WO2024094485A1

WO2024094485A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2024094485A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/079597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Hodgson; Dean Cowan; Benjamin Taylor
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-31
Filing date: 2023-10-24
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-30
Also published as: TW202425845A; EP4611574A1; GB202216107D0

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 PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol provision device.

Background

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

Summary

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosolgenerating material, a moveable stop arranged to abut an end of a portion of an article received by the heating arrangement to limit an extent by which the portion of the article is received by the heating arrangement, an actuator arranged to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, an article sensor and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine a property of an article detected by the article sensor indicative of a characteristic of the article, and to operate the actuator to move the stop to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

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

The characteristic may be a length of a portion of the article containing aerosol-generating material. The stop may be arranged to move relative to the heating arrangement between a first stop position and a second stop position to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

The useable extent of the heating arrangement may define a heating zone in which a portion of the article is heated.

The depth of the heating zone may vary between the first stop position and the second stop position.

The heating arrangement may comprise a receptacle arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material.

The stop may define a base of the receptacle.

The stop may be moveable in the receptacle.

The heating arrangement may comprise a heating member.

The stop may be arranged to be received in at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material.

The stop may define a useable extent of the heating member exposed to the heating zone, and a non-useable extent unexposed to the heating zone.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: a first article comprising aerosol-generating material; a second article comprising aerosol-generating material; and the aerosol provision device, wherein the first article has a first length and the second article comprises a second, different length.

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

The processor may be configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a first stop position when the first article is detected by the article sensor to define a first useable extent of the heating arrangement.

The the processor may be configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a second stop position when the second article is detected by the article sensor to define a second useable extent of the heating arrangement. The processor may be configured to determine whether the first article or the second article is inserted into the device based on the property of the article detected by the article sensor.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a RFID tag.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a colour.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a pattern.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a mark.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a surface texture.

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a QR code.

The property of the article may be provided on the article.

The property of the article may be provided by a packaging of the article. The first and second articles may be interchangeably used with the device.

The first and second stop positions may each be a pre-determined position.

The processor may be configured to operate the aerosol provision device according to a mode of operation and the processor may be configured to select the mode of operation based on the characteristic of the article.

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

According to an aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision device, the device comprising a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material, a stop arranged to abut an end of a portion of an article received by the heating arrangement to limit an extent by which the portion of the article is received by the heating arrangement, and an actuator arranged to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, the method comprising: determining a property of an article detected by the article sensor indicative of a characteristic of the article, and operating the actuator to move the stop to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

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

The stop may be arranged to move relative to the heating arrangement between a first stop position and a second stop position to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

The heating arrangement may comprise receptacle arranged to receive at least the portion of the article containing aerosol-generating material.

The stop may define a base of the receptacle.

The stop may be moveable in the receptacle.

The heating arrangement may comprise a heating member.

The stop may be arranged to be received in at least the portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material.

The stop may define a useable extent of the heating member exposed to the heating zone, and a non-useable extent unexposed to the heating zone

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

The first article may have a first length and the second article may have a second, different length.

The aerosol-generating material of the first article may have a first length and the aerosol-generating material of the second article may comprise a second, different length. Operating the actuator to move the stop may further comprise moving the stop to a first stop position when the first article is detected by the article sensor to define a first useable extent of the heating arrangement.

Operating the actuator to move the stop may further comprise moving the stop to a second stop position when the second article is detected by the article sensor to define a second useable extent of the heating arrangement.

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

The property of the article detected by the article sensor may comprise a mark.

The first and second articles may be interchangeably used with the device.

The first and second stop positions may each be a pre-determined position.

The method may further comprise operating the aerosol provision device according to a mode of operation.

