of the bi-metallic disc 301, the bi-metallic disc 301 is configured to move the washer 109 away from the opening 103 of the heating chamber 101. The movement of the washer 109 based on the alteration of the shape of the bi-metallic disc 301 causes the gap 112 to vary. For example, the gap 112 may vary up to a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Further, varrying the gap 112 allows the airflow from the gap 112 to reach the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 that cause a change in pressure drop across the aerosol substrate section 106. So, when the user inhales, a ratio of the airflow through the ventilation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 to that through the aerosol substrate section 106 also changes. Therefore, the gap 112 allows airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing an increase in aerosol volume.

[0058] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view a bi-metallic strip in an exemplary implementation of a thermally responsive element in an extended state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 400A further illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the bi-metallic strip 401 in the extended state. The bi-metallic strip 401 includes a concertina pattern extending around at least a part of the gap 112. The bi-metallic strip 401 is in the extended state at the start of the vaping session. The shape of the bi-metallic strip 401 in the extended state may be a rectangular shape having a first length LI as shown in 402A. The extended state of the bi-metallic strip 401 allows a large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 that causes the aerosol to cool down.

[0059] FIG. 4B illustrates an altered shape of the bi-metallic strip of FIG. 4A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 400B illustrates the aerosol generating device 100 that includes the altered shape of the bi-metallic strip 401. During the vaping session, the heating chamber 101 heats up to warm the bi-metallic strip 401 to alter the shape of the bi-metallic strip 401. The altered shape of the bi-metallic strip 401 may be a rectangular shape having a second length L2 that is greater than the first lenght LI, as shown in 402A. Further, based on the alteration of the shape of the bimetallic strip 401, the bi-metallic strip 401 is configured to move the washer 109 away from the opening 103 of the heating chamber 101. The movement of the washer 109 based on the alteration of the shape of the bi-metallic strip 401 causes the gap 112 to vary. For example, the gap 112 may vary up to a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. Further, varrying the gap 112 allows the airflow from the gap 112 to reach the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 that cause a change in pressure drop across the aerosol substrate section 106. When a user inhales, a ratio of the airflow through the ventilation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 to that through the aerosol substrate section 106 also changes. Therefore, the gap 112 allows airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing an increase in aerosol volume.

[0060] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an air inlet tube and a thermal actuator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 500A illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the air inlet tube 501 and the thermal actuator 504. The air inlet tube 501 is made of a compressible material having a diameter between 1-5 mm. The air inlet tube 501 is diposed at the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 and extends between the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 and a bottom surface 503 of the aerosol generating device 100 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the heating chamber 101. The thermal actuator 504 is diposed at a first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501. The first portion 502 is proximal to the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 is a compressible material such as silicon with a shore A hardness between 20-70 or more, preferably between 30-50. For example, the thermal actuator 504 may be made up of a material with a positive temperature coefficient that expands as the material heats around 50°C. Such a material may be, for example, polyethene and polystyrene. As another example, the thermal actuator 504 may be a magnet with a ferromagnetic counterpart that when heated, reaches the Curie temperature, and is no longer attached to the magnet, thus opening the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 until the ferromagnetic counterpart cools down and gets attached to the magnet.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the thermal actuator 504 may be a solenoid valve 506 that is used to compress the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 to restrict the airflow up to 75% through the bottom surface 503 of the aerosol generating device 100 to give a pressure drop of over 100 mmfhO. Alternatively, the thermal actuator 504 may be at least one of a wax thermodynamic element or bi-metallic strips 505. Additionally, or alternatively, the thermal actuator 504 may be a shape memory alloy (SMA) such as Nitinol which may be wrapped around the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501. Further, the thermal actuator 504 may be actuated remotely via a remote control device wirelessly connected with the PCB 113. Alternatively, the thermally responsive element 111 may be actuated based on a user input via a knob or switch electrically connected to the PCB 113.

[0063] FIG. 5B illustrates compression of the first portion of the air inlet tube at a start of the vaping session, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 500B illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the air inlet tube 501 and the thermal actuator 504. At the start of the vaping session, the thermal actuator 504 is actuated to compress the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 to restrict the airflow through the bottom surface 503 of the aerosol generating device 100. The actuation of the thermal actuator 504 is explained, in detail, for example in FIG. 5A. Further, the restriction of the airflow through the bottom surface 503 of the aerosol generating device 100 allows large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105, causing the aerosol to cool down.

[0064] FIG. 5C illustrates expansion of the first portion of the air inlet tube during the vaping session, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 500C illustrates a cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the air inlet tube 501 and the thermal actuator 504. During the vaping session, the heating chamber 101 heats up to warm the thermal actuator 504 to alter a shape of the thermal actuator 504. Further, the thermal actuator 504 is configured to expand the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 based on the alteration of the shape of the thermal actuator 504. The expansion of the first portion 502 of the air inlet tube 501 allows the airflow through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105 that causes an increase in aerosol volume.

