WO2024180122A1

WO2024180122A1 - Aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024180122A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/055077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alec WRIGHT
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-03-01
Filing date: 2024-02-28
Publication date: 2024-09-06
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-01

Abstract

An aerosol generation device is configured to receive an aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising a heater positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the aerosol precursor material to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material to heat it, in use. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material to a first temperature, in use and the current provided through the aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material to heat to a second temperature.

Description

Aerosol Generation Device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device, such as a heat-not-burn device. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for an aerosol generation device and a method of operating thereof.

Background

Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol precursor material to release aerosol (i.e. vapour) for inhalation, rather than relying on burning the aerosol precursor material. For example, a solid consumable article may be heated to release an inhalable vapour.

A challenge associated with heating aerosol precursor material rather than burning it is that there is an increased time to generate the aerosol from the aerosol precursor material. A further challenge is that once the aerosol precursor material is heated to the volatilisation temperature, aerosol may be continuously generated even when a user is not inhaling, thereby wasting energy and the aerosol precursor material.

Because of the above challenges, a further challenge presented is the trade-off or balance in energy consumption and time taken to generate aerosol from the aerosol precursor material. That is, between inhalation, the device may either maintain the volatilisation temperature to allow for rapid aerosol generation, thus wasting energy, or stop heating the aerosol precursor material to reduce energy consumption, thus increasing the time taken to generate aerosol during the next inhalation.

A more general challenge is to provide a more versatile apparatus for heating, to give more control and heating options and flexibility.

It is the object of the invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the abovereferenced problems, or to provide an alternative approach.

WO2022/207743 A1 describes an aerosol generation device configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable comprising an aerosol substrate and a heating element comprising an electrically conductive material. US 2022/117306 A1 describes a dualheating tobacco heater and heating method. US 10813385 B2 an describes aerosol delivery device that includes a heating element configured to convert electricity to heat and thereby vaporize components of an aerosol precursor composition.

Summary

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device, an apparatus, and a method of operating an apparatus including the features as set out in the claims.

According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising a heater positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it, in use. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to a first temperature, in use. The current provided through the aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat to a second temperature.

By providing both a heater and an electrode assembly, the aerosol generation device may offer greater heating functionality and control. For example, this allows heat to provided by the heater, the electrode assembly, the heater and the electrode assembly, in series, parallel, combination, and so on. In a practical example, the aerosol generation device may provide a ‘ready’ state and an ‘aerosol generating’ state, thus providing on-demand aerosol generation when required by maintaining a lower power ‘ready’ state when a user is not inhaling. Therefore, the invention provides a device with improved user experience and reduced energy wastage.

In a more general sense, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device comprising a heater positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it, in use. As will be discussed in more detail below, the heater is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to a first temperature, in use, and the current provided through the aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat to a second temperature, in use. This does not mean that the first and second temperatures are necessarily different or distinct, in this initial, general definition. The first and second temperatures could be the same, in this initial, general definition. In functional terms, this simply means that the heater can provide a first heat input, and the electrode assembly can provide a (separate) second input, for example to first and second levels. In specific examples, the first and second temperatures may have a specific meaning or function associated with them.

The heater and the electrode assembly may be configured to simultaneously heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article and/or heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article at different times. That is, the heater and the electrode assembly may be configured to provide simultaneous heating (i.e., where both heater and electrode assembly are in operation), provide independent heating (i.e., where the heater and electrode assembly are in operation at different times), or may additionally or alternatively be configured such that the heater and electrode assembly can provide both simultaneous or independent heating, as desired. It will be appreciated that simultaneous and independent heating are not provided at the same time - rather, the heater and electrode assembly are configured such that both configurations (or “modes” of operation) are providable, as and when desired. Such operation may be controlled by a control unit (as described below).

By providing two components for, or ways of, heating the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article, the temperature of the aerosol precursor material may be more finely and rapidly adjusted.

The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. The advantage of a second temperature higher than the first temperature is that energy wastage may be reduced by not constantly maintaining the higher temperature.

The first temperature may be a temperature insufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material and the second temperature may be sufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material. Therefore, aerosol is not generated when the device is controlled to not be in an ‘aerosol generation’ state, thus reducing energy and increasing the lifetime of the consumable article.

The heater and/or the electrode assembly may be configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to a third temperature, the third temperature may be lower than the second temperature and equal to or higher than the first temperature.

The advantage of having a third temperature lower than the second temperature and equal to or higher than the first temperature is that the aerosol generation device may quickly return from the lower powered ‘ready’, or ‘maintain’, state to an ‘aerosol generation’ state, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining a quick aerosol generation time.

