WO2024246058A1

WO2024246058A1 - An aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024246058A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/064645
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alec WRIGHT; Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-06-01
Filing date: 2024-05-28
Publication date: 2024-12-05
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-01

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generation device (100, 200, 300) for receiving an aerosol generation consumable (150, 250, 350) and providing electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising: a chamber (102, 202, 302) for receiving said aerosol generation consumable; at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) configured to electrically couple with said aerosol generation consumable to provide electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, in use; and a movement mechanism (106, 206, 306) configured to move said aerosol generation consumable received in the aerosol generation device to be in electrical contact with the at least one electrode.

Description

An Aerosol Generation Device

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device, an aerosol generation consumable for use with the aerosol generation device, a system including an aerosol generation device and aerosol generation consumable and a method of generating an aerosol.

Background

Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol precursor material to release aerosol/vapour for inhalation, rather than relying on burning the material. However, such devices require a heater to be part of the device and hence the device requires adequate insulation to prevent a user from being exposed to the high heater temperatures, which leads to additional complexity and cost in the device.

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.

Some traditional aerosol generation devices use resistive heaters to generate aerosol from aerosol generation consumable. However, resistive heaters require a good thermal contact between the heater and the aerosol generation consumable to be heated in order to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. As such, relatively large resistive heaters are required that have a relatively large contact area between the resistive heater and the aerosol generation consumable. Further, resistive heaters will often require cleaning.

It is the object of the invention to overcome at least one of the above referenced problems, or to provide an alternative solution.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving an aerosol generation consumable and providing electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising: a chamber for receiving said aerosol generation consumable; at least one electrode configured to electrically couple with said aerosol generation consumable to provide electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, in use; and a movement mechanism configured to move said aerosol generation consumable received in the aerosol generation device to be in electrical contact with the at least one electrode.

Providing electric power to “conductive” aerosol generation consumables as is the case here means that relatively small aerosol generation consumables can be utilised to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol for a user. As such, an aerosol generation consumable can be stored in a dormant position within the chamber of the aerosol generation device and then subsequently moved to an active position for aerosolisation within the device. In the active position the aerosol generation consumable comes into contact with the at least one electrode. In other words, the movement mechanism is configured to move the aerosol generation consumable from a first position to a second position within the chamber. The aerosol generation device is able to store multiple aerosol generation consumables and the movement mechanism may be configured to move individual consumables within the device to be in contact with the one or more electrodes. As such, a user may be able to have many sessions without the need to refill the chamber with additional aerosol generation consumables each time.

In one example, one or more of the at least one electrode is movable. Movement of the one or more electrodes may provide an efficient way of electrically coupling the aerosol generation consumable to the one or more electrodes.

In one example, the chamber is adjustable between: a first configuration in which the chamber is closed; and a second configuration in which a user may load the aerosol generation consumable into the chamber, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be retracted from the chamber when the chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, electric power is no longer supplied to the aerosol generation consumable. Retracting the one or more electrodes from the chamber in the second configuration in which a user may load/unload the consumables into the chamber means that the safety of the device is improved. A user is prevented from accidently coming into contact with the electrodes during the loading/unloading procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, this retraction (i.e., movement) might allow more space for an aerosol generation consumable or make it easier to load or unload the consumable.

In one example, the aerosol generation device comprises a mouthpiece, and the chamber is adjustable to the second position when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the chamber to provide access to the chamber. Utilising the mouthpiece to provide access to the chamber is an efficient solution to close off the chamber and also provide access to the chamber.

In one example, a plurality of aerosol generation consumables are configured to be received in the chamber, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move at least one of said aerosol generation consumables to be in electrical contact with the at least one electrode in use. In this example, the chamber is sized so that a plurality of consumables are received and an individual consumable may be moved into position, as required.

In one example, the chamber comprises a door through which the movement mechanism is configured to eject a used aerosol generation consumable. The door provides an efficient way for the user to discard a used aerosol generation consumable after use.

