A heater assembly for an aerosol generation device

Abstract

A heater assembly for an aerosol generation device, the heater assembly comprising: a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol generation consumable; a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy; a heat transfer unit configured to transfer the generated thermal energy to heat the heating chamber, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber, and wherein the one or more conductors comprises one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein.

Description

[0001] AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 1

[0002] A heater assembly for an aerosol generation device

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a heater assembly for an aerosol generation device. Some embodiments relate to a heater assembly comprising one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein.

[0005] Background

[0006] Aerosol generation devices typically comprise a heater configured to heat an aerosol precursor material. The heater is often an electrical heater (i.e. , a heater configured to generate thermal energy directly from electrical energy). For example, a heater using resistive / inductive / electromagnetic heating technologies.

[0007] Electrical power is supplied to the electrical heaters from a battery. Reducing the size (i.e., miniaturisation) of aerosol generation devices and / or providing more electrical power to the heater is limited by the energy density of the battery.

[0008] Batteries for aerosol generation devices are often rechargeable. The time required to recharge the batteries remains slow and can often be frustrating to users of the aerosol generation device. Rechargeable batteries often require specific high-power adapters (chargers) which is a further inconvenience to a user.

[0009] Electrical heaters require a pre-heating phase to reach an aerosolization temperature of the aerosol precursor material. This pre-heating phase often increases the amount of time required to heat the aerosol precursor material which is inconvenient to a user.

[0010] Electrical heaters require substantial heat insulation to optimize heat delivery to the aerosol precursor material and not the surrounding environment and casing of the aerosol generation device. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 2

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] Summary

[0013] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heater assembly for an aerosol generation device, the heater assembly comprising: a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol generation consumable; a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy; a heat transfer unit configured to transfer the generated thermal energy to heat the heating chamber, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber, and wherein the one or more conductors comprises one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein.

[0014] The heater assembly comprising a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may provide the advantage of being able to provide a high energy density. For example, a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy (e.g., by an exothermic reaction) may provide a greater energy density than a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy (e.g., an electrical heater).

[0015] The thermal energy generator being configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may enable the size of the heater assembly (and therefore the aerosol generation device) to be reduced whilst still being able to provide the same or a greater number of uses of an aerosol generation device (e.g., on a single charge).

[0016] The heater assembly comprising a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may provide the advantage of being able to generate a threshold heating temperature of a consumable more quickly than an electrical heater. In other words, the heater assembly comprising a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may obviate the need for the pre-heating phase required by electrical heaters. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 3

[0017] The heater assembly comprising a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may provide a quicker recharging time than electrical heaters as replacing the chemical fuel source of the thermal energy generator is quicker than recharging a battery of an electrical heater. Replacing the chemical fuel source may also be simpler than recharging a battery of an electrical heater.

[0018] Additionally, or alternatively, the use of a chemical fuel source may provide more stable energy delivery from the thermal energy generator than an electrical heater.

[0019] Furthermore, replacing the chemical fuel source of the thermal energy generator does not require a charger / adapter required to recharge a battery of an electrical heater. Therefore, the heater assembly comprising a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy may be more convenient to a user.

[0020] The heater assembly comprising one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber may enable thermal energy to be transferred from the thermal energy generator to the heating chamber. The one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber may provide control of the thermal energy transferred between the thermal energy generator and the heating chamber.

[0021] The one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber may constrain the maximum operating temperature of the heater assembly. Constraining the maximum operating temperature may assist in preventing overheating of one or more other components of the aerosol generation device and / or a consumable received by the aerosol generation device. Therefore, other potential issues of the one or more components and / or the consumable may be obviated. For example, the one or more conductors constraining the maximum operating temperature may prevent a consumable from being burned which is advantageous.

[0022] The one or more thermal conductors comprising one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein may provide improved transfer of thermal energy from the thermal energy generator to the heating chamber (e.g., in comparison to thermal conductors without a AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 4 heat transfer fluid). The one or more thermal conductors comprising one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein may provide improved control of the thermal energy transferred between the thermal energy generator and the heating chamber (e.g., in comparison to thermal conductors without a heat transfer fluid). The provision of heat transfer fluid within an aerosol generation device is goes against conventional teaching in the art for aerosol generation devices, which aim to traditionally minimise liquid components. However, the inventors found surprising benefits in using heat transfer fluid to transfer the heat in this case when transferring heat from a thermal energy generator because the heat transfer fluid may provide improved control of the transfer of heat from the thermal energy generator (e.g., when a conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy produces excess heat). For example, the use of the heat transfer fluid may reduce the rate at which heat is transferred from the thermal energy generator to the heating chamber.

[0023] The inventors have also found that the use of one or more thermal conductors is highly reliable (e.g., in relation to heater assembly comprising moving parts) and require no maintenance.

[0024] The one or more thermal conductors may provide efficient transfer of heat. The one or more thermal conductors may be compact and lightweight (e.g., in comparison to battery powered heater assemblies for aerosol generation devices). The one or more thermal conductors may be quiet which improves the user experience.