The method may further comprise selecting the mode of operation based on the characteristic of the article.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A shows schematically an example of an aerosol provision system with an aerosol provision device and an article inserted into the device;

Figure 1B shows schematically an example of an aerosol provision system with an aerosol provision device and an article inserted into the device;

Figure 2A shows schematically part of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1A with the aerosol provision device in a first configuration;

Figure 2B shows schematically part of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1A with the aerosol provision device in a second configuration; and

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an example method of operating an aerosol provision device.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol generating material may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

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

Apparatus is known that heats aerosol generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an “aerosol generating device”, an “aerosol provision device”, a “heat-not-burn device”, a “tobacco heating product device” or a “tobacco heating device” or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporise an aerosol generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus. A heater for heating and volatilising the aerosol generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the apparatus.

An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article. Figure 1A, 2A and 2B show an aerosol provision system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol provision device 101 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material. The device 101 can be used to heat the replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material which can be inhaled by a user of the device 101. The article 110 may be fully or partially received by the device 101 for heating by the device 101. In the arrangement shown in the Figures, the article 110 is fully received by the device 101. In embodiments, the article 110 protrudes from the device 101.

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

As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 103 of the device 101. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 101 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.

The device 101 comprises a body 105. The body 105 comprises a housing, which surrounds and houses various components of the device 101. The housing is elongate. In embodiments, such as the one of Figure 1A, the device 101 comprises an auxiliary body 106. The auxiliary body 106 is removably attachable to the body 105. In embodiments, the body 105 and the auxiliary body 106 form a single unit. In embodiments, such as the one of Figure 1B, the auxiliary body is omitted.

The device 101 includes a heating assembly 200 for heating aerosolgenerating material. The heating assembly 200 includes a heating arrangement 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power source 204. The heating assembly 200 may include a chassis and other components forming part of the device 101. The heating arrangement 201, is configured to heat the aerosol- generating material of the article 110 received into the device 101 , such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The heating arrangement 201, may comprise various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110. The controller 202 comprises 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 electrical power to the heating arrangement 201, and the heating arrangement 201 , converts the supplied electrical energy 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, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The power source 204 may be electrically coupled to the heating arrangement 201 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller 202 to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit 202 may be configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating arrangement 201, or parts of, based on a 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 the portion of the article 110 received by the heating arrangement 201 is heated. The heating arrangement 201 includes a heating member 220. The heating member 220 comprises 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 arrangement, and therefore heating element, are anticipated such as resistive heating. The heating element 221 defines the heating zone 215.

In embodiments, the heating arrangement is an inductive heating arrangement. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating arrangement may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the heating arrangement 201 is an inductive heater arrangement. The heating element 221 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 221 comprises a susceptor that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The susceptor comprises electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor may be formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

The inductive heater arrangement further comprises a magnetic field generator 240. The magnetic field generator 240 is configured to generate one or more varying 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 comprises one or more inductor coils 242. The inductor coil 242, acts as an inductor element. The inductor coil 242 encircles the heating zone 215. The inductor coil 242 extends around at least a portion of the heating member 220. In other embodiments, the inductor coil 242 may instead extend in the heating member 220. The number of inductor coils may differ.

The inductor coil 242 is a helical coil, however other arrangements are envisaged. In embodiments, the inductor arrangement 241 comprises two or more inductor coils. The two or more inductor coils in embodiments are disposed adjacent to each other and may be aligned co-axially along the axis. The helical coil 242 in is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 221. The heating element 221 acts as a susceptor. The helical coil 242 is arranged coaxially with longitudinal axis 102. The helical coil 242 comprises electrically-conductive material, such as copper. The coil is formed from wire, such as Litz wire, which is wound helically around a support member. In embodiments, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. The coil242 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 which increases or decreases along its length.

Other types of inductor coil may be used, for example a flat spiral coil. With a helical coil it is possible to define an elongate inductor zone in which to receive a susceptor, which provides an elongate length of susceptor to be received in the elongate inductor zone. The length of susceptor subjected to varying magnetic field may be maximised. By providing an enclosed inductor zone with a helical coil arrangement it is possible to aid the flux concentration of the magnetic field.

Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. Other wire types could be used, such as solid. The configuration of the helical inductor coil may vary along its axial length. For example, each inductor coil of the plurality of inductor coils 242 may have substantially the same or different values of inductance, axial lengths, radii, pitches, numbers of turns, etc.

In some examples, in use, the inductor coil 242 is configured to heat the heating element 221 to a temperature of 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 comprises a stop 305. The stop 305 is moveable in relation to the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 is arranged to abut an end of the portion of the article 110 received by the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 limits an extent by which the portion of the article 110 is received by the heating arrangement 201. The axial length of the article is the distance between an insertion end 112 of article 110 and a proximal end of article 110. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is arranged to contact the stop when the article is received into the device 101. The stop 305 is arranged to move between a first stop position to provide a first useable extent of the heating arrangement 201 , and a second stop position to provide a second, different, useable extent of the heating arrangement 201.

The stop 305 may be formed free of material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The stop 305 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the stop 305 may be formed from a plastic, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. Using a non- metallic material for the stop 305 may assist with restricting heating of other components of the device 101 and/or with preventing burning of the aerosol generating material.

With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the heating arrangement 201 of the embodiment of Figure 1A will be described in more detail. The heating arrangement 201 comprises the inductor coil arrangement 241 , the heating member 220, a heating chamber 211 and the stop 305. The heating member 220 comprises the heating element 221. The heating element 221 acts as a susceptor.

The heating chamber 211 is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the article 110 to be heated. The heating chamber 211 is formed by a receptacle 212. The receptacle 212 acts as a support member. The receptacle 212 comprises a generally tubular member. The receptacle 212 extends along and around and is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. However, other shapes would be possible. The receptacle 212 is open at its proximal end such that an article 110 can be received by the heating chamber 211 therethrough. The receptacle 212 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of an air path.

The receptacle 212 is formed free of material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The receptacle 212 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the receptacle 212 may be formed from a plastic, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The receptacle 212 may be formed from such materials ensure that the assembly remains rigid/solid when the heating arrangement 201 is operated. Using a non- metallic material for the receptacle 212 may assist with restricting heating of other components of the device 101. The receptacle 212 may be formed from a rigid material to aid support of other components. In embodiments, however, the receptacle 212 comprises material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. In embodiments. The receptacle is formed, at least in part, by the heating element.

The auxiliary body 106 comprises an auxiliary receiving chamber 107. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 and the receptacle 212 are axially aligned. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 acts a continuation of the receptacle 212 when the auxiliary body 106 is attached to the body 105. The inner dimensions of the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 102 substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the receptacle 211 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 102. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 may guide insertion of article 110 into the receptacle 212. The auxiliary chamber 107 and the receptacle 212 comprise an article receiving chamber 109. The article receiving chamber 109 is sized to enclose the article 110 although other configurations are envisaged. For example, a proximal end of the auxiliary body 106 may comprise an opening through which the article 110 is inserted. In embodiments, the auxiliary body 106 is omitted.

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

The heating member 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 from the distal end of the heating chamber 211 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (in the axial direction). In embodiments, the heating member 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 spaced from the axis 102. The heating member 220 may be off-axis or non-parallel to the axis 102. The heating member 220 defines the heating zone 215 in a part of the heating chamber 211. In embodiments, the heating zone 215 is defined along the entire extent of the heating chamber 211.

The heating member 220 upstands from a distal end of the receptacle 212. In embodiments, a base of the receptacle 212 is provided at the distal end of the receptacle 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 such that when an article 110 is received by the heating chamber 211, a portion of the heating element 221 extends into a distal end of the article 110. The portion of the heating element 221 extending into the distal end of the article 110 defines an axial extent of overlap of the heating member 220 and the article 110. The heating member 220 is positioned, in use, within the article 110. The heating member 220 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 from within, and for this reason is referred to as an inner heating element. In embodiments, at least part of the receptacle 212 is defined by the heating member. In such embodiments, the heating member is configured to receive the article 110. In such embodiments, the heating member is generally tubular. In such embodiments, the heating element is configured to heat aerosol generating material of the article 110 from the outside, and for this reason is referred to as an outer heating element.

