Rotating Aerosol-Forming Article for Segmented Microwave Heating

The substrate segment is divided into multiple heating zones along the circumferential direction. The microwave heating assembly heats different local regions sequentially as the aerosol-forming article rotates, rather than heating the entire substrate segment simultaneously. This segmentation maintains taste consistency by ensuring each region is heated only once while still achieving efficient overall heating through continuous rotation and sequential processing of all segments.

The drive assembly serves multiple functions: it rotates the aerosol-forming article for segmented heating, and simultaneously positions the article stably within the microwave heating field. The accommodating seat provides both support and rotational guidance. By making these components multi-functional, the patent achieves segmented heating without adding excessive complexity - the same structural elements that provide support also enable the rotational motion needed for consistent taste.

The aerosol-forming article rotates continuously or intermittently during the heating process, allowing the microwave heating assembly to sequentially heat different local regions. This continuous rotation ensures that all parts of the substrate segment eventually receive heating coverage while maintaining energy efficiency by focusing microwave energy on small regions at any given moment rather than attempting to heat the entire article simultaneously.