RU2772922C2 - Aerosol generating system with set of current collectors - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the tobacco industry, namely to aerosol generating systems. An aerosol generating system contains an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device has a case and a heating chamber limiting a heating zone, while the heating chamber has dimensions providing the possibility of accommodating at least part of aerosol forming substrate inside the heating zone. The aerosol generating device contains an induction element located around the heating zone or adjacent to it. The aerosol generating device, a power supply unit, and a controller are connected to the induction element and are made with the possibility of supplying alternating electric current to the induction element for generating an alternating magnetic field inside the heating zone. The induction element can be controllable for subsequently providing the first alternating magnetic field with the first frequency during the first period of time, and then the second alternating magnetic field with the second frequency during the second period of time.

EFFECT: optimization of heating of an aerosol generating product.

15 cl, 12 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having an inductive heater for heating an aerosol generating article using a current collector. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising such an aerosol generating device in combination with an aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device.

The prior art has provided a number of electrical aerosol generating systems in which an aerosol generating device having an electrical heater is used to heat an aerosol generating substrate such as a tobacco plug. One of the goals of such aerosol generating systems is to reduce the amount of known harmful smoke constituents resulting from the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate is provided as part of an aerosol generating article that is inserted into a chamber or cavity in the aerosol generating device. In some prior art systems for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which it is capable of releasing aerosol-forming volatiles, a resistive heating element, such as a heating plate, is inserted into or around the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is generating an aerosol is placed in the device generating an aerosol. Other aerosol generating systems use an inductive heater instead of a resistive heating element. An inductive heater typically comprises an inductor forming part of the aerosol generating device and a current collector-like conductive element located such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol generating substrate. During use, the inductor generates an alternating magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the current collector element, causing heating of the current collector element, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

In known systems having an inductor and a conductive current collector element, the current collector element is generally fixed within the chamber of the aerosol generating device and is configured to extend at least partially into the aerosol generating article placed in the cavity. . The element in the form of a current collector heats the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating article from the inside when energy is imparted by the induction coil. For example, the current collector element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the chamber.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved heat distribution when the aerosol generating article is heated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing, a heating chamber delimiting a heating zone, the heating chamber being sized to accommodate at least a portion of a substrate forming an aerosol inside the heating zone, an induction element located around the heating zone or adjacent to it, a power supply unit and a controller connected to the induction element and configured to supply an alternating electric current to the induction element to generate an alternating magnetic field inside the heating zone. The induction element can be controlled to sequentially provide a first alternating magnetic field having a first frequency for a first period of time and then a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time.

Advantageously, in use, the first alternating magnetic field may cause preferential heating of the first current collector located within the heating zone, and the second alternating magnetic field may cause preferential heating of the second current collector located within the heating zone. The result of this may be that during the first period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph, and during the second period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph. Thus, although both the first and second pantographs may be heated at the same time, during the first period of time the first alternating current can interact more effectively with the first pantograph than with the second pantograph, as a result of which, during the first period of time, the temperature of the first pantograph is greater than temperature of the second current collector. Alternatively, the second alternating magnetic field may cause preferential heating of the first current collector located within the heating zone, and the first alternating magnetic field may cause preferential heating of the second current collector located within the heating zone. The result of this may be that during the first period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph, and during the second period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph.

An alternating magnetic field having any particular frequency will produce different inductive behavior in different types of pantograph. For example, if the first and second pantographs have different physical dimensions, then their behavior may differ when placed within an alternating magnetic field, and one or the other of the pantographs may be heated to a higher temperature than the other of the pantographs. Similarly, the inductive behavior may differ if the shape of the first and second current collectors is different. Similarly, the inductive behavior may differ if the material of the first and second current collectors is different, for example, if the resistivity or permeability of the first and second current collectors is different.

The first current collector may have a first shape, a first cross section, a first length dimension, a first width dimension, and a first thickness dimension, and a second current collector may have a second shape, a second cross section, a second length dimension, a second width dimension, and a second dimension. in thickness, wherein at least one of the first and second shapes, the first and second cross-section, the first and second length dimensions, the first and second width dimensions, and the first and second thickness dimensions are different. More than one of the first and second shapes, the first and second cross-sectional shapes, the first and second length dimensions, the first and second width dimensions, and the first and second thickness dimensions may differ.

The first pantograph may have a shape selected from a list of rod, pin, tube, plate, sheet, or particle shapes, and the second pantograph may have a shape selected from a list of rod, pin, tube, plate shapes. , sheet or particles, while the shape of the second pantograph differs from the shape of the second pantograph.

The first pantograph may have a cross section selected from a list of round, oval, square, rectangular, and triangular cross sections, and the second pantograph may have a cross section selected from a list of round, oval, square, rectangular, and triangular cross sections , while the cross section of the second pantograph differs from the shape of the first pantograph.

The first current collector may be formed from a first material, and the second current collector may be formed from a second material, wherein the first material has one or more material properties different from the second material. One or more of the properties may include the resistivity of the material and the magnetic permeability of the material.

The first current collector may comprise a material selected from a list consisting of an iron-based alloy, stainless steel, aluminium, nickel, a nickel-based alloy, graphite or carbon, and the second current collector may comprise a material selected from a list consisting of an iron-based alloy. , stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, nickel-based alloy, graphite or carbon, while the material of the second current collector differs from the shape of the first current collector. The first current collector and the second current collector may be formed from different compositions of the same alloy, for example different compositions of stainless steel, in particular if the material property such as resistivity or magnetic permeability is different due to the different composition.

By choosing different parameters, the first and second pantographs can be optimized for heating in alternating magnetic fields with different frequencies. Thus, it is possible to operate the aerosol generating system with two different current collectors, each of which is optimized for heating in an alternating magnetic field of different frequency.

If, during operation of the aerosol-generating device, the temperature of the first current collector is high enough to aerosolize the material from the aerosol-forming substrate, while the temperature of the second current collector is not high enough to aerosolize the material from the aerosol-forming substrate, then a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate , located closer to the first pantograph, can be advantageously turned into an aerosol during the first period of time. Thus, by operating the device with generating a first alternating magnetic field having a first frequency to preferentially heat first the first pantograph relative to the second pantograph, and then generating a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency to preferentially heat the second pantograph relative to the second pantograph, it can be achieved sequential heating of different parts of the substrate that forms the aerosol. Progressive heating may advantageously allow for the optimization of aerosol delivery to the user during a smoking session.

One of the first or second current collectors can be connected to the first aerosol-forming substrate and is designed to heat it, and the other of the first or second current collectors can be connected to the second aerosol-forming substrate and is designed to heat it.

In addition, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field can be modulated between the first frequency and the second frequency to optimize the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate during consumption.

