Aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes an aerosol generating device (50). The aerosol generating device includes a control unit (112) for controlling operation of the device. The apparatus includes an aerosol generating consumable (70). The aerosol generating consumable (70) including a solid aerosol forming substrate (201). The aerosol generating device (50) includes a cavity (103) for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating consumable (70), and the aerosol generating device (50) includes a heater (104) for heating the solid aerosol forming substrate (201). An internal surface of the cavity (103) includes first and second detection electrodes (108a, 108b), the first and second detection electrodes facing into the cavity. The aerosol generating consumable (70) includes an electrically conductive portion (250) for electrical contact with the first and second electrodes (108a, 108b). When the aerosol generating consumable (70) is received within the cavity (103), the electrically conductive portion (250) forms an electrically conductive path between the detection electrodes (108a, 108b). The control unit (112) is configured to detect the presence of the aerosol generating consumable (70) based on a measurement of the electrically conductive path.

Description

[0001] P01240

[0002] AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUS

[0003] This application claims priority from EP24206759.3 filed 15 October 2024, the contents and elements of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] A typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0008] Some aerosol generating apparatuses include a multi-use aerosol generating device in combination with multiple, generally single use and disposable, consumables. A single consumable is engaged with the device. The device is operated to generate aerosol for inhalation from the aerosol precursor in the consumable. When the aerosol precursor in the consumable is exhausted, the user disposes of that exhausted consumable and replaces the exhausted consumable with a new consumable. In general, over the lifetime of a device, that device will be used to generate aerosol from multiple consumables.

[0009] A drawback with known aerosol generating apparatuses is the potential use of counterfeit consumables with the device, or the use of consumables that are not designed for use with the device. Using the device with an improperly engaged consumable may also lead to sub optimal user experience. Such uses are undesirable. Despite the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses further improvements are desirable.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In a first aspect the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus that comprises an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a control unit for controlling operation of the device, and; an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating consumable including a solid aerosol forming substrate; wherein: the aerosol generating device includes a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating consumable, and the aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating the solid aerosol forming substrate.

[0012] In some examples, an internal surface of the cavity includes first and second inwardly facing detection electrodes.

[0013] In some examples, the aerosol generating consumable includes an electrically conductive portion for electrical contact with the first and second electrodes.

[0014] In some examples, when the aerosol generating consumable is received within the cavity, the electrically conductive portion forms an electrically conductive path between the detection electrodes. In some examples, the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the aerosol generating consumable based on a measurement of the electrically conductive path.

[0015] 008848814 P01240

[0016] In some examples, the control unit is configured to measure an electrical resistance value between the electrodes, and to detect the presence of the consumable based on the measured electrical resistance value. In this way, the control unit is able to determine that a consumable is engaged with the device. If no consumable is engagaged with the device, or the consumable is improperly engaged with the device, the electrical resistance measured between the electrodes may be above a maximum value. As such, the device can detect that a consumable of an expected kind is properly engaged with the device.

[0017] In some examples, the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the consumable based on the measured resistance. As such, the microcontroller can determine the presence of a consumable, and can take (or prevent) subsequent actions on that basis of the presence of the consumable. This may improve safety, for example where the device is configured to prevent activation of the heater unless and until a consumable is properly engaged with the device.

[0018] In some examples, the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the consumable based on the comparison of the measured resistance to a threshold resistance. In this way, the device can detect not only whether any consumable is engaged, but that an expected, e.g. genuine, consumable is engaged with the device.

[0019] In some examples, the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the consumable based on the comparison of the measured electrical resistance value to a threshold resistance. In some examples, the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the consumable based on the measured electrical resistance value being lower than the threshold resistance. In these ways, the device may distinguish between electrical connection of the detection electrodes via an electrically conductive portion (as intended) and inadvertent electrical connection of the detection electrodes by a higher electrical resistance element (e.g. debris). As such, the device may be able to prevent operations in such an event, for example operation of a heater, which may improve safety. In some examples, the device may be configured to indicate to the user via a user interface that an unexpected resistive component is within the cavity. This may be an indicator to the user that cavity needs to be cleaned. Furthermore, the device may determine that a suitable consumable is properly engaged with the device.

[0020] In some examples, the control unit is configured to permit the user to initiate a heater activation session based on the detection of the presence of the consumable. In this way, the heater can be heated when a suitable consumable is properly engaged with the device. This may improve user experience of the consumable, ensuring the aerosol forming substrate section of the consumable is properly located relative to the heater. This may permit and improvement of user experience (or avoidance of a sub-optimal user experience). Furthermore, this may also improve safety by preventing heater activation when no consumable is present.

