TW202425845A - Aerosol provision device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The device comprises a heating arrangement, a moveable stop, an actuator an article sensor and a processor. The heating arrangement is configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material. The stop is arranged to abut an end of the portion of the article received by the heating arrangement. The stop limits an extent by which the portion of the article is received by the heating arrangement. The actuator is arranged to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement. The processor is configured to determine a characteristic of the article in dependence on a property of the article detected by the article sensor and to operate the actuator to move the stop to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

Description

Aerosol supply device

Invention Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The present invention also relates to a method for operating the aerosol supply device.

Invention Background

Smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use, producing tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Examples of such products are heating devices, which release compounds by heating rather than burning a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the invention

According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, comprising: a heating configuration configured to receive at least a portion of a product containing the aerosol generating material; a movable stop configured to be adjacent to an end of a portion of a product received by the heating configuration to limit a range within which the portion of the product is received by the heating configuration; an actuator configured to move the stop relative to the heating configuration; a product sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: determine a property of the product detected by the product sensor that indicates a characteristic of the product; and operate the actuator to move the stop to change a usable range of the heating configuration.

The characteristic may be a length of the article comprising the aerosol generating material.

The characteristic may be a length of a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

The stop may be configured to move relative to the heating configuration between a first stop position and a second stop position to change a usable range of the heating configuration.

The usable range of the heating arrangement may define a heating zone in which a portion of the product is heated.

The depth of the heating zone can be varied between the first stop position and the second stop position.

The heating arrangement may include a container configured to receive at least a portion of a product containing an aerosol generating material.

The stop may define a base of the container.

The stop is movable in the container.

The heating arrangement may include a heating member.

The stopper may be configured to be received within at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material.

The stopper can define a usable range of the heating component exposed to the heating zone and an unusable range not exposed to the heating zone.

According to one aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: a first product comprising an aerosol generating material; a second product comprising an aerosol generating material; and the aerosol supply device, wherein the first product has a first length and the second product comprises a different second length.

The aerosol-generating material of the first product may have a first length and the aerosol-generating material of the second product may comprise a different second length.

The processor may be configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a first stop position to define a first usable range of the heating configuration when the first product is detected by the product sensor.

The processor may be configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a second stop position to define a second usable range of the heating configuration when the second product is detected by the product sensor.

The processor may be configured to determine whether the first product or the second product is inserted into the device based on the property of the product detected by the product sensor.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include an RFID tag.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a color.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a pattern.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a label.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a surface texture.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a QR code.

The property of the product can be provided on the product.

The property of the product can be provided by a packaging of the product. The first product and the second product can be used interchangeably with the device.

The first stop position and the second stop position may each be a predetermined position.

The processor may be configured to operate the aerosol supply device according to an operating mode, and the processor may be configured to select the operating mode based on the characteristic of the product.

The first product and the second product may each be a consumable product.

According to one aspect, a method for operating an aerosol supply device is provided herein, the device comprising: a heating configuration configured to receive at least a portion of a product containing an aerosol generating material; a stopper configured to be adjacent to an end of a portion of a product received by the heating configuration to limit a range within which the portion of the product is received by the heating configuration; and an actuator configured to move the stopper relative to the heating configuration, the method comprising: determining a property of the product detected by the product sensor that indicates a characteristic of the product; and operating the actuator to move the stopper to change a usable range of the heating configuration.

The characteristic may be a length of the article comprising the aerosol generating material.

The characteristic may be a length of a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

The stop may be configured to move relative to the heating configuration between a first stop position and a second stop position to change a usable range of the heating configuration.

The usable range of the heating arrangement may define a heating zone in which a portion of the product is heated.

The depth of the heating zone can be varied between the first stop position and the second stop position.

The heating arrangement may include a container configured to receive at least the portion of the product containing the aerosol generating material.

The stop may define a base of the container.

The stop is movable in the container.

The heating arrangement may include a heating member.

The stopper may be configured to be received within at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material.

The stopper can define a usable range of the heating component exposed to the heating zone and an unusable range not exposed to the heating zone.

The device may be configured to receive at least a portion of a first product comprising an aerosol generating material and at least a portion of a second product comprising an aerosol generating material.

The first product may have a first length and the second product may comprise a different second length.

The aerosol-generating material of the first product may have a first length and the aerosol-generating material of the second product may comprise a different second length.

Operating the actuator to move the stop may further include moving the stop to a first stop position to define a first usable range of the heating configuration when the first product is detected by the product sensor.

Operating the actuator to move the stop may further include moving the stop to a second stop position to define a second usable range of the heating configuration when the second product is detected by the product sensor.

The method may include determining whether the first product or the second product is inserted into the device based on the property of the product detected by the product sensor.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include an RFID tag.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a color.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a pattern.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a label.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a surface texture.

The property of the product detected by the product sensor may include a QR code.

The first product and the second product can be used interchangeably with the device.