In one example, the movement mechanism comprises a linear actuator configured to position said plurality of aerosol generation consumable such that at least one of the aerosol generation consumables is in electrical contact with the at least one electrode. Providing a linear actuator provides a mechanism for efficiently moving the aerosol generation consumable into position.

In one example, the movement mechanism comprises a rotary actuator configured to position said aerosol generation consumables such that at least one of the aerosol generation consumables is in electrical contact with the at least one electrode. In this configuration, the aerosol generation consumables may be arranged in a circular arrangement. A user may have more control over which of the aerosol generation consumables may be selected to electrically couple with the electrodes.

In one example, the electrodes are configured to be disengaged during movement of the movement mechanism to position said aerosol generation consumable in the aerosol generation device. Disengaging the electrodes improves the safety of the device.

In one example, the movement mechanism is configured to move at least part of the chamber to an exposed position to enable a user to remove a used aerosol generation section and insert a new aerosol generation section. Providing the movement mechanism in such a way enables a user to easily and safely insert and remove an aerosol generation consumable.

The movement mechanism is configured to move at least part of the chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device. Moving at least part of the chamber perpendicularly provides easy access to the chamber for the user.

The at least one electrode may comprise a pair of electrodes. In other words, there may be a first electrode and a second electrode in the form of a pair. The first electrode and second electrodes may receive different voltages so as to form an electric potential across the two electrodes. In some examples, one of the electrodes is held at ground or 0 volts.

In one example, there is provided a plurality of aerosol generation consumables for an aerosol generation device, wherein each aerosol generation consumable comprises: aerosol precursor material; and one or more electrical conductors in the aerosol precursor material, wherein at least one of the plurality of aerosol generation consumables is movable in said aerosol generation device. Providing a plurality of aerosol generation consumables in such an arrangement means that aerosol may be effectively generated in an efficient manner. As the aerosol generation consumable is conductive, then a relatively small overall size of consumable can be provided as aerosol is generated more efficiently. As such, a plurality of aerosol generation consumables could be stacked within a chamber or storage section of the aerosol generation device.

In one example, each aerosol generation consumable comprises a weight of above 100mg. Providing an aerosol generation consumable of this weight means that the consumable would produce sufficient aerosol for multiple puffs by a user. In some examples, each aerosol generation consumable comprises a weight of between 200mg and 300mg.

In one example, there is provided a system comprising: the aerosol generation device; and an aerosol generation consumable comprising: aerosol precursor material; and one or more electrical conductors in the aerosol precursor material.

As the aerosol generation consumable is conductive, the need for a resistive heater in the device is removed. This saves space in the aerosol generation device as only electrodes are needed to electrically connect with the aerosol generation consumable itself. A combination of the aerosol generation device and aerosol generation consumable described above is effective because the movement mechanism is able to move the aerosol generation consumable into a position to be in contact with the electrodes as required within the device.

In one example, there is provided a method of using an aerosol generation device comprising: receiving an aerosol generation consumable in a chamber of the aerosol generation device; using a movement mechanism to move said aerosol generation consumable received in the aerosol generation device to be in electrical contact with at least one electrode of the aerosol generation device; and provide electrical power to the aerosol generation consumable using the at least one electrode.

Providing electric power to “conductive” aerosol generation consumables as is the case here means that relatively small aerosol generation consumables can be utilised to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol for a user. As such, an aerosol generation consumable can be stored in a dormant position within the chamber of the aerosol generation device and then subsequently moved to an active position for aerosolisation within the device. In the active position the aerosol generation consumable comes into contact with the electrodes. In other words, the movement mechanism is configured to move the aerosol generation consumable from a first position to a second position within the chamber.