[0021] 008848814 P01240

[0022] In some examples, the control unit is configured to prevent the user from initiating a heater activation session based on the absence of the detection of the consumable. In this way, safety may be improved by preventing heater activation when no consumable is engaged with the device. Doing so would result in the device having a different thermal performance when the consumable is absent or improperly located. To activate the heater in such a situation may result in portions of the device becoming undesirably hot without a thermal insulation effect being provided by the consumable.

[0023] In some examples, the heater activation session includes operating the heater to heat the aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol for user inhalation. The session may be between 2 and 7 minutes in duration, for example, 5 minutes in duration. In some examples, the control unit is configured to periodically measure the resistance between the detection electrodes during the heater activation session. If, during the heater session, the resistance between the detection electrodes is outside an expected range, the heater session may be terminated prematurely. As such, the heater activation session may be terminated when the consumable is removed from the device, even when a heater activation session is in progress.

[0024] In some examples, the cavity is elongate along a longitudinal axis. In some examples the consumable may similarly elongate along a corresponding longitudinal axis. For example, the consumable may have a generally cylindrical form. The cavity may have a similarly cylindrical shape.

[0025] In some examples, the detection electrodes are longitudinally separated from one another along a longitudinal axis of the cavity. As such, the device may be able to detect longitudinal position of the consumable within the cavity, ensuring / detecting proper location. In some examples, the detection electrodes are longitudinally offset from the heater. As such, a risk of the detection electrodes being damaged by heating is reduced.

[0026] In some examples, the cavity is elongate along a longitudinal axis and optionally wherein the detection electrodes are at located at the same longitudinal depth of the cavity. As such, the manufacturing of the device may be facilitated since electrical connections to the detection electrodes may be of the same / similar length.

[0027] In some examples, the detection electrodes are circumferentially offset from one another in a direction around a circumference of the cavity. In some examples, the electrodes are opposed to one another, across the cavity.

[0028] In some examples, each detection electrode has a convex shape directed inwards to the cavity. In some examples the detection electrodes conform to an internal profile of the cavity. As such, the cavity and detection electrodes may be smooth sided. As such, cleanliness may be improved. As such, device and consumable mutual engagement may be improved - protrusions, lips, edges can be avoided, against which an engaging consumable may snag and become damaged.

[0029] 008848814 P01240

[0030] In some examples, each detection electrode is mechanically biased in a direction inwards to the cavity. As such, proper electrical engagement between electrode and consumable may be improved. For example, the detection electrodes may be spring loaded to form the mechanical bias.

[0031] In some examples, the consumable includes an electrically insulative external wrapper, wherein the electrically conductive portion is exposed via at least one gap through the externally insulative wrapper. In some exmaples, the external wrapper is a paper.

[0032] In some exmaples, the electrically conductive portion includes a first connection pad and a second connection pad for respective electrical connection to the first and second electrodes, an electically conductive pathway being formed between the first and second connection pads. In some examples, a portion of the electrically conductive pathway is covered by the external wrapper. In some other examples, the electrically conductive pathway is exposed along substantially the full length of the pathway.

[0033] In some exmaples, the electrically conductive portion is formed of metallic foil. As such, manufacturing may be facilitated as the foil can confom the shape of the consumable.

[0034] In some examples, the electrically conductive portion is an electrically conductive path on the external surface of the consumable. In some examples, the electrically conductive path is formed from an electrically conductive ink on the external surface of the wrapper. In some examples, the electrically conductive path is formed from an electrically conductive layer on the external surface of the wrapper, optinally wherein the electrically conductive layer is a metallic foil. In some examples, the foil forms a circumferential layer along at least a portion of the consumable. In some examples, the electrically conductive portion is longitudinally separated from the aerosol forming substrate in a direction along the length of the consumable.

[0035] In some examples, when the consumable is received in the cavity, at least the aerosol forming substrate and the electrically conductive portion are within the cavity.

[0036] In some examples, the electrically conductive portion is a first electrically conductive portion, and the apparatus further includes a second consumable including a second aerosol forming substrate and a second electrically conductive portion, wherein the first and second electrically conductive portions are electrically different from each other, wherein optionally a first electrical resistance of the first electrically conductive portion is different from a second electrical resistance of the second electrically conductive portion.