[0025] The one or more thermal conductors comprising one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein may provide improved flexibility of the location of the generator at different locations within an aerosol generation device. For example, the generator may be located to improve the ease of refuelling the generator to a user. Additionally, or alternatively, the generator may be located such to reduce a surface temperature of an aerosol generation device during use.

[0026] As the heater assembly becomes very hot, the heat transfer capability / efficiency may reduce and the heat may “stay” on the side of the heat assembly (may not be transferred to the consumable). The temperature within the one or more thermal conductors may be limited by the boiling point of the heat transfer fluid at the given pressure. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 5

[0027] In one example, if there is too much heat on the heater assembly the heat transfer fluid will not condense back to liquid, therefore the thermal transfer efficiency will be significantly reduced, which reduces the heat transfer to the consumable and therefore reduces the likelihood of burning / charring.

[0028] The heat transfer fluid may at least partly constrain the maximum operating temperature of the heater assembly.

[0029] The heat transfer unit may be configured to control the transfer of thermal energy from the generator to the heater. This may provide improved transfer of thermal energy from the thermal energy generator to the heating chamber.

[0030] The generator may be configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy via a direct conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy. The conversion may comprise combustion of one or more materials.

[0031] The one or more materials may comprise a liquid fuel and / or a solid fuel.

[0032] The liquid fuel may comprise butane. Combusting butane may provide a greater energy density than the output of an electrical heater and battery of a similar size the amount of butane combusted.

[0033] The solid fuel may comprise iron oxide and / or Aluminium. Combusting iron oxide and / or Aluminium may provide a greater energy density than the output of an electrical heater and battery of a similar size the amount of iron oxide and / or Aluminium combusted.

[0034] The heat transfer fluid may comprise a heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may have a greater specific heat capacity than a gaseous heat transfer fluid.

[0035] The heat transfer liquid may comprise water and / or an organic compound. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 6

[0036] A heat transfer liquid comprising water and / or an organic compound may advantageously be able to transfer heat at the required operating temperature of the heating chamber. For example, the temperature of the heating chamber may be greater than 100 degrees Centigrade.

[0037] The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 100 to 400 degrees Centigrade (e.g., 130 degrees, 165 degrees). The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 180 to 400 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 220 to 350 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 260 to 330 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 220 to 300 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be between 280 to 350 degrees Centigrade.

[0038] The temperature of the heating chamber may be 130 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be greater than 165 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be greater than 320 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be greater than 350 degrees Centigrade. The temperature of the heating chamber may be greater than 400 degrees Centigrade.

[0039] The heating chamber may comprise one or more recesses configured to at least partly receive the one or more thermal conductors. The heating chamber comprising one or more recesses to at least partly receive the one or more thermal conductors may enable faster heat transfer between the one or more thermal conductors and the heating chamber.

[0040] The heater assembly may comprise an auxiliary thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy, wherein the auxiliary thermal energy generator is configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber.

[0041] The heater assembly may comprise an auxiliary thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy may provide a supplementary supply of thermal energy to the heating chamber. This may enable the thermal energy supplied to the heating chamber to be optimised. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 7

[0042] The heating chamber may comprise one or more fins configured to transfer thermal energy to an aerosol generation consumable received therein.

[0043] The heating chamber comprising one or more fins may provide more efficient heat transfer between the heating chamber and a consumable received in the heating chamber.

[0044] The heat transfer unit may comprise a heat transfer buffer between the generator and the heating chamber.

[0045] The heat transfer unit comprising a heat transfer buffer between the generator and the heating chamber may provide improved control of the thermal energy being transfer between the generator and the heating chamber.

[0046] The heat transfer buffer may be arranged to space the one or more thermal conductors from the generator.

[0047] The heat transfer buffer being arranged to space the one or more thermal conductors from the generator may provide improved control of the thermal energy being transfer between the generator and the one or more thermal conductors.

[0048] The heat transfer buffer may comprise one or more phase change materials.

[0049] The heat transfer buffer comprising one or more phase change materials may provide improved control of the thermal energy being transfer between the generator and the heating chamber.

[0050] The heat transfer buffer may comprise a fluid container configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer.

[0051] The heat transfer buffer comprising a fluid container configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer may provide improved control of the temperature of the heat transfer AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 8 buffer. Improved temperature control of the heat transfer buffer may provide improved control of the transfer of thermal energy between the generator and the other components of the heat transfer assembly.

[0052] The heater assembly may comprise an actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container.

[0053] The heater assembly comprising an actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container may provide improved control of the temperature of the heat transfer buffer (e.g., vs a passive fluid system).

[0054] The heat transfer buffer may comprise a thermoelectric cooling device configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer.

[0055] The heat transfer buffer comprising a thermoelectric cooling device configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer may provide improved control of the temperature of the heat transfer buffer. Improved temperature control of the heat transfer buffer may provide improved control of the transfer of thermal energy between the generator and the other components of the heat transfer assembly.

[0056] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly of any preceding paragraph.