The first stop position and the second stop position may each be a predetermined position.

The method may further comprise operating the aerosol supply device according to an operating mode.

The method may further include selecting the operating mode based on the characteristic of the product.

The first product and the second product may each be a consumable product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other manner. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, a liquid, or a gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a flavoring agent. The aerosol generating material may include any plant-based material, such as a tobacco-containing material, and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, a tobacco derivative, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or a tobacco substitute. The aerosol generating material may also include other non-tobacco products, and depending on the product, the aerosol generating material may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax, or the like. The aerosol generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol generating material may also be referred to as a "smokable material".

The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and/or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

The aerosol generating material may include or may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "bulk solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a xerogel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid (such as a liquid) inside. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may comprise or may be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, thereby forming an inhalable aerosol, typically without igniting or burning the aerosol-generating material. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol-delivering devices", "heating-not-burning devices", "heated-tobacco-product devices" or "tobacco-heating devices" or the like. Similarly, there are also so-called electronic cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be provided in the form of or as part of a rod, cartridge or cartridge, or the like, which can be inserted into the device. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the equipment.

The aerosol delivery device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is an assembly that includes or contains an aerosol generating material during use and optionally includes or contains other components during use, which assembly is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material. A user may insert the article into the aerosol delivery device, whereupon the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. For example, the article may have a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, which is sized to receive the article.

Figures 1A, 2A and 2B show an aerosol supply system 100. System 100 includes an aerosol supply device 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and a replaceable product 110 containing the aerosol generating material. Device 101 can be used to heat the replaceable product 110 containing the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of device 101. Product 110 can be fully or partially received by device 101 to be heated by device 101. In the configuration shown in the figures, product 110 is fully received by device 101. In an embodiment, product 110 protrudes from device 101.

The device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102 along which the article 110 may extend when received by the device 101. In use, a user draws on the device or article to draw an aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the article 110 along a flow path toward a proximal end 103 of the device 101. When the device 101 is in use, the proximal end (or mouth end) 103 of the device 101 is closest to the user's mouth. The other end of the device 101 farthest from the proximal end 103 is referred to as the distal end 104 of the device 101 because, in use, it is the end farthest from the user's mouth.

When a user draws in an aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end 103 of the device 101. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 101 will be described with reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.

The device 101 includes a main body 105. The main body 105 includes a housing that surrounds and houses various components of the device 101. The housing is elongated. In an embodiment such as one of the embodiments in FIG. 1A , the device 101 includes an auxiliary main body 106. The auxiliary main body 106 can be detachably attached to the main body 105. In an embodiment, the main body 105 and the auxiliary main body 106 form a single unit. In an embodiment such as one of the embodiments in FIG. 1B , the auxiliary main body is omitted.

The device 101 includes a heating assembly 200 for heating an aerosol generating material. The heating assembly 200 includes a heating arrangement 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power supply 204. The heating assembly 200 may include a chassis and other components that form part of the device 101. The heating arrangement 201 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the product 110 contained in the device 101 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The heating arrangement 201 may include various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the product 110. The controller 202 includes a processor 203 and a memory 205. The processor 203 is in data communication with one or more sensors. The processor 203 is operable to control the device 101.

The power source 204 supplies power to the heating arrangement 201, and the heating arrangement 201 converts the supplied power into heat energy for heating the aerosol generating material. The power source 204 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The power source 204 may be electrically coupled to the heating arrangement 201 to supply power to heat the aerosol generating material when needed and under the control of the controller 202. The control circuit 202 may be configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating arrangement 201 or portions thereof based on user input. The control circuit 202 may further be configured to selectively operate the heating arrangement 201 .

The heating arrangement 201 defines a heating zone 215 in which a portion of the product 110 received by the heating arrangement 201 is heated. The heating arrangement 201 includes a heating member 220. The heating member 220 includes at least one heating element 221. The heating element 221 is configured to heat the heating zone 215 via induction heating. Other forms of heating arrangements, and therefore other forms of heating elements, such as resistive heating, are contemplated. The heating element 221 defines the heating zone 215.

In an embodiment, the heating arrangement is an induction heating arrangement. Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive heating element (e.g., a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating arrangement may include an inductive element, such as one or more inductor coils; and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the inductive element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the eddy current, and therefore the flow of the eddy current against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. In the case of susceptors comprising ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat can also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to their alignment with the moving magnetic field. In induction heating, the heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating. In addition, there does not need to be any physical contact between the sensing element and the susceptor, allowing for increased freedom of construction and application.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1A , the heating arrangement 201 is an induction heater arrangement. The heating element 221 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 221 comprises a susceptor that can be heated by passing it through a varying magnetic field. The susceptor comprises a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor can be formed of carbon steel. It should be understood that other suitable materials can be used, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

The induction heater arrangement further includes a magnetic field generator 240. The magnetic field generator 240 is configured to generate one or more changing magnetic fields that penetrate the susceptor so as to cause heating in the susceptor. The magnetic field generator 240 includes an inductor coil arrangement 241. The inductor coil arrangement 241 includes one or more inductor coils 242. The inductor coils 242 act as inductor elements. The inductor coils 242 surround the heating zone 215. The inductor coils 242 extend around at least a portion of the heating member 220. In other embodiments, the inductor coils 242 may alternatively extend in the heating member 220. The number of inductor coils may be different.