The method of using an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate using the aerosol generating system described above may include the steps of: inserting the aerosol generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device such that at least a portion of the substrate , forming an aerosol, is located inside the heating zone, actuating the induction element with the provision of the first alternating magnetic field having the first frequency, during the first period of time, with preferential heating, thus, the first pantograph located inside the heating zone, during the first period time, and actuating the inductive element to provide a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time, thereby preferentially heating the second pantograph located inside the heating zone for a second period of time. The first part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the first current collector during the first time period, and the second part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the second current collector during the second time period.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the inductive element can be controlled to provide three or more different alternating magnetic fields for three or more separate periods of time, with each of the three or more magnetic fields has a different frequency. Thus, three or more current collectors can be advantageously heated by each of three or more different alternating magnetic fields. In this way, successive heating of three or more zones in the aerosol-forming substrate can be achieved. In addition, frequency modulation can provide optimized heating of three or four zones of the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments of an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device may comprise a first current collector and a second current collector. That is, the first and second current collectors may be an integral part of the aerosol generating device. Such current collectors may, for example, extend into or be associated with the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated current collector elements protruding into the heating chamber, wherein the plurality of elongated current collector elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the plurality of elongated current collector elements include at least at least the first pantograph and the second pantograph.

The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be substantially parallel to each other. The first and second current collector elements, or each of the plurality of elongated current collector elements, may be detachably attached to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating system may comprise first and second current collector elements, or a plurality of elongated current collector elements, and a base portion configured to be releasably attachable to the body of the aerosol generating device. The first and second pantograph members, or a plurality of pantograph elongate members, may be attached to the base portion such that the first and second pantograph members, or the plurality of pantograph elongate members, protrude into the heating chamber when the base portion in the form of a base detachably attached to the body.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is sized to fit within a heating chamber such that at least a portion aerosol-forming substrate is located inside the heating zone. The aerosol generating article may comprise a first current collector and a second current collector. That is, the first current collector and the second current collector may be integral parts of the aerosol generating article configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

Regardless of whether the current collectors are located in the aerosol generating device or in the aerosol generating article, the first current collector may have a first shape, and the second current collector may have a second shape different from the first shape. The first current collector may have a first cross section, and the second current collector may have a second cross section different from the first cross section. For example, the first current collector may be in the form of an elongated plate having a rectangular cross section, and the second current collector may be in the form of an elongated tube having a circular cross section. The first pantograph may have dimensions different from the second pantograph.

The first current collector may be formed from a first material, and the second current collector may be formed from a second material different from the first material. For example, the first material may be a magnetic material and the second material may be a non-magnetic material. The first material may have a first resistivity and the second material may have a second resistivity different from the first resistivity. The first current collector may be an iron-based material such as stainless steel, and the second current collector may be a carbon material or an aluminum material.

The induction element may be a single coil configured to provide both a first alternating magnetic field and a second alternating magnetic field. The controller may control parameters to determine whether one coil generates a first alternating magnetic field or a second alternating magnetic field.

The induction element may include at least a first coil and a second coil. The first coil may be configured to be actuated to provide a first alternating magnetic field, and the second coil may be configured to be actuated to provide a second alternating magnetic field. The controller may control actuation of either the first coil or the second coil to create either the first alternating magnetic field or the second alternating magnetic field.

In an alternative aspect, the aerosol generating device may comprise: a housing having a chamber sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector protruding into the chamber; an induction coil located around at least part of the chamber; and a power supply and a controller connected to the induction coil and configured to supply an alternating electrical current to the induction coil such that, in use, the induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat the plurality of elongate pantograph members and thereby heat at least the least part of the aerosol generating article placed in the chamber. A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and are spaced apart from each other.

The aerosol generating device according to this alternative aspect can be used in the aerosol generating system described above. The following preferred features may apply both to the aerosol generating system described above and to an alternative aspect of the aerosol generating device.

In the context of this document, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe a direction along the major axis of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating article, or a component of an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating article, and the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The heating chamber may sometimes be referred to simply as the "chamber". When referring to a chamber, the term "longitudinal" means the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber, and the term "transverse" means the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber.

In general, the chamber has an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted and a closed end opposite the open end. In such embodiments, the longitudinal direction is the direction extending between the open and closed ends. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the chamber is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. For example, in cases where the open end of the chamber is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the chamber is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, such as transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. For example, in cases where the open end of the chamber is located along one side of the aerosol generating device, such that the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the chamber in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

In the context of this document, the term "proximal" means the user end, or mouth end, of an aerosol generating device, and the term "far" means the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a chamber or a telecoil, the term "near" means the area closest to the open end of the chamber, and the term "far" means the area closest to the closed end. The ends of the aerosol generating device or chambers may also be named relative to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generating device. The near end may be referred to as the "upstream" end, and the far end may be referred to as the "upstream" end.

In the context of this document, the term "length" means the major dimension in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating article, or a component of an aerosol generating device or an aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "width" means the main dimension in the transverse direction of the aerosol generating device, aerosol generating article, or component of the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, at a specific location along its length. The term "thickness" means the dimension in the transverse direction perpendicular to the width.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating substrate is part of the aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhaled by a user puffing or puffing from a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the system. The aerosol generating article may be disposable. An article containing a tobacco-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be referred to as a tobacco stick.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating system" means a combination of an aerosol generating product, as described and illustrated later in this document, and an aerosol generating device, as described and illustrated later in this document. In the system, an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "elongated" refers to a component having a length that is greater than both its width and thickness, for example twice as long.

In the context of this document, the term "element in the form of a current collector" means a conductive element that heats up when exposed to a changing magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the current collector element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the elements in the form of a current collector are located in thermal contact or in close thermal proximity to the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article placed in the chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the current collector elements so that an aerosol is formed.

Advantageously, providing a plurality of elongated current collector elements spaced apart from each other can facilitate uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate across the width of the aerosol generating article. An even distribution of heat can result in more uniform aerosol properties and more efficient use of the aerosol-forming substrate. The use of different current collectors having differences such as different sizes or shapes or materials can provide consistent heating of different parts of the aerosol generating substrate, which can also contribute to more efficient use of the aerosol generating substrate. By heating the aerosol-forming substrate more efficiently, the power required to heat the aerosol-forming substrate can be reduced relative to existing systems. This can improve the efficiency of the devices according to the present invention. This may allow the battery size to be reduced or the battery life to be extended for a given battery size. This may contribute to a more compact layout.

A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector can be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the chamber. A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector can be spaced apart from each other along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

By providing more uniform heating across the width of the aerosol generating article, the width or thickness or width and thickness of each individual pantograph element can be reduced. This can advantageously reduce the force required to insert the aerosol generating article into the chamber. Reducing the width, or thickness, or width and thickness of each individual current collector element can reduce the amount of aerosol generating substrate that is displaced during insertion, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to clean the chamber after use.

Additionally, in embodiments where the chamber of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article have circular cross sections, the inventive arrangement of the elongated current collector members can reduce or prevent unintentional rotation of the aerosol generating article within the chamber, which could otherwise damage the heater.

The use of induction heating has the advantage that the heating element, in this case current collector elements, does not need to be electrically connected to any other components, eliminating the need for soldering or other connecting elements for the heating element. In addition, the induction coil is provided as part of the aerosol generating apparatus, making it possible to provide an aerosol generating product that is simple, inexpensive and reliable. Aerosol generating devices are typically disposable and are produced in much larger quantities than the aerosol generating devices they operate with. Accordingly, reducing the cost of aerosol generating products, even if this requires a more expensive device, can lead to significant cost savings for both manufacturers and consumers.

In addition, the use of induction heating instead of a resistive coil can provide improved power conversion due to energy losses associated with the resistive coil, in particular losses caused by contact resistance at the junctions between the resistive coil and the power supply.

