EP4346463A1

EP4346463A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4346463A1
Application number: EP22730873.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luke WARREN; Mark Potter
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2024-04-10
Also published as: KR20240009426A; JP7688730B2; BR112023024840A2; CN117396091A; WO2022248708A1; US20240245131A1; JP2024519152A; GB202107711D0

Abstract

An aerosol provision device 2 is disclosed for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating article 4 comprising portions of aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device 2 comprises a plurality of aerosol transmission channels arranged adjacent a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with the plurality of aerosol generating regions and control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively control the plurality of aerosol generating regions.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system and a method of generating an aerosol.

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporisation. An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking or capillary action. While a user inhales on the device, electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporise source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece so that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol from the aerosol source with it. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

Other aerosol provision devices generate aerosol from a solid material, such as tobacco or a tobacco derivative. Such devices operate in a broadly similar manner to the liquid-based systems described above, in that the solid tobacco material is heated to a vaporisation temperature to generate an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by a user. In most aerosol provision devices, users seek consistent delivery on a puff-by-puff basis such that each puff tastes the same and/or provides the same desired effect. However, the devices described above are not always capable of providing consistent delivery. Various approaches are described which seek to help address some of these issues.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a plurality of aerosol transmission channels arranged adjacent a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with the plurality of aerosol generating regions; and control circuity configured to selectively control the plurality of aerosol generating regions.

According to various embodiments each of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels may comprise an individual valve which may be configured to open and close on demand. More specifically, the control circuity may be configured to open or close the individual valve(s) depending on whether or not a specific heating element of a heating unit and therefore aerosol generating region is activated. It will be appreciated therefore that any of the plurality of individual valves may be opened or closed simultaneously by the control circuitry, in any combination depending on which of the plurality of heating elements are activated e.g. all of the plurality of valves are in an open state or all of the valves are in a closed state, or any proportion of the plurality of valves are in an open state and the remaining proportion of the plurality of valves are in a closed state.

According to various embodiments the aerosol generated from each aerosol generating region can be arranged so that the aerosol does not flow across other aerosol generating regions. Accordingly, the air flow from each aerosol generating region can be tailored as desired. According to various embodiments the air flow paths from each aerosol generating region may be arranged to have the same path length which enables a more consistent sensory experience to be achieved during the course of a session.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

Optionally, each aerosol generating region is defined by a respective heating element.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises an outlet, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set a heating profile of each of the plurality of aerosol generating regions such that the consistency of aerosol generated at the different aerosol generating regions is substantially constant when exiting the outlet.

Optionally, the control circuitry is configured to set a heating profile of each of the plurality of aerosol generating regions to generate an amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material such that, regardless of distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet of the aerosol provision device, a substantially constant amount of aerosol passes through the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the control circuitry is configured to set a heating profile to cause the plurality of aerosol generating regions to generate an amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material that is proportional to the distance of the respective portion from an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the operational temperature of at least one aerosol generating region is based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the operational temperature of the aerosol generating regions closer to an outlet of the aerosol provision device is lower than the operational temperature of heating elements further from the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the heating duration for the at least one aerosol generating region is based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the plurality of aerosol transmission channels further comprise one or more valves for selectively controlling flow of aerosol generated by the plurality of aerosol generating regions through the plurality of aerosol transmission channels.

Optionally, the one or more valves are selectively controlled, activated or deactivated by the control circuity in response to activation or deactivation of the plurality of aerosol generating regions.

Optionally, the plurality of aerosol generating regions each comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.

Optionally, at least some or each of the air supply holes comprise a valve for selectively controlling flow of aerosol through the respective aerosol generating region.

Optionally, the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the flow path length of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels to the outlet of the aerosol provision device is substantially the same.

Optionally, the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are enclosed by a volume defined by a central aerosol transmission channel. Optionally, the central aerosol transmission channel is in fluid communication with the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the central aerosol transmission channel comprises one or more air supply holes in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.

Optionally, at least some or each of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels feed into the central aerosol transmission channel.

Optionally, the plurality of aerosol generating regions are arranged evenly around a circumference and wherein each aerosol transmission channel extends radially inwards or outwards such that the flow path lengths from each aerosol generating region through each respective aerosol transmission channel are substantially the same.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

Optionally, either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.

Optionally, the aerosol generating article is substantially planar.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of aerosol transmission channels arranged adjacent a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with the plurality aerosol generating region; and passing aerosol through one or more of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article, the device comprising a plurality of heating elements and the aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material;

Fig. 2A is a top-down view of an aerosol generating article of Fig. 1, Fig. 2B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article and Fig. 2C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article;

Fig. 3 is cross-sectional, top-down view of aerosol generating regions defined by heating regions of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision device;

Fig. 5 is an isometric exploded view of part of the aerosol provision device of Fig.

4;

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of part of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 4 according to an alternative arrangement;

Fig. 7 is a top-down view of an exemplary touch sensitive panel for operating various functions of the aerosol provision system;

Fig. 8 is a reproduction of Fig. 3 further including additional arrows marking the distances between heating elements and the outlet of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9 is an example of a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article, the aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of induction coils and the aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material and corresponding susceptor portions; and

Fig. 10A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article of Fig. 9, Fig. 10B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article and Fig. 10C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system. A “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned 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 "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise a plant-based material, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosol generating article (sometimes referred to as a consumable) for use with the non combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

The aerosol generating article, part or all of which, is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The aerosol generating article may comprise or consist of aerosol generating material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor The aerosol generating article may comprise one or more other elements, such as a filter or an aerosol modifying substance (e.g. a component to add a flavour to, or otherwise alter the properties of, an aerosol that passes through or over the aerosol modifying substance).

Non-combustible aerosol provision devices often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, be an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

An aerosol generating component (aerosol generator) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosol generating material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.

In some implementations, the heater may comprise one or more electrically resistive heaters, including for example one or more nichrome resistive heater(s) and/or one or more ceramic heater(s). The heater may comprise one or more induction heaters which includes an arrangement comprising one or more susceptors which may form a chamber into which an article comprising aerosol generating material is inserted or otherwise located in use. Alternatively or in addition, one or more susceptors may be provided in the aerosol generating material. Other heating arrangements may also be used.

The aerosol generating article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generating material. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as active substances, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such an arrangement of discrete portions of film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.

As appropriate, the aerosol generating material may comprise any one or more of: an active constituent, a carrier constituent, a flavour, and one or more other functional constituents.

The aerosol generating material may be present on or in a carrier support (or carrier component) to form a substrate. The carrier support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosol generating material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.

In some implementations, the aerosol generating article for use with the non combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol generating material or an area for receiving aerosol generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generating article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece, or alternatively the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece which communicates with the aerosol generating article. The area for receiving aerosol generating material may be a storage area for storing aerosol generating material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4.

The aerosol provision device 2 comprises an outer housing 21, a power source 22, control circuitry 23, a plurality of aerosol generating components 24 which define aerosol generating regions, a chamber 25, a mouthpiece end 26, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, a touch-sensitive panel 29, an inhalation sensor 30, and an end of use indicator 31.

The aerosol generating components 24 may be referred to as heating elements 24. The outer housing 21 may be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastics material. The outer housing 21 is arranged such that the power source 22, control circuitry 23, aerosol generating components 24, chamber 25 and inhalation sensor 30 are located within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 also defines the air inlet 27 and air outlet 28, described in more detail below. The touch sensitive panel 29 and end of use indicator are located on the exterior of the outer housing 21.