The inductor coil 242 is a spiral coil, however, other configurations are contemplated. In an embodiment, the inductor configuration 241 includes two or more inductor coils. In an embodiment, the two or more inductor coils are positioned adjacent to each other and may be coaxially aligned along an axis. The spiral coil 242 is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 221. The heating element 221 acts as a sensor. The spiral coil 242 is configured coaxially with the longitudinal axis 102. The spiral coil 242 includes a conductive material, such as copper. The coil is formed by a wire, such as a Litz wire, which is spirally wound around a support member. In an embodiment, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. The coil 242 defines a generally tubular shape. The inductor coil 242 has a generally circular profile. In other embodiments, the inductor coil 242 may have a different shape, such as generally square, rectangular, or elliptical. The inductor coil 242 may have a width that increases or decreases along its length.

Other types of inductor coils may be used, such as a balance coil. With a spiral coil, it is possible to define an elongated inductor zone that houses the susceptor, which provides a small length of susceptor to be housed in the elongated inductor zone. The length of the susceptor that is subject to the varying magnetic field can be maximized. By providing a closed inductor zone with a spiral coil configuration, it is possible to assist in flux concentration of the magnetic field.

The Lee branch comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The Lee branch is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. Other wire types, such as solid, may be used. The configuration of the spiral inductor coil may vary along its axial length. For example, each inductor coil in the plurality of inductor coils 242 may have substantially the same or different values of inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, number of turns, etc.

In some examples, in use, the inductor coil 242 is configured to heat the heating element 221 to a temperature between about 200°C and about 350°C, such as between about 240°C and about 305°C, or between about 250°C and about 280°C.

The device 101 includes a stop assembly 300. The stop assembly 300 includes a stop 305. The stop 305 is movable relative to the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 is configured to be adjacent to an end of the portion of the product 110 received by the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 limits the range of the portion of the product 110 received by the heating arrangement 201. The axial length of the product is the distance between the insertion end 112 of the product 110 and the proximal end of the product 110. The insertion end 112 of the product 110 is configured to contact the stop when the product is received in the device 101.

The stopper 305 is configured to move between a first stop position (to provide a first usable range of the heating arrangement 201) and a second stop position (to provide a second, different usable range of the heating arrangement 201).

Stop 305 may be formed to be free of materials that may be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. Stop 305 may be formed of an insulating material. For example, stop 305 may be formed of a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. Using non-metallic materials for stop 305 may help limit heating of other components of device 101 and/or help prevent combustion of aerosol-generating materials.

2A and 2B, the heating arrangement 201 of the embodiment of FIG1A will be described in more detail. The heating arrangement 201 includes an inductor coil arrangement 241, a heating member 220, a heating chamber 211, and a stopper 305. The heating member 220 includes a heating element 221. The heating element 221 acts as a susceptor.

The heating chamber 211 is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the product 110 to be heated. The heating chamber 211 is formed by a container 212. The container 212 acts as a support member. The container 212 comprises a generally tubular member. The container 212 extends along and around the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101 and is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis. However, other shapes will be possible. The container 212 is open at its proximal end so that the product 110 can be received by the heating chamber 211 passing therethrough. The container 212 may include one or more pipes that form part of the air path.

The container 212 is formed to contain no material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The container 212 can be formed from an insulating material. For example, the container 212 can be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The container 212 can be formed from such material that ensures that the assembly remains rigid/solid when the heating arrangement 201 is operated. The use of non-metallic materials for the container 212 can help limit the heating of other components of the device 101. The container 212 can be formed from a rigid material to help support other components. However, in an embodiment, the container 212 includes a material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. In an embodiment, the container is at least partially formed from a heating element.

The auxiliary body 106 includes an auxiliary storage chamber 107. The auxiliary storage chamber 107 and the container 212 are axially aligned. When the auxiliary body 106 is attached to the main body 105, the auxiliary storage chamber 107 acts as a continuation of the container 212. The internal dimensions of the auxiliary storage chamber 107 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the container 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102. The auxiliary storage chamber 107 can guide the insertion of the product 110 into the container 212. The auxiliary chamber 107 and the container 212 include a product storage chamber 109. The product storage chamber 109 is sized to enclose the product 110, but other configurations are contemplated. For example, the proximal end of the auxiliary body 106 may include an opening through which the article 110 is inserted. In an embodiment, the auxiliary body 106 is omitted.