In one example, there is provided an aerosol generation device for receiving an aerosol generation consumable and providing electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising: a chamber for receiving said aerosol generation consumable; at least one electrode configured to electrically couple with said aerosol generation consumable to provide electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, in use; wherein the at least one electrode are movable between a first position in which they electrically engage with an aerosol generation consumable in the chamber and a second position in which they are not electrically engaged with an aerosol generation consumable in the chamber. For example, the at least one electrode may be configured to be retractable. In this example, there may be no need for a movement mechanism configured to move the aerosol generation consumable from a first position to a second position within the chamber. The movable electrodes might be independently advantageous. Moving the electrodes means that the safety of the device is improved. A user is prevented from accidently coming into contact with the electrodes during the loading/unloading procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, this movement might allow more space for an aerosol generation consumable or make it easier to load or unload the consumable.

In this example in which the electrodes are movable, the chamber is adjustable between: a first configuration in which the chamber is closed; and a second configuration in which a user may load the aerosol generation consumable into the chamber, wherein the at least one electrode are configured to be retracted from the chamber when the chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, electric power is no longer supplied to the aerosol generation consumable. Retracting the electrodes from the chamber in the second configuration in which a user may load/unload the consumables into the chamber means that the safety of the device is improved. A user is prevented from accidently coming into contact with the electrodes during the loading/unloading procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, this retraction (i.e., movement) might allow more space for an aerosol generation consumable or make it easier to load or unload the consumable. The aerosol generation device may comprise a mouthpiece, and the chamber is adjustable to the second position when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the chamber to provide access to the chamber. Utilising the mouthpiece to provide access to the chamber is an efficient solution to close off the chamber and also provide access to the chamber. In this example, there may also be a movement mechanism comprising the features as described above, but this movement mechanism isn’t essential to the operation of the device.

Different combinations of the above referenced features may be combined together in various combinations. Brief of the

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

Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device in a first configuration;

Figure 1 B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device in a second configuration;

Figure 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device with a schematic opening;

Figure 1 D is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 1 E is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 2A is an example of a carousel for use in an aerosol generation device;

Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generation consumable in a first configuration;

Figure 3B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generation consumable in a second configuration;

Figure 3C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generation consumable in a third configuration;

Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation consumable;

Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation consumable; and

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method of generating an aerosol.

Detailed Description As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and refer to a solid material or semi-solid material that releases aerosol when heated. The aerosol precursor material is a solid material or semi-solid material and may comprise nicotine and/or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). 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 vaporising agents 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.

An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device”. 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.

The aerosol generation device is configured to work with an aerosol generation consumable that includes one or more electrical conductors therein. The presence of the one or more electrical conductors within the aerosol generation consumable means that aerosol may be generated more efficiently and faster when compared to traditional external heaters.

Surprisingly, providing a “conductive” aerosol generation consumable comprising one or electrical conductors within aerosol precursor material means that the overall size of a consumable can be reduced and the consumables themselves may be stored within the device. Within this context, individual aerosol consumables may be moved such that it is placed in contact with the one or more electrodes of the aerosol generation device. Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device 100 in a first configuration.

The aerosol generation device 100 includes a chamber 102 in which one or more aerosol generation consumables 150 may be received. In examples, and as shown in Figure 1A, the chamber 102 is configured to receive a plurality of aerosol generation consumables 150.

The aerosol generation device 100 includes at least one electrode 104 configured to electrically couple with the aerosol generation consumable 150 and provide electrical power to the aerosol generation consumable 150.

The aerosol generation device 100 includes a movement mechanism 106 configured to move at least part of said aerosol generation consumable 150 to be in electrical contact with the one or more electrodes 104 of the aerosol generation device 100.

As described above, the aerosol generation device 100 includes at least one electrode 104 configured to provide an electric power to the aerosol generation consumable 150, in use. In one example, the at least one electrode 104 are integral with an internal wall of the chamber 102. In this example, the aerosol generation consumable 150 may abut the internal wall of the chamber 102 in use to establish electrical contact with the one or more electrodes 104.