Advantageously, the use of an inductive coil instead of a resistive coil can prolong the life of the aerosol generating device because the inductive coil itself undergoes minimal heat during use of the aerosol generating device.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes are at an angle to each other. That is, a plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be non-parallel. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of elongated pantograph elements are substantially parallel to each other.

As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" means within plus or minus 10 degrees, preferably within plus or minus 5 degrees.

A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. That is, preferably at least a portion of each pantograph element extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Advantageously, this facilitates the insertion of at least a portion of the elongated current collector elements into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber. Many elongated elements in the form of a current collector can be arranged in such a way that their longitudinal axes are located at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, that is, not parallel to it. One or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

In preferred embodiments, the plurality of elongate pantograph elements are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Thus, the current collector elements can be more easily inserted into the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is inserted into the chamber.

The magnetic axis of the inductive element, for example, an induction coil, can be located at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, that is, not parallel to it. In preferred embodiments, the magnetic axis of the induction coil is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. This may contribute to a more compact layout. Preferably, at least a portion of each elongated pantograph element is substantially parallel to the magnetic axis of the induction coil. This can contribute to uniform heating of the elongated elements in the form of a current collector by an induction coil. In particularly preferred embodiments, the plurality of elongated pantograph elements are substantially parallel to each other, the magnetic axis of the induction coil, and the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

One or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements may at least partially coincide with the longitudinal axis of the chamber. For example, one or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be angled to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and may extend through the longitudinal axis of the chamber at a position along its length. Alternatively or in addition, one of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and centrally located within the chamber such that it extends along the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Thus, a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector are spaced apart from each other and from the longitudinal axis of the chamber. This can help distribute heat evenly throughout the chamber and hence across the width of the aerosol generating article placed in the chamber.

In the event that a plurality of elongated current collector elements are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the distance of one or more of the plurality of elongated current collector elements from the longitudinal axis may differ from the distance of one or more of the other elongated current collector elements. This may allow the aerosol generating device to more uniformly heat the non-symmetrical aerosol generating substrate.

In preferred embodiments, the plurality of elongated pantograph elements are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the chamber. That is, the distance of each of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements from the longitudinal axis is the same at a predetermined position along the length of the pantograph elements. This can promote uniform heating of the symmetrical aerosol-forming substrate by distributing the heat uniformly across the width of the chamber. It can also eliminate the need to insert the aerosol-generating article into a chamber with a certain orientation, as may be the case with an asymmetrical aerosol-generating substrate, and the difference in distances of the plurality of elongated current collector elements from the longitudinal axis.

The plurality of elongate current collector elements may include any suitable number of current collector elements protruding into the chamber. The number of current collector elements may be selected, for example, based on the size of the chamber, the size, geometry and composition of the current collector elements, and the size and composition of the aerosol generating substrate for which the aerosol generating device is intended to be used. For example, the plurality of elongate pantograph members may be comprised of two elongate pantograph members that are spaced apart across the chamber.

In some embodiments, the plurality of elongate pantograph members include three or more elongate pantograph members. For example, the plurality of elongate pantograph members may include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more elongate pantograph members. In such embodiments, a plurality of elongate pantograph elements may be spaced apart from each other in the same transverse direction such that they extend substantially along the same plane. Thus, a more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate is possible compared to an arrangement consisting of two elongated elements in the form of a current collector. Alternatively, a plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be spaced apart in a first chamber transverse direction and in a second chamber transverse direction that is perpendicular to the first transverse direction. Thus, a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector are spaced apart over the area. This can result in a particularly uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article placed in the chamber.

In the event that a plurality of elongated current collector elements include three or more elongated current collector elements, the three or more elongated current collector elements may be randomly spaced apart from each other with an uneven spacing between one or more pairs of adjacent current collector elements. . A plurality of elongate pantograph elements may be arranged in a formation in which each pantograph element is located at the top of a polygon having sides of unequal length, having angles of unequal magnitude, or having sides of unequal length and angles of unequal magnitude. For example, a plurality of elongate pantograph members may be comprised of four elongate pantograph members located at the vertices of a rectangle, trapezoid, rhombus, deltoid, arranged on the same circle, or in another random formation.

In preferred embodiments, a plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be arranged in a regular pattern. In the context of this document, the term "regular circuit" is used to describe a circuit containing an array of evenly spaced elongated elements in the form of a current collector. For example, the elongated pantograph elements may be provided in a pattern of stripes, a pattern of checkers or squares, a pattern of bricks, a pattern of honeycombs or hexagons, or any other pattern of geometry. The arrangement of the plurality of elongate pantograph members may be selected based on the cross-sectional shape of the induction coil, or vice versa.

The induction coil may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The induction coil may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. For example, the induction coil may have an elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoid, rhomboid, rhomboid, deltoid, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nine-angled, decagonal, or any other polygonal cross-sectional shape. The induction coil may have a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape. For example, an equilateral triangular, square, regular pentagonal, regular hexagonal, regular heptagonal, regular octagonal, regular ninegonal, or regular decagonal cross-sectional shape.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be arranged in a formation in which each pantograph element is located at the top of a regular polygon. That is, at the top of a polygon that is equiangular and equilateral. This can provide more uniform heating across the chamber area. For example, if the plurality of pantograph elongate members include three pantograph elongate members, they may be arranged in a triangular formation, such as an equilateral triangular formation. In case the plurality of pantograph elongate members include four pantograph elongate members, they may be arranged in a square formation.

A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector protrude into the chamber. Preferably, each elongate pantograph has a free end projecting into the chamber. Preferably, the free end is insertable into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber. Preferably, the free end of one or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph members is tapered. This means that the cross-sectional area of the pantograph portion of the elongated member decreases towards the free end. Advantageously, the tapering free end facilitates the insertion of the elongated current collector element into the aerosol generating article. The advantageously tapered free end can reduce the amount of aerosol generating substrate displaced by the elongated current collector during insertion of the aerosol generating article into the chamber. This may reduce the amount of cleaning required. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements is tapered at its free end. Preferably, each of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements tapers towards a sharp apex at its free end.

The aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector protruding into the chamber. The aerosol generating device may additionally contain non-elongated elements in the form of a current collector inside the chamber. The aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more external elements in the form of a current collector. The external elements in the form of a current collector are made so as to remain outside the aerosol generating product placed in the chamber. For example, one or more external members in the form of a current collector may extend at least partially around the circumference of the aerosol generating article when placed in the chamber.

The elongated current collector elements may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated current collector elements include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel compounds, titanium, and metal material composites. Preferred elongated current collector elements comprise metal or carbon. Preferably, each elongated current collector element comprises or consists of a ferromagnetic material such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. A suitable elongate current collector element may be made of or comprise aluminum. The elongated current collector element preferably contains more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred elongated pantograph elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

One or more elements in the form of a current collector may be formed from a single layer of material. One layer of material may be a layer of steel.

The elongated elements in the form of a current collector may contain a non-metallic core with a metal layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, one or more elongated current collector elements may include metal tracks formed on the outer surface of the ceramic core or substrate.

One or more elongated current collector elements may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more stainless steel layers may be located on the austenitic steel layer. For example, one or more pantograph elements may be formed from an austenitic steel layer having a stainless steel layer on each of its top and bottom surfaces.