The product 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating chamber 211 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape, however, other shapes will be possible. The product 110 is sized to be received by the container 212. The outer dimensions of the product 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product 110 substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the heating chamber 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101 to allow the product 110 to be inserted into the container 212.

The heating member 220 extends from a distal end of the heating chamber 211 into the heating chamber 211 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (in the axial direction). In an embodiment, the heating member 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 spaced from the axis 102. The heating member 220 may be offset from the axis or not parallel to the axis 102. The heating member 220 defines a heating zone 215 in a portion of the heating chamber 211. In an embodiment, the heating zone 215 is defined along the entire extent of the heating chamber 211.

The heating member 220 stands upright from the distal end of the container 212. In an embodiment, the base of the container 212 is disposed at the distal end of the container 212. The base is defined by an end wall 213. The heating member 220 is spaced from the peripheral wall 214. The heating arrangement 201 is configured so that when the product 110 is received by the heating chamber 211, a portion of the heating element 221 extends into the distal end of the product 110. The portion of the heating element 221 extending into the distal end of the product 110 defines an axial overlap range of the heating member 220 and the product 110. In use, the heating member 220 is positioned within the product 110. The heating member 220 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material from the inside of the product 110, and for this reason is referred to as an internal heating element. In embodiments, at least a portion of the container 212 is defined by the heating member. In such embodiments, the heating member is configured to contain the product 110. In such embodiments, the heating member is generally tubular. In such embodiments, the heating element is configured to heat the aerosol generating material from the outside of the product 110, and for this reason is referred to as an external heating element.

FIG. 2A shows the stop 305 in a first position, and FIG. 2B shows the stop 305 in a second position. FIG. 2A shows the device 101 housing a first product 101a, and FIG. 2B shows the device 101 housing a first product 101b. The first product 110a and the second product 110b are generally the same as the product 110, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The stop 305 is movable relative to the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 is movable in the container 212. The stop 305 is generally tubular. The stop 305 protrudes in the container 212. The stop 305 serves as the end wall 213. The stop 305 includes a stop surface 310. The stop surface 310 serves as a base. The stop surface 310 faces the open proximal end of the container 212. The stop 305 closes the container 212 at its distal end. The stop 305 includes an inner surface 303 and an outer surface 304. The stop surface 310 is assembled to be adjacent to the insertion ends 112a, 112b of the products 110a, 110b. The stop 305 limits the range of insertion of the products 110a, 110b into the heating zone 215. The stop 305 is sized to be received in the container 212. The outer dimensions of the stop 305 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the container 212. The outer surface 304 of the stop 305 and the inner side 217 of the container 212 form a sliding fit.

The stop 305 surrounds a portion of the heating member 220. The inner surface of the stop 305 defines a hole 302. The hole 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The hole 302 is sized to receive the heating member 220. The hole 302 and the heating member 220 are sized to complement each other to form a sliding fit. The inner surface 303 can contact the outer surface of the heating member 220. The stop 305 surrounds a portion of the heating member 220 to reduce the usable range of the heating member 220. The usable range of the heating member is defined as a portion of the heating member 221 that is exposed to the heating zone 215 and can be used to heat the products 110a, 110b.

The stopper 305 is movable relative to the container 212 and the heating member 220. The container 212 and the heating member 220 are in fixed positions. The stopper 305 slides over the outer surface of the heating member 220. The stopper 305 moves along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101 from a first stop position to a second stop position. The first stop position and the second stop position are different axial positions of the stopper 305.

FIG. 2A shows the device 101 receiving an article 110a having a first predetermined size. The first predetermined size may correspond to a first length L1 of the article 110a. The stop 305 is shown in a first stop position. In the first stop position, the stop 305 provides a first usable range of the heating arrangement 201. In the first stop position, the stop 305 overlaps with a first portion of the heating member 220. In the first stop position, the stop 305 overlaps with a first portion of the inductor arrangement 241.

FIG. 2B shows the device 101 housing an article 110b having a second predetermined size. The second predetermined size may correspond to a second length L2 of the article 110b. The stop 305 is shown in a second stop position. In the second stop position, the stop 305 provides a second usable range of the heating arrangement 201. The second usable range of the heating arrangement 201 is different from the first usable range of the heating arrangement 201. In the second stop position, the stop 305 overlaps with a second portion of the heating member 220. In the second stop position, the stop 305 overlaps with a second portion of the inductor arrangement 241. The second portion of the heating member 220 is different in length from the first portion. The axial overlap range of the heating element 220 and the products 110a, 110b adjacent to the stop 305 is different in the first stop position and the second stop position. The second portion of the inductor arrangement 241 is different in length from the first portion. The axial overlap range of the inductor arrangement 241 and the products 110a, 110b adjacent to the stop 305 is different in the first stop position and the second stop position.