[0057] AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 9

[0058] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0059] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an example heater assembly for an aerosol generation device;

[0060] FIG. 2 shows an example heater assembly for an aerosol generation device;

[0061] FIG. 3 shows part of an example heater assembly for an aerosol generation device;

[0062] FIG. 4 shows an example heater assembly for an aerosol generation device;

[0063] FIG. 5 shows an example heater assembly for an aerosol generation device; FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional front view of part of an example heater assembly;

[0064] FIG. 7 shows an example heat transfer buffer;

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of some functional components of an example aerosol generation device; and

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a method of using an aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly.

[0067] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0068] AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 10

[0069] Detailed Description

[0070] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and / or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine, cellulose-based sheet material, paper, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs or botanicals in addition to a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco in any one of shredded, crimped or gathered reconstituted tobacco sheet form. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye may be in the form of various materials such as shredded rye, granulated rye, rye leaf and / or reconstituted rye. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material may comprise a liquid or a gel, which may comprise nicotine and / or one or more solid particles. For example, the aerosol precursor material comprises tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel.

[0071] An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0072] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 11

[0073] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device. The heater assembly 100 (i.e. , heater arrangement) comprises a heating chamber 110, a thermal energy generator 120, and a heat transfer unit 130.

[0075] In some examples, the heater assembly 100 may be part of an aerosol generation device. In other words, an aerosol generation device may comprise the heater assembly 100.

[0076] The heating chamber 110 is for receiving an aerosol generation consumable. The consumable may comprise an aerosol precursor material.

[0077] The thermal energy generator 120 is configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy. The heat transfer unit 130 is configured to transfer the generated thermal energy (e.g., from the thermal energy generator 120) to heat the heating chamber 110.

[0078] The heat transfer unit 130 comprises one or more thermal conductors 132 between the generator 120 and the heating chamber 110. The one or more conductors 132 comprises one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein.

[0079] The one or more conduits may be cylindrical in shape. In some examples, an outer (external) diameter of the one or more conduits may be 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm. The one or more conduits may comprise a length of 30mm to 80mm.

[0080] In some examples, the one or more conduits may be configured to retain 0.1ml to 0.5ml of heat transfer fluid therein.

[0081] The heating chamber 110 may be configured to transfer the thermal energy from the heat transfer unit 130 to the consumable (e.g., when the consumable is received at least partly AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 12 within the heating chamber 110). The emission of thermal energy from the heating chamber 110 to the consumable may cause the aerosol precursor material to aerosolise.

[0082] The thermal energy generator 120 may be configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy via a direct conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy. In other words, thermal energy generator 120 may be a chemical heater (as opposed to an electrical heater).

[0083] The conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy may comprise the combustion of one or more materials (i.e., fuels). The one or more materials may comprise a liquid fuel and / or a solid fuel. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more materials may comprise one or more catalysts.

[0084] The fuel may be any organic compound capable of emitting thermal energy through its oxidation.

[0085] The fuel may comprise one or more hydrocarbons. The fuel may comprise one or more oxidized metals. The fuel may comprise hydrogen.

[0086] The liquid fuel may comprise butane. The solid fuel may comprise iron oxide and / or Aluminium.

[0087] The thermal energy generator 120 may comprise a chamber. The chamber may be an exothermic reaction chamber. The thermal energy generator 120 may be configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy in the chamber. For example, via combustion of one or more fuels within the chamber.

[0088] The chamber may comprise and / or be connected to a fuel reservoir. In some examples, the fuel reservoir may form part of a removable cartridge (i.e., removal from the heater assembly).

[0089] The chamber may comprise an exterior thermal insulator portion. In other words, the chamber may be at least partially enclosed by a thermal insulator. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 13

[0090] The chamber may comprise a thermal energy transfer portion. The thermal energy transfer portion may be configured such that thermal energy generated in the thermal energy generator 120 may be transferred to the heat transfer unit 130. For example, there may not be a thermal insulator between the heat transfer unit 130 and the thermal energy transfer portion.

[0091] In some examples, the chamber may comprise an exterior thermal insulator portion and a thermal energy transfer portion.

[0092] The thermal energy generator 120 may comprise an actuator (e.g., a thermal energy generator actuator). The actuator may be configured to cause (e.g., initiate) the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator 120. For example, the actuator may comprise a pump configured to supply a pressurised fuel to the chamber (e.g., the actuator may comprise one or more micro precision injectors). In some examples, the thermal energy generator 120 may comprise one or more micro precision injectors and a catalyst. Using the injector(s) and the catalyst may reduce the temperature required to ignite one or more fuels in the chamber, thereby providing more efficient combustion. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator may comprise an ignition unit for initiating the burning of one or more fuels in the chamber.

[0093] The heat transfer unit 130 may be configured to control the transfer of thermal energy from the thermal energy generator 120 to the heating chamber 110 (i.e. , the heater). The heat transfer unit 130 comprising one or more thermal conductors 132 between the generator 120 and the heating chamber 110 may control the transfer.

[0094] Each thermal conductor 132 may comprise a conduit (e.g., a pipe) configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein. For example, the conduit may comprise a heat transfer fluid (retained within the conduit).