[0037] In some examples, the control unit is configured to identify whether the first consumable or second consumable is engaged with the device based on comparison between the measured resistance value and the first and second electrical resistance values.

[0038] 008848814 P01240

[0039] In some examples, the control unit is configured to operate the heater according to a first mode when the first consumable is detected and a second, different, mode when the second consumable is detected. In some examples, the device is configured to convey to the user via a user interface whether the first consumable has been detected or the second consumable has been detected.

[0040] In some examples, the device includes an electrical power supply that supplies a supply voltage, and wherein the device includes voltage boosting circuitry to provide a test voltage between the electrodes, wherein the test voltage is higher than the supply voltage.

[0041] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a liquid precursor.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the device of Fig. 3.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the device of Fig. 3.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the device of Fig. 3.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a cross sectional diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 3.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the consumable of Fig. 3.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the consumable of Fig. 3.

[0053] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the consumable of Fig. 3.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and / or methods described herein could be embodied differently and / or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

[0056] 008848814 P01240

[0057] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

[0058] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0059] All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0060] The use of the term “a” or “an” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” as well as “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” As such, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0061] The use of the term “or” in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition “A or B” is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0062] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising, “having,” “including,” or “containing” (and any forms thereof, such as “comprise” and “comprises,” “have” and “has,” “includes” and “include,” or “contains” and “contain,” respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0063] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an “ex post facto” benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase “in one embodiment,” “according to an embodiment,” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to ‘an,’ ‘one,’ or ‘some’ embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to “the” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further,

[0064] 008848814 P01240 all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0065] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by “or” may be used interchangeably:

[0066] As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or “electronic(e)-cigarette’) may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a “smoking substitute apparatus”, if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible “smoking article” may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor.

[0067] Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an “activation” of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength / duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0068] The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

[0069] As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

[0070] As used herein, a “precursor” may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerine. The term “flavouring” may refer to a component that provides a taste and / or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other.

[0071] 008848814 P01240

[0072] The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.

[0073] As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above.

[0074] As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.

[0075] As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.

[0076] As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.

[0077] As used herein, a “puff” (or "inhale" or “draw”) by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and / or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0078] As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0079] As used herein, a “heating system” may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.

[0080] As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a “capsule” or a “pod” or an “e-liquid consumable”. The capsule / pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a “stick” or “package” or “heat-not-burn consumable”. In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.

[0081] 008848814 P01240

[0082] As used herein “heat-not-burn” (or “HNB” or “heated precursor”) may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically including tobacco (but not limited to), without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

[0083] As used herein, "electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more electrical components, examples of which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); electronic / electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors; a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the apparatus, or distributed between the apparatus and / or on one or more external devices in communication with the apparatus, e.g. as part of a system

[0084] As used herein, a "processing resource" (or "processor " or “controller” or “control unit”) may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. A processing resource may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non- transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processing resource may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board and / or off board the apparatus as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by a aerosol generating apparatus or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 1 , an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

[0086] Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.

[0087] In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0088] Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1 , where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.

[0089] In this example, the apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating device 50 and a consumable 70.

[0090] In this example, the aerosol generating device 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The aerosol generating device

[0091] 008848814 P01240 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

[0092] The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the aerosol generating device 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

[0093] The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0094] The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and / or a charging port, for example.

[0095] The aerosol generating device 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the aerosol generating device 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user. In other embodiments, the heating element can take a different form. For example, the heater may substantially surround at least a portion of the consumable. In such examples, heat is transferred from outside the consumable into the solid precursor. In some embodiments, a surrounding heater and a penetrative heating element may be implemented in a single aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, an inductive susceptor is formed with the aerosol precursor as part of the consumable 70. The device includes an induction coil, which substantially surrounds the section of the consumable having the susceptor. The susceptor is inductively heated via current being passed through the inductive coil.

[0096] Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2.

[0097] As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the aerosol generating device 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the aerosol generating device 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.

[0098] The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the aerosol generating device 50, and a filter distal to the aerosol generating device 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation. In other embodiments, the solid precursor 6 may contain substantially no tobacco solids. The solid precursor is an aerosol forming substrate.

[0099] In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).

[0100] In this example, the aerosol generating device 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the aerosol generating device 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 3, the cap 51 is

[0101] 008848814 P01240 moveable relative to the aerosol generating device 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 50.

[0102] The aerosol generating device 50 also includes an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the aerosol generating device 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and / or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.