The outer housing 21 further includes a mouthpiece end 26. The outer housing 21 and mouthpiece end 26 are formed as a single component (that is, the mouthpiece end 26 forms a part of the outer housing 21). The mouthpiece end 26 is defined as a region of the outer housing 21 which includes the air outlet 28 and is shaped in such a way that a user may comfortably place their lips around the mouthpiece end 26 to engage with air outlet 28. In Fig. 1, the thickness of the outer housing 21 decreases towards the air outlet 28 to provide a relatively thinner portion of the aerosol provision device 2 which may be more easily accommodated by the lips of a user. In other implementations, however, the mouthpiece end 26 may be a removable component that is separate from but able to be coupled to the outer housing 21, and may be removed for cleaning and/or replacement with another mouthpiece end 26.

The power source 22 is configured to provide operating power to the aerosol provision device 2. The power source 22 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, the power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a Lithium Ion battery. The power source 22 may be removable or form an integrated part of the aerosol provision device 2. In some implementations, the power source 22 may be recharged through connection of the aerosol provision device 2 to an external power supply (such as mains power) through an associated connection port, such as a USB port (not shown) or via a suitable wireless receiver (not shown).

The control circuitry 23 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision device to provide certain operating functions of aerosol provision device 2. The control circuitry 23 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision devices’ operation. For example, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for controlling the recharging of the power source 22. Additionally, the control circuitry 23 may comprise a logical sub-unit for communication, e.g. to facilitate data transfer from or to the aerosol provision device 2. However, a primary function of the control circuitry 23 is to control the aerosolisation of aerosol generating material, as described in more detail below. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 23 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. The control circuitry 23 is connected to the power supply 23 and receives power from the power source 22 and may be configured to distribute or control the power supply to other components of the aerosol provision device 2.

In the described implementation, the aerosol provision device 2 further comprises a chamber 25 which is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 4.

The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 and aerosol generating material 44. The aerosol generating article 4 is shown in more detail in Figs.

2A to 2C. Fig. 2A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article 4, Fig. 2B is an end- on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 4, and Fig.

2C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 4.

The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a carrier component 42 which in this implementation is formed of card. The carrier component 42 forms the majority of the aerosol generating article 4, and acts as a base for the aerosol generating material 44 to be deposited on.

The carrier component 42 is broadly cuboidal in shape has a length I, a width w and a thickness t_c as shown in Figs. 2A to 2C. By way of a concrete example, the length of the carrier component 42 may be 30 to 80 mm, the width may be 7 to 25 mm, and the thickness may be between 0.2 to 1 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the above are exemplary dimensions of the carrier component 42, and in other implementations the carrier component 42 may have different dimensions as appropriate. In some implementations, the carrier component 42 may comprise one or more protrusions extending in the length and/or width directions of the carrier component 42 to help facilitate handling of the aerosol generating article 4 by the user.

In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating article 4 comprises a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 disposed on a surface of the carrier component 42. More specifically, the aerosol generating article 4 comprises six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44, labelled 44a to 44f, disposed in a two by three array. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations a greater or lesser number of discrete portions may be provided, and/or the portions may be disposed in a different array (e.g. a one by six array). In the example shown, the aerosol generating material 44 is disposed at discrete, separate locations on a single surface of the component carrier 42. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 are shown as having a circular footprint, although it should be appreciated that the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 may take any other footprint, such as square or rectangular, as appropriate. The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 have a diameter d and a thickness t_a as shown in Figs. 2A to 2C. The thickness ta may take any suitable value, for example the thickness ta may be in the range of 50pm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiment, the thickness ta is from about 50 pm to about 200 pm, or about 50 pm to about 100 pm, or about 60 pm to about 90 pm, suitably about 77 pm. In other embodiments, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 pm, e.g. from about 50 pm to about 400 pm, or to about 1 mm, or to about 1.5 mm.

The discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 are separate from one another such that each of the discrete portions may be energised (e.g. heated) individually or selectively to produce an aerosol. In some implementations, the portions of aerosol generating material 44 may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, such that the amount of material to be aerosolised by a given aerosol generating component 24 at any one time is relatively low. For example, the mass per portion may be equal to or lower than 20 mg, or equal to or lower than 10 mg, or equal to or lower than 5 mg. Of course, it should be appreciated that the total mass of the aerosol generating article 4 may be greater than 20 mg.

The aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material all formed form the same aerosol generating material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise a plurality of portions of aerosol generating material 44 where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol generating material.

The chamber 25 is suitable sized to removably receive the aerosol generating article 4 therein. Although not shown, the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 to permit access to the chamber 25 such that a user may insert and/or remove the aerosol generating article 4 from the chamber 25. The hinged door or removable part of the outer housing 21 may also act to retain the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 when closed. When the aerosol generating article 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different aerosol generating article 4, the aerosol generating article 4 may be removed from the aerosol provision device 2 and a replacement aerosol generating article 4 positioned in the chamber 25 in its place. Alternatively, the aerosol provision device 2 may include a permanent opening that communicates with the chamber 25 and through which the aerosol generating article 4 can be inserted into the chamber 25. In such implementations, a retaining mechanism for retaining the aerosol generating article 4 within the chamber 25 of the aerosol provision device 2 may be provided.

As seen in Fig. 1, the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a number of aerosol generating components 24. In the described implementation, the aerosol generating components 24 are heating elements 24, and more specifically resistive heating elements 24. Resistive heating elements 24 receive an electrical current and convert the electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating elements 24 may be formed from, or comprise, any suitable resistive heating material, such as NiChrome (Ni20Cr80), which generates heat upon receiving an electrical current. In one implementation, the heating elements 24 may comprise an electrically insulating substrate on which resistive tracks are disposed e.g. a PCB.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, top-down view of the aerosol provision device 2 showing the arrangement of the heating elements 24 in more detail. In Figs. 1 and 3, the heating elements 24 are positioned such that a surface of the heating element 24 forms a part of the surface of the chamber 25. That is, an outer surface of the heating elements 24 is flush with the inner surface of the chamber. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 24 that is flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25 is a surface of the heating element 24 that is heated (i.e. its temperature increases) when an electrical current is passed through the heating element 24.

The heating elements 24 are arranged such that, when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the chamber 25, each heating element 24 aligns with a corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44, defining a respective aerosol generating region. Hence, in this example, six heating elements 24 are arranged in a two by three array broadly corresponding to the arrangement of the two by three array of the six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 shown in Figs. 2A to 2C, thereby defining six aerosol generating regions. However, as discussed above, the number of heating elements 24 may be different in different implementations, for example there may be 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. heating elements 24. In some implementations, the number of heating elements 24 is greater than or equal to six but no greater than 20.

More specifically, the heating elements 24 are labelled 24a to 24f in Fig. 3, and it should be appreciated that each heating element 24 is arranged to align with a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 44 as denoted by the corresponding letter following the references 24/44, defining a respective aerosol generating region. Accordingly, each of the heating elements 24 can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of aerosol generating material 44.

While the heating elements 24 are shown flush with the inner surface of the chamber 25, in other implementations the heating elements 24 may protrude into the chamber 25. In either case, the aerosol generating article 4 contacts the surfaces of the heating elements 24 when present in the chamber 25 such that heat generated by the heating elements 24 is conducted to the aerosol generating material 44 through the carrier component 42.