In other examples, the at least one electrode 104 extend into the chamber 102. The at least one electrode 104 are configured to be in direct contact with the aerosol generation consumable 100, in use. In one example, the movement mechanism is configured to move an aerosol generation consumable 100 (or part of the aerosol generation consumable 100) such that least part of the aerosol generation consumable 100 is pressed between at least two electrodes 104, in use (or one electrode and the grounded element). In one example, the at least one electrode 104 include a first electrode and a second electrode that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In other examples, the at least one electrode 104 includes a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes. The first set of electrodes are space apart from the second set of electrodes by a predetermined distance. Preferably the predetermined distance is substantially similar to a thickness of the aerosol generation consumable 150.

The one or more electrodes 104 may be coupled with a control unit 108 (also known as control circuitry). The control unit 108 and other aspects of the aerosol generation device 100 may be powered by a battery (not shown). The aerosol generation device 100 may also include a control unit 108 (or control circuitry) for electronic management of the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown). The control unit 108 is configured to control the one or more electrodes 104 and hence the amount of electric power provided to the aerosol generation consumable 150, for example, by controlling the amount of electric power provided to the one or more electrodes 104. In some examples, one side of the aerosol generation consumable may be simply connected to a grounded element and so only a single electrode is required to complete the circuit and provide an electric current through the aerosol generation consumable. In other examples, the grounded element referenced above is considered to be an electrode and so the aerosol generation device comprises a pair of electrodes. Each of the two electrodes 104 are arranged to provide (e.g., different) electrode potentials, in order to control the amount of electric power provided to the aerosol generation consumable 150. One electrode potential could be zero, or ground. The control unit 108 may be configured to receive data from various sensors/inputs and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on the received data.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include a mouthpiece 110 through which a user draws on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. The mouthpiece may include a vent or channel that is connected to a region close to the aerosol generation consumable 150 for passage of any generated aerosol from the aerosol generation consumable 100, during use. For example, the channel may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 110 and the chamber 102 in which the aerosol generation consumable 100 is receivable. The mouthpiece 110 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use.

In one example, the chamber 102 is closed in a first configuration and accessible for a user to insert or potentially remove one or more aerosol substrate consumables 150 in a second configuration. In other words, the chamber 102 is not accessible to a user when in the first configuration and accessible to a user in a second configuration. The chamber 102 may be considered to be in a first configuration when the mouthpiece 110 closes off the chamber 102, as shown in Figure 1A. In other words, when the chamber 102 is inaccessible due to the position of the mouthpiece 110 then the chamber 102 is considered to be in the first configuration.

In one example, the chamber 102 may be considered to be in a second configuration when the mouthpiece 110 is moved in position to provide an opening to the chamber 102. The mouthpiece 110 may be movable between an open and closed position by pivoting about a hinge 112. The hinge 112 may effectively couple the mouthpiece 110 with the rest of the aerosol generation device 100 and enable the mouthpiece 110 to rotate about the hinge 112. The mouthpiece 110 may comprise a clasp (or similar) to removably retain the mouthpiece 110 in the closed position (in which the chamber 102 is in the first configuration) and a user may undo the clasp and pivot the mouthpiece 110 about the hinge 112 to move the mouthpiece 110 to the open position (in which the chamber 102 is in the second configuration). Alternatively, the mouthpiece 110 may be configured to slide to move the chamber 102 between the first configuration and the second configuration. Providing a movable mouthpiece as described above means that the mouthpiece can easily be cleaned by a user.

Figure 1 B shows an example of the chamber 102 in the second configuration in which the chamber 102 is accessible to a user and they may insert or remove one or more aerosol generation consumables 150 from the chamber 102.

