JP2025538235A - Aerosol generating device with a planar heating assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating article (20) and an aerosol-generating device (1). The aerosol-generating article (20) comprises a housing (23) defining a substrate cavity (201) and an aerosol-forming substrate (21) disposed within the substrate cavity (201). The aerosol-generating device (1) comprises a heating cavity (3) configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (20), the heating cavity (3) being defined on one side by a planar cavity surface (4) extending substantially in the plane, a first heating assembly (6) comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, and a second heating assembly (7) comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device.

Some known aerosol-generating systems include an aerosol-generating device having a power source, such as a battery, a controller, and a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug disposed within the aerosol-generating article. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device, and the heating element penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate or is disposed around the outside of the aerosol-forming substrate. Power is supplied from the power source to the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, causing volatile components of the aerosol-forming substrate to be vaporized and released, condensing to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. In some such aerosol-generating systems, the aerosol-generating article resembles a conventional cigarette, having a similar cylindrical, stick-like configuration.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that is capable of heating two or more aerosol-forming substrates to improve a user's control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that is even more compact and easier to manufacture.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system may further comprise an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a housing defining a substrate cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the substrate cavity. The aerosol-generating device may include a heating cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The heating cavity may be defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first heating assembly comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in the first plane. The first plane may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second heating assembly comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane. The second plane may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising a housing defining a substrate cavity. The aerosol-generating article further comprises an aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the substrate cavity. The aerosol generating device includes a heating cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The heating cavity is defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane. The aerosol generating device comprises a first heating assembly comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in the first plane. The first plane is parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The aerosol generating device comprises a second heating assembly comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane. The second plane is parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.

Advantageously, an aerosol generating device having a heating cavity with a planar cavity surface and two heating assemblies, each having a planar heating element extending in a plane parallel to the cavity surface, can provide a compact device that allows efficient heat transfer from the heating assemblies to the aerosol-forming substrate within the heating cavity.

In some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are coplanar. In other words, in some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are the same plane. The first planar heating element and the second planar heating element may extend in the same plane. In some of these embodiments, the first plane and the second plane are coplanar with the plane of the cavity surface. In other words, in some of these embodiments, the first plane, the second plane, and the plane of the cavity surface are the same plane. The first planar heating element and the second planar heating element may extend within the plane of the cavity surface. The first heating element may be disposed on the cavity surface. The second heating element may be disposed on the cavity surface.

In some embodiments, the planar cavity surface comprises a first planar cavity surface and a second planar cavity surface. The second planar cavity surface is opposite the first planar cavity surface. The first planar cavity surface extends substantially in a plane. The second planar cavity surface extends within a plane. The plane of the second cavity surface is preferably parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface. The distance between the first cavity surface and the second cavity surface may define a width of the heating cavity. In some of these embodiments, the first plane and the plane of the first cavity surface are coplanar. In other words, in some embodiments, the first plane and the plane of the first cavity surface are the same plane. The first planar heating element may extend within the plane of the first cavity surface. In some of these embodiments, the second plane and the plane of the second cavity surface are coplanar. In other words, in some embodiments, the plane of the second plane and the plane of the second cavity surface are the same plane. The second planar heating element may extend in the plane of the second cavity surface.

The first heating element may be disposed on a surface of the first cavity. The second heating element may be disposed on a surface of the second cavity. The first heating element and the second heating element may be disposed on opposite sides of the heated cavity. The first heating element and the second heating element may be disposed opposite each other. In these embodiments, when the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the heated cavity, the aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed between the first heating element and the second heating element.

Advantageously, by arranging the first and second heating elements on opposite sides of the heating cavity such that when the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the heating cavity, the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed between the first and second heating elements, a compact device can be provided that allows for particularly efficient heat transfer from the heating assembly to the aerosol-forming substrate within the heating cavity.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The heated cavity may be defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane. The aerosol generating device may comprise a first heating assembly comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in a first plane. The first plane may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The first heating element may be disposed on or around a first portion of the cavity surface, or may form the first portion of the cavity surface. The aerosol generating device may comprise a second heating assembly comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane. The second plane may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The second heating element may be disposed on or around a second portion of the cavity surface, or may form the second portion of the cavity surface.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the heated cavity being defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in the plane. The aerosol generating device further comprises a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly. The first heating assembly comprises a planar first heating element extending substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, the first heating element being disposed on or around a first portion of the cavity surface or forming the first portion of the cavity surface. The second heating assembly comprises a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, the second heating element being disposed on or around a second portion of the cavity surface or forming the second portion of the cavity surface.

In some preferred embodiments, the first planar heating element and the second planar heating element are disposed on the cavity surface. In some embodiments, the first planar heating element and the second planar heating element extend in the plane of the cavity surface.

Advantageously, an aerosol generating device having two heating assemblies, each having a planar cavity surface and a planar heating element extending in the plane of the cavity surface and disposed at or around the cavity surface, can provide a compact device that allows for independent or simultaneous heating of different aerosol-forming substrates. Providing an aerosol generating device with two heating assemblies, each having a planar cavity surface and a planar heating element extending in the plane of the cavity surface and disposed at or around the cavity surface, may also allow a user to precisely control the generation of aerosols from multiple substrates. Providing an aerosol generating device with a heating assembly having a planar cavity surface and a planar heating element extending in the plane of the cavity surface and disposed at or around the cavity surface can also ensure efficient heat transfer from the heating assembly to the aerosol-forming substrates within the heated cavity.

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device may include a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The heated cavity may be defined on one side by a first planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane and on the opposite side by a second planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane. The aerosol generating device may include a first heating assembly including a planar first heating element extending substantially in the first plane. The first plane may be parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface. The first heating element may be disposed on the first cavity surface or may form a portion of the first cavity surface. The aerosol generating device may include a second heating assembly including a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane. The second plane may be parallel to the plane of the second cavity surface. The second heating element may be disposed on the second cavity surface or may form a portion of the second cavity surface.

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device comprises a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the heated cavity being defined on one side by a first planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane and on the opposite side by a second planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane. The aerosol generating device further comprises a first heating assembly comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in the first plane. The first plane is parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface. The first heating element is disposed on or forms part of the first cavity surface. The aerosol generating device further comprises a second heating assembly comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane. The second plane is parallel to the plane of the second cavity surface. The second heating element is disposed on or forms part of the second cavity surface.

In some preferred embodiments, the first and second planar heating elements are disposed opposite each other on opposite sides of the heating cavity. In some embodiments, the first planar heating element extends in the plane of the first cavity surface, and the second planar heating element extends in the plane of the second cavity surface.

As used herein, "planar" generally refers to features formed within a single Euclidean plane and not wrapped around or conformed to a curved or other non-planar shape. A planar surface extends in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane. A planar object extends in substantially two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane, rather than a third dimension parallel to the plane. More specifically, a planar object extends in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension that is at least two, five, or ten times larger than the object extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. Advantageously, planar components of a heating assembly are easily handled during manufacturing and provide a robust structure.

The aerosol generating device may be a flat aerosol generating device. The first heating assembly may be a flat heating assembly. The first heating element may be a flat heating element. The second heating assembly may be a flat heating assembly. The second heating element may be a flat heating element.

As used herein, "flat" refers to a substantially two-dimensional topological manifold. In other words, "flat" means substantially two-dimensional. An example of a flat article is a structure between two substantially parallel surfaces, where the distance between the two surfaces is less than the extension substantially within the surfaces. A planar feature extends in substantially two dimensions than the third dimension. More specifically, a planar feature extends in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, and is at least five times larger than the feature extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. A substantially flat feature may be planar. A substantially flat feature may be curved along one or more dimensions, for example, forming a dome or bridge shape. Advantageously, a flat aerosol generating device may provide a robust structure that is easily handled and stored by a user. Advantageously, flat components of a heating assembly may be easily handled during manufacturing and provide a robust structure.

The aerosol generating device may be a flat, planar aerosol generating device. The first heating assembly may be a flat, planar heating assembly. The first heating element may be a flat, planar heating element. The second heating assembly may be a flat, planar heating assembly. The second heating element may be a flat, planar heating element.

As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate is typically part of an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or oral end of an aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating system. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

As used herein, "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device. In an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of an aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system is the end of the component closest to the user end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system. As used herein, "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end.

As used herein, "end" and "side" are used interchangeably to refer to the tip of a feature of an aerosol generating device, heating assembly, heating element, or aerosol-generating article. The features described herein preferably have two opposing ends and at least one side extending between the two opposing ends. Preferably, features are described herein as having a length extending longitudinally between the opposing ends and a width extending transversely between the two opposing sides.

As used herein, "length" refers to the maximum dimension of a feature along the feature's longitudinal axis.

As used herein, "width" refers to the major dimension of a feature in the transverse direction of the feature. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, "thickness" and "depth" refer to the maximum dimension of a feature in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feature and in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the feature.

The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may include additional electronic components.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element.

The controller may be configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and to selectively control the supply of power to the second heating assembly. The aerosol generating device may include a user interface. The user interface may have a first user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the first heating assembly. The user interface may have a second user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the second heating assembly.

The user interface may be any suitable user interface. The user interface may include one or more physical user inputs, such as buttons or switches. The user interface may include a touchscreen. If the user interface includes a touchscreen, one or more user inputs may be part of the touchscreen.

Advantageously, allowing selective control of the power supply to the first heating assembly and selective control of the power supply to the second heating assembly may provide a user with improved control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device from the aerosol-forming substrate received within the heating cavity.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature. In some embodiments, the second operating temperature is the same as the first operating temperature. In some preferred embodiments, the second operating temperature is different from the first operating temperature.

As used herein, "operating temperature" is the temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.

The controller may be configured to control the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly.

Advantageously, controlling the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly may allow for improved control over the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device from an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heated cavity. Particularly advantageously, controlling the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly may allow for heating of a first aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the heated cavity at or about a first portion of the cavity surface independently of a second aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the heated cavity at or about a second portion of the cavity surface.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and the supply of power to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly simultaneously.

The controller may be configured to control the power supply to the first heating assembly and the power supply to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to both the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly, or such that power is supplied only to the first heating assembly. The controller may be configured to control the power supply to the first heating assembly and the power supply to the second heating assembly such that power is supplied to both the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly, or such that power is supplied only to the second heating assembly.

The aerosol generating device may be equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate detector.

In some preferred embodiments, the cavity surface is a first cavity surface, and the heated cavity is further defined in a second cavity surface opposite the first cavity surface. The aerosol-forming substrate detector may be disposed on or around the second cavity surface.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly based on a signal received from the aerosol-forming substrate detector. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly based on a signal received from the aerosol-forming substrate detector.