In some implementations, to improve the heat-transfer efficiency, the chamber may comprise components which apply a force to the surface of the carrier component 42 so as to press the carrier component 42 onto the heater elements 24, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer via conduction to the aerosol generating material 44. Additionally or alternatively, the heater elements 24 may be configured to move in the direction towards/away from the aerosol generating article 4, and may be pressed into the surface of carrier component 42 that does not comprise the aerosol generating material 44.

In use, the aerosol provision device 2 (and more specifically the control circuitry 23) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material 44 to generate aerosol. When a user inhales on the aerosol provision device 2 (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), air is drawn into the aerosol provision device 2 through air inlet 27, into the chamber 25 where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 44, and then to the user’s mouth via air outlet 28. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.

The aerosol provision device 2 of Fig. 1 may include a touch-sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30. Collectively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 act as mechanisms for a receiving a user input to cause the generation of aerosol, and thus may more broadly be referred to as user input mechanisms. The received user input may be said to be indicative of a user’s desire to generate aerosol.

The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of the aerosol provision device 2 placing their finger or another suitably conductive object (for example a stylus) on the touch-sensitive panel. In the described implementation, the touch-sensitive panel includes a region which can be pressed by a user to start aerosol generation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the touch-sensitive panel 29 and to use this signalling to determine if a user is pressing (i.e. activating) the region of the touch-sensitive panel 29.

If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment a touch is detected, or in response to the length of time the touch is detected for. In other implementations, the touch sensitive panel 29 may be replaced by a user actuatable button or the like.

The inhalation sensor 30 may be a pressure sensor or microphone or the like configured to detect a drop in pressure or a flow of air caused by the user inhaling on the aerosol provision device 2. The inhalation sensor 30 is located in fluid communication with the air flow pathway (that is, in fluid communication with the air flow path between inlet 27 and outlet 28). In a similar manner as described above, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the inhalation sensor and to use this signalling to determine if a user is inhaling on the aerosol provision system 1. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24.

Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected, or in response to the length of time the inhalation is detected for.

In the described example, both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 detect the user’s desire to begin generating aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to only supply power to the heating element 24 when signalling from both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 are detected. This may help prevent inadvertent activation of the heating elements 24 from accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may have only one of a touch sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30.

These aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 (i.e. puff detection and touch detection) may in themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (for example using conventional inhalation sensor and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques and using conventional touch sensor and touch sensor signal processing techniques).

In some implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24. More specifically, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 23 in response to a sequence of detections of the signalling received from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to a first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 when the signalling is first detected (e.g. from when the aerosol provision device 2 is first switched on). When the signalling stops, or in response to the predetermined time from the signalling being detected elapsing, the control circuitry 23 registers that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). The control circuitry 23 determines that in response to receiving subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 that a second heating element 24 is to be activated.

Accordingly, when the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23, the control circuitry 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for remaining heating elements 24, such that all heating elements 24 are sequentially activated.

Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated and an aerosol generated therefrom. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol generating material is heated per user inhalation.

In other implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to activate the first heating element 24 a plurality of times (e.g. two) before determining that the second heating element 24 should be activated in response to subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, or activates each of the plurality of heating elements 24 once and when all heating elements 24 have be activated once, detection of subsequent signalling causes the heating elements to be sequentially activated a second time.

Such sequential activations may be dubbed “a sequential activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a consistent aerosol per inhalation (which may be measured in terms of total aerosol generated, or a total constituent delivered, for example). Hence, this mode may be most effective when each portion of the aerosol generating material 44 of the aerosol generating article 4 is substantially identical; that is, portions 44a to 44f are formed of the same material.

In some other implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power to one or more of the heating elements 24 simultaneously.

In such implementations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to selected ones of the heating elements 24 in response to a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration may be a configuration selected or determined by a user.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment. Shown is an internal cross section of the aerosol provision device additionally comprising a central aerosol transmission channel 50, which forms a volume arranged such that the volume encloses the entirety of the aerosol generating article . The volume therefore also encloses each heating element and corresponding portion of aerosol generating material i.e. the volume of the central aerosol transmission channel 50 encloses each of the aerosol generating regions.

The central transmission channel 50 is connected to the mouthpiece 26 with an aperture defining air inlet 28, and comprises one or more air inlet holes 52, the air holes 52 being in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere such that the central aerosol transmission channel 50 can facilitate the transmission of aerosol generated when the portions of aerosol generated material are heated by the respective heating elements. In this example, the air inlet 27 can be omitted.

Fig. 5 shows an isometric exploded view of part of the aerosol provision device, comprising the central aerosol transmission channel 50 as described with reference to Fig. 4 and the plurality heating elements 24, which in this example are in a 2x5 configuration. In this example, each of the plurality of heating elements 24 has an associated aerosol transmission channel 54. In this example, the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54 are enclosed by the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission channel 50. Each of the plurality of heating elements 24 enclosed by the respective aerosol transmission channels have an individual air supply hole (not shown) in fluid communication with the external atmosphere, facilitating the flow of aerosol generating material generated when the heating elements 24 heat the aerosol generating material. In the example, the air inlet can be omitted.

In examples, each of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54 may comprise an individual valve (not shown), configured to open and close on demand. More specifically, the control circuity may be configured to open or close the individual valve(s) depending on whether or not a specific heating element 24 and therefore aerosol generating region is activated. It will be appreciated therefore that any of the plurality of individual valves may be opened or closed simultaneously by the control circuitry, in any combination depending on which of the plurality of heating elements 24 are activated e.g. all of the plurality of valves are in an open state or all of the valves are in a closed state, or any proportion of the plurality of valves are in an open state and the remaining proportion of the plurality of valves are in a closed state.

Additionally or alternatively, the air inlet holes 52 may comprise an individual valve (not shown) configured to open and close on demand, to permit airflow from specific aerosol generating regions. More specifically, the control circuity may be configured to open or close the individual valve(s) depending on whether or not a specific heating element 24 and therefore aerosol generating region is activated. It will be appreciated therefore that any of the plurality of individual valves may be opened or closed simultaneously by the control circuitry, in any combination depending on which of the plurality of heating elements 24 are activated e.g. all of the plurality of valves are in an open state or all of the valves are in a closed state, or any proportion of the plurality of valves are in an open state and the remaining proportion of the plurality of valves are in a closed state.

In examples, the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission channel encloses the plurality of aerosol transmission channels, such that the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54 are in fluid communication with the central transmission channel 50.

In use, the aerosol provision device (and more specifically the control circuitry) is configured to deliver power to the heating elements 24 and the individual valves (if present) in response to a user input. Broadly speaking, the control circuitry is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 to subsequently heat the corresponding portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol while the heating element(s) 24 is being heated, the control circuitry is configured to keep the respective valve closed to allow a required volume of aerosol to form. When a user inhales on the aerosol provision device (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26), the control circuitry selectively opens the valve, and air is drawn into the aerosol provision device through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission channels 54 where the air mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material. The mixture flows to the user’s mouth via air outlet 28 through the individual aerosol transmission channel 54. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouthpiece end 26 and air outlet 28.

In examples, when the control circuitry is configured to selectively apply power to a plurality of heating elements 24, when a user inhales on the aerosol provision device (i.e. inhales at mouthpiece end 26) the control circuity opens the corresponding valves and air is drawn into the aerosol provision device through the individual air supply holes of the plurality of the aerosol transmission channels 54, the air mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material in each of the aerosol transmission channels. The individual mixtures of air and aerosol then mix further in the central aerosol transmission channel 50, before flowing to the user’s mouth via air outlet 28.