[0095] In some examples, the heat transfer fluid is retained permanently with the conduit. In other words, the heat transfer fluid may be sealed within the conduit. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 14

[0096] In some examples, the heat transfer unit 130 comprises a reservoir of heat transfer fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid storage region spaced from the conduit(s)). The conduits and reservoir may be configured such that heat transfer fluid may travel between the conduits and the reservoir.

[0097] At least one of the one or more conduits may be formed at least in part from a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may comprise a thermal conductivity of greater than 5 Watts per meter-kelvin (W / m / K). The thermally conductive material may comprise a thermal conductivity of greater than 10W / m / K. The thermally conductive material may comprise a thermal conductivity of greater than 30W / m / K.

[0098] The thermal conductive material may comprise a metal. The material may be at least one of copper, Monel, Aluminium, steel, and / or titanium. The steel may be mild steel, stainless steel, and / or a steel superalloy.

[0099] The heat transfer unit 130 may comprise any suitable number of thermal conductors 132. As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat transfer unit 130 comprises one thermal conductor 132.

[0100] It should be understood that the heat transfer unit 130 may comprise a plurality of thermal conductors (as shown in FIGs 2, 4 and 5). FIG.2 shows an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device, the heater assembly 100 comprising a heat transfer unit 130. The heat transfer unit 130 comprises a plurality of thermal conductors 132.

[0101] The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected (e.g., directly connected) to the thermal energy generator 120. The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected to the thermal energy generator 120 via a heat transfer buffer.

[0102] The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected (e.g., directly connected) to the heating chamber 110. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 15

[0103] The plurality of thermal conductors 132 may be distributed evenly around a periphery of the heating chamber 110. Each of the plurality of thermal conductors may be discreet from one another. In other words, the thermal conductors may be spaced from one another.

[0104] In some examples, each thermal conductor 132 may comprise (distinct) heat transfer fluid (e.g., without fluid connectivity between the thermal conductors 132) thereby operating independently from one another.

[0105] The one or more thermal conductors 132 may comprise one or more constant conductance thermal conductors 132 (e.g., constant conductance heat pipes). The one or more thermal conductors 132 may comprise variable conductance thermal conductors 132 (e.g., variable conductance heat pipes).

[0106] The variable conductance thermal conductors 132 may comprise the heat transfer fluid and a non-condensable fluid (e.g., a non-condensable gas). The variable conductance thermal conductors 132 may comprise a non-condensable fluid reservoir at an end of the thermal conductor 132 (e.g., the end of the conductor 132 nearest to the heating chamber 110 and furthest from the thermal energy generator 120, or the end of the conductor 132 nearest to the thermal energy generator 120 and furthest from the heating chamber 110). In some examples, the thermal conductors 132 being variable conductance thermal conductors 132, may provide sufficient heat to the heating chamber 110 for a greater time (e.g., than a constant conductance thermal conductor 132 when using the same amount of fuel).

[0107] In some examples, the thermal conductor(s) 132 may define a substantially straight path for the heat transfer fluid. In other words, the thermal conductor(s) 132 may be substantially straight.

[0108] In some examples (such as the example shown in FIG. 3), the thermal conductor(s) may define a curved path for the heat transfer fluid. The curved path may be a serpentine shaped. In other words, the thermal conductor(s) 132 may be curved. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 16

[0109] The heat transfer fluid may be configured to transfer heat (thermal energy) from the thermal energy generator 120 to the heating chamber 110. The heat transfer fluid may comprise any fluid suitable for transferring heat from the thermal energy generator 120 to the heating chamber 110.

[0110] The heat transfer fluid may comprise a specific heat capacity of at least 1500 joules per kilogram-kelvin. The heat transfer fluid may comprise a specific heat capacity of at least 2000 joules per kilogram-kelvin.

[0111] The heat transfer fluid may comprise a heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may comprise water and / or an organic compound. The heat transfer fluid may comprise at least one of alcohol, Biphenyl, Naphthalene, Phenylbenzene, Monochloronaphthalene, O- Terphenyl, ortho- and meta-terphenyl, diphenyl ortho- and meta-terphenyl, or diphenyl and diphenyl oxide.

[0112] In some examples, the heat transfer fluid may comprise water and the conduit(s) may be formed at least in part of copper, Monel, and / or titanium.

[0113] In some examples, the heat transfer fluid may comprise ortho- and meta-terphenyl and the conduit(s) may be formed at least in part of mild steel, stainless steel, and / or a steel superalloy.

[0114] In some examples, the heat transfer fluid may comprise diphenyl ortho- and meta-terphenyl and the conduit(s) may be formed at least in part of mild steel, stainless steel, and / or a steel superalloy.

[0115] In use, heat generated in the thermal energy generator 120 may be absorbed by the heat transfer fluid (thereby causing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid to increase). Heating the heat transfer fluid may cause the heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from an end of the conductor 132 connected to the thermal energy generator 120 and to the heating chamber 110. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 17

[0116] For example, the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a thermal energy generator 120 and a heating chamber 110. The conductors 132, comprising heat transfer fluid, are connected to the thermal energy generator 120 and to the heating chamber 110. Heating the heat transfer fluid may cause the heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from an end 132a of the conductor(s) 132 connected to the thermal energy generator 120 and to the heating chamber 110.