Each of the elongated current collector elements may comprise a first current collector material and a second current collector material. The first current collector material may be positioned in close physical contact with the second current collector material. The first and second materials of the current collector may be in intimate contact to form an integral current collector. In some embodiments, the first pantograph material is stainless steel and the second pantograph material is nickel. One or more elements in the form of a current collector may have a two-layer construction. Such current collector elements can be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

Direct contact between the first current collector material and the second current collector material may be made by any suitable means. For example, the second current collector material may be deposited, deposited, coated, applied by cladding, or welded to the first current collector material. Preferred methods include electroplating, electroplating and cladding.

The second current collector material may have a Curie temperature that is below 500°C. The first pantograph material can primarily be used to heat the pantograph when the pantograph is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material may be used. For example, the first material of the current collector may be aluminum, or it may be a ferrous metal such as stainless steel. The second pantograph material is preferably used primarily to indicate that the pantograph has reached a particular temperature, and that temperature is the Curie temperature of the second pantograph material. The Curie temperature of the second pantograph material can be used to control the temperature of the entire pantograph during operation. Thus, the Curie temperature of the second current collector material must be below the flash point of the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the second current collector material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys. The Curie temperature of the second current collector material may preferably be selected to be less than 400°C, preferably less than 380°C, or less than 360°C. Preferably, the second current collector material is a magnetic material chosen to have a Curie temperature that is substantially the same as the required maximum heating temperature. In other words, it is preferable that the Curie temperature of the second current collector material is approximately the same as the temperature to which the current collector must be heated in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate. The Curie temperature of the second current collector material may, for example, be in the range from 200°C to 400°C or from 250°C to 360°C. In some embodiments, it may be preferable that the first current collector material be in the form of an elongated strip having a width of 3 mm to 6 mm and a thickness of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers, and that the second current collector material be in the form of separate patches that are deposited applied or welded to the first material of the current collector. For example, the first current collector material may be an elongate strip of 430 stainless steel or an elongate strip of aluminum, and the second elongate material may be in the form of nickel pads having a thickness of 5 micrometers to 30 micrometers applied at intervals along the elongated strip of the first current collector material. The pads of the second current collector material can have a width of 0.5 mm and an elongated strip thickness. For example, the width may be 1 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. The pads of the second current collector material may have a length of 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm or 2 mm to 3 mm.

In some embodiments, it is preferred that the first current collector material and the second current collector material are co-laminated in the form of an elongate strip having a width of 3 mm to 6 mm and a thickness of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers. Preferably, the thickness of the first current collector material is greater than the thickness of the second current collector material. Execution in a multilayer configuration may be accomplished by any suitable means. For example, a strip of first current collector material may be welded or diffusion bonded to a strip of second current collector material. Alternatively, a layer of the second current collector material may be applied or deposited onto the strip of the first current collector material.

In some embodiments, it is preferred that each of the elongate current collectors has a width of 3 mm to 6 mm and a thickness of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers, wherein the current collector comprises a core of a first current collector material encapsulated by a second current collector material. Thus, each of the pantographs may comprise a strip of first pantograph material that has been coated or clad with a second pantograph material. As an example, the current collector may comprise a strip of 430 stainless steel having a length of 12 mm, a width of 4 mm and a thickness of 10 micrometers to 50 micrometers, for example 25 micrometers. 430 stainless steel can be plated with a layer of nickel from 5 micrometers to 15 micrometers, such as 10 micrometers.

One or more elongated current collector elements may comprise a first current collector material, a second current collector material, and a protective layer. The first current collector material may be positioned in close physical contact with the second current collector material. The protective layer may be placed in close physical contact with the first current collector material and/or the second current collector material. The first and second materials of the current collector and the protective layer may be in intimate contact to form an integral current collector. The protective layer may be an austenitic steel layer. In certain embodiments, the one or more elongated current collector members comprise a steel layer, a nickel layer, and an austenitic steel protective layer. A protective layer of austenitic steel can be coated with a nickel layer. This can help protect the nickel layer from negative environmental influences such as oxidation, corrosion and diffusion.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be formed from the same materials. Alternatively, the one or more elongate current collector elements may comprise a current collector material or materials having characteristics of the current collector different from at least one of the other current collector elements. This can help fine-tune heat distribution. This can also contribute to the sequential heating of the elements in the form of a current collector. For example, by forming elements in the form of a current collector from materials for which optimal heating occurs with different frequencies of alternating current.

The elongated pantograph elements may be of any suitable cross section. For example, the elongated pantograph elements may have a square, oval, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or similar cross-sectional shape. The elongated elements in the form of a current collector may have a planar or flat cross-sectional shape.

The elongated elements in the form of a current collector can be solid, hollow or porous. Preferably, each elongated pantograph element is solid. Each element in the form of a current collector is preferably in the form of a pin, rod, plate or plate. Each current collector element preferably has a length of 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters, for example 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters or 8 millimeters to 10 millimeters. Each current collector element preferably has a width of 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters, more preferably about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters. Each current collector element may have a thickness of from about 0.01 millimeters to about 2 millimeters. If the current collector element has a constant cross section, for example a circular cross section, it has a preferred width or diameter of 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters.

The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be substantially the same length. That is, the length of each elongate pantograph may differ within 10 percent, preferably 5 percent, from the lengths of the other elongate pantograph members. The length of one or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph members may be different from the lengths of the other elongate pantograph members. All of the plurality of elongated pantograph elements may have different lengths.

The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may have substantially the same width. That is, the width of each elongate pantograph may differ within 10 percent, preferably 5 percent, from the width of the other elongate pantographs. The width of one or more of the plurality of elongate pantograph members may be different from the width of the other elongate pantograph members. A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may have different widths.

The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may have substantially the same thickness. That is, the thickness of each elongate pantograph may differ within 10 percent, preferably 5 percent, from the thickness of other elongate pantograph members. The thickness of one or more of the plurality of elongated pantograph members may be different from the thickness of the other elongate pantograph members. The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may all have different thicknesses.

Each of the elongated current collector elements may have a protective outer layer, such as a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The protective outer layer may include an elongated element in the form of a current collector. Each of the elongated current collector elements may include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic or inert metal formed over a core of current collector material.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may be of a size comparable to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

The body of the aerosol generating device may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industry, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably the material is lightweight and non-fragile.

The body may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may contain more than one air inlet. The one or more air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "mouthpiece" refers to the part of the aerosol generating device placed in the user's mouth for direct inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device from the aerosol generating article located in the housing chamber.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for showing the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device contains a power supply. The power supply may be a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged. The power supply may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more applications of the aerosol generating device. For example, the power pack may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, which is typical of the time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or individual activations.

The power supply may be a DC power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to the power DC power supply in the range of approximately 2.5 watts to approximately 45 watts).

The power supply is configured to operate at high frequency. In the context of this document, the term "high frequency oscillatory current" means an oscillatory current with a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillatory current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

The aerosol generating device comprises a controller connected to an induction coil and a power supply. The controller is configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heater. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of performing control. The controller may contain additional electronic components. The controller may be configured to control the supply of current to the induction coil. The current may be applied to the induction coil continuously after activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be applied intermittently, for example, from puff to puff. The circuitry may advantageously comprise a DC/AC converter, which may comprise a class D or class E power amplifier.