The first stop position of stop 305 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to accommodate product 110a. The second stop position of stop 305 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to accommodate product 110b. In some embodiments, the first stop position of stop 305 is predetermined to provide a first axial overlap range of the heating member 220 and product 110a adjacent to stop 305. The second stop position of stop 305 is predetermined to provide a second axial overlap range of the heating member 220 and product 110b adjacent to stop 305. The first axial overlap range is different from the second axial overlap range. In some embodiments, a first stop position of the stop 305 is predetermined to provide a first usable range of the heating configuration 201 , and a second stop position of the stop 305 is predetermined to provide a second usable range of the heating configuration 201 .

In an embodiment, the heating configuration is a resistive heating configuration. The resistive heating configuration may include a resistive heating generator, which includes an assembly for heating a heating element through a resistive heating process. In this case, an electric current is directly applied to the resistive heating assembly, and the resulting current flow in the heating assembly causes the heating assembly to heat by Joule heating. The resistive heating assembly includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating configuration includes an electrical contact for supplying the current to the resistive material. The resistive heating assembly can, for example, transfer heat to the heating element by conduction. The heating element itself can form a resistive heating assembly. The heating element can be arranged on a heating member.

With reference to FIG. 1B , another embodiment of a heating arrangement will be described in more detail. A heating arrangement 201 ' forms part of an aerosol supply device such as device 101 . The heating arrangement 201 ' is a resistive heating arrangement. The heating arrangement 201 ' comprises a heating member 220 '. The heating member 220 ' comprises a heating element 221 '. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B , the heating chamber 211 is omitted. The heating arrangement 201 ' does not contain a container. That is, the heating zone 215 is not surrounded or bounded by any other component. A majority of the heating element 221 ' is exposed. Optionally, at least 80% of the heating element 221 ' is exposed, optionally 60% is exposed or optionally 50% is exposed. The heating element 221 ' extends beyond the outer extent of the body 105 of the device 101 . The heating element 220' stands upright from the base of the main body 105. The base is formed by the stop surface 310 of the stop 305. In other embodiments, the base includes the outer surface of the main body 105.

The heating element 220' defines the heating zone 215. At least a portion of the product 110 is configured to be received in the heating zone 215. When the portion of the product 110 is received in the heating zone 215, the heating element 220' is configured to be received in the product 110. When the device 101 is in use, the heating element 220' is configured to be received in the product 110.

The article 110 includes an aperture 113. The aperture 113 is preformed in the article 110. In an embodiment, the aperture 113 extends partially along the longitudinal axis 102 of the article 110. The aperture 113 includes an inner surface 114. The aperture 113 is open at the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The heating member 220' is sized to be received in the aperture 113. The heating member 220' and the aperture 113 are sized to complement each other to form a contact fit. The inner surface 114 of the aperture is configured to form a close contact with the heating member 220' to maximize heat transfer between the heating member 220' and the aerosol generating material of the article 110. The aperture 113 is configured to accommodate the stop 305. In an embodiment of a configuration variation of the heating arrangement 201, the hole 113 is provided as a complementary cavity. In an embodiment, the outer dimensions of the heating member 220' are greater than the outer dimensions of the hole 113. In such an arrangement, the heating member 220' is configured to deform and/or expand the product 110 to be inserted therein.

The stop 305 is movable relative to the heating arrangement 201'. In the embodiment shown, the stop 305 is movable along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device. The stop 305 is generally tubular. The stop 305 protrudes beyond the outer range of the main body 105 of the device 101. In an embodiment, the stop 305 serves as a base for the heating arrangement 201'. The stop 305 includes a stop surface 310. The stop surface 310 serves as a base for the heating arrangement 201. The stop surface 310 is assembled to the insertion end 112 adjacent to the product 110. The stop 305 limits the range of the product 110 inserted into the heating zone 215. The stop 305 limits the extent to which the heating member 220' can be inserted into the article 110. In an embodiment, the outer dimensions of the stop 305 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the hole 113 of the article 110. In an embodiment, the stop 305 is sized to be partially or completely received in the article 110.

Stop 305 surrounds a portion of heating member 220'. The inner surface of stop 305 defines hole 302. Hole 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of device 101. Hole 302 is sized to receive heating member 220'. Hole 302 and heating member 220' are sized to complement each other to form a sliding fit. Inner surface 303 can contact the outer surface of heating member 221. Stop 305 surrounds a portion of heating member 221 to reduce the usable range of heating member 220. The usable range of heating member 220' is defined as a portion of heating member 220 that is exposed to heating zone 215 and can be used to heat a portion of product 110.

The stopper 305 is movable relative to the heating member 220'. The heating member 220' is in a fixed position. The stopper 305 slides over the outer surface of the heating member 220'. In different stopper positions, the stopper 305 overlaps different portions of the heating member 220'. In different stopper positions, the axial overlap range of the heating member 220' and the product 110 is different.

In an embodiment, an induction coil extends within the heating member 220' and the heating arrangement 201' comprises an induction heater arrangement.