[0117] In some examples, the heat transfer unit 130 comprises the heat transfer buffer between the generator 120 and the heating chamber 110. In other words, the heat transfer buffer may be located between (e.g., directly between) the generator 120 and the heating chamber 110. For example, the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a heat transfer buffer 134 between the generator 120 and the heating chamber 110.

[0118] The heat transfer buffer may be arranged to space the one or more thermal conductors 132 from the generator 120. In this example, the one or more thermal conductors 132 are connected to the generator via the heat transfer buffer 134.

[0119] The heat transfer buffer 134 may comprise one or more phase change materials. The one or more phase change materials may be arranged to absorb thermal energy from the generator 120. The one or more phase change materials may be arranged to absorb excess thermal energy from the generator 120 such that the thermal energy transferred to the heating chamber 110 is controlled.

[0120] The heat transfer buffer 134 may comprise an upper surface and an underside surface. The upper surface may be the surface of the heat transfer buffer that is closest to the heating chamber 110. The underside surface may be the surface of the heat transfer buffer that is closest to the generator 120. The heat transfer buffer may comprise a layer of one or more phase change materials. For example, the layer may be on the underside surface. The layer may be a continuous layer. The layer may be a discontinuous layer. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 18

[0121] In some examples, the heat transfer 134 buffer may be disc shaped. The circular regions of the disc may be formed from the upper surface and lower surface. The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected to the upper surface and / or a sidewalls of the disc.

[0122] In some examples, the heat transfer buffer 134 comprises a fluid container configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer. The heat transfer buffer may comprise a plurality of fluid channels.

[0123] The heater assembly 100 may comprise an actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container. The actuator may comprise a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) pump (e.g., a MEMS micro pump). In some examples, the fluid comprises water.

[0124] In some examples, the heat transfer buffer 134 comprises a fluid container (e.g., reservoir) connected to one or more fluid channels. The heat transfer buffer 134 comprises an actuator (e.g., the MEMS pump) configured to transfer fluid from the container and to the one or more fluid channels. Figure 7 shows an example heat transfer buffer 134 comprising one or more fluid channels136.

[0125] Additionally, or alternatively, the heat transfer buffer may comprise a cooling device configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer. In some examples, the cool device may comprise a passive cooling device. In some examples, the cooling device comprises a thermoelectric cooling device (such as a Peltier element) configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer.

[0126] The thermoelectric cooling device may comprise an upper surface and an underside surface. The upper surface may be the surface of the thermoelectric cooling device that is closest to the heating chamber 110. The underside surface may be the surface of the thermoelectric cooling device that is closest to the generator 120. The upper surface may be the cold side / surface and the underside surface may be the hot side / surface of the thermoelectric cooling device. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 19

[0127] The underside surface of the thermoelectric cooling device may be connected to a housing of the heater assembly 100 and / or aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly 100. This may be excess heat to be dissipated more efficiently.

[0128] The aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly 100 may comprise an electrical power supply arranged to supply electrical power to the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0129] In some examples, an aerosol generation device may comprise a primary electrical power supply and a supplementary electrical power supply. The supplementary electrical power supply may be arranged to provide less electrical power than the primary electrical power supply. The aerosol generation device may be configured to supplied electrical power to the thermoelectric cooling device from the supplementary electrical power supply. The aerosol generation device may comprise a Bluetooth communication unit. Additionally, or alternatively, the aerosol generation device may be configured to supply electrical power from the supplementary electrical power supply to the thermoelectric cooling device and the Bluetooth communication unit.

[0130] The heat transfer buffer 134 may comprise at least one of the layer of one or more phase change materials, the fluid container and the thermoelectric cooling device.

[0131] The heating chamber 110 is for receiving an aerosol generation consumable. For example, the heating chamber 110 may comprise an opening configured to receive at least part of an aerosol generation device consumable. The opening may be a blind hole.

[0132] The heating chamber 110 may comprise one or more recesses configured to at least partly receive the one or more thermal conductors. For example, the one or more recesses may comprise a corresponding shape to the one or more thermal conductors (e.g., example dimensions of the conduits of the thermal conductors are described above). The heating chamber 110 may comprise the one or more recesses in an external (i.e. , outer) surface of the heating chamber 110. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 20

[0133] The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected to the heating chamber 110 via the one or more recesses. For example, the one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected to the heating chamber 110 via the one or more recesses via a friction fit and / or via one or more adhesives.

[0134] The heater assembly 100 may comprise an auxiliary thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy (e.g., via an electrical heater). The auxiliary thermal energy generator may be configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber 110.

[0135] The auxiliary thermal generator may be located on an external (i.e., outer) surface of the heating chamber 110. The auxiliary thermal generator may comprise one or more film heating elements (e.g., thin film heating elements, which may comprise a polyimide resistive heating element).

[0136] In some examples, the auxiliary thermal generator may be located proximate to the one or more thermal conductors 132 on the heating chamber 110. The auxiliary thermal generator may be configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber 110 when the heat supplied from the one or more thermal conductors 132 is insufficient.