One or more of a plurality of elongated current collector elements may be fixedly attached to the housing of the aerosol generating device. In such embodiments, the fixedly attached elongate current collector elements cannot be easily removed from the housing of the aerosol generating device, for example, without damaging the current collector element or the housing.

Advantageously, one or more of a plurality of elongate pantograph elements may be releasably attached to the housing. For example, one or more of a plurality of elongate pantograph members may be releasably attached to the housing within the chamber. The part of the aerosol generating device that heats up and can therefore have a shorter life is the elements in the form of a current collector. Thus, providing a removable elongate current collector allows easy replacement of the elongate current collector and can extend the life of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, the provision of a removable elongate current collector also facilitates cleaning of the current collector, replacement of the current collector, or both. This can also help keep the camera clean. This may allow the user to selectively change the current collector element according to the aerosol generating product with which the current collector element will be used. For example, certain current collector elements may be suitable, or customized, for use with a particular type of aerosol generating article, or with an aerosol generating article having a particular layout or type of aerosol generating substrate. This may allow the performance of the aerosol generating device with which the current collector element is used to be optimized based on the type of aerosol generating product.

A plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector can be detachably attached to the housing. In such embodiments, a plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be releasably attached to the housing by any suitable mechanism. For example, via a threaded connection, via a frictional engagement, or via a mechanical connection such as a bayonet connector, clamp, or equivalent mechanism. A plurality of elongate current collector elements may be detachable from the aerosol generating device, individually or together with one or more of the other elongate current collector elements.

The plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be attached to the housing directly or via one or more intermediate components. A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be attached to a base portion releasably attachable to the aerosol generating device. The elongated pantograph elements may extend orthogonally from the base portion. This may facilitate the insertion of elongated current collector elements into the aerosol generating device.

The base portion may be releasably connected to the body of the aerosol generating device by at least one of an interference fit, a bayonet connector, and a screw connector. Part in the form of a base is made with the possibility of detachable attachment to the body by means of a magnetic fastening. Advantageously, the magnetic attachment provides a simple and effective mechanism for releasably attaching the elongated current collector elements to the aerosol generating device.

The base portion may include a permanent magnet, and the aerosol generating device may include a ferromagnetic material at the upstream end of the chamber. The base portion may comprise a ferromagnetic material, and the aerosol generating device may include a permanent magnet at the upstream end of the chamber. Advantageously, equipping only one of the base part and the aerosol generating device with a permanent magnet can simplify and reduce the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating device.

The base portion may include a permanent magnet, and the aerosol generating device may include a permanent magnet at the upstream end of the chamber. Advantageously, equipping both the base part and the aerosol generating device with a permanent magnet can increase the strength of the magnetic attachment compared to embodiments having only one permanent magnet. Preferably, each of the permanent magnet in the base portion and the permanent magnet in the aerosol generating device can be oriented so that the attraction between the two permanent magnets results in the desired orientation of the elongate current collector when the elongate current collector is inserted into the chamber.

In embodiments where the base portion is releasably attachable to the housing via a magnetic attachment, the aerosol generating device may be combined with an extraction tool to remove the elongated current collector members from the chamber. Preferably, the extraction tool is sized to fit into the chamber and includes a permanent magnet at the end of the extraction tool. The permanent magnet at the end of the extraction tool provides a stronger attraction force between the extraction tool and the base portion than the attraction force between the base portion and the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the retrieval tool comprises a cavity or cavities for receiving one or more of the elongated current collector elements when the retrieval tool is inserted into the chamber.

Preferably, the housing includes an opening at the end of the chamber for inserting the aerosol generating article into the chamber. Preferably, the base portion is sized and shaped to allow insertion of the elongated current collector members and the base portion into the chamber through the opening. Advantageously, this may eliminate the need for a separate opening to facilitate insertion of the elongate pantograph elements into the chamber.

Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the base portion is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the chamber. The base portion may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be detachable from the base portion. Advantageously, this may facilitate the reuse of the base part with a plurality of elongated pantograph members. This may be desirable since deposits can build up faster on the elongated pantograph members than on the base portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a detachable current collector assembly is provided for an aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, according to any of the embodiments described herein, the detachable current collector assembly comprising a base portion capable of releasably attaching to hull. A plurality of elongate current collector members are attached to the base portion such that the plurality of elongate current collector members protrude into the chamber when the base portion is detachably attached to the body. This may facilitate the insertion of elongated current collector elements into the aerosol generating device. The base portion may be releasably connected to the body of the aerosol generating device by at least one of an interference fit, a bayonet connector, and a screw connector. Part in the form of a base is made with the possibility of detachable attachment to the body by means of a magnetic fastening. Advantageously, the magnetic attachment provides a simple and effective mechanism for releasably attaching the elongated current collector elements to the aerosol generating device. The base portion may include a permanent magnet for releasably attaching the base portion to the body of the aerosol generating device.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be detachable from the base portion. Advantageously, this may facilitate the reuse of the base part with a plurality of elongated pantograph members. This may be desirable since deposits can build up faster on the elongated pantograph members than on the base portion.

According to another additional aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device according to an alternative aspect of the present invention, and an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating substrate and configured for use with an aerosol generating device.

According to another further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating substrate and configured for use with an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises: a housing having a chamber sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; an induction coil located around at least part of the chamber; and a power supply unit and a controller connected to the induction coil, wherein the aerosol generating system further comprises a plurality of elongated current collector elements disposed such that when the aerosol generating article is placed in the chamber, the plurality of elongated current collector elements pass through in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and spaced from each other, and at the same time, the power supply and the controller are configured to supply an alternating electric current to the induction coil in such a way that, in use, the inductive coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector and, thereby thereby heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

The plurality of elongate current collector members may be arranged such that when the aerosol generating article is placed in the chamber, the plurality of elongate current collector members are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the chamber.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be provided as part of an aerosol generating device. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be substantially the same as described herein in connection with the first aspect of the present invention.

A plurality of elongated pantograph elements may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. A plurality of elongated current collector elements may be in thermal proximity to the aerosol generating substrate. A plurality of elongated current collector elements may be embedded in the aerosol forming substrate. The shape, type, distribution and arrangement of the plurality of pantograph elongate members can be selected according to user requirements. A plurality of elongated current collector elements may be disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol generating article. This means that the length dimension of each elongated current collector may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, for example parallel, plus or minus 10 degrees, to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

Advantageously, by providing a more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the size of the individual elements in the form of a current collector can be reduced. If they are provided as part of an aerosol generating article, the volume occupied by the smaller elements in the form of a current collector is reduced. In this way, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generating substrate in an aerosol generating article of a given size. Thus, it is possible to improve the aerosol properties of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow the size of the aerosol generating article to be reduced for a given amount of aerosol generating substrate.

If a plurality of elongated current collector elements are provided as part of an aerosol generating article, the elongated current collector elements are preferably in the form of a pin, rod, plate or plate. Each elongate pantograph element preferably has a length of 5 mm to 15 mm, for example 6 mm to 12 mm or 8 mm to 10 mm. Each current collector element preferably has a width of from 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters, preferably from about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters. Each elongated pantograph element may have a thickness of 0.01 millimeter to 2 millimeters, such as 0.5 millimeter to 2 millimeters. If the elongated pantograph element has a constant cross section, for example a circular cross section, it has a preferred width or diameter of between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters.