[0104] The aerosol generating device 50 may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.

[0105] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable.

[0106] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 4, an upper portion of an aerosol generating device 50 is schematically shown in cross section. The aerosol generating device 50 is an embodiment according to the present invention. The aerosol generating device 50 is generally elongate. The cross section of Fig. 4 is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongate aerosol generating device 50. The aerosol generating device 50 includes an external housing 101 and a cap 102. The cap 102 is engaged within an end portion of the housing 101. In particular, the cap 102 is slideably mounted to the housing 101. The cap 102 can slide within the end portion of the housing 101 along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 50, up / down the page in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

[0108] The cap 102 includes a cavity 103 for receiving an aerosol generating consumable 70 (see Fig. 5). The cavity 103 has a generally cylindrical shape. The long axis of the cylindrical cavity 103 is generally aligned with the long axis of the aerosol generating device 50. The cavity 103 has a consumable receiving opening 103a located at a first end of the cavity 103. In use, the consumable 70 is partially received into the cavity 103 via the consumable receiving opening 103a. A rod-shaped heater 104 is located within the cavity 103. The rod heater 104 is generally located towards a second end of the cavity 103, opposite to the consumable receiving opening 103a. The rod-shaped heater 104 is rigidly mounted to the housing 101 via a heater mount 105. The heater 104 intrudes into the cavity of the cap 102 via a heater aperture 106 at the base of the cavity 103. As discussed above, in other embodiments, different shapes / formats of heater are also possible. Including, for example, a blade shaped heater that heats the consumable 70 from the inside, similarly to the rod-shaped heater 104, or a cavity-surrounding heater than heats the consumable 70 from the outside of the consumable 70.

[0109] 008848814 P01240

[0110] The aerosol generating device 50 includes a battery 110. The battery 110 is located within the housing 101 , and acts as a power supply 2 for the aerosol generating device 50. The aerosol generating device 50 also includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 111. The PCB 111 is located within the housing 101. The PCB 111 includes a microcontroller 112. The microcontroller 112 may be referred to as a control unit. The microcontroller 112 controls the operation of the apparatus 1. For example, the microcontroller 112 controls the operation of the heater 104. The microcontroller 112 is an example of a controller.

[0111] The battery 110 is electrically connected to the PCB 111 via battery power lines 110a, 110b. The battery power lines 110a, 110b supply electrical power to the PCB 111 , for example to operate the microcontroller 112.

[0112] The heater 104 is electrically connected to the PCB 111 via heater power supply lines 104a, 104b. Via heater control circuitry (not shown) on the PCB 111 the battery power lines 110a, 110b can be controllably connected to the heater power supply lines 104a, 104b thus supplying electrical power to the heater 104 via the PCB 111. The operation of the heater control circuitry may be controlled by the microcontroller 112.

[0113] On a longitudinally extending internal side wall 103b of the cavity 103 there are two, e.g. a pair, of detection electrodes 108a, 108b. The detection electrodes 108a, 108b are electrically exposed to the inside of the cavity 103. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are separated from one another along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 103. In the embodiment shown the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are separated from one another along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 50. Each detection electrode 108a, 108b has a generally convex shape that points inwards towards the cavity 103.

[0114] As above, the consumable 70 is introduced into the cavity 103. At least part of the consumable passes into the cavity 103. The convex shape of the detection electrodes 108a, 108b may avoid undesirable snagging of the consumable 70 on the detection electrodes as the consumable 70 is inserted / withdrawn into / from the cavity 103.

[0115] The detection electrodes 108a, 108b are electrically connected to the PCB 111 via respective electrode sensing lines 114a, 114b. In the embodiment shown the electrode sensing lines 114a, 114b are direct unbroken and unbreakable electrical connections to the PCB 111. However, in other embodiments there may be breakable connections along the path of the electrode sensing lines 114a, 114b. For example, to accommodate the lifting of the cap 102, there may be a breakable electrical connection along each electrode sensing line 114a, 114b. The breakable electrical connections may be made at the interface of the cap 102 and the housing 101. In such embodiments, when the cap 102 is in the lowered position (as shown in Fig. 4), each detection electrode 108a, 108b is electrically connected to the PCB 111. When the cap is lifted (in an upwards direction in Fig. 4), each detection

[0116] 008848814 electrode 108a, 108b is electrically disconnected from the PCB 111. The breakable connection may permit the cap 102 to be moved relative to the housing 101. The microcontroller 112 may be configured to determine the lift state of the cap 102. When the cap 102 is a lifted state, the microcontroller 112 may prevent the operation of the heater 104.