Advantageously, controlling the power supply to the first and second heating assemblies based on signals received from the aerosol-forming substrate detector may enable the controller to adjust the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated based on at least one of the type and composition of the aerosol-forming substrate in order to optimize aerosol generation from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate detector may be any suitable type of detector. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate detector may be a camera. The aerosol-forming substrate detector may be an optical sensor. The aerosol-forming substrate detector may be a barcode reader.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate detector may be configured to detect at least one of the type and composition of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate detector may be configured to detect an identifier, such as a barcode or QR code, associated with the aerosol-forming substrate. The identifier comprises information about at least one of the type and composition of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is provided within an aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article may comprise the identifier.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device includes a first aerosol-forming substrate detector and a second aerosol-forming substrate detector. The first aerosol-forming substrate detector may be disposed on or around a first portion of the cavity surface. The second aerosol-forming substrate detector may be disposed on or around a second portion of the cavity surface.

When the cavity surface is a first cavity surface and the heated cavity is further defined in a second cavity surface, the first aerosol-forming substrate detector may be disposed on or around a first portion of the second cavity surface opposite the first portion of the first cavity surface, and the second aerosol-forming substrate detector may be disposed on or around a second portion of the second cavity surface opposite the second portion of the first cavity surface.

The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly based on a signal received from the first aerosol-forming substrate detector. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly based on a signal received from the second aerosol-forming substrate detector.

Advantageously, by separately controlling the power supply to the first heating assembly based on a signal received from the first aerosol-forming substrate detector and controlling the power supply to the second heating assembly based on a signal received from the second aerosol-forming substrate detector, the controller may be able to adjust the temperature to which each of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates is heated independently of each other, thereby optimizing aerosol generation from each of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates.

In some embodiments, the second heating element is substantially identical to the first heating element.

In some embodiments, the second heating element is different from the first heating element.

The first heating element may have a first heating element shape. The second heating element may have a second heating element shape. The second heating element shape may be substantially the same as the first heating element shape. The second heating element shape may be different from the first heating element shape.

The first heating element shape may be any suitable shape. The first heating element shape may be one of a circle, an oval, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.

The second heating element shape may be any suitable shape. The second heating element shape may be one of a circle, an oval, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.

The first heating element may have a first heating element size. The second heating element may have a second heating element size. The second heating element size may be substantially the same as the first heating element size. The second heating element size may be different from the first heating element size.

The first heating element has a first heating element length. The first heating element length may be any suitable length. The first heating element length may be from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.

The second heating element has a second heating element length. The second heating element length may be any suitable length. The second heating element length may be from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.

The first heating element has a first heating element width. The first heating element width may be any suitable width. The first heating element width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

The second heating element has a second heating element width. The second heating element width may be any suitable width. The second heating element width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

The first heating element has a first heating element thickness. The first heating element thickness may be any suitable thickness. The first heating element thickness may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The second heating element has a second heating element thickness. The second heating element thickness may be any suitable thickness. The second heating element thickness may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The first heating element and the second heating element may be made from any suitable material. The first heating element and the second heating element may be formed from the same material. The second heating element may be formed from a different material than the first heating element.

The first heating element may be formed from a conductive material. The second heating element may be formed from a conductive material.

As used herein, "electrically conductive" refers to a material that has a volume resistivity of less than about 1× ¹⁰ ohm-meter (Ωm), typically between about 1×10 ohm-meter (Ωm) and about 1× ^{10 ohm} -meter (Ωm) at 20 degrees Celsius (°C).

The first heating element may be formed from a thermally conductive material. The second heating element may be formed from a thermally conductive material.

As used herein, the term "thermally conductive" refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 watts per meter-Kelvin (mW/(mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

The first heating element may be formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and a composite of a metallic material.

The second heating element may be formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and a composite of a metallic material.

The first heating assembly may be any suitable type of heating assembly. The first heating element may be any suitable type of heating element.

The first heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly. In some embodiments, the first heating element is a resistive heating element.

The second heating assembly may be any suitable type of heating assembly. The second heating element may be any suitable type of heating element.

The second heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly. In some embodiments, the second heating element is a resistive heating element.

In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly.

The first heating assembly may include a first inductor coil. The first inductor coil may have any suitable configuration. The first inductor coil may be a tubular first inductor coil. The first inductor coil may be a planar first inductor coil that extends substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The first inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. Preferably, the first inductor coil may be a flat, planar inductor coil.

The first inductor coil has a first inductor coil shape. The first inductor coil shape may be any suitable shape. The first inductor coil may have one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.

As used herein, a "planar inductor coil" refers to a coil that lies generally on a single Euclidean plane, with the axis of the coil's windings perpendicular to the plane in which the coil lies. A planar inductor coil can have any desired shape within the plane of the coil. For example, a planar inductor coil may have a circular shape, or a generally rectangular or oblong shape. Preferably, the inductor coil is a spiral coil. It is particularly preferred that the inductor coil be a planar rectangular spiral coil.

The first inductor coil has a first inductor coil size. The first inductor coil size may be any suitable size. The first inductor coil has a first inductor coil length. The first inductor coil length may be any suitable length. The first inductor coil length may be about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The first inductor coil has a first inductor coil width. The first inductor coil width may be any suitable width. The first inductor coil width may be about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The first inductor coil has a first inductor coil thickness. The first inductor coil thickness may be any suitable thickness. The first inductor coil thickness may be about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The first inductor coil may have any suitable number of turns.

The first inductor coil may be formed from any suitable material. The first inductor coil may be formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof, as well as conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.

The first inductor coil shape may be different from the first heating element shape. In some preferred embodiments, the first inductor coil shape is substantially identical to the first heating element shape.

The first inductor coil size may be different from the first heating element size. In some preferred embodiments, the first inductor coil size is substantially the same as the first heating element size.

Preferably, the first heating element may be disposed between the cavity surface and the first inductor coil.

When a first varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, the first inductor coil can generate a first varying magnetic field.

As used herein, "varying current" refers to a current that varies over time. An inductor coil generates a varying magnetic field when a varying current is supplied to the inductor coil. The term "varying current" is intended to include alternating current. A varying current is an alternating current, and alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field.

The changing current may be an alternating current. As used herein, "alternating current" refers to a current that periodically reverses direction. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. A suitable frequency for the alternating current may be from 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 megahertz (MHz). If the at least one inductor coil is a tubular inductor coil, the alternating current may have a frequency from 500 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 megahertz (MHz). If the at least one inductor coil is a planar coil, the alternating current may have a frequency from 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz).

The planar first heating element may be a planar first susceptor element.

As used herein, "susceptor" refers to an element that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. Susceptors are typically heatable by at least one of Joule heating through the induction of eddy currents in the susceptor element and hysteresis losses.

When the first heating assembly includes a first inductor coil and the first heating element is a first susceptor element, the first susceptor element may be arranged to be penetrated by a first varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil when a first varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil.

The first susceptor element may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the first susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that is heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE Types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.

As used herein, "magnetic material" refers to a material that can interact with a magnetic field, including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials.

In some preferred embodiments, the first susceptor element comprises, on a dry weight basis, at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

The first susceptor element shape may be different from the first inductor coil shape. Preferably, the first susceptor element shape is substantially the same as the first inductor coil shape.

The first inductor coil size may be different from the first inductor coil size. It is preferred that the first susceptor element size be substantially the same as the first inductor coil size.

In some embodiments, the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly.

The second heating assembly may include a second inductor coil. The second inductor coil may have any suitable configuration. The second inductor coil may be a tubular second inductor coil. The second inductor coil may be a planar second inductor coil that extends substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The second inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. Preferably, the second inductor coil may be a flat, planar inductor coil.

The second inductor coil has a second inductor coil shape. The second inductor coil shape may be any suitable shape. The second inductor coil may have one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.

The second inductor coil has a second inductor coil size. The second inductor coil size may be any suitable size. The second inductor coil has a second inductor coil length. The second inductor coil length may be any suitable length. The second inductor coil length may be about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The second inductor coil has a second inductor coil width. The second inductor coil width may be any suitable width. The second inductor coil width may be about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The second inductor coil has a second inductor coil thickness. The second inductor coil thickness may be any suitable thickness. The second inductor coil thickness may be about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The second inductor coil may have any suitable number of turns.

The second inductor coil may be formed from any suitable material. The second inductor coil may be formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof, as well as conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.

The second inductor coil shape may be different from the second heating element shape. In some preferred embodiments, the second inductor coil shape is substantially the same as the second heating element shape.

The second inductor coil size may be different from the second heating element size. In some preferred embodiments, the second inductor coil size is substantially the same as the second heating element size.

The second heating element may preferably be disposed between the cavity surface and the second inductor coil.

The second inductor coil can generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil.

The planar second heating element may be a planar second susceptor element.

When the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil and the second heating element is a second susceptor element, the second susceptor element may be positioned to be penetrated by a second varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil when a second varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil.

The second susceptor element may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the second susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that is heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE Types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.

In some preferred embodiments, the second susceptor element comprises, on a dry weight basis, at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

The second susceptor element shape may be different from the second inductor coil shape. Preferably, the second susceptor element shape is substantially the same as the second inductor coil shape.

The second inductor coil size may be different from the second inductor coil size. Preferably, the second susceptor element size is substantially the same as the second inductor coil size.

In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly. In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly and the second heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly. In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and the second heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly. In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly and the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly.

The first heating assembly may further include a first shielding element.

The first shielding element may be a planar first shielding element that extends substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The first shielding element may be a flat first shielding element. The first shielding element may be a flat, planar shielding element.

The first shielding element may be disposed in any suitable location. The first heating element is preferably disposed between the cavity surface and the first shielding element. When the first heating assembly includes a first inductor coil, a first heating element, and a first shielding element, the first inductor coil may be disposed between the first heating element and the first shielding element.

The first shielding element has a first shielding element shape. The first shielding element shape may be any suitable shape. The first shielding element shape may be different from the first heating element shape. Preferably, the first shielding element shape is substantially the same as the first heating element shape. The first shielding element may have one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.

The first shielding element has a first shielding element size. The first shielding element size may be any suitable size. The first shielding element size may be different from the first heating element size. Preferably, the first shielding element size is substantially the same as the first heating element size. The first shielding element has a first shielding element length. The first shielding element length may be any suitable length. The first shielding element length may be from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The first shielding element has a first shielding element width. The first shielding element width may be any suitable width. The first shielding element width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The first shielding element has a first shielding element thickness. The first shielding element thickness may be any suitable thickness. The first shielding element thickness may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The first shielding element may be formed from any suitable material.

The first shielding element may be formed from a conductive material. The first shielding element may include a metal or a metal alloy. The first shielding element may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, a silver-aluminum alloy, a silver-copper alloy, a silver-glass fiber, and a nickel-graphite alloy. The first shielding element may include a copper alloy. The first shielding element may include nickel-silver. In other words, the first shielding element may include an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. The first shielding element may include copper alloy 770. The first shielding element may include an alloy including 55 weight percent copper, 27 weight percent zinc, and 18 weight percent nickel.

The first shielding element may include silicon. The first shielding element may include a silicon substrate including metal particles. The metal particles may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, a silver-aluminum alloy, a silver-copper alloy, a silver-glass fiber, and a nickel-graphite alloy.