In examples, the aerosol generating article can be substantially planar and is receivable in a chamber of the aerosol provision device. The control circuitry may be configured to assign and/or change heating profiles of the heating elements 24 so that the consistency of the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material 44 by the heating elements 24 is substantially the same when exiting the mouthpiece 26 through the air outlet 28 e.g. if a portion of aerosol generating material 44 has to travel a further distance relative to another portion of aerosol material, the heating profile assigned to the heating element 24 of the portion that is further away from the mouthpiece, may be such that the heating temperature is increased or that the heating element 24 is activated for a longer period to generate a greater amount of aerosol.

In some examples, the control circuitry may be arranged to cause aerosolisation of some portions of aerosol generating material according to a common aerosolisation / heating profile, while the aerosolisation / heating profiles of the remaining portions of aerosol generating material are set according to the distance of the portion from the aerosol transmission channels 54 to the outlet 28.

As described in the foregoing, the aerosol provision device 2 of Fig. 1 includes a touch-sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30. Collectively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 act as mechanisms for a receiving a user input to cause the generation of aerosol, and also the selective opening and closing of the plurality of valves and thus may more broadly be referred to as user input mechanisms. The received user input may be said to be indicative of a user’s desire to generate aerosol.

The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be a capacitive touch sensor and can be operated by a user of the aerosol provision device 2 placing their finger or another suitably conductive object (for example a stylus) on the touch-sensitive panel. In the described implementation, the touch-sensitive panel includes a region that can be pressed by a user to start aerosol generation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the touch-sensitive panel 29 and to use this signalling to determine if a user is pressing (i.e. activating) the region of the touch-sensitive panel 29. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24 and the one or more valves. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment a touch is detected, or in response to the length of time the touch is detected for. In other implementations, the touch sensitive panel 29 may be replaced by a user actuatable button or the like.

The inhalation sensor 30 may be a pressure sensor or microphone or the like configured to detect a drop in pressure or a flow of air caused by the user inhaling on the aerosol provision device 2. The inhalation sensor 30 is located in fluid communication with the air flow pathway (that is, in fluid communication with the air flow path between the individual air inlets of the aerosol transmission channels 54, the air inlet holes 52 and outlet 28). In a similar manner as described above, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive signalling from the inhalation sensor and to use this signalling to determine if a user is inhaling on the aerosol provision system 1. If the control circuitry 23 receives this signalling, then the control circuitry 23 is configured to supply power from the power source 22 to one or more of the heating elements 24 and the one or more valves in the manner described above. Power may be supplied for a predetermined time period (for example, three seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected, or in response to the length of time the inhalation is detected for.

In the described example, both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 detect the user’s desire to begin generating aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to only supply power to the heating element 24 and the respective valve when signalling from both the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 are detected. This may help prevent inadvertent activation of the heating elements 24 from accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol provision system 1 may have only one of a touch sensitive panel 29 and an inhalation sensor 30.

In some implementations, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24 and the respective valves.

More specifically, the control circuitry 23 is configured to sequentially supply power to each of the individual heating elements 24 and respective valves in response to a sequence of detections of the signalling received from either one or both of the touch- sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to supply power to a first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 and the respective valve to keep it in a closed state to allow the generation of aerosol, when the signalling is first detected (e.g. from when the aerosol provision device 2 is first switched on). When the signalling stops, or in response to the predetermined time from the signalling being detected elapsing, the control circuitry 23 registers that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 has been heated), and then opens the respective valve to allow the flow of the mixture of air and aerosol. The control circuitry 23 determines that in response to receiving subsequent signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 that a second heating element 24 is to be activated and a second valve is to be closed whilst the element 24 heats portion of aerosol generating material 44. Accordingly, when the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received by the control circuitry 23, the control circuitry 23 activates the second heating element 24. This process is repeated for remaining heating elements 24, such that all heating elements 24 are sequentially activated and the respective valves are sequentially and selectively opened and closed. Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated and an aerosol generated therefrom. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol generating material is heated per user inhalation. In other examples, a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 can be heated and mixed in the central aerosol transmission channel 50 as described in the foregoing, depending on the puff characteristics and flavour profile desired by the user, as controlled through the control panel 29.

As will now be appreciated, in examples where the volume defined by the central aerosol transmission channel 50 encloses the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54, such that the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54 are in fluid communication with the central transmission channel 50, and in combination with the optional individual valves advantageously means that the aerosol generated in a specific aerosol generating zone does not have to travel across all of the other zones, providing a tailored delivery of the aerosol generated material, depending on user requirements. This also allows mixing of aerosol generated material 44, to provide desired puff characteristics e.g. volume or flow rate. Further, if the aerosol generating article 4 comprises different types or flavour characteristics of aerosol generating material 44, the user can further customise the flavour profile when in use, as facilitated by the control circuitry 23 and the touch- sensitive panel 29 when operated by a user.

In some examples, the aerosol transmission channels 54 may be arranged and configured in such a way that the flow path length of the aerosol transmission channels 54 to the mouthpiece 26 and air outlet 28 are substantially the same. In other examples, the flow path length may not be the same.

In other examples, the central aerosol transmission channel 50 is not present, and each of the aerosol transmission channels 54 are in direct communication with the air outlet 28 i.e. each of the aerosol transmission channels 54 have a separate flow path to the air outlet 28.

Fig. 6 shows an isometric view of part of the aerosol provision device of Fig. 4 according to an alternative embodiment. The part shown in the plurality of aerosol transmission channels 54 arranged in an alternative configuration. In this example, the aerosol transmission channels 54, aerosol generating regions and corresponding heating elements are evenly distributed around a circumference of a circular element 60, as shown in Fig. 6. Each of the aerosol transmission channels 54 feed directly into the central aerosol transmission channel 50, before passing to the outlet and/or mouthpiece (not shown). Each of the aerosol transmission channels 54 may be aligned with a respective air inlet which may be provided with a controllable valve. In this example, as the aerosol transmission channels 54, aerosol generating regions and corresponding heating elements are evenly distributed around a circumference of the circular element 60, the flow path length from the aerosol generating regions, through the respective aerosol transmission channel 54 will be substantially the same for aerosol generating regions.

Fig. 7 is a top-down view of the touch-sensitive panel 29 in accordance with such implementations. Fig. 7 schematically shows outer housing 21 and touch-sensitive panel 29 as described previously. The touch-sensitive panel 29 comprises six regions 29a to 29f which correspond to each of the six heating elements, and a region 29g which corresponds to the region for indicating that a user wishes to start inhalation or generating aerosol as described previously.

In examples where there are more than six heating elements e.g. n heating elements, there are also n regions of the touch-sensitive panel 29.

The six regions of the above example, 29a to 29f, each correspond to touch- sensitive regions which can be touched by a user to control the power delivery to each of the six corresponding heating elements and the respective valves (if present). In the described implementation, each heating element and the respective valve can have multiple states, e.g. an OFF state in which no power is supplied to the heating element and valve, a low power state in which a first level of power is supplied to the heating element and valve, and a high power state in which a second level of power is supplied to the heating element and valve where the second level of power is greater than the first level of power. However, in other implementations, fewer or greater states may be available to the heating elements. For example, each heating element may have an OFF state in which no power is supplied to the heating element and an ON state in which power is supplied to the heating element, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, a user can set which heating elements (and subsequently which portions of aerosol generating material) are to be heated (and optionally to what extent they are to be heated) by interacting with the touch-sensitive panel 29 in advance of generating aerosol. For example, the user may repeatedly tap the regions 29a to 29f to cycle through the different states (e.g. off, low power, high power, off, etc.). Alternatively, the user may press and hold the region 29a to 29f to cycle through the different states, where the duration of the press determines the state.