[0137] Figure 6 shows a schematic example of a cross-sectional front view of part of a heating chamber 110 an example heater assembly 100. Figure 6 is discussed in more detail below. As shown in figure 6, the heating chamber 110 may comprise one or more fins 150 configured to transfer thermal energy to an aerosol generation consumable received therein (i.e., at least partly within the chamber 110).

[0138] The one or more fins 150 may be located on an internal (inner) surface of the heating chamber 110. The fins 150 may be discreet from one another. The fins 150 may be evenly distributed along the internal surface of the heating chamber 110.

[0139] The one or more fins 150 may be formed at least in part from a thermally conductive material (e.g., a metal such as copper). AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 21

[0140] Each fin 150 may comprise an upper surface 150a and an underside surface 150b separated from the upper surface via one or more sidewalls. The surface area of the upper surface and the underside surface may be substantially larger than the surface area of the one or more sidewalls. The upper surface and the underside surface may be substantially flat (i.e., level).

[0141] The one or more fins 150 may be located on the heating chamber 110 such that the upper surface and underside surface of the fin(s) are (substantially) orthogonal to a longitudinal extent of the heating chamber 110. The one or more fins being located in this manner provides increase heat transfer between the heating chamber 110 and a consumable received at least partly within the heating chamber 110.

[0142] The heating chamber 110 may comprise an exterior thermal insulator 116, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the heating chamber 110 may be at least partially enclosed by a thermal insulator 116.

[0143] In some examples, the heating chamber 110 may be integrated into a vacuum assembly. For example, in order to reduce heat being transmitted to components of an aerosol generation device outside of the heater assembly 100, the heating chamber 110 may be at least partly enclosed by a vacuum assembly. A vacuum assembly (i.e., a heater in vacuum) may comprise the heating chamber 110 wrapped / jacketed by an outer vacuum chamber. In some examples, at least part of the one or more thermal conductors 132 (e.g., part of the thermal conductors 132 to be received by one or more recesses in the heating chamber 110) may be arranged within the outer vacuum chamber.

[0144] In some examples, the one or more thermal conductors 132 may be arranged about an outer wall of the heating chamber 110. The one or more thermal conductors 132 and the heating chamber 110 may be insertable into a vacuum insulator comprising an outer metal tube arranged to entrap the thermal conductors 132 and heating chamber 110 into a sealed vacuumed chamber. To form such a vacuum insulator about the thermal conductors 132 and heating chamber 110, those may be first inserted in a metal tube of larger internal diameter than the outer combined diameter of the heating chambers 110 and thermal conductors AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 22 arranged thereabout as previously described, such that a thin air gap remains between the one or more thermal conductors 132, outer wall of the heating chamber 110, and the inner wall of the outer metal tube.

[0145] A first (open) end of the outer tube may then be sealed (e.g., air sealed), for example, by a sealing cap, pinching or brazing to an upper end wall of the heating chamber. The second (open) end of the outer tube (i.e. , the open end of the outer tube) may be vacuumed to create a vacuum (void) in the gap. The gap (and thereby the vacuum) may then be sealed by sealing the second end of the outer tube (e.g., by a sealing cap).

[0146] The inventor has found that using a sealing cap is advantageous (e.g., rather than using a pinched or brazed seal) as the sealing cap is more reliable and offers simpler manufacturing of the vacuum insulator assembly. For example, the sealing cap may be moulded in situ around the conduits of the thermal conductors 132 and / or the outer tube.

[0147] Additionally, or alternatively, the heater assembly 100 may be integrated into a vacuum assembly. For example, in order to reduce heat being transmitted to components of an aerosol generation device outside of the heater assembly 100, the heater assembly 100 may be at least partly enclosed by a vacuum assembly.

[0148] The heater assembly 100 and / or aerosol generation device may comprise a controller configured to control one or more components of the heater assembly 100.

[0149] The controller may be configured to cause the actuator of the thermal energy generator to cause (e.g., initiate) the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator 120.

[0150] The controller may be configured to cause the auxiliary thermal generator (i.e., secondary thermal generator) to generate thermal energy from electrical energy.

[0151] The controller may be configured to cause the actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container to transfer fluid from the container and to the one or more fluid channels. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 23

[0152] The controller may be configured to cause an electrical power supply of the heater assembly 100 and / or the aerosol generation device to supply electrical power to at least one of the actuator of the thermal energy generator, the auxiliary thermal generator, and / or the actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container.

[0153] As described above, FIG. 2 shows an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device.

[0154] The heater assembly 100 comprises a thermal energy generator 120 configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy. The thermal energy generator 120 comprises a chamber 122 and a thermal insulator 124 at least partially enclosing the chamber 122. The chamber 122 comprises a thermal energy transfer portion.

[0155] The heater assembly 100 comprises a heat transfer unit 130. The heat transfer unit 130 comprising a heat transfer buffer 134 and a plurality of thermal conductors 132. Only one of the seven thermal conductors 132 shown in FIG. 2 has been given the reference numerals 132 for clarity reasons.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat transfer buffer 134 is connected to the thermal energy transfer portion of the chamber 122. A first end 132a of each of the thermal conductors 132 is connected to the heat transfer buffer 134. The thermal conductors 132 are connected to the heating chamber 110 of the heater assembly 100. The heating chamber 110 comprises an opening 112 for receiving a consumable.