The first shielding element may be formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100, at a frequency of 6-8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Advantageously, providing a first shielding element with such a relative magnetic permeability may allow the shielding element to shield the exterior of the device and one or more other components of the device from any fluctuating magnetic fields generated by the first heating assembly.

The first shielding element may comprise a magnetic material. The first shielding element may comprise at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis. The magnetic material of the first shielding element may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel. Advantageously, forming the first shielding element from a magnetic material may enable the shielding element to shield the exterior of the apparatus and one or more other components of the apparatus from the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the first heating assembly.

The first shielding element may comprise a woven fabric. The first shielding element may comprise a woven fabric comprising polyester. The first shielding element may comprise an EMF fabric, sometimes referred to as a Faraday fabric. Suitable commercially available Faraday fabrics include: Faraday fabric available from NEWBEAU, comprising 20 weight percent copper and nickel and 80 weight percent polyester; and Faraday fabric available from COVA, comprising 20 weight percent copper and nickel and 80 weight percent polyester. Other suitable Faraday fabrics include TitanRF Faraday fabric available from Mission Darkness, comprising 62±7 weight percent polyester fiber, 25±7 weight percent copper, and 13±7 weight percent nickel; and protective fabric available from Amradield, comprising polyester, nickel, and copper.

The first shielding element may include a layered structure. In other words, the first shielding element may include a multilayer composition of different elements. Each element or layer may be a thin foil. The layered structure may include at least one of a layer including a conductive material, a layer including a magnetic material, a layer including a thermal insulating material, and a layer including an electrically insulating material.

As used herein, "thermal insulating" refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than about 5 watts per meter Kelvin (mW/(mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

As used herein, "electrically insulating" refers to a material that has a volume resistivity at 20 degrees Celsius (°C) greater than about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m), typically from about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m) to about 1 x 10 ^ohm -meters (Ω-m).

The second heating assembly may further include a second shielding element.

The second shielding element may be a planar second shielding element that extends substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The second shielding element may be a flat second shielding element. The second shielding element may be a flat, planar shielding element.

The second shielding element may be disposed in any suitable location. The second heating element is preferably disposed between the cavity surface and the second shielding element. When the second heating assembly includes a second inductor coil, a second heating element, and a second shielding element, the second inductor coil may be disposed between the second heating element and the second shielding element.

The second shielding element has a second shielding element shape. The second shielding element shape may be any suitable shape. The second shielding element shape may be different from the second heating element shape. Preferably, the second shielding element shape is substantially the same as the second heating element shape. The second shielding element may have one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.

The second shielding element has a second shielding element size. The second shielding element size may be any suitable size. The second shielding element size may be different from the second heating element size. Preferably, the second shielding element size is substantially the same as the second heating element size. The second shielding element has a second shielding element length. The second shielding element length may be any suitable length. The second shielding element length may be from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The second shielding element has a second shielding element width. The second shielding element width may be any suitable width. The second shielding element width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The second shielding element has a second shielding element thickness. The second shielding element thickness may be any suitable thickness. The second shielding element thickness may be from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.

The second shielding element may be formed from any suitable material.

The second shielding element may be formed from a conductive material. The second shielding element may include a metal or metal alloy. The second shielding element may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, a silver-aluminum alloy, a silver-copper alloy, a silver-glass fiber, and a nickel-graphite alloy. The second shielding element may include a copper alloy. The second shielding element may include nickel-silver. In other words, the second shielding element may include an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. The second shielding element may include copper alloy 770. The second shielding element may include an alloy including 55 weight percent copper, 27 weight percent zinc, and 18 weight percent nickel.

The second shielding element may include silicon. The second shielding element may include a silicon substrate including metal particles. The metal particles may include one or more of copper, nickel, silver, silver-aluminum alloy, silver-copper alloy, silver-glass fiber, and nickel-graphite alloy.

The second shielding element may be formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100, at a frequency of 6-8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Advantageously, providing a second shielding element with such a relative magnetic permeability may allow the shielding element to shield the exterior of the device and one or more other components of the device from the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the second heating assembly.

The second shielding element may comprise a magnetic material. The second shielding element may comprise at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis. The magnetic material of the second shielding element may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel. Advantageously, forming the second shielding element from a magnetic material may enable the shielding element to shield the exterior of the apparatus and one or more other components of the apparatus from the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the second heating assembly.

The second shielding element may include a woven fabric. The second shielding element may include a woven fabric including polyester. The second shielding element may include an EMF fabric, sometimes referred to as a Faraday fabric. Suitable commercially available Faraday fabrics include: Faraday fabric available from NEWBEAU, which includes 20 weight percent copper and nickel and 80 weight percent polyester, and Faraday fabric available from COVA, which includes 20 weight percent copper and nickel and 80 weight percent polyester. Other suitable Faraday fabrics include TitanRF Faraday fabric available from Mission Darkness, which includes 62±7 weight percent polyester fiber, 25±7 weight percent copper, and 13±7 weight percent nickel, and protective fabric available from Amradield, which includes polyester, nickel, and copper.

The second shielding element may include a layered structure. In other words, the second shielding element may include a multilayer composition of different elements. Each element or layer may be a thin foil. The layered structure may include at least one of a layer including a conductive material, a layer including a magnetic material, a layer including a thermal insulating material, and a layer including an electrically insulating material.

As used herein, "thermal insulating" refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than about 5 watts per meter Kelvin (mW/(mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

As used herein, "electrically insulating" refers to a material that has a volume resistivity at 20 degrees Celsius (°C) greater than about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m), typically from about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m) to about 1 x 10 ^ohm -meters (Ω-m).

The heated cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol-forming substrate is contained within an aerosol-generating article, the heated cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The heated cavity may be configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. When the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate are included within an aerosol-generating article, the heated cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.

The heating cavity may have any suitable shape.

The second portion of the cavity surface may be adjacent to the first portion of the cavity surface. The second portion of the cavity surface may be spaced apart from the first portion of the cavity surface.

The heating cavity has a transverse cross-sectional shape. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the heating cavity may have any suitable shape. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the heating cavity may be one of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.

As used herein, a "transverse cross section" is a cross section of a feature taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feature.

The heating cavity has a heating cavity length. The heating cavity length may be any suitable length. The heating cavity length may be from about 45 millimeters to about 55 millimeters.

The heating cavity has a heating cavity width. The heating cavity width may be any suitable width. The heating cavity width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

The heating cavity has a heating cavity depth. The heating cavity depth may be any suitable depth. The heating cavity depth may be from about 0.10 millimeters to about 7 millimeters.

The heating cavity has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the heating cavity is preferably open to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The distal end of the heating cavity is preferably substantially closed. In some preferred embodiments, a first heating assembly is disposed toward the proximal end of the heating cavity and a second heating assembly is disposed toward the distal end of the heating cavity.

In some embodiments, the first heating assembly is disposed at or toward the proximal end of the heating cavity, and the second heating assembly is disposed at or toward the distal end of the heating cavity. In some of these embodiments, the controller may be configured to supply power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element and then supply power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element. Advantageously, supplying power to the first heating assembly at the proximal end of the heating cavity to heat the first heating element before supplying power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element may ensure that the aerosol-forming substrate in the heating cavity heated by the second heating assembly is not heated by vapor generated by the aerosol-forming substrate heated by the first heating assembly as it is drawn through the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one air inlet. The at least one air inlet may be arranged to allow ambient air to enter the aerosol generating device. The at least one air inlet may allow ambient air to enter the heating cavity. The at least one air inlet may be arranged on an exterior surface of the aerosol generating device. The at least one air inlet may be arranged at any suitable location within the aerosol generating device. The at least one air inlet may be arranged at or towards the proximal end of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one air outlet. The at least one air outlet may be disposed in the heated cavity. The at least one air outlet may be disposed at any suitable location within the heated cavity. The at least one air outlet may be disposed at or towards a distal end of the heated cavity.

The aerosol generating device may include an airflow path extending between at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. As used herein, the terms "airflow path," "air path," "airflow passage," and "air passage" are used interchangeably to refer to a path through an aerosol generating system, or a portion of the system along which air flows during use of the aerosol generating system. The airflow path may be configured to allow ambient air to flow from the air inlet, through the airflow path, and out the air outlet into the heated cavity. The airflow path may include one or more bends. The airflow path may be tortuous. Providing an airflow path, particularly a tortuous airflow path, in the aerosol generating device may allow for precise control of the draw resistance of the aerosol generating system.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece opening. The mouthpiece opening may extend into the heated cavity. The mouthpiece opening may be configured to allow air to be drawn from the heated cavity. The mouthpiece may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece opening may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol generating device.

The mouthpiece may be connectable to the housing of the aerosol generation device. The mouthpiece may be detachable from the housing of the aerosol generation device. The mouthpiece may be movably connected to the housing of the aerosol generation device. The mouthpiece may be hingedly connected to the housing of the aerosol generation device.

The mouthpiece may define a proximal end of the heating cavity.

The mouthpiece may be formed from any suitable material. The mouthpiece may be formed from any material suitable for the housing of the aerosol generating device. In some preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece is formed from the same material as the housing of the aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a heater frame. The heater frame may define a portion of a heating cavity. The heater frame may define a heater cavity. The heater frame may provide a structure to which at least one of a heating element and a heating assembly may be attached. Providing a heater frame to which a heating element and a heating assembly may be attached may facilitate manufacturing and maintenance of the aerosol generating device.

The heating element may be attached to the exterior surface of the heater frame. The heating assembly may be attached to the exterior surface of the heater frame. The heating element may be attached to the interior surface of the heater frame. The heating assembly may be attached to the interior surface of the heater frame.

The heater frame may be formed from any suitable material. In particular, the heater frame may be formed from any material suitable for the housing of the aerosol generating device. The heater frame may be formed from the same material as the housing of the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the heater frame 35 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. This may improve heat transfer from the heating assembly to the aerosol-generating article, particularly when the heating element is attached to the exterior surface of the heater frame. For example, the heater frame may be formed from aluminum. If the heater frame is formed from a conductive material, it may be necessary to electrically insulate the heating element and heating assembly from the heater frame.

The aerosol-generating device may have any suitable configuration. The aerosol-generating device may be planar or extend in a plane. The plane of the aerosol-generating device may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The aerosol-generating device may be flat. The aerosol-generating device may be a flat, planar aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be elongated.

As used herein, an "elongated" feature refers to a feature that has a length that is substantially greater than the other dimensions of the feature. For example, an elongated feature may have a length that is at least three times longer than the other dimensions of the feature.

The aerosol generating device has a transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol generating device may have any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device is rectangular or square.

The aerosol generating device may have two planar, opposing outer surfaces extending in a plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The two planar, opposing outer surfaces may have any suitable shape. The two planar, opposing outer surfaces may have a substantially rectangular or square shape.

The aerosol generating device may have any suitable size. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. In other words, the aerosol generating device may be sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may have a length of approximately 70 millimeters to approximately 120 millimeters.