The touch-sensitive panel 29 may be provided with one or more indicators for each of the respective regions 29a to 29f to indicate which state the heating element is currently in. For example, the touch-sensitive panel may comprise one or more LEDs or similar illuminating elements, and the intensity of the LEDs signifies the current state of the heating element. Alternatively, a coloured LED or similar illuminating element may be provided and the colour indicates the current state. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive panel 29 may comprise a display element (e.g. which may underlie a transparent touch- sensitive panel 29 or be provided adjacent to the regions 29a to 29f of the touch-sensitive panel 29) which displays the current state of the heating element.

When the user has set the configuration for the heating elements, in response to detecting the signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 (and more particularly region 29g of touch-sensitive panel 29) and inhalation sensor, the control circuitry is configured to supply power to the selected heating elements in accordance with the pre-set configuration.

Accordingly, such simultaneous heating element activations may be dubbed “a simultaneous activation mode”, which is primarily designed to deliver a customisable aerosol from a given aerosol generating article, with the intention of allowing a user to customise their experience on a session-by-session or even puff-by-puff basis. Hence, this mode may be most effective when portions of the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating article are different from one another. For example, with reference to Fig. 2A portions 44a and 44b are formed of one material, portions 44c and 44d are formed of a different material, etc. Accordingly, with this mode of operation, the user may select which portions to aerosolise at any given moment and thus which combinations of aerosols to be provided with.

In both of the simultaneous and sequential activation modes, the control circuitry may be configured to generate an alert signal which signifies the end of use of the aerosol generating article, for example when each of the heating elements has been sequentially activated a predetermined number of times, or when a given heating element has been activated a predetermined number of times and/or for a given cumulative activation time and/or with a given cumulative activation power. In Fig. 1, the aerosol provision device 2 includes an end of use indicator 31 which in this implementation is an LED. However, in other implementations, the end of use indicator 31 may comprise any mechanism which is capable of supplying an alert signal to a user; that is, the end of use indicator 31 may be an optical element to deliver an optical signal, a sound generator to deliver an aural signal, and/or a vibrator to deliver a haptic signal. In some implementations, the indicator 31 may be combined or otherwise provided by the touch- sensitive panel (e.g. if the touch-sensitive panel includes a display element). The aerosol provision device 2 may prevent subsequent activation of the aerosol provision device 2 when the alert signal is being output. The alert signal may be switched off, and the control circuitry 23 reset, when the user replaces the aerosol generating article 4 and/or switches off the alert signal via a manual means such as a button (not shown). In more detail, in implementations where the sequential mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times signalling from either one or both of the touch-sensitive panel 29 and inhalation sensor 30 is received during a period of usage, and once the count reaches a predetermined number, the aerosol generating article 4 is determined to reach the end of its life. For example, for an article 4 comprising six discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44, the predetermined number may be six, twelve, eighteen, etc. depending on the exact implementation at hand.

In implementations where the simultaneous mode of activation is employed, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to count the number of times one or each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 is heated. For example, the control circuitry 23 may count how many times a nicotine containing portion is heated, and when that reaches a predetermined number, determine an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4. Alternatively, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to separately count for each discrete portion of aerosol generating material 44 when that portion has been heated. Each portion may be attributed with the same or a different predetermined number and when any one of the counts for each of the portions of aerosol generating material reaches the predetermined number, the control circuitry 23 determines an end of life of the aerosol generating article 4.

In either of the implementations, the control circuity 23 may also factor in the length of time the portion of aerosol generating material has been heated for and/or the temperature to which the portion of the aerosol generating material has been heated. In this regard, rather than counting discrete activations, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to calculate a cumulative parameter indicative of the heating conditions experienced by each of the portions of aerosol generating material 44. The parameter may be a cumulative time, for example, whereby the temperature to which the material is used to adjust the length of time added to the cumulative time. For example, a portion heated at 200°C for three seconds may contribute three seconds to the cumulative time, whereas a portion heated at 300°C or higher for three seconds may contribute four and a half seconds to the cumulative time.

The above techniques for determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4 should not be understood as an exhaustive list of ways of determining the end of life of the aerosol generating article 4, and in fact any other suitable way may be employed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

In the implementation of the aerosol provision system 1 described above, a plurality of (discrete) portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided which can be selectively aerosolised using the aerosol generating components 24, and are enclosed by respective aerosol transmission channels 54 optionally with a respective valve. Such aerosol provision systems 1 offer advantages over other systems, which are designed to heat a larger bulk quantity of material. In particular, for a given inhalation, only the selected portion (or portions) of aerosol generating material are aerosolised leading to a more energy efficient system overall.

In heated systems, several parameters affect the overall effectiveness of this system at delivering a sufficient amount of aerosol to a user on a per puff basis. On the one hand, the thickness of the aerosol generating material is important as this influences how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches an operational temperature (and subsequently generates aerosol). This may be important for several reasons, but may lead to more efficient use of energy from the power source 22 as the heating element may not need to be active for as long compared with heating a thicker portion of material. On the other hand, the total mass of the aerosol generating material that is heated affects the total amount of aerosol that can be generated, and subsequently delivered to the user. In addition, the temperature that the aerosol generating material is heated too may affect both how quickly the aerosol generating material reaches operational temperature and the amount of aerosol that is generated.

In accordance with the present disclosure it has been found that in some instances aerosol provision devices 2 which have an array of aerosol generating components 24 (such as heating elements 24) designed to heat different ones of the portions of aerosol generating material to generate aerosol on a puff-by-puff basis can, in some instances, lead to inconsistencies in the amount of aerosol being delivered to the user per puff even if the heating conditions are broadly the same.

This is thought to be in part down to the fact that some of the portions of aerosol generating material 44 are provided at relatively different spatial distances relative to the opening 28 of the mouthpiece 26 such that, when the aerosol is first formed at a location adjacent to the portion of aerosol generating material, the distance by which that aerosol has to travel may vary.

Fig. 8 is a reproduction of Fig. 3 but additionally includes two arrows labelled D1 and D2. D1 extends from heating element 24a to the outlet 28 of the mouthpiece end 26, while D2 extends from heating element 24f to the outlet 28. As should be appreciated, the arrows D1 and D2 are representations of the distances along which the aerosol generated using the respective heating elements 24a and 24f by respective portions of aerosol generating material 44a and 44f.

Generally, as a hot aerosol travels it cools and condenses. Hence, the greater the distance along which an aerosol must travel, the greater chance the aerosol has to cool and condense. The condensate may also be deposited on surfaces it encounters as it travels, e.g. such as surfaces of the chamber 25 in the example of Fig. 8. There is much greater chance of deposition the greater the distance the aerosol travels, in part due to the increased chance of encountering a surface and also due to the increase in particle size as the aerosol travels and cools. In Fig. 8, it can be seen that D1 is much greater than D2, and as such there is a greater chance that the aerosol generated at heating element 24a by portion 44a has a decreased aerosol amount / volume when it exits the outlet 28 of device 2 as compared to aerosol generated at heating element 24f by portion 44f, for example. Equally, aerosol generated at heating elements 24c and 24d by portions 44c and 44d may have a greater chance of a decreased amount of aerosol exiting the outlet as compared to aerosol generated at heating elements 24e and 24f by portions 44e and 44f, but an a greater chance of an increased amount of aerosol exiting the outlet 28 as compared to aerosol generated at heating elements 24a and 24b by portions 44a and 44b. This effect may be much more prominent when the number of heating elements increases (e.g. to a two by six array).