In the example shown in Figure 1 B, when the chamber 102 is in the second configuration, the one or more electrodes 104 may be retracted from the chamber 102. That is to say that when a user is able to load the aerosol generation consumable 150 into the chamber 102, the one or more electrodes are retraced from the chamber 102. Retracting the one or more electrodes 102 in this manner improves safety of use of the device as the one or more electrodes would not be in a position in which a user may come into contact with them. For example, in the second configuration a user’s finger may enter the chamber 102 to insert the aerosol generation consumable 150 therein and so removing the one or more electrodes 104 from the chamber 102 is important to prevent a user touching an electrode 104. More generally, one or more of the electrodes 104 may be movable. That is to say that the one or more electrodes may be movable to a position in which they are in electric contact with the aerosol generation consumable 150 and also to a position in which they are not in electric contact with the aerosol generation consumable 150. Given the nature of the conductive consumable, this movement of the one or more electrodes may provide an efficient way of electrically coupling the aerosol generation consumable to the one or more electrodes.

In one example, the aerosol generation device 100 includes an activation input sensor (not shown). The activation input sensor 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 comprises an aerosol generation consumable sensor configured to detect if an aerosol generation consumable 150 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the input sensor may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an aerosol generation consumable 150 comprising one or more electrical conductors has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. The input sensor may detect if the circuit between the at least one electrode 104 is completed due to the presence of the aerosol generation consumable 100 comprising one or more electrical conductors. The user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.

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 range of 1 V and 8 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion 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.

Figure 1C shows an example of the aerosol generation device 100 in which a door 114 to the chamber 102 is shown in an open configuration. The door 114 provides an opening through which a spent aerosol generation consumable 100 may be exhausted after use. The door 114 is distinct from an opening through which the aerosol generation consumable 100 is configured to be inserted into the chamber 102. That is to say that in examples, there are separate, distinct entrances and exits through which the aerosol generation consumable 100 is inserted into the chamber 102. The door 114 may be opened upon a user input (e.g., press of a button). In some examples, the one or more electrodes 104 are configured to be retracted from the chamber 102 when the door 114 is opened. This improves safety as it reduces a chance of a user coming into contact with an electrode 104. Figure 1 D shows an example of an aerosol generation device 100 in which an aerosol generation consumable 150 being ejected from the chamber 102 through the door 114. The movement mechanism 106 may be configured to eject the aerosol generation consumable through the door 114 as described above.

Figure 1 E shows an example of an aerosol generation device 100 in which an aerosol generation consumable 150 has been ejected from the chamber 102. A new aerosol generation consumable 150 has been moved by the movement mechanism 106 to be in electrical contact with the one or more electrodes 104. In other words, the movement mechanism 106 has moved the new aerosol generation consumable 150 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1 E. In this example, all of the remaining aerosol generation consumables 150 in the chamber 150 have been moved by the movement mechanism 106, but in other examples on a single aerosol generation consumable 150 is moved at a time.

In Figure 1 E, the movement mechanism 106 has moved the remaining aerosol generation consumables within the chamber 102 into a new position such that a new aerosol generation consumable 102 is in contact with the one or more electrodes 104 of the aerosol generation device 100.

In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1 E, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a linear actuator that is configures to move the aerosol generation consumable(s) 150 in a substantially linear direction. For example, the movement mechanism 106 moves the aerosol generation consumable(s) 150 in a direction substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the chamber 102 (and/or aerosol generation device 100). In one example, the movement mechanism 106 is coupled within an inside wall of the chamber 102. For example, the movement mechanism 106 may be attached to a base of the chamber 102. In one example, the movement mechanism comprises a loaded spring to bias the aerosol generation consumable(s) into position within the chamber.

The movement mechanism 106 may be configured to isolate one aerosol generation consumable 150 and move it independently of the other aerosol generation consumables 150 within the chamber 102. For example, the movement mechanism 106 may be arranged at a side of the aerosol generation consumables 150 and just move the aerosol generation consumable 150 that is closest to the one or more electrodes 104 within the chamber 102.