[0157] FIG. 2 shows an open area 116 beneath the heating chamber 110. In some examples, the heat transfer buffer 134 may comprise one or more additional components within the open area 116.

[0158] FIG. 3 shows part of an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device. In particular, FIG. 3 shows an alternative thermal conductor 132 to the thermal conductors 132 shown in FIG. 2. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 24

[0159] The heating chamber 110 comprises the same opening 112 as described in relation to the heating chamber 110 of FIG. 2.

[0160] The heating chamber 110 shown in FIG. 3 comprises a single thermal conductor 132 (i.e. , the heating chamber 110 consists of a single thermal conductor 132 as opposed to a plurality of thermal conductors 132).

[0161] The thermal conductor 132 comprises a first end 132a (as described above) and a second end 132b. Each end 132a, 132b may be connectable to a thermal energy generator 120 (e.g., via a heat transfer buffer 134).

[0162] The thermal conductor 132 defines a curved path for the heat transfer fluid. The curved path shown in FIG. 3 is serpentine shaped (i.e., S-shaped).

[0163] FIG. 4 shows an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device. The heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 4 comprises all of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2.

[0164] The heater assembly 100 of FIG. 4 also comprises an auxiliary thermal energy generator 140 configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy.

[0165] The auxiliary thermal energy generator 140 may be configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber 110. The auxiliary thermal generator 140 may be configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber 110 when the heat supplied from the one or more thermal conductors 132 is insufficient.

[0166] The auxiliary thermal generator 140 shown in FIG. 4 s located on an external (i.e., outer) surface of the heating chamber 110. The auxiliary thermal generator 140 is located proximate to the one or more thermal conductors 132 on the heating chamber 110. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 25

[0167] FIG. 5 shows an example heater assembly 100 for an aerosol generation device. The heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 5 comprises all of the components of the heater assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2.

[0168] The heater assembly 100 of FIG. 4 also comprises an exterior thermal insulator 116. The heating chamber 110 is at least partially enclosed by the thermal insulator 116.

[0169] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional front view of part of a heating chamber 110 an example heater assembly 100. The heating chamber 110 shown in FIG. 6 may form at least part of the heater assemblies described herein.

[0170] The heating chamber 110 comprises a plurality of fins 150 configured to transfer thermal energy to an aerosol generation consumable 200 received therein (i.e., at least partly within the chamber 110). The heating chamber 110 shown in FIG. 6 comprises 20 fins. References signs have not been added to each fin for clarity purposes.

[0171] The consumable 200 comprises an aerosol precursor material portion 210 and an aerosolization portion 220. Heat transferred from the heating chamber 110 may cause the aerosol precursor material in the aerosol precursor material portion 210 to aerosolise (i.e., into the aerosolization portion 220).

[0172] The fins 150 are located on an internal (inner) surface of the heating chamber 110 and are discreet from one another. The fins 150 are evenly distributed along the internal surface of the heating chamber 110.

[0173] The opening 112 shown in FIG.6 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The fins 150 extend around the periphery of the innerwall 112a of the opening 112. The fins 150 may be continuous or discontinuous around the periphery of the inner wall 112a.

[0174] Each fin 150 comprises an upper surface 150a and an underside surface 150b separated from the upper surface 150a via one or more sidewalls. The surface area of the upper surface 150a and the underside surface 150b are substantially larger than the surface area of the one or AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 26 more sidewalls. The upper surface 150a and the underside surface 150b are substantially flat (i.e., level).

[0175] FIG. 7 shows an example heat transfer buffer 134.

[0176] The heat transfer buffer 134 is arranged to space the one or more thermal conductors 132 from the generator 120.

[0177] The heat transfer buffer 134 comprises an upper surface 134a and an underside surface 134b. The upper surface 134a may be the surface of the heat transfer buffer 134 that is closest to the heating chamber 110. The underside surface 134b may be the surface of the heat transfer buffer 134 that is closest to the generator 120.

[0178] The heat transfer buffer 134 may comprise a layer of one or more phase change materials on the underside surface 134b.

[0179] The heat transfer buffer 134 shown in FIG. 7 is disc shaped. The circular regions 134a, 134b of the disc are formed from the upper surface 134a and lower surface 134b. The one or more thermal conductors 132 may be connected to the upper surface 134a and / or a sidewall 134c of the disc.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 7, a first end 132a of the thermal conductors 132 is connected to the sidewall 134c of the heat transfer buffer 134.

[0181] The heat transfer buffer 134 comprises a fluid container (not shown) configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer 134. The heat transfer buffer 134 comprises a plurality of fluid channels 136.

[0182] An actuator (not shown) may be configured to control the fluid of the fluid container. The actuator may comprise a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) pump (e.g., a MEMS micro pump). In some examples, the fluid comprises water. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 27

[0183] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic of some functional components of an example heater assembly

[0184] 100.