The distances D1 and D2 may be assessed with respect to a common point located in the outlet 28. For example, the common point may be the centre of the cross- sectional area defined by the outlet 28.

As such, the inclusion of the aerosol transmission channels 54,50 and optionally the respective valves, which can be opened and closed selectively, the airflow and thus the aerosol mixture does not have to travel across all of the other aerosol generating regions, defined by the heating elements 24. Thus, it can be possible depending on the design of the aerosol transmission channels 54 , for each of the aerosol transmission channels 50 and therefore the aerosol to have substantially the same path length or defined air path to the air outlet 28. This can also allow tailored delivery dependent on user requirements.

Additionally and in other examples, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to assign a heating profile to each of the heating elements 24 to generate an amount of aerosol from a respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 from the outlet 28. Thus, resulting in a consistency of aerosol that arrives at the mouthpiece 26 through the air outlet 28 that is substantially the same for all portions of aerosol generated material 44 heated by the respecting heating element 24.

In this way, the amount of aerosol generated from a respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 can be set so as to compensate for the loss of aerosol due to condensation or loss by any other means, as the aerosol travels to the outlet 28.

In other words, the aerosol generating component 24 is configured to generate an amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 such that, regardless of distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 from the outlet 28, a substantially constant amount of aerosol passes through the outlet 28. Accordingly, the user can be provided with a more consistent inhalation experience and therefore a consistent sensory experience.

In this regard, it should be appreciated here that by the expression “a more consistent inhalation experience” is not necessarily meant to suggest that each puff in a session is the same in taste or the proportion of constituents that are delivered, although this is not excluded.

On the one hand, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise portions of aerosol generating material which have the same formulation or composition and may be aerosolised in accordance with the “sequential mode” of activation. In this case, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, each portion of aerosol generating material 44 is aerosolised by an amount depending on the distance from the outlet 28 and the length of the respective aerosol transmission channel 54 such that the amount of aerosol exiting the outlet 28 is substantially the same when measured using a simulated standard inhalation (e.g. in accordance with the Coresta Recommended Method 81, CRM 81). In this case, each sequential activation provides substantially the same amount of aerosol exiting the outlet 28.

On the other hand, if the aerosol generating article 4 comprises portions of different aerosol generating material, such that the aerosol may be customisable as described above, then the principles of the present disclosure are applied with respect to the aerosol generating material portions of the same type. In other words, for a given type of aerosol generating material (e.g. a nicotine rich solid), then the aerosol provision device 2 is configured to output a consistent amount of aerosol generated from that portion regardless of the distance of that portion from the outlet 28 and also the length of the flow path of the respective aerosol transmission channel 54. In these implementations, the total aerosol quantity may vary (e.g. because other portions of aerosol generating materials are simultaneously heated). In other words, the amount of aerosol that contributes to the total aerosol that exits the outlet 28 is the substantially the same, and hence the delivery from that particular portion is consistent.

The amount of aerosol generated based on the distance of the portion of aerosol generating material from the outlet is likely to depend on the magnitude of the distances involved, the type of material, and the target aerosol to output. However, in some implementations, the increase in aerosol amount to be output may be no greater than 50%, no greater than 40%, no greater than 30%, no greater than 20% or no greater than 10% of the target aerosol amount to be output.

With reference to Fig. 8, it should be appreciated that in most instances, the control circuitry 23 will be configured to cause the aerosol generating component 24 to generate an increasing amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 the further away the respective portion of aerosol generating material 44 is located from the outlet 28. Accordingly, by generating more aerosol from a portion of aerosol generating material that is further away from the outlet 28, there is a greater chance that relatively more of the aerosol being transported will arrive at the outlet 28. In other words, more aerosol is generated to compensate for the loss in aerosol as the aerosol travels to the outlet (if the path length defined by the respective aerosol transmission channel 54 is not substantially the same between all heating zones defined by the heating elements 24).

Additionally or alternatively, depending on the specifics of the system 1, only some of the portions of aerosol generating material may be aerosolised based on the distance from the outlet 28. For example, it may be found empirically that for a given system 1 the greatest effect of the distance from the outlet 28 is for the portions of aerosol generating that are furthest from the outlet 28, i.e. portions 44a and 44b (corresponding to heating elements 24a and 24b). That is, for example, the portions 44c to 44f when aerosolised produce a similar amount of aerosol when exiting the outlet 28 despite being at different distances from the outlet 28, whereas the portions 44a and 44b are aerosolised the amount of aerosol generated may decrease by say 20% as compared to portions 44c to 44f. Accordingly, the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to cause aerosolisation of some portions of aerosol generating material according to a common aerosolisation / heating profile, while the aerosolisation / heating profiles of the remaining portions of aerosol generating material are set according to the distance of the portion from the outlet 28.

While it has been discussed that the portions further from the outlet 28 are arranged to be aerosolised or heated more to generate more aerosol, it should equally be appreciated that the control circuitry 23 may be arranged to generate relatively less aerosol from portions of aerosol generating material that are closer to the outlet 28.

It should be appreciated that the amount of additional aerosol generated may not be exactly the same as the amount of aerosol lost. For example, suppose 4 mg of aerosol is generated from a portion of aerosol generating material and 1 mg of the aerosol is lost as the aerosol travels to the outlet 28. Controlling the aerosol generating component to generating 5 mg of aerosol from the same portion 44 may not necessarily lead to 4 mg of aerosol being output at the outlet 28. In practical terms, it is likely that the losses incurred will be proportional to the amount of aerosol generated. Taking the above example, of the 4 mg generated, 25% is lost when the aerosol is transported to the outlet 28. Hence, when increasing the amount of aerosol generated to 5 mg, the losses may still be 25% which leads to 3.75 mg arriving at the outlet 28.

More generally speaking, the control circuitry 23 is configured to cause the aerosol generating component 24 to generate an amount of aerosol from the portion of aerosol generating material 44 based on a function of the distance of the portion of the aerosol generating material 44 from the outlet 28.

The function may be found empirically by testing a number of portions of aerosol generating material 44 to determine how the aerosol loss varies with the distance from the outlet. It should be appreciated that the function may also be dependent on the geometry of the chamber and/or the air flow path in general. To a first approximation, the relationship between aerosol generated and distance may be linear. For example, the amount of additional aerosol to be generated per mm increase in distance may be set to e.g. 0.01 mg/mm.

In the implementations described above, the aerosol generating components are heating elements 24 arranged to heat the portions of aerosol generating material. When looking to adjust the amount of aerosol generated from a portion of aerosol generating material using a heating element 24, one can adjust the temperature to which the heating element 24 is to be raised and/or one can adjust the time for which the aerosol generating material is heated for.