[0065] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having an L- shaped airflow tube and a user-driven sliding mechanism, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 600A illustrates the cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the L-shaped airflow tube 601 and the user- driven sliding mechanism 604. The L-shaped airflow tube 601 is disposed at the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 and extends between the base portion 104 of the heating chamber 101 and a side surface 603 of the aerosol generating device 100. The user-driven sliding mechanism 604 is disposed at an end portion 602 of the L-shaped airflow tube 601 and extends along the side surface 603 of the aerosol generating device 100. The end portion 602 of the L-shaped airflow tube 601 is on the side surface 603 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0066] FIG. 6B illustrates the user-driven sliding mechanism positioned in at least one of a first position, a second position, and a third postion, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 600B illustrates the cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 having the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 that is configured to be positioned in the third position 607, as further described in detail, for example, in FIG.6C. Additionally, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 may be moved and positioned to the first position 605 or the second position 606 based on user’s discretion.

[0067] FIG. 6C illustrates the user-driven sliding mechnism from a side surface of the aerosol generating device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram 600C illustrates the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 from the side surface 603 of the aerosol generating device 100 in at least one of the first position 605, the second position 606, and the third position 607.

[0068] In the first position 605, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 is configured to completely cover the L-shaped airflow tube 601. At the start of the vaping session, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 completely covers the L-shaped airflow tube 601 to allow a large volume of the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105, causing the aerosol to cool down.

[0069] In the second position 606, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 is configured to at least partially cover the L-shaped airflow tube 601. At the start of the vaping session or during the vaping session, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 partially covers the L- shaped airflow tube 601 to restrict the airflow through ventillation holes of the aerosol generating article 105 and the L-shaped airflow tube 601, causing the aerosol to either cool down or warm up.

[0070] In the third position 607, the user-driven sliding mechanism 604 is configured to completely uncover the L-shaped airflow tube 601. During the vaping session, the user- driven sliding mechanism 604 completely uncovers the L-shaped airflow tube 601 to allow the airflow from the end portion 602 of the L-shaped airflow tube 601. Further, the airflow from the L-shaped airflow tube 601 passes through the aerosol substrate section 106 of the aerosol generating article 105, causing an increase in aerosol volume.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the user may place a finger over the end portion 602 of the L-shaped airflow tube 601 to provide their own level of restriction to the airflow from the end portion 602 of the L-shaped airflow tube 601 based on the user’s discretion.

[0072] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: aheating chamber (101) having an opening (103) configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article (105) along a longitudinal axis (102) of the heating chamber (101); a power source (107) configured to deliver electrical power to a heating element associated with the heating chamber (101), the heating element being being configured to heat an aerosol substrate material of the aerosol generating article (105) inserted in the heating chamber (101) to generate aerosol during a vaping session; and a raised central section (108) extending from a base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101), arranged for an aerosol generating article (105) to abut against said raised central section (108) upon insertion in the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber (101) further comprises a washer (109) being circumferentially arranged around the raised central section (108), a thermally responsive element (111) being disposed on at least a bottom portion (110) of the washer (109), the thermally responsive element (111) being configured to move the washer (109) along the longitudinal axis (102) of the heating chamber (101), based on the vaping session, and a gap (112) between an aerosol substrate section (106) of the aerosol generating article (105) and the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) being varied based on the movement of the washer (109).

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive element (111) being in an extended state at a start of the vaping session, and the extended state of the thermally responsive element (111) being configured to flush the washer (109) with a top portion (114) of the raised central section (108).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, whereinthe thermally responsive element (111) being configured to alter a shape of the thermally responsive element (111), based on the heat from the heating chamber (101) during the vaping session, and the movement of the washer (109) being based on the alteration of the shape of the thermally responsive element (111).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive element (111) corresponds to a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring (201) having a first end (202) welded at the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and a second end (203) welded to the washer (109).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive element (111) corresponds to a bi-metallic disc (301) having an outer peripheral edge (302) connected at the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and an inner peripheral edge (303) connected to the washer (109).

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive element (111) corresponds to a bi-metallic strip (401) having a concertina pattern extending around a part of the gap (112).

7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an air inlet tube (501) disposed at the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and extending between the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and a bottom surface (503) of the aerosol generating device (100) along the longitudinal axis (102) of the heating chamber (101); and a thermal actuator (504) disposed at a first portion (502) of the air inlet tube (501), the first portion (502) being proximal to the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101).

8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 7, wherein at a start of the vaping session, the thermal actuator (504) is configured to compress the first portion (502) of the air inlet tube (501).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the thermal actuator (504) being configured to alter a shape of the thermal actuator (504), based on the heat from the heating chamber (101) during the vaping session, and an expansion of the first portion (502) of the air inlet tube (501) being based on the alteration of the shape of the thermal actuator (504).

10. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an L-shaped airflow tube (601) disposed at the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and extending between the base portion (104) of the heating chamber (101) and a side surface (603) of the aerosol generating device (100); and a user-driven sliding mechanism (604) disposed at an end portion (602) of the L-shaped airflow tube (601) and extending along the side surface (603) of the aerosol generating device (100).

11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the user- driven sliding mechanism (604) is configured to be positioned in at least one of: a first position (605) configured to completely cover the L-shaped airflow tube (601), a second position (606) configured to at least partially cover the L-shaped airflow tube (601), or a third position (607) configured to completely uncover the L-shaped airflow tube (601).

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