In one example, the aerosol generation consumable 150 may be arranged such that a plurality of aerosol generation consumables 150 are arranged in a stacked configuration, for example as shown in Figure 1A. In this example, a plurality of stacked consumables could be inserted into a chamber 102 of the aerosol generation device 100. Such aerosol generation consumable 150 design allows simple stacking of multiple consumables 150 in the device 100, which, for example, helps to remove the necessity from the user to carry a separate package of consumables 150 as all of the consumable 150 could be inside the device in certain implementations.

However, other arrangements of movement mechanism 106 are envisaged, such as the example shown in Figures 2A to 2C. In the example of figures 2A to 2C, similar elements to those shown in figures 1A to 1 E are included with an increment of 100 to the reference signs. The only difference to the examples described above is that the movement mechanism 206 and aerosol generation consumable 250 have a different arrangement.

Figure 2A shows a schematic cross section of a second example of an aerosol generation device 200. In this example, the movement mechanism 208 is configured to rotate the aerosol generation consumable(s) 250. That is to say that the movement mechanism 206 may rotate the aerosol generation consumable 250 to be in electric contact with the one or more electrodes 204. After an aerosol generation consumable 250 has been used, then the movement mechanism may move another aerosol generation consumable 250 to be in electric contact with the one or more electrodes 204. As the aerosol generation consumable 250 is electrically conductive (as described in more detail below), then only a small electrical contact between the aerosol generation consumable and the electrode 204 is required compared to a marge larger contact area required for resistive heating or the like. In the example shown in Figure 2A, the one or more electrodes 204 are configured to contact a side of the aerosol generation consumable 250.

The movement mechanism 206 may be in the form of a rotary actuator configured to rotate a carrousel that holds one or more aerosol generation consumables 250. Figure 2B shows an example of an actuator 206A coupled with a carrousel 206B, which holds the aerosol generation consumables 250. In the example shown in Figure 2B, there are eight aerosol generation consumables 250 held by the carrousel 206B, but other numbers are envisaged. The actuator 206A is configured to rotate the carrousel 206B. In other examples, the actuator 206A is configured to rotate the carrousel about a longitudinal axis of the chamber 202. In this example, a user may select a specific aerosol generation consumable to be electrically connected to the one or more electrodes 204 and the rotary actuate may move the carrousel 206B accordingly. In one example, the carrousel 206B is made from an injection moulded paper. In other words, the one or more aerosol generation consumables 250 may be electrically insulating from each other.

Figure 2C shows a schematic example of the aerosol generation device 200 according to the second example in which the one or more electrodes 204 have been moved to contact ends of the aerosol generation consumable 250.

In these examples, the one or more electrodes 104, 204 are configured to be disengaged from the aerosol generation consumable whilst the movement mechanism is in operation. In some examples, the one or more electrodes 104, 204 are configured to be retracted from the chamber 102, 202 whilst the movement mechanism is in operation.

Figure 3A shows a schematic cross section of a third example of an aerosol generation device 300. In the example of figures 3A to 3C, similar elements to those shown in figures 2A to 2C are included with an increment of 100 to the reference signs. There is a different arrangement of movement mechanism 306 in the example of figures 3A to 3C compared with the movement mechanism 106 shown in Figures 1A to 1 E and movement mechanism 206 shown in Figures 2A to 2C.

In this example, the mouthpiece 310 may be entirely separated from the rest of the aerosol generation device 300, in use (as shown in figure 3B). However, as described in other examples, the aerosol generation device 300 may rotate about a hinge (not shown) instead.

The chamber 302 may be formed by a recess in the mouthpiece 310 and/or the rest of the aerosol generation device together with a movable section, such as a movable tray or the like. A first electrode 304 may be present in the mouthpiece 310 and a second electrode 304 may be present in the rest of the device 300. The first electrode 304 and second electrode 304 may be present at opposite sides of the chamber 304.