That is, in some implementations, the control circuitry 23 is configured to set the operational temperature for the at least one heating element 24 based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from the outlet 28. The operational temperature may be defined as the target temperature to which the heating element 24 is controlled to reach. In other words, a power supplied to the heating element 24 is set such that the power is sufficient to cause the heating element 24 to reach the target temperature. Increasing the target temperature essentially increases the amount of energy that is transferred to the aerosol generating material. However, in most implementations, an upper limit to the target operational temperature is imposed, as heating the material above the upper limit may cause the aerosol generating material 44 to char or burn.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some implementations, control circuitry 23 is configured to set the heating profiles e.g. the heating duration for the at least one heating element 24 based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from the outlet 28. The heating duration (i.e. the time the heating element is active for) may also be set to alter the amount of aerosol that is generated, whereby a longer heating duration generally leads to relatively more aerosol being generated. As described above, the heating elements 24 may be switched off either when the signalling from one or both of the inhalation sensor 30 or touch sensitive panel 29 stops or when a predetermined time from receiving the signalling elapses. However, in accordance with the above implementations, the control unit 23 may cause the heating element 24 to activate for a longer period of time, e.g. by causing the heating element to heat beyond the predetermined threshold (or alternatively, by increasing the threshold), or to continue to heat beyond the signalling stopping. This technique may also be combined with an adjustment in operational temperature, as described above.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view through a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. The aerosol provision system 200 includes components that are broadly similar to those described in relation to Fig. 1. However, the reference numbers have been increased by 200. For efficiency, the components having similar reference numbers should be understood to be broadly the same as their counterparts in Figs. 1 and 2A to 2C unless otherwise stated.

The aerosol provision device 202 comprises an outer housing 221, a power source 222, control circuitry 223, induction coils 224a, a chamber 225, a mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch-sensitive panel 229, an inhalation sensor 230, and an end of use indicator 231.

The aerosol generating article 204 comprises a carrier component 242, aerosol generating material 244, and susceptor elements 244b, as shown in more detail in Figs. 10A to 10C. Fig. 10A is a top-down view of the aerosol generating article 4, Fig. 10B is an end-on view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the aerosol generating article 204, and Fig. 10C is a side-on view along the width axis of the aerosol generating article 204.

The aerosol provision device as illustrated in Fig. 5 which includes the aerosol transmission channels 54, the central aerosol transmission channel 50 and the respective valves (if present), as described in the foregoing is compatible with the aerosol generating system illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, and operates in substantially the same way as described in relation to Fig. 5. Figs. 9 and 10 represent an aerosol provision system 200 which uses induction to heat the aerosol generating material 244 to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

In the described implementation, the aerosol generating component 224 is formed of two parts; namely, induction coils 224a which are located in the aerosol provision device 202 and susceptors 224b which are located in the aerosol generating article 204. Accordingly, in this described implementation, each aerosol generating component 224 comprises elements that are distributed between the aerosol generating article 204 and the aerosol provision device 202.

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating.

A susceptor is material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically- conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the susceptor. The susceptor may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the susceptor. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.

In the described implementation, the susceptors 224b are formed from an aluminium foil, although it should be appreciated that other metallic and/or electrically conductive materials may be used in other implementations. As seen in Fig. 9, the carrier component 242 comprises a number of susceptors 224b which correspond in size and location to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier component 242. That is, the susceptors 224b have a similar width and length to the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 244.

The susceptors are shown embedded in the carrier component 242. However, in other implementations, the susceptors 224b may be placed on the surface of the carrier component 242. The aerosol provision device 202 comprises a plurality of induction coils 224a shown schematically in Fig. 9. The induction coils 224a are shown adjacent the chamber 225, and are generally flat coils arranged such that the rotational axis about which a given coil is wound extends into the chamber 225 and is broadly perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 242 of the aerosol generating article 204. The exact windings are not shown in Fig. 9 and it should be appreciated that any suitable induction coil may be used.

The control circuitry 223 comprises a mechanism to generate an alternating current which is passed to any one or more of the induction coils 224a. The alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field, as described above, which in turn causes the corresponding susceptor(s) 224b to heat up. The heat generated by the susceptor(s) 224b is transferred to the portions of aerosol generating material 244 accordingly.

As described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2A to 2C, the control circuitry 223 is configured to supply current to the induction coils 224a in response to receiving signalling from the touch sensitive panel 229 and/or the inhalation sensor 230. Any of the techniques for selecting which heating elements 24 are heated by control circuitry 23 as described previously may analogously be applied to selecting which induction coils 224a are energised (and thus which portions of aerosol generating material 244 are subsequently heated) in response to receiving signalling from the touch sensitive panel 229 and/or the inhalation sensor 230 by control circuitry 223 to generate an aerosol for user inhalation.

Although the above has described an induction heating aerosol provision system where the induction coils 224a and susceptors 224b are distributed between the aerosol generating article 204 and device 202, an induction heating aerosol provision system may be provided where the induction coils 224a and susceptors 224b are located solely within the aerosol provision device 202. For example, with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10A-C, the susceptors 224b may be provided above the induction coils 224a and arranged such that the susceptors 224b contact the lower surface of the carrier component 242 (in an analogous way to the aerosol provision system 1 shown in Fig. 1).

Thus, Fig. 9 describes a more concrete implementation where induction heating may be used in an aerosol provision device 202 to generate aerosol for user inhalation to which the techniques described in the present disclosure may be applied.

Although the above has described a system in which an array of aerosol generating components 24 (e.g. heater elements) are provided to energise the discrete portions of aerosol generating material, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article 4 and/or an aerosol generating component 24 may be configured to move relative to one another. That is, there may be fewer aerosol generating components 24 than discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 provided on the carrier component 42 of the aerosol generating article 4, such that relative movement of the aerosol generating article 4 and aerosol generating components 24 is required in order to be able to individually energise each of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44. For example, a movable heating element 24 may be provided within the chamber 25 such that the heating element 24 may move relative to the chamber 25. In this way, the movable heating element 24 can be translated (e.g. in the width and length directions of the carrier component 42) such that the heating element 24 can be aligned with respective ones of the discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44. This approach may reduce the number of discrete portions of aerosol generating material 44 required while still offering a similar user experience.

Although the above has described implementations where discrete, spatially distinct portions of aerosol generating material 44 are deposited on a carrier component 42, it should be appreciated that in other implementations the aerosol generating material may not be provided in discrete, spatially distinct portions but instead be provided as a continuous sheet of aerosol generating material 44. In these implementations, certain regions of the sheet of aerosol generating material 44 may be selectively heated to generate aerosol in broadly the same manner as described above. However, regardless of whether or not the portions are spatially distinct, the present disclosure described heating (or otherwise aerosolising) portions of aerosol generating material 44. In particular, a region (corresponding to a portion of aerosol generating material) may be defined on the continuous sheet of aerosol generating material based on the dimensions of the heating element 24 (or more specifically a surface of the heating element 24 designed to increase in temperature). In this regard, the corresponding area of the heating element 24 when projected onto the sheet of aerosol generating material may be considered to define a region or portion of aerosol generating material. In accordance with the present disclosure, each region or portion of aerosol generating material may have a mass no greater than 20 mg, however the total continuous sheet may have a mass which is greater than 20 mg.