Figures 2A shows the stop in a first position and Figure 2B shows the stop 305 in a second position. Figures 2A shows the device 101 receiving a first article 101a and Figure 2B shows the device 101 receiving a first article 101b. The first and second article 110a, 110b are generally the same as the article 110 and a detailed description is thus omitted. The stop 305 is moveable in relation to the heating arrangement 201. The stop 305 is moveable in the receptacle 212. The stop 305 is generally tubular. The stop 305 protrudes in the receptacle 212. The stop 305 acts as the end wall 213. The stop 305 comprises a stop surface 310. The stop surface 310 acts as the base. The stop surface 310 faces the open proximal end of the receptacle 212. The stop 305 closes the receptacle 212 at its distal end. The stop 305 comprises an inner surface 303 and an outer surface 304. The stop surface 310 is configured to abut the insertion end 112a, 112b of the article 110a, 110b. The stop 305 limits the extent of insertion of the article 110a, 110b into the heating zone 215. The stop 305 is sized to be received in receptacle 212. The outer dimensions of stop 305, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device, substantially correspond with the inner dimensions of receptacle 212. The outer surface 304 of stop 305 and the inner side 217 of the receptacle 212 form a slide fit.

The stop 305 encircles a portion of heating member 220. The inner surface of stop 305 defines a bore 302. The bore 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The bore 302 is sized to receive the heating member 220. The bore 302 and the heating member 220 are complimentary sized to form a slide fit. The inner surface 303 may be in contact with the outer surface of the heating member 220. The stop 305 encircles a portion of the heating member 220 to reduce the usable extent of the heating member 220. The usable extent of the heating member is defined as a portion of the heating member 221 exposed to the heating zone 215 and available to heat a portion of the article 110a, 110b.

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

Figure 2A shows the device 101 receiving the article 110a having first predetermined dimensions. The first pre-determined dimensions may correspond to a first length L1 of the article 110a. The stop 305 is shown in the first stop position. In the first stop position, the stop 305 provides a first useable extent of the heating arrangement 201. In the first stop position, the stop 305 overlaps a first portion of the heating member 220. In the first stop position, the stop 305 overlaps a first portion of the inductor arrangement 241.

Figure 2B shows the device 101 receiving an article 110b having second pre-determined dimensions. The second pre-determined dimensions may correspond to a second length L2 of the article 110b. The stop 305 is shown in the second stop position. In the second stop position, the stop 305 provides a second useable extent of the heating arrangement 201. The second usable extent of the heating arrangement 201 is different to the first useable extent of the heating arrangement 201. In the second stop position, the stop 305 overlaps a second portion of heating member 220. In the second stop position, the stop 305 overlaps a second portion of the inductor arrangement 241. The second portion of heating member 220 is different in length to the first portion. The axial extent of overlap of the heating element 220 and the article 110a, 110b abutting the stop 305 differs in the first stop position and in the second stop position. The second portion of inductor arrangement 241 is different in length to the first portion. The axial extent of overlap of the inductor arrangement 241 and the article 110a, 110b abutting the stop 305 differs in the first stop position and in the second stop position. The first stop position of stop 305 is pre-determined so as to configure the device 101 to receive the article 110a. The second stop position of stop 305 is predetermined so as to configure the device 101 to receive the article 110b. In some embodiments, the first stop position of stop 305, is pre-determined to provide a first axial extent of overlap of the heating member 220 and the article 110a abutting the stop 305. The second stop position of stop 305 is pre-determined to provide a second axial extent of overlap of the heating member 220 and the article 110b abutting the stop 305. The first axial extent of overlap is different to the second axial extent of overlap. In some embodiments, the first stop position of stop 305, is predetermined to provide a first useable extent of the heating arrangement 201 and the second stop position of the stop 305, is pre-determined to provide a second useable extent of the heating arrangement 201.