The aerosol generator has an aerosol generator length. The aerosol generator length may be any suitable length. The aerosol generator length may be about 30 millimeters to about 150 millimeters, about 70 millimeters to about 120 millimeters, or preferably about 100 millimeters to about 110 millimeters.

The aerosol generator has an aerosol generator width. The aerosol generator width may be any suitable width. The aerosol generator width may be from about 25 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating device has an aerosol-generating device thickness. The aerosol-generating device thickness may be any suitable thickness. The aerosol-generating device thickness may be from about 20 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may define at least a portion of the heating cavity.

The housing may be planar or may extend in a plane. The plane of the housing may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. Preferably, the housing is flat. The housing may be a planar, flat housing.

The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.

The housing may be formed from a non-magnetic material.

As used herein, "non-magnetic material" refers to a material that does not interact with magnetic fields and cannot be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field.

In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

As used herein, "thermal insulating" refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than about 5 watts per meter Kelvin (mW/(mK)) at 23 degrees Celsius (°C) and a relative humidity of 50 percent as measured using the modified transient plane heat source (MTPS) method.

In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

As used herein, "electrically insulating" refers to a material that has a volume resistivity at 20 degrees Celsius (°C) greater than about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m), typically from about 1 x ¹⁰ ohm-meters (Ω-m) to about 1 x 10 ^ohm -meters (Ω-m).

It is preferable that the material be light and not brittle.

Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene.

The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may be arranged to provide power to the first heating assembly. The power source may be arranged to provide power to the second heating assembly.

The power source may be any suitable power source. Preferably, the power source is a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable and configured for numerous charge-discharge cycles. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of energy sufficient for one or more user experiences with the aerosol generation system. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke a conventional cigarette. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the first and second heating assemblies. The power source may be configured to provide between about five puffs and about twelve puffs to the aerosol generation device. The power supply may be configured to provide between about 8 puffs and about 10 puffs to the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device includes a controller and may include additional electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may include any of a sensor, a switch, and a display element.

When at least one of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and the power source is a DC power source, the aerosol generating device may include a DC/AC converter. The DC/AC converter may be disposed between the DC power source and the inductor coil of the induction heating assembly. The DC/AC converter may include a capacitor. The DC/AC converter may include an LC (inductor-capacitor) load network.

In some preferred embodiments, the DC/AC converter may include a capacitor, and the DC/AC converter further includes an LC (inductor-capacitor) load network, the LC load network including an inductor coil and a capacitor. In some of these preferred embodiments, the inductor coil is connected in series with the capacitor.

In some preferred embodiments, the DC/AC converter comprises a Class E power amplifier. The DC/AC converter may also comprise a Class D power amplifier.

In some of these embodiments, the power supply circuit may further include a DC/DC converter. The DC/AC converter may be disposed between the DC power source and the DC/AC converter. The DC/DC converter may allow DC power sources having different supply voltages to be used with the aerosol generating device without changing the functionality of the aerosol generating device.

The power supply circuit may further include a puff detector. The puff detector may be configured to detect when a user inhales on the aerosol generating device. The puff detector may be any suitable sensor capable of detecting when a user inhales on the aerosol generating device. For example, the puff detector may be an airflow sensor.

If the power supply circuit includes a smoke detector, the controller may be configured to supply power to one or both of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly to heat an aerosol-forming substrate received within the heating cavity when the smoke detector detects that a user is inhaling or puffing on the aerosol-generating device.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating system including the above-described aerosol generating device and an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generation system may be configured to deliver nicotine or cannabinoids to a user.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the heated cavity at or around a first portion of the cavity surface. The second aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the heated cavity at or around a second portion of the cavity surface. Advantageously, disposing the first aerosol-forming substrate within the heated cavity at or around a first portion of the cavity surface and the second aerosol-forming substrate within the heated cavity at or around a second portion of the cavity surface may allow the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate to be heated separately and selectively by the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly, respectively.

In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is formed from the same material as the first aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is formed from a different material than the first aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable form. The aerosol-generating article may be planar or extend in a plane. The aerosol-generating article may be flat. The aerosol-generating article may be a flat, planar aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may be elongated.

The aerosol-generating article has a transverse cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article is rectangular or square.

The aerosol-generating article may have two planar, opposing outer surfaces that extend in a plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface when the article is received within the heated cavity. The two planar, opposing outer surfaces may have any suitable shape. The two planar, opposing outer surfaces may have a substantially rectangular or square shape.

The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable size. The aerosol-generating article has an article length. The article length may be any suitable article length. The article length may be from about 55 millimeters to about 65 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article has an article width. The article width may be any suitable article width. The article width may be from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article has an article thickness. The article thickness may be any suitable article thickness. The article thickness may be from about 0.10 millimeters to about 7 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article may include a housing. The housing may define a substrate cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the substrate cavity.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one air inlet. The at least one air inlet may be arranged to allow ambient air to enter the aerosol-generating article. The at least one air inlet may allow ambient air to enter a substrate cavity. The at least one air inlet may be arranged on an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. The at least one air inlet may be arranged at any suitable location within the aerosol-generating article. The at least one air inlet may be arranged at or towards the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one air outlet. The at least one air outlet may be disposed in the substrate cavity. The at least one air outlet may be disposed at any suitable location within the substrate cavity. The at least one air outlet may be disposed at or towards the distal end of the substrate cavity.

The aerosol-generating article may include an airflow path extending between at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The airflow path may be configured to allow ambient air to flow from the air inlet, through the airflow path, and out the air outlet into the substrate cavity. The airflow path may include one or more bends. The airflow path may be tortuous. Providing an airflow path, particularly a tortuous airflow path, in the aerosol-generating article may allow for precise control of the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating system.

The housing may be planar or may extend in a plane. The plane of the housing may be parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. Preferably, the housing is flat. The housing may be a planar, flat housing.

The aerosol-generating article housing may have a planar outer surface extending in a plane. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that when a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the heated cavity, the planar outer surface is in the plane of or adjacent to the plane of the cavity surface. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that when a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the heated cavity, the planar outer surface is parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.

Advantageously, positioning the planar outer surface of the aerosol-generating article at or adjacent to the cavity surface, preferably parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, can provide a compact device that allows efficient heat transfer from the heating assembly to the aerosol-generating article, since the housing of the aerosol-generating article is disposed as close as possible to the heating assembly.

The aerosol-generating article housing may have a first planar external surface extending in a plane and a second planar external surface extending in a plane. The second planar external surface may form an external surface opposite the first planar external surface. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that, when a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received in the heated cavity, the first planar external surface is at or adjacent to the plane of the first cavity surface and the second planar external surface is at or adjacent to the plane of the second cavity surface. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that, when a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received in the heated cavity, the first planar external surface is parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface and the second planar external surface is parallel to the plane of the second cavity surface.

The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.

The housing may be formed from a non-magnetic material.

In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

In some embodiments, the housing is formed from an electrically insulating material.

It is preferable that the material be light and not brittle.

Examples of suitable materials include paper, cardboard, metal, alloy, plastic, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene.

When the aerosol-generating system comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article comprising the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.

When the aerosol-generating article comprises a housing defining a substrate cavity, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the substrate cavity, and the second aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the substrate cavity.

The first aerosol-forming substrate may be spaced apart from the second aerosol-forming substrate. An airflow path may be provided between the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, providing an airflow path between the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate may improve mixing of the vapor and aerosol generated from the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a plane. The aerosol-generating system may be configured so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the heated cavity, the plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a flat aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a flat, planar aerosol-forming substrate.

When the aerosol-generating system comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a first plane. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that, when the first aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity, the first plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to a first plane of a first portion of the cavity surface. When the aerosol-generating system comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate, the second aerosol-forming substrate may be a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a second plane. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that, when the second aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity, the second plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to a second plane of a second portion of the cavity surface. The second plane of the second planar aerosol-forming substrate may be parallel to the first plane of the first planar aerosol-forming substrate. The second planar surface of the second planar aerosol-forming substrate may be the first planar surface of the first planar aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may have an air inlet. The aerosol-generating article may have an air outlet. The aerosol-generating article may have an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.

The airflow path within the aerosol-generating article may extend across the aerosol-forming substrate. The airflow path within the aerosol-generating article may be in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The airflow path within the aerosol-generating article may extend over one or more sides of the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the air inlet is not received within the heated cavity when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the air inlet is received within the heated cavity when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity. If the aerosol-generating device includes an air inlet, the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may be aligned with the air inlet of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating device includes an air outlet, the air outlet of the aerosol-generating device may be aligned with the air inlet of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece opening. The mouthpiece opening may extend into the substrate cavity. The mouthpiece opening may be configured to allow air to be drawn from the substrate cavity. The mouthpiece may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece opening may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the mouthpiece is not received within the heating cavity when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heating cavity.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article includes a key. In some of these embodiments, the heated cavity of the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the key when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heated cavity in a particular orientation.

The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be any suitable aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaf, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco, for example, in the form of powder, granules, pellets, pieces, strands, strips, or sheets. As used herein, "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Providing homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which allows for more efficient release of nicotine and flavor upon heating. When the tobacco plug comprises homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. As used herein, "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may comprise pieces, strands, or strips of homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may also include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling, or transport. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregate of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "aggregated" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or pinched in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, "textured sheet" means a sheet that has been crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise modified. The use of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material may advantageously facilitate assembling the sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material that include a plurality of spaced indentations, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This conveniently facilitates assembly of the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-generating article. However, it will be recognized that a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are arranged at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco-containing and non-tobacco-containing materials.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a single aerosol former or a combination of two or more aerosol formers. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin) or mixtures thereof. The aerosol former content of the aerosol-forming substrate may exceed 5% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of approximately 5 percent to approximately 30 percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol former, and water.

The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in a sheet that is folded, crimped, or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet is cut into strips having widths of about 0.2 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, more preferably about 0.4 millimeters to about 1.2 millimeters. In one embodiment, the strips have a width of about 0.9 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a gel. Advantageously, the gel is solid at room temperature. As used herein, "solid gel" refers to a gel that has a stable size and shape and does not flow at room temperature. As used herein, "room temperature" refers to 25 degrees Celsius.

When the aerosol-forming substrate is a gel, the gel may advantageously be a thermoreversible gel. This means that the gel becomes fluid when heated to its melting temperature and becomes a gel again at its gelling temperature. The gelling temperature is preferably above room temperature and above atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure means a pressure of 1 atmosphere. The melting temperature is preferably higher than the gelling temperature. The melting temperature of the gel is preferably above 50°C, 60°C, or 70°C, more preferably above 80°C. In this context, melting temperature means the temperature at which the gel is no longer solid and begins to flow. The gel may comprise a gelling agent. Preferably, the gel comprises agar, agarose, or sodium alginate. The gel may comprise gellan gum. The gel may comprise a mixture of materials. The gel may comprise water.

The gel may be provided as a single block or as multiple gel elements, such as beads or capsules. The use of capsules or beads may allow the user to see that the cartridge has already been used, as the gel will not form the same capsules or beads upon heating and subsequent gelation after cooling.