[0117] Referring to Fig. 5 an aerosol generating device 50 according to the present invention, is shown. This embodiment is similar in most respects to that of Fig. 4, and like references are not duplicated in Fig.

[0118] 5. In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are located on opposing transverse sides of the cavity 103. In the embodiment shown, the detection electrodes 108a, 108bare located 180 degrees apart from one another around the periphery of the cavity 103. For example, the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are diametrically opposed across the cavity 103. In other embodiments, the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are offset from one another by a different angle between 0 and 180 degrees, for example 90 degrees. In the embodiment of Fig. 5. The detection electrodes 108a, 108b are located at the same longitudinal position along the cavity 103.

[0119] In some embodiments, the detection contacts 108a, 108b may be biased in a direction into the cavity 103. For example, the detection contacts 108a, 108b may be spring loaded. This may assist with a reliable electrical connection formed between each detection electrode 108a, 108b the consumable 70. Where the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are diametrically opposed across the cavity 103, biasing may be particularly advantageous, since the biasing of one detection electrode 108a, 108b acts to push the consumable 70 into contact with the other detection electrode 108a, 108b, and vice versa. Electrical contact between detection electrodes 108a, 108b and consumable 70 is thereby improved.

[0120] Referring to Fig. 6 an aerosol generating device 50 according to the present invention, is shown. This embodiment is similar in most respects to that of Fig. 4, and like references are not duplicated in Fig.

[0121] 6. In the embodiment of Fig. 6 the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are located on opposing transverse sides of the cavity 103. In the embodiment shown, the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are located 180 degrees apart from one another, diametrically opposed across the cavity 103. In other embodiments, the detection electrodes 108a, 108b may be offset from one another by a different angle, for example 90 degrees. The electrodes 108a, 108b may be located at a different longitudinal position along the cavity 103, as depicted in Fig 6. The first detection electrode 108a is located closer to the cavity opening 103a than the second detection electrode 108b along a longitudinal direction.

[0122] Referring to Fig. 7 an aerosol generating device 50 and consumable 70 according to the present invention are shown. The aerosol generating device 50 is similar in all respects to that of Fig. 4, and like references are not duplicated. In Fig 7, the consumable 70 is engaged with the aerosol generating device 50.

[0123] 008848814 P01240

[0124] The consumable 70 has a generally cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the consumable 70 generally corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 103. When the consumable 70 is engaged with the aerosol generating device 50, as shown in Fig. 7, a mouthpiece section of the consumable 70 protrudes from the aerosol generating device 50. The mouthpiece section forms the part of the consumable 70 from which the user inhales the aerosol generated.

[0125] The consumable includes an electrically conductive portion 250. When the consumable 70 is engaged with the aerosol generating device 50, as shown in Fig 7, the detection electrodes 108a, 108b are electrically connected with the electrically conductive portion. An electrical current can flow between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b, via the electrically conductive portion of the consumable 70.

[0126] The PCB 111 includes resistance measuring circuitry (not shown) to measure an electrical resistance value between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b. Via the resistance measuring circuitry, the microcontroller 112 determines the electrical resistance value between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b. In the absence of an electrically conductive connection between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b, the measured electrical resistance between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b is high (in principle, infinite) because the circuit is open. If the resistance between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b is low, then there is an electrically conductive connection formed between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b. The measurement of a low resistance indicates that a consumable 70 according to the present invention is engaged with the aerosol generating device 50, and is in electrical contact with the detection electrodes 108a, 108b.

[0127] In Fig. 7, an example consumable 70 according to the present invention is shown in cross section. Several internal components of the consumable 70 are illustrated by way of example. The components include:

[0128] • A solid aerosol forming substrate section 201 . The aerosol forming substrate section 201 is located at the extreme upstream end of the consumable 70. In use, the heater 104 penetrates into the aeorsol forming substrate section 201. Heat is delivered from the heater 104 to the aerosol forming substrate section 201 , thereby vapourising aerosol precursor in the aerosol forming substrate 201. The aerosol forming substrate section 201 may include tobacco material, for example in the form of reconstituted tobacco sheet. In other embodiments, the aerosol forming substate section 201 may include substantially no tobacco material. In some embodiments, in use, the aerosol forming substrate section 201 is penetrated by the heater 104. In other embodiments, in use, the aerosol forming substrate seciton 201 is surrounded by the heater 104.