In embodiments, the heating arrangement is a resistive heating arrangement. A resistive heating arrangement may comprise a resistive heating generator including components to heat a heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating component, and the resulting flow of current in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating arrangement comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material. The resistive heating component may transfers heat to a heating element, for example by conduction. The heating element may form the resistive heating component itself. The heating element may be provided on a heating member.

With reference to Figure 1 B, another embodiment of the heating arrangement will be described in more detail. The heating arrangement 20T forms part of an aerosol provision device, such as the device 101. The heating arrangement 20T is a resistive heating arrangement. The heating arrangement 20T comprises a heating member 220’. The heating member 220’ comprises a heating element 22T. In the embodiment of Figure 1 B, the heating chamber 211 is omitted. The heating arrangement 20T is free from a receptacle. That is, the heating zone 215 is free from being surrounded or delimited by any other component. A substantial portion of the heating element 22T is exposed. Optionally, at least 80% of the heating element 22T is exposed, optionally 60% is exposed, or optionally 50% is exposed. The heating element 22T extends beyond an external extent of the body 105 of the device 101. The heating member 220’ upstands from a base of the body 105. The base is formed by the stop surface 310 of the stop 305. In other embodiments, the base comprises an external surface of the body 105.

The heating member 220’ defines the heating zone 215. At least a portion of the article 110 is configured to be received in the heating zone 215. The heating member 220’ is configured to be received into the article 110 when the portion of the article 110 is received in the heating zone 215. The heating member 220’ is configured to be received into the article 110 when the device 101 is in use.

The article 110 comprises a bore 113. The bore 113 is pre-formed in the article 110. The bore 113 in embodiments extends partially along the longitudinal axis 102 of the article 110. The bore 113 comprises an inner surface 114. The bore 113 is open at the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The heating member 220’ is sized to be received in the bore 113. The heating member 220’ and bore 113 are complimentary sized to form a contact fit. The inner surface 114 of the bore is configured to form a close contact with the heating member 220’ to maximise heat transfer between the heating member 220’ and the aerosol generating material of the article 110. The bore 113 is configured to accommodate the stop 305. In embodiments where the configuration of the heating arrangement 201 varies, the bore 113 is provided as a complimentary cavity. In embodiments the outer dimensions of the heating member 220’ are greater than those of the bore 113. In such arrangements, the heating member 220’ is configured to deform and/or distend the article 110 to be inserted into the article 110.

The stop 305 is moveable in relation to the heating arrangement 20T. In the embodiment shown, the stop 305 is moveable along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device. The stop 305 is generally tubular. The stop 305 protrudes beyond an external extent of the body 105 of the device 101. In embodiments, the stop 305 acts as the base of the heating arrangement 20T. The stop 305 comprises a stop surface 310. The stop surface 310 acts as the base of the heating arrangement 201. The stop surface 310 is configured to abut the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The stop 305 limits the extent of insertion of the article 110 into the heating zone 215. The stop 305 limits the extent of insertion of the heating member 220’ into the article 110. In embodiments, the outer dimensions of stop 305, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device, substantially correspond with an inner dimensions of the bore 113 of the article 110. In embodiments, the stop 305 is sized to be partially or fully received into the article 110.

The stop 305 encircles a portion of heating member 220’. The inner surface of stop 305 defines a bore 302. The bore 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The bore 302 is sized to receive the heating member 220’. The bore 302 and the heating member 220’ are complimentary sized to form a slide fit. The inner surface 303 may be in contact with the outer surface of the heating member 221. The stop 305 encircles a portion of the heating member 221 to reduce the usable extent of the heating member 220. The usable extent of the heating member 220’ is defined as a portion of the heating member 220 exposed to the heating zone 215 and available to heat a portion of the article 110.