[0185] In addition to the heat transfer buffer 134 and the auxiliary thermal energy generator 140, the heater assembly 100 may comprise one or more of an electrical power supply 800, a controller 810, and a thermal energy generator actuator 820.

[0186] In some examples, an aerosol generation device may comprise all the components illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0187] The illustrated components 134, 140, 800, 810, 820 are operationally coupled. Any number of intervening components can exist between them (including no intervening components).

[0188] The controller 810 (i.e. , control circuitry) may comprise a processor 812 and memory 814. The processor 812 may be configured to read from and write to the memory 814. The processor 812 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 812 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 812.

[0189] The memory 814 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 814 may store a computer program comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 when loaded into the processor 812. The computer program instructions, of the computer program, may provide the logic and routines that enables the heater assembly 100 to perform the method illustrated in FIG. 9. The processor 812, by reading the memory 814, can load and execute the computer program.

[0190] The memory 814 may store data. The processor 812 may, for example, be configured to retrieve the data from the memory 814.

[0191] Although the memory 814 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 28 integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0192] Although the processor 812 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 812 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0193] The actuator 820 is configured to cause (e.g., initiate) the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator 120. For example, the actuator 820 may comprise a pump configured to supply a pressurised fuel to the chamber 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator may comprise an ignition unit for initiating the burning of one or more fuels in the chamber 122.

[0194] The electrical power supply 800 is configured to supply electrical power to one or more components of the heater assembly 100.

[0195] The controller 810 is configured to cause the actuator 820 of the thermal energy generator 120 to cause (e.g., initiate) the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator 120.

[0196] The controller 810 is configured to cause the auxiliary thermal generator 140 (i.e., secondary thermal generator) to generate thermal energy from electrical energy.

[0197] The controller 810 is configured to cause the actuator of the heat transfer buffer 134 configured to control the fluid of the fluid container to transfer fluid from the container and to the one or more fluid channels 136.

[0198] The controller 810 is configured to cause the electrical power supply 800 to supply electrical power to at least one of the actuator 820 of the thermal energy generator 120, the auxiliary thermal generator 140, and / or the actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container. AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 29

[0199] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic of a method 900 of operating (e.g., using) an example aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly 100.

[0200] At block 902, the method 900 comprises receiving a signal indicative of a user input that a consumable 200 is received in the opening 112 and an aerosolization session should begin.

[0201] At block 904, the method 900 comprises causing the actuator 820 of the thermal energy generator 120 to cause (e.g., initiate) the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator 120.

[0202] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0203] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0204] Each feature disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0205] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 30Claims:

1. A heater assembly for an aerosol generation device, the heater assembly comprising: a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol generation consumable; a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy; a heat transfer unit configured to transfer the generated thermal energy to heat the heating chamber, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises one or more thermal conductors between the generator and the heating chamber, and wherein the one or more conductors comprises one or more conduits configured to retain a heat transfer fluid therein.

2. The heater assembly of claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer unit is configured to control the transfer of thermal energy from the generator to the heater.

3. The heater assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the generator is configured to generate thermal energy from chemical energy via a direct conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy.

4. The heater assembly of claim 3, wherein the conversion comprises combustion of one or more materials.

5. The heater assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more materials comprise a liquid fuel and / or a solid fuel.

6. The heater assembly of claim 5, wherein the liquid fuel comprises butane.

7. The heater assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the solid fuel comprises iron oxide and / or Aluminium.AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 318. The heater assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a heat transfer liquid.

9. The heater assembly of claim 8, wherein the heat transfer liquid comprises water and / or an organic compound.

10. The heater assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more recesses configured to at least partly receive the one or more thermal conductors.

11. The heater assembly of any preceding claim, comprising an auxiliary thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electrical energy, wherein the auxiliary thermal energy generator is configured to provide supplementary heat to the heating chamber.

12. The heater assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more fins configured to transfer thermal energy to an aerosol generation consumable received therein.

13. The heater assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a heat transfer buffer between the generator and the heating chamber.

14. The heater assembly of claim 13, wherein the heat transfer buffer is arranged to space the one or more thermal conductors from the generator.

15. The heater assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the heat transfer buffer comprises one or more phase change materials.

16. The heater assembly of claim 13, 14, or 15, wherein the heat transfer buffer comprises a fluid container configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer.AL Ref: P46846WO | JTI Ref: 6574 / WO 3217. The heater assembly of claim 16, comprising an actuator configured to control the fluid of the fluid container.

18. The heater assembly of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the heat transfer buffer comprises a thermoelectric cooling device configured to reduce the temperature of the heat transfer buffer.

19. An aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly of any preceding claim.

20. A method of operating an aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly of any of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: receiving a signal indicative of a user input that a consumable is received in an opening of the heating chamber; and causing the thermal energy generator to cause the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy by the thermal energy generator.21 . The method of claim 20, wherein the signal indicative of the user input is indicative that an aerosolization session should begin.22 The method of claim 20 or 21 , wherein causing the thermal energy generator to cause the conversion comprises causing an actuator of the thermal energy generator to cause the conversion.

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