Although the above has described implementations where the aerosol provision device 2 can be configured or operated using the touch-sensitive panel 29 mounted on the aerosol provision device 2, the aerosol provision device 2 may instead be configured or controlled remotely. For example, the control circuitry 23 may be provided with a corresponding communication circuitry (e.g. Bluetooth) which enables the control circuitry 23 to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone. Accordingly, the touch- sensitive panel 29 may, in effect, be implemented using an App or the like running on the smartphone. The smartphone may then transmit user inputs or configurations to the control circuitry 23, and the control circuitry 23 may be configured to operate on the basis of the received inputs or configurations. Although the above has described implementations in which an aerosol is generated by energising (e.g. heating) aerosol generating material 44 which is subsequently inhaled by a user, it should be appreciated in some implementations that the generated aerosol may be passed through or over an aerosol modifying component to modify one or more properties of the aerosol before being inhaled by a user. For example, the aerosol provision device 2, 202 may comprise an air permeable insert (not shown) which is inserted in the airflow path downstream of the aerosol generating material 44 (for example, the insert may be positioned in the outlet 28). The insert may include a material which alters any one or more of the flavour, temperature, particle size, nicotine concentration, etc. of the aerosol as it passes through the insert before entering the user’s mouth. For example, the insert may include tobacco or treated tobacco. Such systems may be referred to as hybrid systems. The insert may include any suitable aerosol modifying material, which may encompass the aerosol generating materials described above.

Although it has been described above that the heating elements 24 are arranged to provide heat to aerosol generating material (or portions thereof) at an operational temperature at which aerosol is generated from the portion of aerosol generating material, in some implementations, the heating elements 24 are arranged to pre-heat portions of the aerosol generating material to a pre-heat temperature (which is lower than the operational temperature). At the pre-heat temperature, a lower amount or no aerosol is generated when the portion is heated at the pre-heat temperature. In particular, in some implementations, the control circuity is configured to supply power / energy prior to the first predetermined period starting (i.e. prior to receiving the signalling signifying a user’s intention to inhale aerosol). However, a lower amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material from the pre-heat temperature to the operational temperature, thus increasing the responsiveness of the system but at an increased total energy consumption. This may be particular suitable for relatively thicker portions of aerosol generating material, e.g. having thicknesses above 400 pm, which require relatively larger amounts of energy to be supplied in order to reach the operational temperature. In such implementations, the energy consumption (e.g. from the power source 22) may be comparably higher, however.

Although the above has described implementations in which the aerosol provision device 2 comprises an end of use indicator 31, it should be appreciated that the end of use indicator 31 may be provided by another device remote from the aerosol provision device 2. For example, in some implementations, the control circuitry 23 of the aerosol provision device 2 may comprise a communication mechanism which allows data transfer between the aerosol provision device 2 and a remote device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, for example. In these implementations, when the control circuitry 23 determines that the aerosol generating article 4 has reached its end of use, the control circuitry 23 is configured to transmit a signal to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to generate the alert signal (e.g. using the display of a smartphone). Other remote devices and other mechanisms for generating the alert signal may be used as described above.

In addition, when the portions of aerosol generating material are provided on a carrier component 42, the portions may, in some implementations, include weakened regions, e.g. through holes or areas of relatively thinner aerosol generating material, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the carrier component 42. This may be the case when the hottest part of the aerosol generating material is the area directly contacting the carrier component (in other words, in scenarios where the heat is applied primarily to the surface of the aerosol generating material that contacts the carrier component 42). Accordingly, the through holes may provide channels for the generated aerosol to escape and be released to the environment / the air flow through the aerosol provision device 2 rather than causing a potential build-up of aerosol between the carrier component 42 and the aerosol generating material 44. Such build-up of aerosol can reduce the heating efficiency of the system as the build-up of aerosol can, in some implementations, cause a lifting of the aerosol generating material from the carrier component 42 thus decreasing the efficiency of the heat transfer to the aerosol generating material. Each portion of aerosol generating material may be provided with one of more weakened regions as appropriate.

In some implementations, the aerosol generating article 4 may comprise an identifier, such as a readable bar code or an RFID tag or the like, and the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a corresponding reader. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber 25 of the aerosol provision device 2, the aerosol provision device 2 may be configured to read the identifier on the aerosol generating article 4. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to either recognise the presence of the aerosol generating article 4 (and thus permit heating and/or reset an end of life indicator) or identify the type and/or the location of the portions of the aerosol generating material relative to the aerosol generating article 4. This may affect which portions the control circuitry 23 aerosolises and/or the way in which the portions are aerosolised, e.g. via adjusting the aerosol generation temperature and/or heating duration. Any suitable technique for recognising the aerosol generating article 4 may be employed.

Thus, there has been described an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an article comprising portions of aerosol generating material. The device comprises a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material, and an outlet fluidly coupled to the chamber. The at least one aerosol generating component is configured to perform an aerosolisation process on one or more of the portions of aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber. The device further comprises control circuitry for controlling the aerosol generating component. The control circuitry is configured to cause the at least one aerosol generating component to generate an amount of aerosol from a respective portion of aerosol generating material based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from the outlet. Accordingly the device can be enable to account for loss of the aerosol during transition to the user in dependence on the relative location of the aerosol generation. Also described is an aerosol provision system and a method for generating aerosol.

While the above described embodiments have in some respects focussed on some specific example aerosol provision systems, it will be appreciated the same principles can be applied for aerosol provision systems using other technologies. That is to say, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol provision system function are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a plurality of aerosol transmission channels arranged adjacent a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with the plurality of aerosol generating regions; and control circuitry configured to selectively control the plurality of aerosol generating regions.

2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each aerosol generating region is defined by a respective heating element.

4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an outlet, wherein the control circuity is configured to set a heating profile of each of the plurality of aerosol generating regions such that the consistency of aerosol generated at the different aerosol generating regions is substantially constant when exiting the outlet.

5. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set a heating profile of each of the plurality of aerosol generating regions to generate an amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material such that, regardless of distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet of the aerosol provision device, a substantially constant amount of aerosol passes through the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set a heating profile to cause the plurality of aerosol generating regions to generate an amount of aerosol from the respective portion of aerosol generating material that is proportional to the distance of the respective portion from an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

7. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the operational temperature of at least one aerosol generating region is based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the operational temperature of the aerosol generating regions closer to an outlet of the aerosol provision device is lower than the operational temperature of the heating elements further from the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is configured to set the heating profile so that the heating duration for the at least one aerosol generating region is based on the distance of the respective portion of aerosol generating material from an outlet.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels further comprise one or more valves for selectively controlling flow of aerosol generated by the plurality of aerosol generating regions through the plurality of aerosol transmission channels.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more valves are selectively controlled, activated or deactivated by the control circuity in response to activation or deactivation of the plurality of aerosol generating regions.

12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating regions each comprise at least one air supply hole in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.

13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least some or each of the air supply holes comprise a valve for selectively controlling flow of aerosol through the respective aerosol generating region.

14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol provision device.

15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flow path length of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels to the outlet of the aerosol provision device is substantially the same.

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are enclosed by a volume defined by a central aerosol transmission channel.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the central aerosol transmission channel is in fluid communication with the outlet of the aerosol provision device.

18. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the central aerosol transmission channel comprises one or more air supply holes in fluid communication with an external atmosphere.

19. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein at least some or each of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels feed into the central aerosol transmission channel.

20. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating regions are arranged evenly around a circumference and wherein each aerosol transmission channel extends radially inwards or outwards such that the flow path lengths from each aerosol generating region through each respective aerosol transmission channel is substantially the same.

21. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim; and an aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material.

22. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 21, wherein either: (i) each portion of aerosol generating material is substantially the same; or (ii) at least some of the portions of aerosol generating material are substantially different.

23. An aerosol provision system as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the aerosol generating article comprising portions of aerosol generating material is substantially planar.

24. A method of generating aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of aerosol transmission channels arranged adjacent a plurality of aerosol generating regions, wherein the plurality of aerosol transmission channels are in fluid communication with the plurality of aerosol generating regions; and passing aerosol through one or more of the plurality of aerosol transmission channels.