The stop 305 is movable relative to the heating member 220’. The heating member 220’ is in a fixed position. The stop 305 slides over the outer surface of heating member 220’. In different stop positions, the stop 305 overlaps different portions of the heating member 220’. In different stop positions, the axial extent of overlap of the heating member 220’ and the article 110 differ.

In embodiments, an inductive coil extends in the heating member 220’ and the heating arrangement 20T comprises an inductive heater arrangement.

With reference to Figures 1A and 1 B, the device 101 includes an actuation assembly 400. The actuator assembly 400 is configured to adjust the device 101 for use with an article selected by a user of the device 101. The device 101 in embodiments is adjusted to be able to receive an article of pre-determined dimensions. The device 101 in embodiments is adjusted to receive an article of a pre-determined length. The device 101 is adjusted to vary the useable extent of the heating arrangement 201. Advantageously, adjusting the useable extent of the heating arrangement 201 , allows for articles of varying lengths to be used with device 101 and/or for different lengths of portions of aerosol generating material in an article to be used with the device 101.

The actuation assembly 400 comprises an actuator 410. The actuator 410 in embodiments is an electric motor. Other actuating means are anticipated. The actuator 410 is arranged to move the stop 305 relative to the heating arrangement 201. The actuator 410 is configured to vary the useable extent of the heating arrangement 201 by moving the stop 305. The actuator 410 in embodiments is configured to move the stop 305 between a discrete number of pre-determined stop positions.

The actuation assembly 400 further comprises an indicator element 402. In embodiments, the indicator element is omitted. The indicator element 402 provides visual indication to a user of the device 101 about the position of the stop 305. The indicator element 402 is shown as a raised moveable element but may instead comprise 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 an article, such as the article 110, received by the device 101 for heating. The characteristic comprises at least one of an article length and a length of aerosol generating material.

The device 101 includes a sensor assembly 500. The sensor assembly 500 includes an article sensor 510. The article sensor 510 is configured to detect whether an article, such as the article 110, or a portion of an article is received by the device 101. In embodiments, the article sensor 510 is configured to detect an article in the vicinity of the device 101 to be received by the device 101.

The article sensor 501 is shown as being housed in the body 105 of the device 101, however other arrangements are envisaged. In embodiments, the article sensor 501 is provided at a proximal end of the device 101. In embodiments, the article sensor 501 is provided as part of the heating arrangement. In embodiments, the article sensor 501 is provided at a proximal end of the heating arrangement 201. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the article sensor 501 to be located away from the distal end of the heating arrangement 201 where condensation and debris typically accumulate.

The article sensor 510 is configured to detect a property of the article 110 received by the device 101. The property of the article 110 is indicative of the characteristic of the article 110. The characteristic of the article 110 received by the device 101 is determined in dependence of the property of the article 110.

The article 110 comprises an indicator 111. The indicator 111 is provided in or on the article 110. In embodiments, the indicator 111 may alternatively or additionally be provided in a packaging of the article 110. For example, the indicator 111 may be provided by a consumable pack, containing one or more articles such as the article 110.

The indicator 111 is indicative of article information. The indicator 111 is a property of the article. The indicator 111 is indicative of a characteristic of the article, such as article length. The article information may comprise a type of the article 110.

In embodiments, the indicator 111 is an indicia 116. The indicia 116 is on an outer surface of the article 110. The outer surface may be formed from paper, with the indicia 116 printed on the paper. The indicia 116 provides an optical indication of the article information. The indicia 116 is a coloured portion of the article 110. The indicia 116 is a band surrounding the article 110. The article 110 is substantially cylindrical, and the band extends all of the way around the article’s curved surface. The indicia 116 is located on a section of the outer surface which surrounds the aerosol generating material. In embodiments, the indicia 116 is alternatively or additionally provided on an outer surface of the packaging of the article 110.