The gel may contain nicotine or a tobacco product, or another target compound, for delivery to the user. If the resulting aerosol is to contain nicotine, it is advantageous to include the nicotine in a gel or another solid form within the substrate container rather than as a liquid. The nicotine may be included in the gel along with the aerosol former. Nicotine can be irritating to the skin and toxic. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent any possible leakage of nicotine by trapping it within the gel at room temperature.

When agar is used as the gelling agent, the gel preferably contains 0.5 to 5% by weight (more preferably 0.8 to 1% by weight) of agar. The gel may further contain 0.1 to 2% by weight of nicotine. The gel may further contain 30 to 90% by weight (more preferably 70 to 90% by weight) of glycerin. The remainder of the gel may contain water and optional flavoring agents.

When gellan gum is used as the gelling agent, the gel preferably contains 0.5 to 5% gellan gum by weight. The gel may further contain 0.1 to 2% nicotine by weight. The gel may further contain 30 to 99.4% glycerin by weight. The remainder of the gel may contain water and optional flavoring agents.

In one embodiment, the gel comprises 2% nicotine, 70% glycerol, 27% water, and 1% agar by weight. In another embodiment, the gel comprises 65% glycerol, 20% water, 14.3% tobacco, and 0.7% agar by weight.

The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1.
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a heated cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, the heated cavity being defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane;
a first heating assembly comprising a planar first heating element extending substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface; and a second heating assembly comprising a planar second heating element extending substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface;
Optionally, a first heating element is disposed on or around or forms a first portion of the cavity surface;
Optionally, the aerosol generating device has a second heating element disposed on or around or forming a second portion of the cavity surface.
Example 2.
10. The aerosol generating device of example 1, further comprising a controller.
Example 3.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 2, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element, and optionally the aerosol generating device comprises a user interface having a first user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and a second user input configured to allow a user to selectively control the supply of power to the second heating assembly.
Example 4.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 3, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature, the second operating temperature being different from the first operating temperature.
Example 5.
5. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 3 or 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius, or between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.
Example 6.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, or at least about 200 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 350 degrees Celsius, or not more than about 280 degrees Celsius, or between about 100 degrees Celsius and about 350 degrees Celsius, or between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 280 degrees Celsius.
Example 7.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 3 to 6, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supply to the second heating assembly independently of the power supply to the first heating assembly.
Example 8.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 3 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly so that power is supplied to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly simultaneously, or so that power is supplied only to the first heating assembly, or so that power is supplied only to the second heating assembly.
Example 9.
9. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate detector.
Example 10.
the cavity surface is a first cavity surface;
a heating cavity is further defined in a second cavity surface opposite the first cavity surface;
a first aerosol-forming substrate detector disposed at or around a first portion of a second cavity surface opposite the first portion of the first cavity surface;
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein a second aerosol-forming substrate detector is disposed on or around a second portion of the second cavity surface opposite the second portion of the first cavity surface.
Example 11.
9. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 3 to 8, further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate detector.
Example 12.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 11, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly based on a signal received from the aerosol-forming substrate detector, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly based on a signal received from the aerosol-forming substrate detector.
Example 13.
the cavity surface is a first cavity surface;
a heating cavity is further defined in a second cavity surface opposite the first cavity surface;
a first aerosol-forming substrate detector disposed at or around a first portion of a second cavity surface opposite the first portion of the first cavity surface;
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 3 to 8, wherein a second aerosol-forming substrate detector is disposed on or around a second portion of the second cavity surface opposite the second portion of the first cavity surface.
Example 14.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly based on a signal received from the first aerosol-forming substrate detector, and the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly based on a signal received from the second aerosol-forming substrate detector.
Example 15.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the second heating element is substantially identical to the first heating element.
Example 16.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element shape, the second heating element has a second heating element shape, and the second heating element shape is substantially the same as the first heating element shape.
Example 17.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element shape, the second heating element has a second heating element shape, and the second heating element shape is different from the first heating element shape.
Example 18.
18. An aerosol generating device according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the shape of the first heating element is one of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.
Example 19.
19. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the shape of the second heating element is one of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.
Example 20.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element size, the second heating element has a second heating element size, and the second heating element size is substantially the same as the first heating element size.
Example 21.
20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14 or 16 to 19, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element size, the second heating element has a second heating element size, and the second heating element size is different from the first heating element size.
Example 22.
22. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element length, the first heating element length being between about 15 millimeters and about 20 millimeters.
Example 23.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element width, and the first heating element width is from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.
Example 24.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the first heating element has a first heating element thickness, and the first heating element thickness is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 25.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the second heating element has a second heating element length, and the second heating element length is from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
Example 26.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the second heating element has a second heating element width, and the second heating element width is from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.
Example 27.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the second heating element has a second heating element thickness, and the second heating element thickness is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 28.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are formed from the same material.
Example 29.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14 or 16 to 27, wherein the second heating element is formed from a different material than the first heating element.
Example 30.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the first heating element is formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and a composite of a metal material.
Example 31.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the second heating element is formed from at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, metal, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and a composite of a metal material.
Example 32.
32. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the first heating assembly further comprises a first inductor coil.
Example 33.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, wherein the first inductor coil is a planar first inductor coil that extends substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
Example 34.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32 or 33, wherein the first heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the first inductor coil.
Example 35.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil shape, the first heating element has a first heating element shape, and the first inductor coil shape is substantially the same as the first heating element shape.
Example 36.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein the first inductor coil has one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.
Example 37.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 36, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil size, the first heating element has a first heating element size, and the first inductor coil size is substantially the same as the first heating element size.
Example 38.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 37, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil length, and the first inductor coil length is from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
Example 39.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 38, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil width, and the first inductor coil width is from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.
Example 40.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 39, wherein the first inductor coil has a thickness of the first inductor coil, and the thickness of the first inductor coil is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 41.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 40, wherein the first inductor coil is formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof, and conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.
Example 42.
42. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 32 to 41, wherein the planar first heating element is a planar first susceptor element.
Example 43.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 42, wherein a first inductor coil generates a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil, and the first susceptor element is arranged to be penetrated by the first varying magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil.
Example 44.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 42 or 43, wherein the first susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration with a fluctuating magnetic field, and optionally, the first susceptor element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis.
Example 45.
45. The aerosol generating device of Example 44, wherein the magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as an SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.
Example 46.
An aerosol generating apparatus described in any one of Examples 42 to 45, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil shape, the first susceptor element has a first susceptor element shape, and the first susceptor element shape is substantially the same as the first inductor coil shape.
Example 47.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 42 to 46, wherein the first inductor coil has a first inductor coil size, the first susceptor element has a first susceptor element size, and the first susceptor element size is substantially the same as the first inductor coil size.
Example 48.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the first heating element is a resistance heating element.
Example 49.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the second heating assembly further comprises a second inductor coil.
Example 50.
50. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 49, wherein the second inductor coil is a planar second inductor coil extending substantially parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
Example 51.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 49 or 50, wherein a second heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the second inductor coil.
Example 52.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 51, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil shape, the second heating element has a second heating element shape, and the second inductor coil shape is substantially the same as the second heating element shape.
Example 53.
53. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 49 to 52, wherein the second inductor coil has one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.
Example 54.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 53, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil size, the second heating element has a second heating element size, and the second inductor coil size is substantially the same as the second heating element size.
Example 55.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 54, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil length, and the second inductor coil length is from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
Example 56.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 55, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil width, and the second inductor coil width is from about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.
Example 57.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 56, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil thickness, and the second inductor coil thickness is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 58.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 49 to 57, wherein the second inductor coil is formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof, and conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.
Example 59.
59. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 49 to 58, wherein the planar second heating element is a planar second susceptor element.
Example 60.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 59, wherein a second inductor coil generates a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil, and the second susceptor element is arranged to be penetrated by the second varying magnetic field generated by the second inductor coil.
Example 61.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 59 or 60, wherein the second susceptor element comprises a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, and optionally, the second susceptor element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis.
Example 62.
62. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 61, wherein the magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as an SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.
Example 63.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 59 to 62, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil shape, the second susceptor element has a second susceptor element shape, and the second susceptor element shape is substantially the same as the second inductor coil shape.
Example 64.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 59 to 63, wherein the second inductor coil has a second inductor coil size, the second susceptor element has a second susceptor element size, and the second susceptor element size is substantially the same as the second inductor coil size.
Example 65.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the second heating element is a resistance heating element.
Example 66.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 65, wherein the first heating assembly further comprises a first shielding element.
Example 67.
67. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 66, wherein the first shielding element is a planar first shielding element that extends substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
Example 68.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 66 or 67, wherein the first heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the first shielding element.
Example 69.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 66 to 68, wherein the first shielding element has a first shielding element shape, the first heating element has a first heating element shape, and the first shielding element shape is substantially the same as the first heating element shape.
Example 70.
70. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 69, wherein the first shielding element has one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.
Example 71.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 66 to 70, wherein the first shielding element has a first shielding element size, the first heating element has a first heating element size, and the first shielding element size is substantially the same as the first heating element size.
Example 72.
72. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 71, wherein the first shielding element has a first shielding element length, the first shielding element length being between about 15 millimeters and about 20 millimeters.
Example 73.
73. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 66 to 72, wherein the first shielding element has a first shielding element width, the first shielding element width being between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters.
Example 74.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 66 to 73, wherein the first shielding element has a first shielding element thickness, and the first shielding element thickness is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 75.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 66 to 74, wherein the first shielding element is formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100 at a frequency of 6 to 8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Example 76.
An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 66 to 75, wherein the first shielding element comprises a magnetic material, and optionally the first shielding element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis.
Example 78.
77. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 76, wherein the magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE types 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.
Example 79.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the second heating assembly further comprises a second shielding element.
Example 80.
80. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 79, wherein the second shielding element is a planar second shielding element that extends substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
Example 81.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 79 or 80, wherein a second heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the second shielding element.
Example 82.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 79 to 81, wherein the second shielding element has a second shielding element shape, the second heating element has a second heating element shape, and the second shielding element shape is substantially the same as the second heating element shape.
Example 83.
83. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 79 to 82, wherein the second shielding element has one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or preferably a rectangular shape.
Example 84.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 79 to 83, wherein the second shielding element has a second shielding element size, the second heating element has a second heating element size, and the second shielding element size is substantially the same as the second heating element size.
Example 85.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 79 to 84, wherein the second shielding element has a second shielding element length, and the second shielding element length is from about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.
Example 86.
86. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 79 to 85, wherein the second shielding element has a second shielding element width, the second shielding element width being between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters.
Example 87.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 79 to 86, wherein the second shielding element has a second shielding element thickness, and the second shielding element thickness is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters.
Example 88.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 79 to 87, wherein the second shielding element is formed from a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 60, or at least 80, or at least 100 at a frequency of 6 to 8 megahertz (MHz) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Example 89.
An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 79 to 88, wherein the second shielding element comprises a magnetic material, and optionally the second shielding element comprises at least about 5 percent, or at least about 20 percent, or at least about 50 percent, or at least about 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material on a dry weight basis.
Example 90.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 89, wherein the magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, a ferromagnetic steel, or a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as an SAE 400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel.
Example 91.
91. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the second portion of the cavity surface is adjacent to the first portion of the cavity surface.
Example 92.
91. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the second portion of the cavity surface is spaced apart from the first portion of the cavity surface.
Example 93.
93. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 92, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the heated cavity is one of a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, or preferably a rectangle.
Example 94.
94. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 93, wherein the heating cavity has a heating cavity length, the heating cavity length being between about 45 millimeters and about 55 millimeters.
Example 95.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 94, wherein the heated cavity has a heated cavity width, the heated cavity width being between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters.
Example 96.
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 95, wherein the heated cavity has a heated cavity depth, the heated cavity depth being between about 0.10 millimeters and about 7 millimeters.
Example 97.
97. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 96, wherein the heated cavity has a proximal end and a distal end.
Example 98.
98. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 97, wherein the proximal end of the heated cavity is open to receive an aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 99.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 97 or 98, wherein the distal end of the heating cavity is substantially closed.
Example 100.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 97 to 99, wherein the first heating assembly is arranged toward the proximal end of the heating cavity and the second heating assembly is arranged toward the distal end of the heating cavity.
Example 101.
101. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 100, further comprising at least one air inlet, optionally arranged on an outer surface of the aerosol generating device.
Example 102.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 101, wherein at least one air inlet is arranged to allow ambient air to enter the aerosol generating device.
Example 103.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 101 or 102, further comprising an airflow path extending between at least one air inlet and an air outlet.
Example 104.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 103, wherein an air outlet is arranged in the heated cavity to allow ambient air to flow from the air inlet through the air flow path, out of the air outlet and into the heated cavity, and optionally the air outlet is arranged at or towards the distal end of the heated cavity.
Example 105.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 101, wherein at least one of the at least one air inlet is arranged to allow ambient air to enter the heated cavity.
Example 106.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 101 to 105, wherein at least one air inlet is arranged at or towards the proximal end of the aerosol generating device.
Example 107.
107. An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 106, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a housing, optionally the housing defining a heated cavity.
Example 108.
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 107, wherein the housing is formed from at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic material, or a composite material containing one or more of these materials.
Example 109.
109. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 108, wherein the aerosol generating device has an aerosol generating device length, the aerosol generating device length being between about 100 mm and about 110 mm.
Example 110.
110. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 109, wherein the aerosol generating device has an aerosol generating device width, the aerosol generating device width being between about 25 millimeters and about 35 millimeters.
Example 111.
111. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 110, wherein the aerosol generating device has an aerosol generating device thickness, the aerosol generating device thickness being between about 20 millimeters and about 30 millimeters.
Example 112.
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 111, further comprising a power source arranged to supply power to the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly, optionally wherein the power source is a DC power source such as a rechargeable battery.
Example 113.
An aerosol generating device according to Example 112, wherein the power source is configured to provide about 5 to about 12 puffs to the aerosol generating device, and optionally about 8 to about 10 puffs to the aerosol generating device.
Example 114.
1. An aerosol generating system comprising:
An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 113; and an aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 115.
115. The aerosol-generating system of example 114, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 116.
An aerosol generating system as described in Example 115, wherein a first aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the heated cavity at or around a first portion of the cavity surface, and a second aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the heated cavity at or around a second portion of the cavity surface.
Example 117.
117. An aerosol-generating system according to example 115 or 116, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate is formed of a different material than the first aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 118.
118. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples 114 to 117, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 119.
118. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples 115 to 117, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 120.
An aerosol generating system as described in Example 119, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate is spaced apart from the second aerosol-forming substrate, and optionally, an airflow path is provided between the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 121.
An aerosol generation system as described in Example 118, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a plane, and optionally the aerosol generation system is configured so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the heated cavity, the plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to the plane of the cavity surface.
Example 122.
the first aerosol-forming substrate is a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a first plane, and optionally the aerosol generation system is configured such that when the first aerosol-forming substrate is received in the heated cavity, the first plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to a first plane of the first portion of the cavity surface;
An aerosol generation system as described in Example 119 or 120, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate is a planar aerosol-forming substrate extending in a second plane, and optionally the aerosol generation system is configured such that when the second aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity, the second plane of the aerosol-forming substrate is parallel to the second plane of the second portion of the cavity surface.
Example 123.
123. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 118-122, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.
Example 124.
124. The aerosol-generating system of Example 123, wherein the airflow path within the aerosol-generating article contacts the aerosol-forming substrate.
Example 125.
An aerosol generating system as described in Example 123 or 124, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece and the air outlet is disposed in the mouthpiece.
Example 126.
126. The aerosol-generating system of Example 125, wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured such that the mouthpiece is not received within the heated cavity when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated cavity.
Example 127.
127. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 118 to 126, wherein the aerosol-generating article is planar.
Example 128.
128. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 118 to 127, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a rectangular or square transverse cross-sectional shape.
Example 129.
An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 118 to 128, wherein the aerosol generating article has two planar, opposing outer surfaces extending in a plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, and optionally, the two planar, opposing outer surfaces have a substantially rectangular or square shape.
Example 130.
129. The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 118 to 128, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article length, the article length being between about 55 millimeters and about 65 millimeters.
Example 131.
131. The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 118 to 130, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article width, the article width being between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters.
Example 132.
132. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 118 to 131, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article thickness, the article thickness being from about 0.10 millimeters to about 7 millimeters.
Example 133.
An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 118 to 132, wherein the aerosol generating article is provided with a key and the heating cavity of the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the key when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating cavity in a specific orientation.

The examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the heater assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a schematic exploded view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure suitable for use with the aerosol-generating device of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 and the aerosol-generating article of FIG. FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 6 with the aerosol-generating article received within the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device. FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 8 with the aerosol-generating article received within the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device. FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 10 with the aerosol-generating article received within the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device. FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of an alternative aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 13 with the aerosol-generating article received within the heated cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 1 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device is a generally flat, planar device having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The aerosol generating device has a length of 100 millimeters, a width of 25 millimeters, and a thickness of 20 millimeters.

The aerosol generating device includes a housing 2 formed of PEEK. The housing 2 defines a heated cavity 3. The heated cavity 3 is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. As shown in FIG. 2 , the heated cavity 3 is defined on one side by a first planar cavity surface 4 extending in a substantially plane. The heated cavity 3 is further defined on the opposite side by a second planar cavity surface 5 extending in a plane parallel to the plane of the first planar cavity surface 4. The heated cavity 3 has a rectangular transverse cross-section. The heated cavity has a length of 50 millimeters, a width of 12 millimeters, and a depth of 4 millimeters. The heated cavity 3 has a proximal end that is substantially open to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into the heated cavity 3, and a distal end opposite the proximal end that is substantially closed.

The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a first heating assembly 6 and a second heating assembly 7. The first heating assembly 6 is disposed on a first portion 8 of the first cavity surface 4. The second heating assembly 7 is disposed on a second portion 9 of the first cavity surface 4, spaced apart from the first portion 8 and the first heating assembly 6.

In this embodiment, both the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 are substantially identical. As shown in FIG. 3, the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 each include a heating element 10, an inductor coil 11, and a shielding element 12. The first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 each include a layered structure including the inductor coil 11 disposed between the susceptor 10 and the shielding element 12. The first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 are substantially flat, planar assemblies.

The heating element 10 is a flat, planar heating element extending in a plane. The heating element 10 is a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. In this embodiment, the susceptor element is formed from ferromagnetic stainless steel.

Inductor coil 11 is a flat, planar inductor coil extending in a plane parallel to the plane of heating element 10. Inductor coil 10 is a square coil having substantially square turns. Susceptor element 10 and inductor coil 11 are arranged such that a varying current supplied to inductor coil 11 generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates and heats susceptor element 10.

Shielding element 12 is a flat, planar shielding element extending in a plane parallel to the plane of heating element 10. Like heating element 10, the shielding element is also formed from ferromagnetic stainless steel. The shielding element is intended to protect electrical components disposed behind the heating assembly from the fluctuating magnetic field generated by inductor coil 11 when a fluctuating current is supplied to inductor coil 11. A further shielding element (not shown) made of a thermally insulating material may also be disposed behind shielding element 12 to further protect components disposed behind the heating assembly from the heat generated by the heating assembly.

The inductor coil 11 has a connection end 14 that extends outside the heating assembly for connection to a power source.

In this embodiment, both the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 are substantially identical; however, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second heating assembly 7 may be different from the first heating assembly 6. For example, in some other embodiments, the second inductor coil may have a different number of turns relative to the first inductor coil. For example, in some embodiments, the second heating element may have a different shape than the first heating element, or the second heating element may be formed from a different material than the first heating element. For example, in some embodiments, one of the first heating assembly and the second heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly comprising a resistive heating element.

The first heating element 10 of the first heating assembly 6 is disposed on the first portion 8 of the first cavity surface 4. The first planar heating element 10 of the first heating assembly 6 extends substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface 4.

The second heating element 10 of the second heating assembly 7 is disposed on the second portion 9 of the first cavity surface 4. The second planar heating element 10 of the second heating assembly 7 extends substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface 4.

The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a power control circuit 15 including a controller (not shown), and a power source 16 in the form of a rechargeable battery. The first inductor coil 11 of the first heating assembly 6 is electrically connected to the power source 16 via the power control circuit 15. The second inductor coil 11 of the second heating assembly 6 is also electrically connected to the power source 16 via the power control circuit 15. The controller of the power control circuit 15 controls the supply of power from the power source 16 to the first inductor coil 11 of the first heating assembly 6 and controls the supply of power from the power source 16 to the second inductor coil 11 of the second heating assembly 7.

The aerosol generating device 1 further includes an air inlet 17 that extends through the side of the housing 2 and into the side of the heated cavity 3. The air inlet 17 allows ambient air from outside the aerosol generating device 1 to be drawn directly into the heated cavity 3.

The aerosol-generating device 1 also includes a first aerosol-forming substrate detector 18 and a second aerosol-forming substrate detector 19. The first aerosol-forming substrate detector 18 is an optical sensor, such as a barcode reader, disposed on the second cavity surface 5 opposite the first heating assembly 6. The first aerosol-forming substrate detector is configured to detect an identifier, such as a barcode, on an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity 3 opposite the first heating assembly 6. The second aerosol-forming substrate detector 19 is an optical sensor, such as a barcode reader, disposed on the second cavity surface 5 opposite the second heating assembly 7. The second aerosol-forming substrate detector is configured to detect an identifier, such as a barcode, on an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity 3 opposite the second heating assembly 7.

Figure 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 20 according to the present disclosure suitable for use with the aerosol-generating device 1 of Figure 1.