[0129] • Along an in use airflow downstream direction of the consumable 70, the aerosol forming substrate section 201 is followed by a monoacetate bore filter 202. The bore filter 202 includes a central bore 202a, which may promote vapour mixing downstream of the point of vapourisation within the aerosol forming substrate 201 .

[0130] • Along an in use downstream direction of the consumable 70, the bore filter 202 is followed by a cardboard tube section 203. The cardboard tube section 203 forms a substantially empty

[0131] 008848814 P01240 cavity 203a along the flow path through the consumable 70, which may assist with vapour / aerosol cooling and aerosol condensation.

[0132] • Along a downstream direction of the consumable 70, the cardboard tube section 203 is followed by a mouthpiece filter 204. The mouthpiece filter 204 is a solid monoacetate filter. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece filter may include a flavour element, for example a crushball.

[0133] • The components of the consumable 70 are combined via an external paper wrapper (not shown).

[0134] In different embodiments, the consumable 70 may take a substantially different configuration with different elements differently located. The consumables 70 of Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are provided by way of example.

[0135] The consumable 70 is electrically contacted by the detection electrodes 108a, 108b because the consumable 70 is partially located within the cavity 103 into which the electrodes 108a, 108b are exposed. The electrical resistance between the detection electrodes 108a, 108b created by the consumable 70 can thereby be measured. The consumable 70 includes an electrically conductive portion (not shown in Fig. 7). The detection electrodes 108a, 108b make electrical contact with the electrically conductive portion of the consumable 70, when the consumable 70 is properly engaged in the cavity 103. The conductive portion can take various forms, examples of which are illustrated.

[0136] Variants of consumables 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention are now described in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. In Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the position of the detection electrodes 108a, 108b is shown when the consumable 70 is engaged with the cavity 103 of the example embodiment of Figs. 4 and 7. The other components of the aerosol generating device 50 are omitted for clarity.

[0137] Fig. 8 shows a consumable 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrically conductive portion 250 is formed as a metal foil band. The metal foil band forms a longitudinal portion of the external surface of the consumable 70. In other embodiments, the electrically conductive portion 250 may take the form of a band of electrically conductive ink printed onto a portion of the external surface of the consumable 70. The electrically conductive portion 250 extends along a longitudinal portion of the external surface of the consumable 70. In other embodiments, substantially the whole radial external surface of the consumable 70 may form the electrically conductive portion 250.

[0138] The electrically conductive portion 250 is located between the two longitudinal ends of the consumable 70. In some embodiments (e.g. that of Fig 8) the electrically conductive portion 250 is longitudinally separated from each and both ends of the consumable 70. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive portion is closer to one of the consumable 70 than to the other end of the

[0139] 008848814 P01240 consumable 70. This may provide a visual indicator to the user to tell him or her which end of the consumable 70 to insert into the device 50.

[0140] Referring to Fig. 9, a consumable 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The electrically conductive portion 250 is formed as a metal foil band. The metal foil band is located partially beneath the external paper wrapper of the consumable 70. The metal foil band is exposed for electrical contact with the detection electrodes 108a, 108b via two gaps 250a, 250b in the external paper wrapper of the consumable 70. The gaps 250a, 250b are circumferential gaps in the external paper wrapper. As such, the consumable 70 can be engaged with the aerosol generating device 50 in any rotational orientation and the electrically conductive portion 250 will make electrical contact with the contacts 108a, 108b. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the electrically conductive path is formed beneath a band 252 of external paper wrapper located between the gaps 250a, 250b. In some embodiments, the band 252 of external paper wrapper can be omitted. The longitudinal extent of the electrically conductive portion 250 is indicated by the dotted line of Fig. 9. The electrically conductive portion extends longitudinally beneath a covering portion 254 of the external paper wrapper in both an upstream longitudinal direction and a downstream longitudinal direction.

[0141] Where the aerosol generating device 50 is of the kind shown in Fig. 5, in which the electrodes 108a, 108b are at the same longitudinal position along the cavity 103, a single exposed band of electrically conductive portion may be provided on the consumable 70.