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

In some embodiments, the indicator 111 is not on the outer surface, and may be internal to the article 110. Alternatively, or additionally, the indicator 111 may be provided internal to the packaging of the article 110. The indicator 111 may be a type of tag, for example a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near field communication tag. The sensor 510 is configured to detect the property of the article 110.

The property of the article 110 is detectable by the article sensor 510. The article sensor 510 is configured to detect the indicator 111. The indicator 111 may be provided on or in the article 110. The indicator 111 may be provided on or in the packaging of the article 110. The indicator 111 may be provided on or in a container forming at least part of the packaging of the article 110 or another packaging component such as a card or wrap. The property of the article is indicative of one or more characteristics of the article 110. The property of the article in embodiments is a physical property of the article. The physical property of the article 110 may be any one or a combination of: a width of the article 110, a distinguishing feature provided on the outer surface of the article 110, the length of the article and/or the length of the portion of the article being inserted into the device 110 when the device is in use.

The controller 202 in embodiments is configured to operate the device 101 according to pre-determined mode of operation. The mode of operation is one of a plurality of modes of operation of the device 101. The mode of operation is selected based on the characteristic of the article 110 as determined by the controller 202. The mode of operation may correspond to a pre-determined heating profile, predetermined heating time, pre-determined operating temperature and/or predetermined session duration. The mode of operation corresponds to a predetermined position of the stop 305 and to a pre-determines useable extent of the heating arrangement 201.

Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating the device 101. In use of the device 101 , a user of the device 101 inserts the article 110, or portion of, into the heating arrangement 201 of the device 101 for heating (step 601). Upon insertion of the article 110, or as the article 110 is being inserted, the article sensor 510 detects a property of the article 110 (step 602). In embodiments, the article sensor 510 detects the property of the article 110 before the article 110 is inserted into the device 110. In such embodiments, a user may bring an article 110 or a packaging of an article 110 in the vicinity of the device 110 for detection by the article sensor 501. The article sensor 510 is in communication with the controller 202. The controller 202 receives an input from the article sensor 510 when a property of the article 110 is detected. The input is indicative of the property being detected. The controller 202 determine a characteristic of the article in dependence on the property detected by the article sensor 510 (step 603). The controller 202 operates the actuator 410 to move the stop 305 (step 604). Operating the actuator 410 moves the stop 305 so as to vary the useable extent of the heating arrangement.

In embodiments, operating the device 101 further comprises operating the actuator 410 to move the stop 305 to a default position after use of the device 101. The default position of the stop 305 is a pre-determined position of the stop 305. The stop 305 is in the default position when the device is not in use. The default stop position is a pre-determined position of the stop 305 to provide a default useable extent of the heating arrangement 201. The default stop position of the stop 305 is pre-determined to provide a default extent of overlap between the heating arrangement 201 and an article such as the articles 110 abutting the stop 305 upon insertion in the device 101 for heating.

In embodiments, the default stop position of the stop 305 is configured to facilitate detection of the article 110 by the article sensor 501. In embodiments, the default position of the stop 305 is configured to limit insertion of the article 101 so as to position an indicator 111, provided in or on the article, in the vicinity of the article sensor 501. In embodiments, the default position of the stop 305 is configured to limit insertion of the article 101 so as to align the position of an indicator 111, provided in or on the article, with the position of the article sensor 501.

In embodiments, the sensor is exposed in the default position. The stop 305 in such embodiments is configured to move to the first stop position when the first article 110a is detected by the article sensor 510 to cover the sensor. This may aid reliability of the sensor by covering the sensor during operation of the heating arrangement, such that the sensor is kept away from the source of heat and minimising exposure to debris and condensation.

In embodiments, the default position is configured to facilitate removal of the article 110 from the device 101. In embodiments, moving the stop to the default position ejects, or at least partially rejects, an article 110 such as the article 110 from the device 101.