The aerosol-generating article 20 is a generally flat, planar aerosol-generating article having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article is configured to be received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article has a length of 70 millimeters, a width of 12 millimeters, and a depth of 4 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and a second aerosol-forming substrate 22. In this embodiment, the composition of the first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the composition of the second aerosol-forming substrate 22. In this embodiment, the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 comprises tobacco and an aerosol former, and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 comprises tobacco, an aerosol former, and a flavoring agent, such as menthol. Of course, the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may have any suitable composition, which may not include tobacco. It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the compositions of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates are the same.

The aerosol-generating article 20 further comprises a housing 23 defining a substrate cavity 201 in which the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 are disposed. The housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article 20 comprises a frame 231 surrounding the sides of the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22, and a top plate 24 and a bottom plate 25 extending across both ends of the frame 231. The first aerosol-forming substrate 21 is disposed toward the proximal end of the substrate cavity 201, and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 is disposed toward the distal end of the substrate cavity 201. A gap is formed between the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 within the substrate cavity 201 to allow air to flow between the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22.

The frame 231 of the aerosol-generating article further defines an air inlet 26 that extends through the side of the frame 231 into an airflow path 27. The airflow path 27 extends distally within the article 20 along the base cavity 201 and continues to an air outlet 28 at the distal end of the base cavity 201. Thus, ambient air may be drawn into the base cavity 201 of the article 20 through the air inlet 26, the airflow path 27, and the air outlet 28.

The aerosol-generating article 20 further comprises a mouthpiece portion 29 at the proximal end of the article 20. The mouthpiece portion 29 of the article 20 comprises a mouthpiece opening 30 that extends to the proximal end of the base cavity 201.

Figures 6 and 7 show an aerosol generating device 1 used with an aerosol-generating article 20.

The aerosol-generating article 20 may be received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1, the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20 remains outside the heated cavity 3 so that a user can place their lips over the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20 and inhale the aerosol generating system to receive the aerosol.

When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol-generating device 1, the air inlet 26 of the aerosol-generating article 20 is aligned with the air inlet 17 of the aerosol-generating device 1. This arrangement provides an airflow path between the air inlet 17 of the aerosol-generating device 1 and the mouthpiece opening 30 of the aerosol-generating article. The airflow path allows ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating article by a user inhaling the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20.

During use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20, ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device 1 through the air inlet 17. The ambient air is drawn directly into the heating chamber 3 and the aerosol-generating article 20 through the air inlet 26, which is aligned with the air inlet 17. The air drawn into the aerosol-generating article 20 through the air inlet 26 is drawn through the air flow path 27 and exits through the air outlet 28 into the substrate cavity 201. The air in the substrate cavity 201 can flow over and mix with the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22. In this manner, when both the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 are heated and release volatile compounds, the volatile compounds released from both the first and second aerosol-forming substrates mix within the substrate cavity 201. Air and volatile compounds emitted from the heated substrate within substrate cavity 201 are then drawn from the proximal end of substrate cavity 201 into mouthpiece portion 29, where the volatile compounds cool and condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol within the mouthpiece portion is drawn through aerosol-generating article 20 and delivered to the user at mouthpiece opening 30.

When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the heating cavity 3, the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 is disposed on the first portion 8 of the first cavity surface 4, and the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 is disposed on the second portion 9 of the first cavity surface 4. Thus, the first heating assembly 6 is disposed to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate 21, and the second heating assembly 7 is disposed to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate 22. The first heating element 10 of the first heating assembly 6 is disposed near the first aerosol-forming substrate 21, separated only by the housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article 20. Therefore, heat transfer from the first heating element 10 of the first heating assembly 6 to the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 is high. The second heating element 10 of the second heating assembly 7 is disposed near the second aerosol-forming substrate 22, separated only by the housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article 20. Therefore, heat transfer from the second heating element 10 of the second heating assembly 7 to the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 is high.

The aerosol-generating article 20 further includes a first identifier (not shown) in the form of a first bar code and a second identifier (not shown) in the form of a second bar code. The first bar code is disposed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 25 of the housing 23 of the article 20 in alignment with the first aerosol-forming substrate 21. The second bar code is disposed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 25 of the housing 23 of the article 20 in alignment with the second aerosol-forming substrate 22. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3, the first aerosol-forming substrate detector 18 is aligned with the first bar code, and the second aerosol-forming substrate detector 19 is aligned with the second bar code.

The first barcode includes information identifying the first aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the heating cavity 3, the first aerosol-forming substrate detector 18 detects the first barcode and transmits information identifying the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 to the controller of the power control circuit 15. The controller is configured to control power to the first induction coil 10 of the first heating assembly 6 based on the information received from the first aerosol-forming substrate detector 18. In this manner, the controller is configured to adjust the temperature to which the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 is heated to optimize aerosol generation of the first aerosol-forming substrate 21.

The second barcode includes information identifying the second aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heating cavity 3, the second aerosol-forming substrate detector 19 detects the second barcode and transmits information identifying the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 to the controller of the power control circuit 15. The controller is configured to control power to the second induction coil 10 of the second heating assembly 7 based on the information received from the second aerosol-forming substrate detector 19. In this manner, the controller is configured to adjust the temperature to which the second aerosol-forming substrate 22 is heated to optimize aerosol generation of the second aerosol-forming substrate 22.

The aerosol generation device 1 further includes a user interface connected to the controller of the power circuit 15, which allows a user to control the generation of aerosol from the aerosol generation system. In this embodiment, the user interface includes a first user input 31 in the form of a button and a second user input 32 in the form of a button. The controller is configured to supply power to the first heating element 10 of the first heating assembly 6 when the user selects the first user input 31. The controller is configured to supply power to the second heating element 10 of the second heating assembly 7 when the user selects the second user input 32. A user may select both the first user input 31 and the second user input 32 for power to be supplied simultaneously to both the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7. In this manner, a user may control the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation system.

Figures 8 and 9 show another aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system of Figures 8 and 9 is substantially similar to the aerosol generation system of Figures 6 and 7, and like features are designated with like reference numerals.

The aerosol generating system of Figures 8 and 9 comprises an aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol-generating article 20.

The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 defining a heating chamber 3 having a first induction heating assembly 6 disposed on a first portion 8 of a first cavity surface and a second induction heating assembly 7 disposed on a second portion 9 of the first cavity surface. The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a power control circuit 15 and a power source 16.

The aerosol-generating article 20 comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate 21 and a second aerosol-forming substrate 22.

The aerosol generation systems of Figures 8 and 9 differ from those of Figures 6 and 7 in the configuration of the airflow path through the aerosol generation system. In the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7, the airflow path extends primarily through the aerosol-generating article, while in the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9, the airflow path flows primarily through the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol generating device 1 of Figures 8 and 9 includes an air inlet 17 that extends through the side of the housing 2 but does not extend directly into the side of the heated cavity 3. The air inlet 17 extends into an airflow path 33. The airflow path 33 extends distally within the device 1 along the heated cavity 3 and continues to an air outlet 34 at the distal end of the heated cavity 3.

The aerosol-generating article 20 of Figures 8 and 9 includes an air inlet 26 at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 20. The air inlet 26 extends directly into the substrate cavity 201.

When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3, the air inlet 26 of the aerosol-generating article 20 is aligned with the air outlet 34 of the aerosol-generating device 1. During use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20, air is drawn through the air inlet 17 into the aerosol-generating device 1, through the airflow path 33, and into the heated cavity 3 through the air outlet 34. Air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 20 at the air inlet 26 of the aerosol-generating article 20, through the air outlet 34 of the aerosol-generating device 1, and exits the aerosol-generating article 20 at the mouthpiece opening 30.

Advantageously, providing such a tortuous airflow path through the aerosol generating device may allow the aerosol generating system to more precisely control the draw resistance through the system.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heated cavity 3, the air inlet of the aerosol-generating article may be located outside the heated cavity 3, and therefore the aerosol-generating device may not be provided with an air inlet or airflow path.

Figures 10 and 11 show another aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system of Figures 10 and 11 is substantially similar to the aerosol generation system of Figures 6 and 7, and like features are designated with like reference numerals.

The aerosol generating system of Figures 10 and 11 comprises an aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol-generating article 20.

Aerosol generating device 1 is a generally flat, planar device with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Aerosol generating device 1 has a length of 100 mm, a width of 25 mm, and a thickness of 20 mm.

The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 formed of PEEK. The housing 2 defines a heated cavity 3. The heated cavity 3 is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The heated cavity 3 is defined on one side by a first planar cavity surface 4 extending substantially in a plane. The heated cavity 3 is further defined on the opposite side by a second planar cavity surface 5 extending in a plane parallel to the plane of the first planar cavity surface 4. The heated cavity 3 has a rectangular transverse cross-section. The heated cavity has a length of 50 millimeters, a width of 12 millimeters, and a depth of 4 millimeters. The heated cavity 3 has a proximal end that is substantially open to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into the heated cavity 3, and a distal end opposite the proximal end that is substantially closed.

The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a first heating assembly 6 and a second heating assembly 7. The first heating assembly 6 is disposed on the first cavity surface 4. The second heating assembly 7 is disposed on the second cavity surface 5. The second heating assembly 7 is disposed on the opposite side of the first heating assembly 6 and is spaced apart from the first heating assembly 6 by the width of the heating cavity 3.

In this embodiment, both the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 are substantially identical. The first heating assembly 6 and the second heating assembly 7 each include a planar resistive heating element. The first planar resistive heating element of the first heating assembly 6 is disposed on the first cavity surface and extends in a first plane parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface 4. The second planar resistive heating element of the second heating assembly 7 is disposed on the second cavity surface and extends in a second plane parallel to the plane of the second cavity surface 5.

The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a power control circuit 15, which includes a controller (not shown), and a power source 16 in the form of a rechargeable battery.

The first heating element of the first heating assembly 6 is electrically connected to the power supply 16 via the power control circuit 15. The second heating element of the second heating assembly 7 is electrically connected to the power supply 16 via the power control circuit 15. The controller of the power control circuit 15 controls the power supply from the power supply 16 to the first heating element of the first heating assembly 6 and controls the power supply from the power supply 16 to the second heating element of the second heating assembly 7.

The aerosol generation device 1 further includes an air inlet 17 that extends through the side of the housing 2 into an airflow path 33. The airflow path 33 extends distally within the device 1 along the heated cavity 3 and continues to an air outlet 34 at the distal end of the heated cavity 3. The air inlet 17, airflow path 33, and air outlet 34 allow ambient air from outside the aerosol generation device 1 to be drawn directly into the heated cavity 3.

The aerosol-generating article 20 is a generally flat, planar aerosol-generating article having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The aerosol-generating article is configured to be received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article has a length of 70 millimeters, a width of 12 millimeters, and a depth of 4 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 21. In this embodiment, the first aerosol-forming substrate 21 comprises tobacco and an aerosol former.

The aerosol-generating article 20 further comprises a housing 23 defining a substrate cavity 201 in which the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is disposed.

The housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article further defines an air inlet 26 that extends through the side of the housing 23 at the distal end of the article 20 and into the base cavity 201. In this manner, ambient air may be drawn into the base cavity 201 of the article 20 through the air inlet 26.

The aerosol-generating article 20 further comprises a mouthpiece portion 29 at the proximal end of the article 20. The mouthpiece portion 29 of the article 20 comprises a proximal portion of the substrate cavity 201 that does not include the aerosol-forming substrate 21. In the proximal portion of the substrate cavity 201, volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 21 can cool and condense to form an aerosol. The mouthpiece portion 29 of the article 20 further comprises a mouthpiece opening 30 that extends to the proximal end of the substrate cavity 201. The mouthpiece opening 30 allows aerosol generated within the substrate cavity 201 to be drawn out of the substrate cavity 201.

Accordingly, an airflow path is formed through the aerosol-generating article 20, including the air inlet 26, the base cavity 201, and the air outlet 30.

Figure 11 shows an aerosol generating device 1 used with an aerosol-generating article 20.

The aerosol-generating article 20 may be received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device 1, the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20 remains outside the heated cavity 3 so that a user can place their lips over the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20 and inhale the aerosol generating system to receive the aerosol.

When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3 of the aerosol-generating device 1, the air inlet 26 of the aerosol-generating article 20 is aligned with the air outlet 34 of the aerosol-generating device 1. This arrangement provides an airflow path between the air inlet 17 of the aerosol-generating device 1 and the mouthpiece opening 30 of the aerosol-generating article 20. The airflow path allows ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating article 20 by a user inhaling the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20.

When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the heating cavity 3, the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is disposed between the first heating element of the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating element of the second heating assembly 7. The first heating element and the second heating element are therefore arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 21 from opposite sides. The first heating element and the second heating element are disposed near the aerosol-generating substrate 21 and are separated only by the housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article 20.

In use, when power is supplied from the power supply 16 to the first heating element of the first heating assembly 6 and power is supplied to the second heating element of the second heating assembly 7 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, the control circuit 15 supplies power to the first heating element and the second heating element simultaneously so that the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is heated from both sides simultaneously. This promotes even heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

During use, when a user puffs on the mouthpiece portion 29 of the aerosol-generating article 20, ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device 1 through the air inlet 17. The ambient air is drawn into the heating cavity 3 via the air flow path 33 and the air outlet 34, and into the aerosol-generating article 20 through the air inlet 26. The air drawn into the aerosol-generating article 20 through the air inlet 26 is drawn into the substrate cavity 201. The air in the substrate cavity 201 can flow over the aerosol-forming substrate 21. Thus, when the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is heated to release volatile compounds, the volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 21 are drawn from the proximal end of the substrate cavity 201 into the mouthpiece portion 29, where they cool and condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol in the mouthpiece portion 29 is drawn out of the aerosol-generating article 20 and delivered to the user through the mouthpiece opening 30. Thus, an airflow path is formed through the aerosol generation system, which includes the air inlet 17, the airflow path 33, the air outlet 34, the air inlet 26, the base cavity 201, and the air outlet 30.

Figure 12 illustrates another aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system of Figure 12 is substantially similar to the aerosol generation systems of Figures 9 and 10, and like features are designated with like reference numerals.

The aerosol generating system of Figure 12 comprises an aerosol generating device 1 similar to the aerosol generating device 1 of Figures 9 and 10, and an aerosol generating article 20 identical to the aerosol generating article 20 of Figures 9 and 10.

The aerosol generation device 1 of Figure 12 differs from the aerosol generation device 1 of Figures 9 and 10 in that the aerosol generation device 1 of Figure 12 includes a heater frame 35. The heater frame 35 includes a frame that is received within the proximal end of the aerosol generation device housing 2. The heater frame 35 defines the heating cavity 3 and provides a structure to which the first heating assembly 6 and second heating assembly 7 are mounted.

Providing a heater frame 35 to which the heating elements and heating assemblies are mounted may facilitate manufacturing and maintenance of the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, the first heating element of the first heating assembly 6 and the second heating element of the second heating assembly 7 are mounted on opposite sides of the outer surface of the heater frame 35. This arrangement facilitates electrical connection of the heating assemblies to the power source of the aerosol generating device 1. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the heating elements may be mounted on the inner surface of the heater frame 35, and the heating elements may define a portion of the surface of the heating cavity 3. This arrangement may improve heat transfer from the heating elements to the aerosol-generating article received within the heating cavity 3.

The heater frame 35 may be formed from any suitable material. In this embodiment, the heater frame 35 is formed from PEEK, the same material as the housing 2 of the aerosol generation device 1. The heater frame 35 may be formed from any material suitable for the housing 2 of the aerosol generation device 1. In some embodiments, the heater frame 35 may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. This may improve heat transfer from the heating assembly to the aerosol-generating article, particularly if the heating element is attached to the exterior surface of the heater frame. For example, the heater frame may be formed from aluminum. If the heater frame is formed from a conductive material, it may be necessary to electrically insulate the heating element and heating assembly from the heater frame.

Figures 13 and 14 show another aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system of Figures 13 and 14 is substantially similar to the aerosol generation system of Figures 10 and 11, and like features are designated with like reference numerals.

The aerosol generation system 1 of Figures 13 and 14 differs from the aerosol generation system 1 of Figures 10 and 11 in that the aerosol generation device 1 of Figures 13 and 14 includes a mouthpiece 36, while the aerosol-generating article 20 of Figures 13 and 14 does not include a mouthpiece portion.

The aerosol generation device 1 of Figures 13 and 14 includes a removable mouthpiece 36 disposed across the open proximal end of the housing 2 and configured to substantially close the proximal end of the heating cavity 3. While the mouthpiece 36 in this embodiment is removable from the housing 2 of the aerosol generation device, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the mouthpiece may be movably coupled to the housing 2 of the aerosol generation device 1, such as by a hinge.

The mouthpiece 36 defines the proximal end of the heated cavity 3 when the mouthpiece 36 is received on the housing 2. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3, the mouthpiece 36 extends across the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 20, substantially enclosing the aerosol-generating article 20 within the heated cavity 3. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received within the heated cavity 3 and the mouthpiece 36 is received on the housing 2, a space is provided at the proximal end of the heated cavity 3 between the proximal end of the housing 23 of the aerosol-generating article 20 and the mouthpiece 36. This space is provided to allow cooling of the volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 21 before delivery to the user. By providing this space between the aerosol-generating article 20 and the mouthpiece 36, the substrate cavity 201 of the aerosol-generating article 20 can be filled with an aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the substrate cavity 201 and the aerosol-generating article 20 as a whole to be smaller than the aerosol-generating article 20 of Figures 10 and 11.

The mouthpiece 36 of the aerosol generator 1 is formed from the same material as the housing 2 of the aerosol generator.

The mouthpiece 36 has an air outlet 37 that allows the aerosol formed within the heated cavity 3 to be drawn out of the heated cavity 3 by the user sucking on the mouthpiece 36.

During use, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 36 of the aerosol generating device 1, ambient air is drawn into the aerosol generating device 1 through the air inlet 17. The ambient air is drawn into the heated cavity 3 via the air flow path 33 and the air outlet 34 and into the aerosol-generating article 20 via the air inlet 26. The air drawn into the aerosol-generating article 20 via the air inlet 26 is drawn into the substrate cavity 201. The air in the substrate cavity 201 can flow over the aerosol-forming substrate 21. When the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is heated and releases a volatile compound, the volatile compound released from the aerosol-forming substrate 21 is drawn out of the aerosol-generating article 20 through the opening 30 and into the proximal end of the heated cavity 3. The volatile compound cools and condenses to form an aerosol at the proximal end of the heated cavity 3, and the aerosol is drawn out of the proximal end of the heated cavity 3 through the air outlet 37, where it is delivered to the user. Thus, an airflow path is formed through the aerosol generation system, including the air inlet 17, the airflow path 33, the air outlet 34, the air inlet 26, the base cavity 201, the air outlet 30, the proximal end of the heating cavity 3, and the air outlet 37.

For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values that are within the common standard error of measurement for the property it modifies. In some cases, such as when used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims (19)

1. An aerosol generating system comprising:
An aerosol-generating article comprising:
an aerosol-generating article comprising: a housing defining a substrate cavity; and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the substrate cavity;
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a heating cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, the heating cavity being defined on one side by a planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane;
an aerosol generating device comprising: a first heating assembly comprising a first planar heating element extending substantially in a first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface; and a second heating assembly comprising a second planar heating element extending substantially in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein the airflow path is configured to allow ambient air to flow from the air inlet through the airflow path, and out the air outlet into the base cavity. The planar cavity surface is
a first planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane;
a second planar cavity surface extending substantially in a plane, the second planar cavity surface being opposite the first planar cavity surface and the plane of the second cavity surface being parallel to the plane of the first cavity surface;
4. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the first heating element is disposed on the first cavity surface and the second heating element is disposed on the second cavity surface. the first heating element is disposed on or around a first portion of the cavity surface or forms the first portion of the cavity surface;
4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second heating element is disposed on or around a second portion of the cavity surface or forms the second portion of the cavity surface. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a controller, the controller configured to control the supply of power to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element, the controller configured to control the supply of power to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element, and the power supply to the second heating assembly is independent of the power supply to the first heating assembly. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to control the power supply to the first heating assembly to heat the first heating element to a first operating temperature, and the controller is further configured to control the power supply to the second heating assembly to heat the second heating element to a second operating temperature, the second operating temperature being different from the first operating temperature. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first heating assembly further comprises a first shielding element, and the first heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the first shielding element. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second heating assembly further comprises a second shielding element, and the second heating element is disposed between the cavity surface and the second shielding element. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heating assembly further comprises a planar first inductor coil. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the first heating assembly further comprises a planar first susceptor element extending in the first plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, the first susceptor element being disposed between the cavity surface and the first inductor coil. The aerosol generation system of claim 11, wherein the shape of the first susceptor element is substantially the same as the shape of the first inductor coil. The aerosol generating system described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heating element is a resistive heating element. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second heating assembly further comprises a planar second inductor coil. The aerosol generation system of claim 14, wherein the second heating assembly further comprises a planar second susceptor element extending in a second plane parallel to the plane of the cavity surface, the second susceptor element being disposed between the cavity surface and the second inductor coil. The aerosol generation system of claim 15, wherein the shape of the second susceptor element is substantially the same as the shape of the second inductor coil. The aerosol generating system described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second heating element is a resistive heating element. The aerosol generating system described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second portion of the cavity surface is either adjacent to the first portion of the cavity surface or spaced apart from the first portion of the cavity surface. the cavity surface is a first cavity surface;
the heating cavity is further defined in a second cavity surface opposite the first cavity surface;
a first aerosol-forming substrate detector disposed at or around a first portion of the second cavity surface opposite the first portion of the first cavity surface;
19. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a second aerosol-forming substrate detector is disposed on or around a second portion of the second cavity surface opposite the second portion of the first cavity surface.