WO2025056557A1

WO2025056557A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2025056557A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tom Woodman; Mark Potter
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-09-12
Filing date: 2024-09-10
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-12
Also published as: GB202313885D0

Abstract

An aerosol provision system (100), article (300) and aerosol provision device are provided. The article has an aerosol generating material (302) and a resistive heating arrangement (340) having a plurality of resistive heating portions (380a-380d), each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having first (382a-382d) and second ends (384a-384d). The aerosol provision device (200) has an article receiving portion (206) shaped to receive the article, and an electrical connector (230). The connector has a plurality of connector electrical contacts (232a-232e). The resistive heating arrangement and the electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts is in electrical connection with both a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article.

Background

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

Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use resistive heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium.

Summary

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; and an aerosol provision device comprising an article receiving portion shaped to receive the article, and an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein the resistive heating arrangement and the electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts is in electrical connection with both a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions. At least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions may be discrete such that they are electrically insulated from one another when the article is not inserted into the article receiving portion; and the resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector may be configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions. The first end of at least one of the resistive heating portions may be electrically connected to the second end of a second one of the resistive heating portions by a shared article electrical contact; and the resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector may be configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages the shared article electrical contact.

At least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions may be respective portions of a continuous length of electrically conductive material, wherein the second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions abuts the first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions; and the heating arrangement and electrical connector may be configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, a first connector electrical contact of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages the continuous length of electrically conductive material at a portion encompassing the second end of the first heating portion and the first end of the second heating portion.

The plurality of resistive heating portions may be arranged such that: the plurality of resistive heating portions are adjacent to one another; and the first end and the second end of the electrically conductive material in each resistive heating portion are arranged adjacent one another such that the first and second ends of each resistive heating portion in the plurality of resistive heating portions are all located on the same side of the article.

The first and second ends of each resistive heating portion may be arranged on the same face of the article. The plurality of resistive heating portions may be arranged adjacent to one another, and each resistive heating portion may extend across a length of the article from a first edge of the resistive heating arrangement to a second opposing edge of the resistive heating arrangement in a first direction, and extend back across the length of the article from the second edge of the resistive heating arrangement to the first edge of the resistive heating arrangement in a direction which is parallel to the first direction.

The first resistive heating portion may comprise a first end and the second resistive heating portions may comprise a second end. The resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector may be configured such that a first connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical connection with the first end first end of the first resistive heating portion, a second connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical connection with the second end of the first resistive heating portion and the first end of the second resistive heating portion, and a third connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical contact with the second end of the second resistive heating portion when the article is received in the article receiving portion.

The aerosol provision device may be configured to selectively power the portions of the resistive heating arrangement. The aerosol provision device may be configured to heat the first portion of the resistive heating arrangement by providing power via the first connector electrical contact and the second connector electrical contact. The aerosol provision device may be configured to heat the second portion of the resistive heating arrangement by providing power via the second connector electrical contact and the third electrical connector contact.

The first connector electrical contact may provide an electrical connection of a first type, and the second connector electrical contact may provide an electrical connection of a second type. The third connector electrical contact may provide an electrical connection of the first type.

The aerosol provision device may be configured to provide power to the resistive heating arrangement. The power may be controlled such that only one of the first resistive heating portion or the second resistive heating portion is heated at one time. The resistive heating arrangement and the electrical connecter may be configured such that: to heat the first resistive heating portion, the first electrical connector is supplied with a first type of electrical connection and the second electrical connector is supplied with a second type of electrical connection; and to heat the second resistive heating portion, the second electrical connector is supplied with the first type of electrical connection and the third electrical connector is supplied with the second type of electrical connection.

The first type of electrical contact may be configured to receive a positive voltage from a power supply of the device, and the second type of electrical contact may be configured to receive a negative voltage from a power supply, or provide a ground connection.

The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating layer. The resistive heating arrangement may comprise an electrically conductive layer formed into one or more resistive heating elements which define the plurality of resistive heating portions.

Each of the one or more heating elements may comprise a plurality of heating portions.

At least a portion of the electrically conductive layer may form a resistive heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

The electrically conductive layer may further comprise electrical tracks extending from one or more heating elements.