The elongate current collector elements may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate. Preferred current collector elements comprise metal or carbon. A suitable current collector element may comprise a ferromagnetic material such as ferritic cast iron or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable pantograph element may be made of or comprise aluminum. Preferred current collector elements may be 400 series stainless steel, such as 410 or 420 or 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when placed within magnetic fields having the same frequency and field strength. Thus, all of the parameters of the elongated current collector elements, such as material type, length, width and thickness, can be changed during manufacture to provide the required power dissipation within a known magnetic field.

A plurality of current collector elements are provided as part of both the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article. For example, the plurality of elongate current collector members may include a plurality of elongate current collector members forming part of the aerosol generating device and one or more elongate current collector members forming part of the aerosol generating article.

Any aerosol generating system described above may be an electric smoking system. The system may be a hand-held aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be about the size of a conventional cigar or cigarette. The smoking system may have an overall length of from about 30 mm to about 150 mm. The smoking system may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

An aerosol generating system may be a combination of an aerosol generating device and one or more aerosol generating articles for use with an aerosol generating device. However, the aerosol generating system may include additional components such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging the built-in electrical power supply in the electrical or electrical aerosol generating device.

The aerosol forming substrate, in accordance with any aspect described herein, may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of vegetable origin. The aerosol forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain homogenized plant material. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "corrugated sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations.

The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. An aerosol generating agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, during use, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol forming agent is glycerol. If present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosolizing agent content equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight, based on dry weight, and preferably from about 5 percent to about 30 percent, by weight, based on dry weight. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents.

In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating article and the chamber of the aerosol generating device may be positioned such that the aerosol generating article is partially located within the chamber of the aerosol generating device. The chamber of the device and the aerosol generating article may be positioned such that the aerosol generating article is completely housed within the chamber of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-forming segment containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The segment forming the aerosol may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol forming segment may be substantially elongated. The aerosol forming segment may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article may have an outside diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol generating substrate may be provided as an aerosol forming segment having a length of from about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol forming segment may be approximately 10 mm long. Alternatively, the aerosol forming segment may be approximately 12 mm long.

The aerosol generating segment preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. The outer diameter of the aerosol forming segment may be from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating segment may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

An aerosol generating article may include a filter plug. A filter plug may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug in one embodiment is about 7 millimeters long, however, it may be from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters long.

The aerosol generating product may include an outer paper wrapper. In addition, the aerosol generating article may include a spacer between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter plug. The septum may be about 18 millimeters in size, but may range in size from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters.

The features described in relation to one or more aspects may equally apply to other aspects of the present invention.

The aerosol generating system described herein may include any of the following features.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing having a chamber sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; an induction coil located around at least part of the chamber; a plurality of elongated pantograph elements protruding into the chamber, a plurality of elongated pantograph elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and spaced apart from each other; and a power supply and a controller connected to the induction coil and configured to supply an alternating electrical current to the induction coil such that, in use, the induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat the plurality of elongate pantograph members and thereby heat at least the least part of the aerosol generating article placed in the chamber.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements that are substantially parallel to each other.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements that are spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements that are equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated current collector elements comprising three or more elongated current collector elements that are spaced apart in a first chamber transverse direction and in a second chamber transverse direction that is perpendicular to the first transverse direction.

The aerosol generating device may comprise three or more elongated pantograph elements arranged in a regular pattern.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements, each of which tapers at its free end.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated pantograph elements that are detachably attached to the housing.

A removable current collector assembly for an aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector and a base part configured to be releasably attached to the body of the aerosol generating device, while the plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector are attached to the base part. such that a plurality of elongated pantograph members protrude into the chamber when the base portion is releasably attached to the body.

An aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device described elsewhere herein and an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating substrate that is configured for use with the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article has an aerosol generating substrate and is configured to be used with an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a body having a chamber , sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; an induction coil located around at least part of the chamber; and a power supply unit and a controller connected to the induction coil, wherein the aerosol generating system further comprises a plurality of elongated current collector elements arranged in such a way that, in use, the plurality of elongated current collector elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and are spaced apart from each other. the other, and wherein the power supply and the controller are configured to supply an alternating electric current to the inductive coil such that, in use, the inductive coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector and thereby heat at least a portion of the product , generating aerosol.

The aerosol generating system may comprise a plurality of elongated current collector elements that are provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating system may comprise a plurality of elongated current collector elements that are provided as part of the aerosol generating article.

Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising:

an aerosol generating device having:

frame,

a heating chamber defining a heating zone, wherein the heating chamber is sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate within the heating zone,

induction element located around the heating zone or adjacent to it,

a power supply unit and a controller connected to the induction element and configured to supply an alternating electric current to the induction element to generate an alternating magnetic field inside the heating zone,

wherein the induction element can be controlled to sequentially provide a first alternating magnetic field having a first frequency for a first period of time, and then a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time.

Preferably, in use, the first alternating magnetic field causes preferential heating of the first current collector located inside the heating zone, and the second alternating magnetic field causes preferential heating of the second current collector located inside the heating zone.

Preferably, during the first period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph, and during the second period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph, or during the first period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph, and during the second period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph.

Preferably, the inductive element can be controlled to provide three or more different alternating magnetic fields for three or more separate periods of time, with each of the three or more magnetic fields having a different frequency.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a first current collector and a second current collector.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of elongate current collector elements protruding into the chamber, wherein the plurality of elongate current collector elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of elongate current collector elements including at least least the first pantograph and the second pantograph.

Preferably, the plurality of elongated pantograph elements are parallel to each other or have a parallelism deviation of plus or minus 10 degrees.

Preferably, the first and second current collector elements, or each of the plurality of elongated current collector elements, are releasably attached to the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises first and second elements in the form of a current collector, or a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector, and a base part configured to be detachably attached to the body of the aerosol generating device, the first and second elements in the form of of the pantograph or a plurality of pantograph elongate members are attached to the base portion such that the first and second pantograph members or the plurality of pantograph elongate members protrude into the heating chamber when the base portion is detachably attached to the body. .

Preferably, the aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is sized to be placed in the heating chamber such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate , located inside the heating zone.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is sized to be placed in the heating chamber such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate , is located inside the heating zone, and the product that generates the aerosol contains the first current collector and the second current collector.

Preferably, the first current collector has a first shape, a first cross section, a first length dimension, a first width dimension, and a first thickness dimension, and a second current collector has a second shape, a second cross section, a second length dimension, a second width dimension, and a second dimension. in thickness, wherein at least one of the first and second shapes, the first and second cross-section, the first and second length dimensions, the first and second width dimensions, and the first and second thickness dimensions are different.

Preferably, the first current collector is formed from a first material and the second current collector is formed from a second material, wherein the first material has one or more material properties different from the second material, the one or more properties being material resistivity and material magnetic permeability.