The electrode assembly may comprise one or more electrodes. Electrodes allow current to be applied directly to the consumable article, thus reducing wasted energy. The electrodes may also reduce the excess heat generated, when compared with a traditional heater, thus reducing the need for insulation.

The heater may be substantially in contact with one of the one or more electrodes. Having the heater and the one or more electrodes in close proximity allows them to be powered and/or controlled together. This also reduces the space required for both components.

The one or more electrodes may be one or more sheet electrodes. The advantage of sheet electrodes is a reduction of space needed for the electrode assembly.

The one or more electrodes may be opposing electrodes. By providing opposing electrodes, the consumable article may be sandwiched between the electrodes, thus providing an increased surface area of the article that is subjected to the electric potential. This might also be a simpler construction in general.

The electrode assembly may be configured to provide current directly through the aerosol precursor material. The advantage of this feature is an improvement in the efficiency of the device, thus reducing the load on the battery. The heater may be a thin film heater. The thin film heater may be used in combination with the electrodes to provide different methods of heating.

In one example, the aerosol generation device may comprise a control unit configured to control the electrode assembly and/or the heater.

The control unit may be configured to individually control the electrode assembly and the heater. One control unit may control multiple units, thus reducing the complexity of the device.

According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for an aerosol generation device comprising: a heater positioned so as to be in thermal contact with a consumable article to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly configured to electrically couple with the consumable article to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of said consumable article to heat it, in use. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to a first temperature, in use. The current provided through aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat to a second temperature, in use.

By providing both a heater and an electrode assembly, the aerosol generation device may provide a ‘ready’ state and an ‘aerosol generating’ state, thus providing on-demand aerosol generation when required by maintaining a lower power ‘ready’ state when a user is not inhaling. Therefore, the invention provides a device with improved user experience and reduced energy wastage.

The apparatus may also be a replaceable component within an aerosol generation device. These components may be manufactured separately, removably assembled with the aerosol generation device and removed for repair or replacement.

According to one aspect, there is provided a method of operating an apparatus for an aerosol generation device comprising the steps of: heating, by a heater, an aerosol precursor material of a consumable article to a first temperature; and providing current, from an electrode assembly, through the consumable article to cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat to a second temperature. The above method may offer greater heating functionality and control. For example, this allows heat to be provided by the heater, the electrode assembly, the heater and the electrode assembly, in series, parallel, combination, and so on. In a practical example, the method may provide a ‘ready’ state and an ‘aerosol generating’ state, thus providing on-demand aerosol generation when required by maintaining a lower power ‘ready’ state when a user is not inhaling. Therefore, the invention provides a device with improved user experience and reduced energy wastage.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 2 shows an example of a temperature profile of an article present in an aerosol generation device, in use; and

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method of using an aerosol generation device.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is electrically conductive. That is, the invention makes use of an electrically conductive aerosol precursor material. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable article 102 therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 104 in which the consumable article 102 is received, at least partially.

The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation device 100 or consumable article 102 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation device 100 and consumable article 102 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation devices and consumable articles will be compatible with the present invention. For example, the consumable article 102 may extend out of the aerosol generation device 100 to be accessible by a user.

The consumable article 102 comprises an aerosol precursor material. The term aerosol precursor material is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour when heated.

In one example, the consumable article 102 contains a liquid precursor material. In some examples, the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the consumable article 102 may comprise a solid precursor material. According to the present invention, the aerosol precursor material is electrically conductive (i.e., is capable of electrical conduction). For example, the aerosol precursor material may contain electrically conducting particles (sometimes called susceptors, but not to be confused with magnetic susceptors configured to be used in induction heating), or a conducting substance, such as charcoal. The aerosol precursor material may be as described in WO2022189452. For example, the aerosol precursor material may comprise electrically conductive material in particulate form. The electrically conductive material may be arranged and configured to heat to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol. In examples, the electrically conducting particles enable a current to flow through the aerosol precursor material, resulting in a resistive heating effect. The aerosol precursor material may comprise an electrically conductive porous carbon-based foam, configured to hold a vapour precursor.

A number of examples of suitable aerosol precursor materials are detailed above. Such aerosol precursor materials are only in accordance with the present invention where they facilitate the provision of electrical current through the aerosol precursor material to heat it. As will be appreciated from the disclosure herein, this may be by virtue of the provision of the aerosol precursor material comprising electrically conductive material.

The aerosol generation device 100 comprises an electrode assembly 105. The electrode assembly 105 is configured to electrically couple with the consumable article 102 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of said consumable article 102 to heat it, in use. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the electrode assembly 105 comprises two electrodes 106. In another example, the electrode assembly 105 may comprise more electrodes 106 arranged in any appropriate way.