[0142] Referring to Fig. 10, a consumable 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The electrically conductive portion 250 is formed as a metal foil band. The metal foil band is located partially beneath the external paper wrapper of the consumable 70. The metal foil band is exposed for electrical contact with the detection electrodes 108a, 108b via two openings 256a, 256b in the external paper wrapper of the consumable 70. The openings 256a, 256b are circumferential holes in the external paper wrapper. As such, the consumable 70 can be engaged with the aerosol generating device 50 in a particular rotational orientation and the electrically conductive portion 250 will make electrical contact with the contacts 108a, 108b via the openings 256a, 256b. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the electrically conductive path is formed beneath the external paper wrapper located between the openings 256a, 256b. Evidently the use of openings 256a, 256b means that the rotation position of the consumable 70 in the cavity of the device 50 must match to the location of the detection electrodes 108a, 108b. As such, the user can be forced to rotationally locate the consumable 70 in the cavity. This may be useful for systems in which rotation alignment of the consumable 70 and device 50 is important for system performance. Examples may include where the aerosol forming substrate in the consumable 70 and or the heater of the device 50 are not circularly symmetric.

[0143] The longitudinal extent of the electrically conductive portion 250 is indicated by the dotted line of Fig.

[0144] 9. The electrically conductive portion extends longitudinally beneath a covering portion 254 of the

[0145] 008848814 P01240 external paper wrapper in both an upstream longitudinal direction and a downstream longitudinal direction.

[0146] In some embodiments, the conductive portion 250 is formed by a foil layer of the consumable 70 that surrounds the aerosol forming substrate portion. Such a foil layer may be included to prevent ignition of the aerosol forming substrate section. In such embodiments, the foil layer performs a dual function - the ability to measure via the detection electrodes, and ignition prevention.

[0147] With reference to Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10, by way of example embodiment, the electrically conductive portion 250 is located such that, when the consumable 70 is properly engaged with aerosol generating device 50, the electrically conductive portion 250 aligns with the detection electrodes 108a, 108b of the device. The detection electrodes 108a, 108b thus make electrical contact with the electrically conductive portion 250. An electrically conductive pathway is formed between the two detection electrodes 108a, 108b through the electrically conductive portion 250. Providing the electrically conductive portion 250 as a circumferentially complete band may be advantageous for manufacturability of the consumable 70.

[0148] The microcontroller (112) can thus measure the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive pathway through the electrically conductive portion 250. A consumable 70 that does not have an electrically conductive portion 250 that contacts with the electrodes 108a, 108b, may not be detected as present by the microcontroller 112. The microcontroller 112 is configured to operate the heater 104 only if a consumable 70 with a suitably located electrically conductive portion 250 is detected. If the consumable 70 is improperly located within the cavity 103, the microcontroller may not operate the heater 104. Accordingly the aerosol generating device 50 may be prevented from operating with a consumable 70 improperly located within the cavity 103. If the consumable includes an electrically conductive portion 250, but electrically conductive portion 250 is located on the consumable such that the electrically conductive portion 250 is not in electrical contact with the electrodes 108a, 108b even when the consumable 70 is properly engaged, then the microcontroller may not operate the heater 104. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 50 may be prevented from operating with consumables unsuitable for use with the aerosol generating device 50.

[0149] As above, the microcontroller 112 can detect the consumable 70 via measurement of the electrically conductive portion 250 of the consumable 70. As such, the system is capable of restricting device usage to appropriate consumables 70. The system is also configured to detect that the consumable 70 is properly engaged with device 50. In the some embodiments, the microcontroller 112 to is configured to control a user interface of the device 50 to indicate positively to the user the detection of a consumable 70 being detected by the microcontroller 112.

[0150] In some embodiments, the microcontroller can also distinguish between consumable 70 variants based on the consumable variant’s respective electrically conductive portions 250. For example, two

[0151] 008848814 P01240 variants of consumable 70 may be produced for use with the aerosol generating device 50. Each variant of consumable 70 has an electrically conductive portion 250 with a different electrical resistance. The microcontroller 112 is configured to measure the resistance value of the particular consumable 70 engaged with the device 50. The microcontroller 112 has a database of resistance values and corresponding operational parameters for a consumable 70 having that resistance value. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 112 controls operation of the device according to the operational parameters associated with the detected consumable 70 variant based on the variant of the consumable 70 that has been engaged with the device 50. For example, a heater target temperature may be based upon the variant of the consumable 70 that is detected by the microcontroller 112, based on the resistance of the electrically conductive portion 250. In other examples, a heating session duration may be based upon the variant of the consumable 70 that is detected by the microcontroller 112, based on the resistance of the electrically conductive portion 250. These are examples of operational modes. In some examples, an operational mode may define the heater target temperature and the heating session duration. The user experience with different consumable variants can they effectively be automatically controlled.