In embodiments, the default position of the stop 305 is determined in accordance to the pre-determined mode of operation. In embodiments, the predetermined mode of operation corresponds to a pre-determined session duration. In embodiments, the controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop 305 to the default position after expiry of the pre-determined session duration.

In embodiments, the default position of the stop 305 is determined in accordance to the characteristic of the article 110. In embodiments, the characteristic of the article 110 corresponds to a length of the article 110. In the controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop 305 to the default position so as to eject an article of a characteristic length from the device 101.

In embodiments, the stop 305 is moved to the default position upon detection of an input from a user of the device 101 . In embodiments, the stop 305 may be moved to the default position once an article such as the article 110 is removed from the device 101. The article sensor 510 may be configured to detect removal of the article 110 from the device 101.

Figure 2A shows the device 101 receiving a first article 110a having first pre-determined dimensions and Figure 2B shows the device 101 receiving a second article 110b having second pre-determined dimensions. The first article 110a comprises aerosol generating material 115a. The second article 110b comprises aerosol generating material 115b. The first article 101 is a consumable. The second article 110b is a consumable. The first article 110a and the second article 110b are used interchangeable with the device 101. The first article 110a, the second article 110b and the device 101 form the aerosol provision system 100.

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

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

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

The first article 110a comprises an indicator 111a. The indicator 111a is a RFID tag 130a. The second article 110b comprises an indicator 111 b. The indicator 111 b is a RFI D tag 130b. The RFID tags 130a, 130b are illustrated as embedded in the first and second articles 110a, 110b respectively. The RFID tags 130a, 130b are transmitters. The RFID tags 130a, 130b are detectable by the article sensor 501. The article sensor 501 acts as a receiver.

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

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation 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 of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosolgenerating material comprising: a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material, a moveable stop arranged to abut an end of a portion of an article received by the heating arrangement to limit an extent by which the portion of the article is received by the heating arrangement, an actuator arranged to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, an article sensor, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: determine a property of an article detected by the article sensor indicative of a characteristic of the article, and operate the actuator to move the stop to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic is a length of the article containing aerosol-generating material.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the characteristic is a length of a portion of the article containing aerosol-generating material.

4. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the stop is arranged to move relative to the heating arrangement between a first stop position and a second stop position to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the useable extent of the heating arrangement defines a heating zone in which a portion of the article is heated.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the depth of the heating zone varies between the first stop position and the second stop position.

7. The device of claim 1 to 6, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a receptacle arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosolgenerating material.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the stop defines a base of the receptacle.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a heating member.

10. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the stop is arranged to be received in at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material.

11. An aerosol provision system, comprising: a first article comprising aerosol-generating material; a second article comprising aerosol-generating material; and the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first article has a first length and the second article comprises a second, different length.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the aerosol-generating material of the first article has a first length and the aerosol-generating material of the second article comprises a second, different length.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a first stop position when the first article is detected by the article sensor to define a first useable extent of the heating arrangement.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stop to a second stop position when the second article is detected by the article sensor to define a second useable extent of the heating arrangement.

15. The system of claim 11 to 14, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the first article or the second article is inserted into the device based on the property of the article detected by the article sensor.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the property of the article detected by the article sensor comprises at least one of RFID tag, a colour, a pattern, a mark, a surface texture, and a QR code

17. The system of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first and second articles are interchangeably used with the device.

18. The system of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first and second stop positions are each a pre-determined position.

19. The system of any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to operate the aerosol provision device according to a mode of operation and wherein the processor is configured to select the mode of operation based on the characteristic of the article.

20. A method of operating an aerosol provision device, the device comprising: a heating arrangement configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material, a stop arranged to abut an end of a portion of an article received by the heating arrangement to limit an extent by which the portion of the article is received by the heating arrangement, and an actuator arranged to move the stop relative to the heating arrangement, the method comprising: determining a property of an article detected by the article sensor indicative of a characteristic of the article, and operating the actuator to move the stop to vary a useable extent of the heating arrangement.