1A and 1B , the device 101 includes an actuator assembly 400. The actuator assembly 400 is configured to adjust the device 101 for use with a product selected by a user of the device 101. In an embodiment, the device 101 is adjusted to be able to accommodate a product of a predetermined size. In an embodiment, the device 101 is adjusted to accommodate a product of a predetermined length. The device 101 is adjusted to change the usable range of the heating arrangement 201. Advantageously, adjusting the usable range of the heating arrangement 201 allows products of varying lengths to be used with the device 101 and/or allows portions of aerosol generating material in a product of varying lengths to be used with the device 101.

The actuation assembly 400 includes an actuator 410. In an embodiment, the actuator 410 is an electric motor. Other actuation components are contemplated. The actuator 410 is configured to move the stop 305 relative to the heating arrangement 201. The actuator 410 is configured to change the usable range of the heating arrangement 201 by moving the stop 305. In an embodiment, the actuator 410 is configured to move the stop 305 between a discrete number of predetermined stop positions.

The actuation assembly 400 further includes an indicator element 402. In an embodiment, the indicator element is omitted. The indicator element 402 provides a visual indication to a user of the device 101 regarding the position of the stop 305. The indicator element 402 is shown as a raised movable element, but may alternatively include a notch, a marking, or a light.

The actuator 410 is operated by the controller 202. The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 based on a characteristic of a product, such as the product 110, received by the apparatus 101 for heating. The characteristic includes at least one of the length of the product and the length of the aerosol generating material.

Device 101 includes sensor assembly 500. Sensor assembly 500 includes product sensor 510. Product sensor 510 is configured to detect whether device 101 is storing a product such as product 110 or is part of a storage device. In an embodiment, product sensor 510 is configured to detect a product in the vicinity of device 101 to be stored by device 101.

The product sensor 501 is shown as being housed in the body 105 of the device 101, however, other configurations are contemplated. In an embodiment, the product sensor 501 is disposed at the proximal end of the device 101. In an embodiment, the product sensor 501 is provided as part of a heating arrangement. In an embodiment, the product sensor 501 is disposed at the proximal end of the heating arrangement 201. Advantageously, this configuration allows the product sensor 501 to be positioned away from the distal end of the heating arrangement 201, where condensation and debris typically accumulate.

The product sensor 510 is configured to detect the property of the product 110 received by the device 101. The property of the product 110 indicates the characteristics of the product 110. The characteristics of the product 110 received by the device 101 are determined based on the property of the product 110.

The product 110 includes an indicator 111. The indicator 111 is disposed in or on the product 110. In an embodiment, the indicator 111 may alternatively or additionally be disposed in the packaging of the product 110. For example, the indicator 111 may be provided by a consumable packaging containing one or more products (such as the product 110).

Indicator 111 indicates product information. Indicator 111 is the nature of the product. Indicator 111 indicates the characteristics of the product, such as the length of the product. The product information may include the type of product 110.

In an embodiment, the indicator 111 is a logo 116. The logo 116 is on the outer surface of the product 110. The outer surface can be formed of paper, wherein the logo 116 is printed on the paper. The logo 116 provides an optical indication of product information. The logo 116 is a colored portion of the product 110. The logo 116 is a strip around the product 110. The product 110 is substantially cylindrical, and the strip extends all the way around the curved surface of the product. The logo 116 is located on a section of the outer surface surrounding the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment, the logo 116 is alternatively or additionally disposed on the outer surface of the packaging of the product 110.

In some embodiments, the indicator 111 includes an image on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the indicator 111 includes a barcode, a QR code or other machine-readable optical markings.

In some embodiments, the indicator 111 is not on the outer surface and can be inside the product 110. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator 111 can be disposed inside the packaging of the product 110. The indicator 111 can be a type of tag, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near field communication tag. The sensor 510 is configured to detect the properties of the product 110.

The property of the product 110 can be detected by the product sensor 510. The product sensor 510 is configured to detect an indicator 111. The indicator 111 can be disposed on or in the product 110. The indicator 111 can be disposed on or in the packaging of the product 110. The indicator 111 can be disposed on or in a container or another packaging component such as a card or package that forms at least a portion of the packaging of the product 110. The property of the product indicates one or more characteristics of the product 110. In an embodiment, the property of the product is a physical property of the product. The physical property of the product 110 can be any one or a combination of the following: the width of the product 110, a distinguishing feature disposed on an outer surface of the product 110, the length of the product and/or the length of the portion of the product inserted into the device 110 when the device is in use.