Preferably, the inductive element is a single coil configured to provide both a first alternating magnetic field and a second alternating magnetic field, or the inductive element comprises a first coil and a second coil, the first coil being actuated to provide the first alternating magnetic field. magnetic field, and the second coil is configured to actuate to provide a second alternating magnetic field.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for using the above-described aerosol generating system, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting the aerosol generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate is located within the heating zone,

actuating the inductive element with providing the first alternating magnetic field having the first frequency during the first period of time, with preferential heating, thus, of the first pantograph located inside the heating zone during the first period of time, and

actuating the inductive element to provide a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time, with preferential heating, thus, of the second pantograph located inside the heating zone for a second period of time,

wherein the first part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the first current collector during the first period of time, and the second part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the second current collector during the second time period.

The present invention is hereinafter described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 2 is a side perspective view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1, which also shows the induction coil and elements in the form of a current collector;

in fig. 3 is an end perspective view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. one;

in fig. 4 is an end view of the induction coil and current collector elements of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1, with all other components omitted for clarity;

in fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 6 is a side perspective view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 5, which also shows the induction coil and pantograph elements;

in fig. 7 is an end perspective view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 5;

in fig. 8 is an end view of the induction coil and pantograph elements of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 5, with all other components omitted for clarity;

in fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 10 is a schematic end view showing one possible current collector configuration for the aerosol generating system of FIG. 9;

in fig. 11 is a schematic end view showing another possible configuration of the current collector for the aerosol generating system of FIG. 9; and

in fig. 12 is a schematic end view showing another possible configuration of the current collector for the aerosol generating system of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 100 according to the first embodiment and an aerosol generating article 10 capable of being used with the aerosol generating device 100. In FIG. 2, fig. 3 and FIG. 4 shows various views of an aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating article 10 includes an aerosol generating segment 20 at its distal end. The aerosol generating segment 20 comprises an aerosol generating substrate, such as a plug containing tobacco material and an aerosol generating agent, which is configured to be heated to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes a device body 110 defining a chamber 120 for receiving the aerosol generating article 10. The proximal end of the body 110 has an insertion opening 125 through which the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into and removed from the chamber 120. The induction coil 130 is located within the aerosol generating device 100 between the outer wall of the housing 110 and the chamber 120. The induction coil 130 is a helical induction coil having a magnetic axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 120, which in this embodiment corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the device 100 , generating aerosol. As shown in FIG. 1, the telecoil 130 is located adjacent to the distal portion of the chamber 120 and, in this embodiment, extends along a portion of the length of the chamber 120. In other embodiments, the telecoil 130 may extend along the entire, or substantially all, length of the chamber 120, or may extend along a portion the length of the chamber 120, and may be located away from the distal portion of the chamber 120. For example, the inductive coil 130 may extend along a portion of the length of the chamber 120 and be adjacent to the proximal portion of the chamber 120. The induction coil 130 is formed from wire and has a plurality of turns, or turns windings running along its length. The wire may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as square, oval or triangular. In this embodiment, the wire has a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the implementation of the wire may have a flat cross-sectional shape. For example, the induction coil may be formed from a wire having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and wound in such a way that the width of the wire's cross section runs parallel to the magnetic axis of the induction coil. Such flat induction coils may allow minimization of the outer diameter of the inductor and hence the outer diameter of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device 100 also includes an internal power supply 140, such as a rechargeable battery, and a controller 150, such as a printed circuit board with a circuit, both of which are located in the far region of the housing 110. Both the controller 150 and the induction coil 130 are powered from power supply 140 through electrical connections (not shown) through housing 110. Preferably, chamber 120 is isolated from induction coil 130 and the far side of housing 110, which contains power supply 140 and controller 150, by means of a fluid-tight separator. Therefore, the electrical components within the aerosol generating device 100 can be separated from the aerosol or residues produced in the chamber 120 through the aerosol generating process. It may also facilitate cleaning of the aerosol generating device 100 because the chamber 120 can be completely emptied simply by removing the aerosol generating article. This arrangement can also reduce the risk of damage to the aerosol generating device, either during insertion of the aerosol generating article or during cleaning, because there are no potentially fragile elements exposed inside the chamber 120. Ventilation holes (not shown) may be provided in the walls of housing 110 to allow airflow to flow into chamber 120. Alternatively or additionally, airflow may enter chamber 120 through opening 125 and flow along the length of chamber 120 between the outer walls of aerosol generating article 10 , and the inner walls of the chamber 120.

The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a current collector assembly 160 located within the chamber 120. The current collector assembly 160 includes a base portion 170 and two elongated current collector members 180 attached to the base portion 170 and protruding into the chamber 120. Elements 180 in the form of a current collector are parallel to each other, the longitudinal axis of the chamber 120 and the magnetic axis of the induction coil 130.

As best seen in FIG. 2, fig. 3 and FIG. 4, the current collector elements 180 are transversely spaced and equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the chamber 120. The current collector elements 180 are located within the portion of the chamber 120 that is surrounded by the induction coil 130 such that it is capable of being inductively heated by the induction coil. 130. Each current collector element 180 tapers towards its free end to form a sharp apex. This may facilitate insertion of the current collector element 180 into the aerosol generating article placed in the cavity. In this example, the base portion 170 is fixed inside the chamber 120, and the current collector members 180 are attached to the base portion 170. In other examples, base portion 170 may be releasably attached to housing 110 to allow removal of current collector assembly 160 from chamber 120 as a single component. For example, base portion 170 may be releasably attached to housing 110 by a removable clip (not shown), threaded connection, or similar mechanical connection.

When the aerosol generating device 100 is actuated, a high-frequency alternating current is passed through the induction coil 130 to generate an alternating magnetic field inside the distal portion of the chamber 120 of the aerosol generating device 100. The magnetic field preferably pulsates at a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, preferably 2 to 10 MHz, such as 5 to 7 MHz. When the aerosol generating article 10 is properly positioned in the chamber 120, current collector elements 180 are positioned within the aerosol generating substrate 20 of the aerosol generating article. The pulsating field generates eddy currents within the current collector elements 180, which heat up as a result. Additional heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses inside the elements 180 in the form of a current collector. The heated current collector element 180 heats the aerosol generating substrate 20 of the aerosol generating article 10 to a sufficient temperature to generate an aerosol. The aerosol can then be drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article 10 for inhalation by the user. Such actuation may be manual or may occur automatically in response to a puff performed by the user on the aerosol generating article 10, for example through the use of a puff sensor.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a flux concentrator (not shown) located around the induction coil 130 and formed from a material having a high relative magnetic permeability, such that the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 is attracted to and guided by the flux concentrator. Thus, the flux concentrator may limit the extent to which the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 130 extends outside the housing 110 and may increase the magnetic field density within the chamber 120. This may increase the current generated within the pantograph elements to provide a more efficient heating. Such a flux concentrator may be made of any suitable material or materials having a high relative magnetic permeability. For example, the flux concentrator may be formed from one or more ferromagnetic materials, such as ferrite material, ferrite powder held in a binder, or any other suitable material containing ferrite material, such as ferritic cast iron, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. The flux concentrator is preferably made of a material or materials having a high relative magnetic permeability, i.e. a material having a relative magnetic permeability of at least 5 when measured at 25 degrees Celsius, for example at least 10, at least 20, at least 30 , at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 80, or at least 100. These exemplary values may refer to the relative magnetic permeability of the flux concentrator material for a frequency of 6 to 8 MHz and temperature 25 degrees Celsius.

In FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 200 according to the second embodiment and an aerosol generating article 10 capable of being used with the aerosol generating device 200. In FIG. 6, fig. 7 and FIG. 8 shows various views of an aerosol generating device 200.

The aerosol generating device 200 according to the second embodiment is similar in structure and operation to the aerosol generating device 100 according to the first embodiment, and similar numerals have been used where the same features exist. However, unlike the aerosol generating device 100, according to the first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 has an inductor assembly 260 including three elongated current collector members 280 attached to the base portion 270. Three elongated pantograph elements 280 are arranged in a regular pattern. In particular, the current collector elements 280 are arranged such that each current collector element 280 is located at the top of an equilateral triangle. Thus, the plurality of elongated pantograph members 280 are spaced apart in both the first chamber transverse direction and the second chamber transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the first transverse direction. This means that a plurality of elongated pantograph elements 280 are spaced apart over the area of chamber 120 and each extend along a different plane. This can result in more uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article placed in the chamber.

In FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 is similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, system components that are the same as those described above with respect to FIG. 1 have been designated by the same reference numerals and the corresponding description has not been repeated. In FIG. 10 is an end view of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 9 showing the configuration of two pantographs 960, 980.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an induction element 930 comprising two induction coils actuated separately. The first induction coil 931 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field having a frequency of 3 to 5 MHz, and the second induction coil 932 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field having a frequency of 7 to 10 MHz. The first induction coil 931 and the second induction coil 932 are connected to the controller 150 and can be driven individually and in series.

The aerosol generating device further comprises two elongated current collector elements 960, 980 positioned to protrude into the chamber. The first current collector element 960 is configured to heat more efficiently than the second current collector element 980 when the first induction coil 931 is actuated. when the first induction coil 931 is actuated, while the second current collector element is configured to be heated to a temperature below 300 degrees Celsius when the first induction coil is actuated. In use, this means that the aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the first current collector element, rather than from a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the second current collector element. Conversely, the second current collector element 980 is configured to heat more efficiently than the first current collector element 960 when the second induction coil 932 is actuated. degrees Celsius when the second induction coil 932 is actuated, while the first current collector element is configured to be heated to a temperature below 300 degrees Celsius when the second induction coil is actuated. In use, this means that the aerosol can be generated from the aerosol forming substrate in the vicinity of the second current collector element, rather than from a portion of the aerosol forming substrate in the vicinity of the first current collector element.

By successively actuating the first current collector element and the second current collector element, successive heating of different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate can be achieved.

There are a number of parameters that can be changed to adjust each pantograph element to operate more efficiently at any particular frequency of the alternating magnetic field. For example, you can change everything from shape, size, magnetic permeability and resistivity to change how eddy currents are generated inside the current collector and the heating efficiency.

As an example, in FIG. 10 shows an end view of two pantographs 960 and 980. These pantographs are in the form of elongated plates having a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the width dimension, which is greater than the thickness dimension. The longitudinal dimension is 10 mm, the width dimension is 3 mm, and the thickness dimension is 1 mm. The first current collector 960 may be formed from 430 stainless steel and the second current collector may be formed from a graphite material.

Additional examples of various configurations of current collector elements are shown in FIG. 11 and 12. In Figs. 11, the first pantograph 1160 is formed from an elongated 430 stainless steel plate, and the second pantograph 1180 is formed from an elongated 430 stainless steel tube. FIG. 12, the first pantograph 1260 is formed from an elongated rod with a square cross section of aluminum, and the second pantograph 1280 is formed from an elongated rod with a round cross section of aluminum.

One skilled in the art can vary the size, shape, and material to form different current collector elements that produce different heating responses to varying frequency alternating magnetic fields.

The exemplary embodiments described above are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other embodiments corresponding to the exemplary embodiments described above.

Claims (25)

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device having: frame, a heating chamber defining a heating zone, wherein the heating chamber is sized to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate within the heating zone, induction element located around the heating zone or adjacent to it, a power supply unit and a controller connected to the induction element and configured to supply an alternating electric current to the induction element to generate an alternating magnetic field inside the heating zone, wherein the induction element can be controlled to sequentially provide a first alternating magnetic field having a first frequency for a first period of time, and then a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time. 2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, in which, in use, the first alternating magnetic field causes preferential heating of the first pantograph located inside the heating zone, and the second alternating magnetic field causes preferential heating of the second pantograph located inside the heating zone. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2, wherein during a first period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph, and during a second period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph, or during the first period of time the second pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the first pantograph, and during the second period of time the first pantograph is heated to a higher temperature than the second pantograph. 4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the inductive element can be controlled to provide three or more different alternating magnetic fields for three or more separate periods of time, with each of the three or more magnetic fields having a different frequency. 5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first current collector and a second current collector. 6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of elongated current collector elements protruding into the chamber, wherein the plurality of elongated current collector elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber and are spaced from each other, wherein the plurality of elongated pantograph elements includes at least a first pantograph and a second pantograph. 7. An aerosol generating system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of elongated pantograph elements are parallel to each other or have a parallelism deviation of plus or minus 10 degrees. 8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs. 5-7, in which the first and second current collector elements or each of the plurality of elongated current collector elements are detachably attached to the aerosol generating device. 9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, comprising the first and second elements in the form of a current collector or a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector and a part in the form of a base configured to be detachably attached to the body of the aerosol generating device, while the first and second elements in the form of a current collector or a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector are attached to the base part in such a way that the first and second elements in the form of a current collector or a plurality of elongated elements in the form of a current collector protrude into the heating chamber when the base part is detachably attached to the housing. 10. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is sized to fit within the heating chamber such that at least least part of the substrate that forms the aerosol is inside the heating zone. 11. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4 further comprising an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate and is sized to be placed in a heating chamber such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate is inside heating zones, and the product that generates the aerosol contains the first current collector and the second current collector. 12. An aerosol generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first current collector has a first shape, a first cross section, a first length dimension, a first width dimension, and a first thickness dimension, and the second current collector has a second shape, a second cross section , a second dimension in length, a second dimension in width, and a second dimension in thickness, wherein at least one of the first and second shapes, the first and second cross sections, the first and second dimensions in length, the first and second dimensions in width, and the first and the second size in thickness are different. 13. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first current collector is formed from a first material and the second current collector is formed from a second material, wherein the first material has one or more material properties different from the second material, wherein one or more properties include: the resistivity of the material and the magnetic permeability of the material. 14. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the induction element is a single coil configured to provide both a first alternating magnetic field and a second alternating magnetic field, or the induction element comprises a first coil and a second coil, wherein wherein the first coil is configured to be actuated to provide a first alternating magnetic field, and the second coil is configured to be actuated to provide a second alternating magnetic field. 15. A method of using an aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes the steps of: inserting the aerosol generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate is located within the heating zone, actuating the inductive element with providing the first alternating magnetic field having the first frequency during the first period of time, with preferential heating, thus, of the first pantograph located inside the heating zone during the first period of time, and actuating the inductive element to provide a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time, with preferential heating, thus, of the second pantograph located inside the heating zone for a second period of time, wherein the first part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the first current collector during the first period of time, and the second part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the second current collector during the second time period.

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