In one example, the one or more electrodes 106 are integral with an internal wall of the chamber 104. In other examples, the one or more electrodes 106 extend into the chamber 104. The one or more electrodes 106 are configured to be in direct contact with the consumable article 102 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material, in use. Preferably the consumable article 102 is pressed, sandwiched or held between the one or more electrodes 106. When the consumable article 102 is provided with an electrically isolating wrapper, the electrodes 106 can be configured to penetrate the consumable article 102 and/or to be in contact with the aerosol precursor material through one or several windows arranged in the wrapper. The one or more electrodes 106 may be one or more sheet electrodes. That is, the one or more electrodes 106 may be thin sheet electrodes. The one or more electrodes 106 may be a cylindrical electrode, or a helical electrode. One of the one or more electrodes 106 may be in the form of a first shape from the above shapes and a second of the one or more electrodes 106 may be in the form of a second shape from the above shapes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more electrodes 106 are two opposing sheet electrodes. The two opposing sheet electrodes are configured and spaced such that the consumable article 102 is sandwiched between the electrodes, in use.

The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a heater 110 configured to provide heat to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, in use. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a plurality of heaters 110. The heater 110 is positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat it, in use. The heater 110 may be a coil, a ceramic heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, a thin film heater or the like, configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , the heater 110 is substantially in contact with one of the one or more electrodes 106. The heater 110 may be present on a side of the electrode 106 away from the consumable article 102, in use. That is, the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a pair of electrodes 106 and a heater 110 mounted on one of the electrodes 106. In the example where there are one or more heaters 110, a heater 110 may be present on each of the one or more electrodes 106.

The heater 110 and the electrode assembly 105 may be configured to simultaneously heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 and/or heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 at different times. In other words, the heater 110 and the electrode assembly 105 may be configured to simultaneously heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 by both heater 110 and electrode assembly 105 operating at the same time, or may be configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 at different times, or be configured such that the heater 110 and electrode assembly 105 can be operated in both a simultaneous-heating configuration and an independent/distinct-heating configuration, as and when desired. A control unit 108 (described in greater detail below) may configure the heater 110 and electrode assembly 105 for simultaneous and/or independent heating (i.e., at different times). In some examples, the electrode assembly 105 may be, or may comprise, the heater 110. That is, the electrode assembly may be used as a resistive heating element.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece 112 through which a user may draw on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. The mouthpiece 112 includes a vent or channel 114 that may be connected to a region close to the consumable article 102 for passage of any generated aerosol from the consumable article 102, during use. The generated aerosol may pass from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, through the channel 114 along the path 115.

For example, the channel 114 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 112 and the chamber 104 in which the consumable article 102 is at least partially receivable. The mouthpiece 112 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use. In other examples, a mouthpiece 112 is not required and a portion of the consumable article 102 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100. In this example, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may work as the mouthpiece. In some other examples, the protruding portion of the consumable article 102 may be received in the channel 114 of the mouthpiece 112.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a control unit 108 (or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown).

The control unit 108 is configured to control the heater 110. The control unit 108 is also configured to control the electrodes 106, and hence the amount of electric power provided to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. For example, this might be achieved by controlling the amount of electric power provided to the electrodes 106, or current to the electrodes 106, or the potential difference between the electrodes 106. For example, each of the two electrodes 106 may be arranged to provide (e.g. different) electrode potentials, in order to control the amount of electric power provided to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. One electrode potential could be zero, or ground. The control unit 108 is configured to receive data from various sensors/inputs and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on the received data. In some examples, the control unit 108 may be adapted to measure resistance between the electrodes 106 and based on this value, control the potentials of these electrodes 106.

The heater 110 and the electrode assembly 105 may be controlled by the same control unit 108. Alternatively, the heater 110 and the electrode assembly 105 may each be controlled by a separate control unit in the aerosol generation device 100.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 118. The activation input sensor 118 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe. In other examples, the activation input sensor 118 comprises an article sensor configured to detect if a consumable article 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the input sensor 118 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic article 102 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 120 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 120 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 120 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to detect an airflow within the chamber 104 and/or the airflow channel 114 extending from the chamber 104 through the mouthpiece 112 to an inhalation outlet thereof, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action. In other examples, the puff sensor 120 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device by the user. In this case, the puff sensor 120 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 120 is located in the channel 114 between the chamber 104 and the mouthpiece 112 of the aerosol generation device 100. The puff sensor 120 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 120 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include one or more temperature sensors 122 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable article 102 in the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 122 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable article 102 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located within the chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 102 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors. In other examples, the temperature sensors 122 may measure the temperature of the electrode assembly 105 and/or the heater 110, and may be in contact with the electrode assembly 105 and/or the heater 110. In some other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 102 can be deducted from a resistance value between the electrodes 106. For this purpose, the control unit may store empirical data associating a temperature value of each measured resistance value.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include a power supply (not shown) such as a battery. The power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity.