In an embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to operate the device 101 according to a predetermined operating mode. The operating mode is one of a plurality of operating modes of the device 101. The operating mode is selected based on the characteristics of the product 110 determined by the controller 202. The operating mode may correspond to a predetermined heating profile, a predetermined heating time, a predetermined operating temperature, and/or a predetermined working phase duration. The operating mode corresponds to a predetermined position of the stop 305 and to a predetermined usable range of the heating arrangement 201.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operating the device 101. In use of the device 101, a user of the device 101 inserts a product 110 or a portion thereof into the heating arrangement 201 of the device 101 for heating (step 601). After the product 110 is inserted, or while the product 110 is inserted, the product sensor 510 detects the property of the product 110 (step 602). In an embodiment, the product sensor 510 detects the property of the product 110 before the product 110 is inserted into the device 110. In such embodiments, the user may bring the product 110 or the packaging of the product 110 into the vicinity of the device 110 for detection by the product sensor 501. The product sensor 510 communicates with the controller 202. When a property of the product 110 is detected, the controller 202 receives an input from the product sensor 510. The input indicates the detected property. The controller 202 determines the characteristics of the product based on the property detected by the product sensor 510 (step 603). The controller 202 operates the actuator 410 to move the stop 305 (step 604). Operating the actuator 410 to move the stop 305 so as to change the usable range of the heating configuration.

In an embodiment, operating the device 101 further includes operating the actuator 410 to move the stop 305 to a preset position after using the device 101. The preset position of the stop 305 is a predetermined position of the stop 305. When the device is not in use, the stop 305 is in the preset position.

The default stop position is a predetermined position of the stop 305 to provide a default usable range for the heating arrangement 201. The default stop position of the stop 305 is predetermined to provide a default overlap range between the heating arrangement 201 and a product, such as the product 110 adjacent to the stop 305 after being inserted into the device 101 for heating.

In an embodiment, the preset stop position of the stop 305 is configured to facilitate detection of the product 110 by the product sensor 501. In an embodiment, the preset position of the stop 305 is configured to limit the insertion of the product 101 so as to position the indicator 111 disposed in or on the product near the product sensor 501. In an embodiment, the preset position of the stop 305 is configured to limit the insertion of the product 101 so as to align the position of the indicator 111 disposed in or on the product with the position of the product sensor 501.

In an embodiment, the sensor is exposed in a preset position. In such embodiments, the stop 305 is configured to move to a first stop position to cover the sensor when the first product 110a is detected by the product sensor 510. This can improve the reliability of the sensor by covering the sensor during operation of the heating arrangement to keep the sensor away from heat sources and minimize exposure to debris and condensation.

In an embodiment, the preset position is configured to facilitate removal of the product 110 from the device 101. In an embodiment, moving the stop to the preset position ejects or at least partially repels the product 110, such as the product 110 from the device 101.

In an embodiment, the preset position of the stopper 305 is determined according to a predetermined operating mode. In an embodiment, the predetermined operating mode corresponds to a predetermined working phase duration. In an embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper 305 to the preset position after the predetermined working phase duration expires.

In an embodiment, the preset position of the stopper 305 is determined based on the characteristic of the product 110. In an embodiment, the characteristic of the product 110 corresponds to the length of the product 110. In the controller 202, an actuator is configured to operate to move the stopper 305 to the preset position so that the product having the characteristic length is ejected from the device 101.

In an embodiment, upon detecting input from a user of device 101, stop 305 moves to a preset position. In an embodiment, stop 305 may move to a preset position upon removal of an article, such as article 110, from device 101. Article sensor 510 may be configured to detect removal of article 110 from device 101.

FIG. 2A shows a device 101 housing a first product 110a having a first predetermined size, and FIG. 2B shows a device 101 housing a second product 110b having a second predetermined size. The first product 110a includes an aerosol generating material 115a. The second product 110b includes an aerosol generating material 115b. The first product 101 is a consumable product. The second product 110b is a consumable product. The first product 110a and the second product 110b can be used interchangeably with the device 101. The first product 110a, the second product 110b, and the device 101 form an aerosol supply system 100.

The first product 110a has a first product length L1 and the second product 110b has a second product length L2. The second product length L2 is different from the first product length L1. The first product length L1 extends from the insertion end 112a to the proximal end 113a of the first product 110a. The second product length L2 extends from the insertion end 112b to the proximal end 113b of the second product 110b. The first product length L1 and the second product length L2 are axial lengths.

The first product 110a has a first length of aerosol generating material LG1. The second product 110b has a second length of aerosol generating material LG2. The first length of aerosol generating material LG1 is different from the second length of aerosol generating material LG2.

In the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B, the first product 110a and the second product 110b differ in both the product length and the length of the aerosol generating material. In other embodiments, one or both of the first product 110a and the second product 110b differ in only one of the product length and the length of the aerosol generating material.

The first product 110a includes an indicator 111a. The indicator 111a is an RFID tag 130a. The second product 110b includes an indicator 111b. The indicator 111b is an RFID tag 130b. The RFID tags 130a, 130b are shown as being embedded in the first product 110a and the second product 110b, respectively. The RFID tags 130a, 130b are transmitters. The RFID tags 130a, 130b can be detected by the product sensor 501. The product sensor 501 acts as a receiver.