[0152] For example, a first variant of the consumable 70 has an electrically conductive portion 250 having a first electrical resistance of R1 Ohms. A second variant of the consumable 70 has an electrically conductive portion 250 having a second electrical resistance of R2 Ohms. The second electrical resistance is greater than the first electrical resistance, i.e. R2 > R1. By measuring the resistance of the electrically conductive portion 250, the microcontroller 112 can determine whether the consumable 70 engaged is of the first or second variant.

[0153] The battery 110 provides a battery output voltage. Typical voltages for the battery output voltage may be between 3.5V and 4.5V. The battery output voltage may be depend on the charge state of the battery 110. The PCB 111 may include voltage boosting circuitry. The voltage boosting circuity creates a boosted detection voltage that is higher than the present battery output voltage of the battery 110. The boosted detection voltage may be applied across the contacts 108a, 108b in order to measure the resistance of the electrically conductive portion 250 of the consumable 70. This may permit the resistance of the electrically conductive portion 250 to be more easily measured by the microcontroller 112 and thus the presence of the properly engaged, appropriate, consumable 70 being present in the cavity 103. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive portion of the consumable 70 may be covered by an external wrapper of the consumable 70. In such embodiments, the voltage supplied across the detection contacts 108a, 108b, e.g. the boosted detection voltage, is sufficiently high that electrical conduction through the covering is possible, and through, the electrically conductive portion 250 beneath.

[0154] 008848814

Claims

P01240CLAIMS1 . An aerosol generating apparatus, including: an aerosol generating device (50), the aerosol generating device (50) including a control unit (112) for controlling operation of the device, and; an aerosol generating consumable (70), the aerosol generating consumable (70) including a solid aerosol forming substrate (201); wherein: the aerosol generating device (50) includes a cavity (103) for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating consumable (70), and the aerosol generating device (50) includes a heater (104) for heating the solid aerosol forming substrate (201); an internal surface of the cavity (103) includes first and second detection electrodes (108a, 108b), the first and second detection electrodes facing into the cavity (103); the aerosol generating consumable (70) includes an electrically conductive portion (250) for electrical contact with the first and second electrodes (108a, 108b), and wherein, when the aerosol generating consumable (70) is received within the cavity (103), the electrically conductive portion (250) forms an electrically conductive path between the detection electrodes (108a, 108b), and; wherein the control unit (1 12) is configured to detect the presence of the aerosol generating consumable (70) based on a measurement of the electrically conductive path.

2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (112) is configured to permit the user to initiate a heater activation session based on the detection of a presence of the consumable (70).

3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the control unit (112) is configured to prevent the user from initiating a heater activation session based on an absence of the detection of the consumable (70).

4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity (103) is elongate along a longitudinal axis and optionally wherein the detection electrodes (108a, 108b) are longitinally separated from one another along the longitudinal axis of the cavity (103).008848814P012405. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity (103) is elongate along a longitudinal axis and optionally wherein the detection electrodes (108a, 108b) are at located at the same longitudinal position within the cavity (103).

6. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the detection electrodes (108a, 108b) are circumferentially offset from one another in a direction around the circumference of the cavity (103).

7. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each detection electrode (108a, 108b) has a convex shape directed inwards to the cavity (103).

8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each detection electrode (108a, 108b) is mechanically biased in a direction inwards to the cavity (103).

9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the consumable (70) includes an external wrapper, wherein the electrically conductive portion (250) is exposed via at least one gap through the wrapper.

10. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive portion (250) forms an electrically conductive path on the external surface of the consumable (70).

11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive portion (250) is a first electrically conductive portion, and the apparatus further includes a second consumable (70) including a second aerosol forming substrate and a second electrically conductive portion (250), wherein the first and second electrically conductive portions are electrically different from each other.

12. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein a first electrical resistance of the first electrically conductive portion (250) is different from a second electrical resistance of the second electrically conductive portion.

13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (112) is configured to identify whether the first consumable (70) or second consumable (70) is engaged with the device based on comparison between the measured resistance value and the first and second electrical resistance values.008848814P0124014. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the control unit (112) is configured to operate the heater (104) according to a first mode when the first consumable is detected and a second, different, mode when the second consumable is detected.

15. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the device (50) includes an electrical power supply that supplies a supply voltage, and wherein the device (50) includes voltage boosting circuitry to provide a test voltage between the detection electrodes, wherein the test voltage is higher than the supply voltage.008848814

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