In other examples, the heater 110 and the electrode assembly 105 have separate power supplies.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller 130. The controller 130 is connected to the control unit 108. The controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108. In particular, the controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108 relating to various sensors/inputs (such as the activation input sensor 118, puff sensor 120 and/or temperature sensor 122) of the aerosol generation device 100.

The controller 130 and the control unit 108 may be integral with each other. In one example, a single component performs the function of the control unit 108 and controller 130. In other examples, the control unit 108 and the controller 130 are distinct components. The aerosol generation device 100 may further comprise a body 116. The body 116 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 102. Alternatively, the body 116 may be configured to receive or engage with the consumable article 102. The heater 110 and the electrode assembly 106 may be connected to the body 116.

Figure 2 shows an example of a temperature profile of a consumable article present in an aerosol generation device, in use. The temperature profile is shown for illustrative purposes, and the values shown are examples only. The ranges of said values will be described below.

In brief, the aerosol generation device 100 is configured to cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat to a first temperature and to a second temperature. The aerosol generation device 100 may be configured to cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat to a third temperature.

In this example, the first and second temperatures are not generic heating inputs provided by the heater and the electrode assembly (e.g. first and second heating inputs), but have a more numerical context.

The aerosol generation device 100, during a first stage 210 may cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat to a first temperature. Prior to this first stage 210, the temperature of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 may be an ambient, or room, temperature. Heating to the first temperature may take less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 15 seconds, and most preferably less than 10 seconds. This first stage 210 may be performed by providing heat from the heater 110 or by providing a current from the electrode assembly 105, or a combination of the two.

The aerosol generation device 100, during a second stage 220 may cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to be brought to a second temperature. The consumable article 102 may be brought to the second temperature after achieving the first temperature. Alternatively, the consumable article 102 may be brought to the second temperature from an ambient temperature. Heating to the second temperature may take less than 2 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, and most preferably less than 0.5 seconds. The second stage 220 may be performed by providing heat from the heater 110 or by providing a current from the electrode assembly 105, or a combination of the two. The electrode assembly 105 may be configured to facilitate rapid heating of the consumable to the second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. Alternatively, the first and second temperatures may be the same temperature. This might mean that the heater 110 or electrode assembly 105 provide the same or different heating inputs.

At a third stage 230, the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 may be maintained at the second temperature. This maintaining of the second temperature may be performed by providing heat from the heater 110 or by providing a current from the electrode assembly 105, or a combination of the two.

At a fourth stage 240, the temperature of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 may be brought to a third temperature. The fourth stage 220 may be performed by controlling the heater 110 and or the electrode assembly 105 to stop providing heat and/or current to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. Alternatively, aerosol generation device 100 may allow or perform cooling of the consumable article 102.

The first, second and third temperatures may be the same temperature, different temperatures, or a combination of the two. In one example, the third temperature is lower than the second temperature and equal to or higher than the first temperature.

At a fifth stage 250, the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 may be maintained at the third temperature. This maintaining of the third temperature may be performed by providing heat from the heater 110 or by providing a current from the electrode assembly 105, or a combination of the two.

The first temperature may be between 50°C and 200°C, preferably between 80°C and 160°C, more preferably between 110°C and 140°C. The first temperature may be known as a ‘ready’ state. The first temperature may be a temperature that is insufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102.

The second temperature may be between 150°C and 320°C, preferably between 200°C and 300°C, more preferably between 230°C and 280°C, and most preferably 260°C. That is, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. The second temperature may be a temperature that is sufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102. That is, the second temperature may be a temperature that is sufficient to produce a vaping effect. The second temperature may be known as an ‘aerosol generation’ state. The second temperature may be a temperature sufficient to allow ‘puff on-demand’.

The third temperature may be between 50°C and 200°C, preferably between 80°C and 160°C, more preferably between 110°C and 140°C . That is, the third temperature may be substantially the same as the first temperature. The third temperature may be closer to the first temperature than the second temperature. The third temperature may be known as a ‘sustain’ state (or a ‘ready’ state). The third temperature may be a temperature that is insufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102.