The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 to move the stopper 305 to a first stop position to define a first usable range of the heating arrangement 201 when the first product 110a is detected by the product sensor 510. The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 to move the stopper 305 to a second stop position to define a second usable range of the heating arrangement 201 when the second product 110b is detected by the product sensor 510.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It is to be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying patent applications.

100: aerosol supply system 101: aerosol supply device 102: longitudinal axis 103,113a,113b: proximal end 104: distal end 105: main body 106: auxiliary main body 107: auxiliary storage chamber 109: product storage chamber 110: product 110a: first product 110b: second product 111,111a,111b: indicator 112a,112b: insertion end 113,302: hole 114,303: inner surface 115a,115b: aerosol generating material 116: mark 130a,130b: RFID tag 200: heating assembly 201,201': heating arrangement 202: controller, control circuit 203: processor 204: power supply 205: memory 211: heating chamber 212: container 213: end wall 214: peripheral wall 215: heating zone 217: inner side 220,220': heating member 221,221': heating element 240: magnetic field generator 241: inductor coil arrangement, inductor arrangement 242: inductor coil, spiral coil, coil 300: stop assembly 304: outer surface 305: stop 310: stop surface 400: actuation assembly 402: indicator element 410: actuator 411: element 500: sensor assembly 501,510: product sensor 601,602,603,604: steps D1: usable range D2: usable range L1: first length, first product length L2: second length, second product length LG1: aerosol generating material of first length LG2: aerosol generating material of second length

An embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1A schematically shows an example of an aerosol supply system having an aerosol supply device and a product inserted into the device; FIG. 1B schematically shows an example of an aerosol supply system having an aerosol supply device and a product inserted into the device; FIG. 2A schematically shows a portion of the aerosol supply system of FIG. 1A having the aerosol supply device in a first configuration; FIG. 2B schematically shows a portion of the aerosol supply system of FIG. 1A having the aerosol supply device in a second configuration; and FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an example method of operating an aerosol supply device.

101: Aerosol supply device

102: Longitudinal axis

110a: First product

111a: indicator

112a: Insertion end

113a: proximal

115a: Aerosol generating materials

130a: RFID tag

212:Container

213: End wall

215: Heating area

217:Inside

220: Heating component

241: Inductor coil configuration, inductor configuration

302: Hole

303: Inner surface

304: External surface

305: Stopper

310: Stop surface

400: Actuation assembly

402: Indicator element

410:Actuator

411: Components

500:Sensor assembly

510: Product sensor

D1: Available range

L1: first length, first product length

LG1: First length of aerosol generating material

Claims (20)

An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, comprising: a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of a product containing the aerosol generating material, a movable stop configured to be adjacent to an end of a portion of a product received by the heating arrangement to limit a range within which the portion of the product is received by the heating arrangement, an actuator configured to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, a product sensor, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: determine a property of the product detected by the product sensor that indicates a characteristic of the product, and operate the actuator to move the stop to change a usable range of the heating arrangement. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the characteristic is a length of the article containing the aerosol generating material. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the characteristic is a length of a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the stop is configured to move relative to the heating configuration between a first stop position and a second stop position to change a usable range of the heating configuration. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the usable range of the heating configuration defines a heating zone, and a portion of the product is heated in the heating zone. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the depth of the heating zone varies between the first stop position and the second stop position. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heating arrangement comprises a container configured to contain at least a portion of a product containing an aerosol generating material. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stop defines a base of the container. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a heating component. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the stop is configured to be received within at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material. An aerosol supply system comprising: a first product comprising an aerosol generating material; a second product comprising an aerosol generating material; and an aerosol supply device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first product has a first length and the second product comprises a different second length. The system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating material of the first product has a first length and the aerosol generating material of the second product comprises a different second length. A system as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a first stop position to define a first usable range of the heating configuration when the first product is detected by the product sensor. A device as in claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a second stop position to define a second usable range of the heating configuration when the second product is detected by the product sensor. A system as in claims 11 to 14, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the first product or the second product is inserted into the device based on the property of the product detected by the product sensor. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the property of the product detected by the product sensor includes at least one of the following: an RFID tag, a color, a pattern, a mark, a surface texture, and a QR code. A system as in any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first product and the second product can be used interchangeably with the device. A system as in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first stop position and the second stop position are each a predetermined position. A system as in any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to operate the aerosol supply device according to an operating mode, and wherein the processor is configured to select the operating mode based on the characteristics of the product. A method of operating an aerosol supply device, the device comprising: a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of a product containing an aerosol generating material, a stop configured to be adjacent to an end of a portion of a product received by the heating arrangement to limit a range within which the portion of the product is received by the heating arrangement, and an actuator configured to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, the method comprising: determining a property of the product detected by the product sensor that is indicative of a characteristic of the product, and operating the actuator to move the stop to change a usable range of the heating arrangement.