In this example, the movement mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber 302, or at least part of the chamber 302 such that a user may easily insert or remove an aerosol generation consumable 350 into the chamber 302. In other words, the movement mechanism 306 may move the chamber 302 to a position in which the aerosol generation consumable 350 may be received and then the movement mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber including the aerosol generation consumable 350 to a position such that the aerosol generation consumable 350 is in contact with the one or more electrodes 304 (as shown in Figure 3A).

When an aerosol generation consumable 350 is finished, a user may move the mouthpiece 310 away from the rest of the device (as shown in Figure 3B), then via the movement mechanism 306, move the chamber 302 to an accessible position such that the user can replace the used aerosol generation consumable 350 with a fresh aerosol generation consumable 350. The user may then operate the movement mechanism 306 such that the fresh aerosol generation consumable is in electrical contact with the one or more electrodes 304. In one example, the movement mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber 302 (or at least part of the chamber 302) in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device 300.

Figure 4A shows a schematic example of an aerosol generation consumable 150. The aerosol generation consumable 150 includes an aerosol precursor material 152 and one or more electrical conductors 154. The aerosol precursor material may be a solid aerosol precursor material or a semi-solid aerosol precursor material. That is the aerosol precursor material is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The aerosol precursor material 152 is configured to release an aerosol when heated.

The one or more electrical conductors 154 are configured to conduct electricity received from the aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300, as described above. The size and arrangement of the one or more electrical conductors 154 is set such that as an electric power is passed through them, the temperature of the electrical conductors 154 increases to heat the aerosol precursor material. In other words, the aerosol precursor material 152 includes one or more electrical conductors 154 at least partially embedded within it to conduct electricity. The one or more electrical conductors 154 may comprise a plurality of discrete electrical conductors distributed throughout the aerosol precursor material 152. The aerosol generation consumable 150 can be considered to be a conductive aerosol generation consumable. Providing one or more electrical conductors 154 within a aerosol precursor material 152 significantly reduces the time taken for aerosol to be generated for a user, in use.

The one or more electrical conductors 154 may be present in a one or more dedicated heating layers, as shown in Figure 4A. The one or more dedicated heating layers may be regions in which there is a high level of electrical conductors or a relatively higher level of conduction due to the nature or number of electrical conductors 154.

In other examples, as shown in Figure 4B, electrical conductors 154 are distributed throughout the aerosol precursor material 152.

The one or more electrical conductors 154 may be present in particulate form in the aerosol precursor material 152 (note that figures 4A and 4B are schematic examples and not shown to scale). The one or more electrical conductors 154 may take the form of graphite or charcoal particles. The material may take the form of powder, loose or agglomerated particles. It is also conceivable to use other conductive materials which are approved in particular at least in the tobacco industry or food industry.

Figure 4C shows a schematic cross section of an aerosol generation consumable 150 between two electrodes 104, 204, 304. The aerosol generation consumable 150 is configured to electrically connect the electrodes 104, 204, 304 that it is located between. As described above, the electrodes 104, 204, 304 are part of the aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300. Providing electric power to the at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 is used interchangeably with providing electrical power to the aerosol generation consumable 150.

In one example, the at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 include a first electrode and a second electrode that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermine distance in which the aerosol generation consumable is receivable. In other examples, the at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 includes a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes. The first set of electrodes are spaced apart from the second set of electrodes by distance, which is preferably substantially similar to a thickness of the aerosol generation consumable 100.

The aerosol generation consumable 150 may include one or more electrical contacts (not shown) configured to electrically couple to the one or more electrodes 104, 204, 304 of said aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300. In other example, the consumable 150 does not include electrical contacts that are distinct from the one or more electrical conductors 154 (e.g., the one or more electrical conductors may be electrically coupled directly with the electrodes themselves).