In a specific and yet functional example, in use, the aerosol generation device 100 starts at an ambient temperature. A user may insert a consumable article 102 comprising aerosol precursor material into the aerosol generation device 100. The insertion of the consumable article 102 may be detected by the aerosol generation device 100 causing the aerosol generation device 100 to control the heater 110 to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to a first temperature. This places the aerosol generation device 100 in a ‘ready’ state. Upon detection of a user drawing on the aerosol generation device 100 and/or the consumable article 102 to inhale generated aerosol, the aerosol generation device 100 may control the electrode assembly 105 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat said aerosol precursor material to a second temperate. This places the aerosol generation device 100 in an ‘aerosol generation’ state, thus producing aerosol from the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102, said aerosol being provided to the user. When it is detected that the user is no longer drawing on the aerosol generation device 100 and/or the consumable article 102 the aerosol generation device 100 may control the electrode assembly 105 to stop providing a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to allow said aerosol precursor material to cool to a third temperature. This places the aerosol generation device 100 in the ‘ready’, or ‘maintain’ state. The aerosol generation device 100 may then detect the user drawing on the aerosol generation device 100 and/or the consumable article 102 again and control the electrode assembly 105 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to return said aerosol precursor material to a second temperate. Alternatively, after a predetermined period of time, or in response to the detection of the consumable article 102 being removed from the aerosol generation device 100, the aerosol generation device 100 may control (e.g. stop, or reduce) the supply of power to the heater 110 and/or the electrode assembly 105 to allow the device 100 to return to an ambient temperature.

A method 300 of operating an apparatus for an aerosol generation device 100 comprises a first step 310 of heating, by a heater 110, aerosol precursor material of a consumable article 102 to a first temperature and a second step 320 of providing current, from an electrode assembly 105, through the consumable article 102 to cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat to a second temperature. At least in one example, the first step might be before the second step. However, in other examples, the second step might be before the first step. For example, in one implementation, the heat provided by the heater 110 could be provided at a time after the heat has been provided by the electrode assembly 105.

The method 300 may comprise a third step of allowing or controlling the temperature of the aerosol precursor material of a consumable article 102 to become a third temperature. This might be by active or passive control of the heat provided by the heater 110 and/or electrode assembly 105

An apparatus for an aerosol generation device 100 comprises a heater 110 positioned so as to be in thermal contact with a consumable article 102 to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly 105 configured to electrically couple with the consumable article 102 to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of said consumable article 102 to heat it, in use. The heater 110 is configured to heat an aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to a first temperature, in use. The current provided through the aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 102 to heat to a second temperature, in use.

The apparatus may be removably inserted or installed into the aerosol generation device 100. The apparatus may therefore be removed for repair and/or replacement, over time. The apparatus may be manufactured separately from the aerosol generating device. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device (100) configured to receive a consumable article (102) comprising aerosol precursor material, the aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a heater (110) positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article (102) to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly (105) configured to electrically couple with the consumable article (102) to provide a current through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to heat it, in use, wherein the heater (110) is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to a first temperature, in use and wherein the current provided through the aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to heat to a second temperature, in use.

2. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the heater (110) and the electrode assembly (105) are configured to simultaneously heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) and/or heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) at different times.

3. The aerosol generation device (100) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature

4. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first temperature is a temperature insufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material and wherein the second temperature is sufficient to produce aerosol generation from the aerosol precursor material.

5. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (110) and/or the electrode assembly (105) is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to a third temperature, wherein the third temperature is lower than the second temperature and equal to or higher than the first temperature.

6. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode assembly (105) comprises one or more electrodes (106).

7. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 6, wherein the heater (110) is substantially in contact with one of the one or more electrodes (106).

8. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of claims 6 or 7, wherein the one or more electrodes (106) are one or more sheet electrodes.

9. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one or more electrodes (106) are opposing electrodes.

10. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode assembly (105) is configured to provide current directly through the aerosol precursor material.

11. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (110) is a thin film heater.

12. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (108) configured to control the electrode assembly (105) and/or the heater (110).

13. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the electrode assembly (105) and the heater (110).

14. An apparatus for an aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a heater (110) positioned so as to be in thermal contact with a consumable article (102) to heat it, in use, and an electrode assembly (105) configured to electrically couple with the consumable article (102) to provide a current through aerosol precursor material of said consumable article (102) to heat it, in use, wherein the heater (110) is configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to a first temperature, in use, and wherein the current provided through aerosol precursor material causes the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to heat to a second temperature, in use.

15. A method of operating an apparatus for an aerosol generation device (100) comprising the steps of: heating, by a heater (110), aerosol precursor material of a consumable article (102) to a first temperature; and providing current, from an electrode assembly (105), through the consumable article (102) to cause the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article (102) to heat to a second temperature.