In examples, the aerosol generation consumable 150 has a relatively small thickness relative to its width. The aerosol generation consumable 150 may be substantially discshaped and/or have a rounded periphery. The one or more electrodes of the aerosol generation device may be configured to abut opposing faces of the aerosol generation consumable and be separated by the thickness of the consumable. In one example, a plurality of aerosol generation consumables may be provided in a stacked configuration. The plurality of aerosol generation consumables may be electrically insulating from one another, for example through the use of electrical insulators being located between adjacent aerosol generation consumables.

The aerosol generation consumable 150 may have a weight of over 100mg to enable sufficient aerosol to be generated for a user to take multiple puffs (or inhalation actions). In some examples, the aerosol generation consumable 150 has a weight of between 200mg and 300mg.

Figure 5 shows a flow chart of steps for generating an aerosol. At step 400, the method includes the step of receiving an aerosol generation consumable 150, 250, 350 in a chamber 102, 202, 302 of the aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300. At step 402, a movement mechanism 106, 206, 306 is used to move said aerosol generation consumable 150, 250, 350 received in the aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300 to be in electrical contact with at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 of the aerosol generation device 100, 200, 300; and provide electrical power to the aerosol generation consumable 150, 250, 350 using the at least one electrode 104, 204, 304.

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, 200, 300) for receiving an aerosol generation consumable (150, 250, 350) and providing electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising: a chamber (102, 202, 302) for receiving said aerosol generation consumable; at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) configured to electrically couple with said aerosol generation consumable to provide electric power to said aerosol generation consumable, in use; and a movement mechanism (106, 206, 306) configured to move said aerosol generation consumable received in the aerosol generation device to be in electrical contact with the at least one electrode.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of the electrodes are movable.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the chamber (102, 202, 302) is adjustable between: a first configuration in which the chamber is closed; and a second configuration in which a user may load the aerosol generation consumable into the chamber, wherein the at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) is configured to be retracted from the chamber in the second configuration.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a mouthpiece (110, 210, 310), and the chamber is adjustable to the second position when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the chamber to provide access to the chamber.

5. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of aerosol generation consumables are configured to be received in the chamber, wherein the movement mechanism (106, 206, 306) is configured to move at least one of said aerosol generation consumables to be in electrical contact with the at least one electrode (104, 204, 304), in use.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the chamber comprises a door (114) through which the movement mechanism is configured to eject a used aerosol generation consumable.

7. The aerosol generation device according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a linear actuator configured to position said plurality of aerosol generation consumable such that at least one of the aerosol generation consumables is in electrical contact with the at least one electrode.

8. The aerosol generation device according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a rotary actuator configured to position said aerosol generation consumables such that at least one of the aerosol generation consumables is in electrical contact with the at least one electrode.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) is configured to be disengaged during movement of the movement mechanism to position said aerosol generation consumable in the aerosol generation device.

10. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move at least part of the chamber (102, 202, 302) to an exposed position to enable a user to remove a used aerosol generation section and insert a new aerosol generation section.

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move at least part of the chamber (102, 202, 302) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device.

12. A plurality of aerosol generation consumables for use with the aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each aerosol generation consumable comprises: aerosol precursor material (152); and one or more electrical conductors (154) in the aerosol precursor material, wherein at least one of the plurality of aerosol generation consumables is movable in said aerosol generation device.

13. The plurality of aerosol generation consumables according to claim 12, wherein each aerosol generation consumable comprises a weight of above 100mg.

14. A system comprising: the aerosol generation device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and an aerosol generation consumable (150, 250, 350) comprising: aerosol precursor material (152); and one or more electrical conductors (154) in the aerosol precursor material.

15. A method of using an aerosol generation device (100, 200, 300) comprising: receiving an aerosol generation consumable (150, 250, 350) in a chamber (102,

202, 302) of the aerosol generation device; using a movement mechanism (106, 206, 306) to move said aerosol generation consumable received in the aerosol generation device to be in electrical contact with at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) of the aerosol generation device; and providing electrical power to the aerosol generation consumable using the at least one electrode.