The electrical tracks may extend to or provide the first and second ends of each of the resistive heating portions. The first and second ends of each resistive heating portion may define article electrical contacts.

The connector electrical contacts may comprise a first connector electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first connector electrical contact is arranged to act on a first side of the article and the second connector electrical contact is arranged to act on a second, opposite, side of the article. The first and second ends of each resistive heating portion may individually, or together, provide or define an article electrical contact which provides an electrical connection to the respective heating portion.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, in use, an article comprising an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; wherein the device further comprises: an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein the electrical connector is configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts is in electrical connection with a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the heating portions.

According to an aspect, there is provided an article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material; a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; wherein the article is shaped to be inserted, in use, into an article receiving portion of an aerosol provision device which comprises an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; and wherein the resistive heating arrangement is configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions is in electrical contact with a single one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts.

Any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention may equally be applied to the two aspects of the invention set out above. In an embodiment of any of the above, the article may be formed from a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may form a layered structure. At least one of the layers may comprise a resistive heating layer and at least one of the layers may comprise an aerosol generating layer. At least one of the layers may comprise a support configured to support the resistive heating layer. At least one of the layers may at least partially define an air flow path through the article. At least one of the layers may comprise an outermost layer which encloses at least one other layer of the article (e.g. the resistive heating layer). The outermost layer may be considered to be a wrap or sleeve. At least one of the plurality of layers may form a body of the article. Such an at least one of the plurality of layers which forms the body of the article may be considered to be a body layer. At least one of the layers may define an air inlet of the article and/or an air outlet of the article, or indeed any other feature of the article.

In an embodiment of any of the above, an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth.

In an embodiment, the heating arrangement and aerosol generating material together form an aerosol generator. The article may comprise the aerosol generator as well as further components.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating material is in the form of an aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a support configured to support a resistive heating layer. The resistive heating layer may form the resistive heating arrangement. In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises a support layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support is electrically insulative.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises at least one of paper and card. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive heating layer and the support layer define a substrate.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a laminate comprising the resistive heating layer and the support layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the laminate comprises the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the laminate comprises the aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support layer comprises a card layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises a plurality of article electrical contacts which comprise a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, the first type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with a device electrical connector (i.e. the electrical connector comprising the plurality of connector electrical contacts) and the second type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support defines an exposed contact area of the first type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the exposed contact area is a first exposed contact area, and the support defines a second exposed contact area of the second type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a continuous aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a continuous aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a discontinuous aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a discontinuous aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive heating element is one of a plurality of resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, one of the discrete aerosol generating portions is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of resistive heating elements or one of the plurality of resistive heating portions.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises at least one of dots, strips and patches.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is a first heating element and the resistive heating layer forms a second resistive heating element, each resistive heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is a first heating element and the resistive heating layer forms a second resistive heating element, each resistive heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer forms an array of resistive heating elements comprising at least the first resistive heating element and the second resistive heating element. Each of the first resistive heating element and the second resistive heating element may be considered to provide a different one of the resistive heating portions. In some embodiments, each of the first and second resistive heating elements may respectively define a plurality of resistive heating portions.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are configured to enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the resistive heating portions or elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generating layer comprises a film or gel layer comprising the aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the first type of electrical contact, wherein each of the heating elements comprises a separate electrical contact of the first type. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the second type of electrical contacts, wherein each of the resistive heating elements comprises a separate second type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a single second type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the single second type of electrical contact is shared between each of the resistive heating portions or elements. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating portions or element is formed by at least one of: cutting said resistive heating layer; chemically etching said resistive heating layer; forming or pressing the resistive heating layer in the substrate; and printing said resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer is in the form of a foil. Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an article comprising aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first side of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of part of a second side of the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol provision system such as the system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the article of Figure 2, with an aerosol generator shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator of Figure 3 with a plurality of heating elements;

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 13 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 14 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 15 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator; Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of part of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2;

Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a device connector of an aerosol provision device of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; and

Figures 23 to 25 show an aerosol generator being formed. Figure 26 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an aerosol generator;

Figure 27 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generator of Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a schematic a side view of an embodiment of an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol generator of Figure 26; Figure 29 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of the aerosol provision system shown in Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a schematic plan view of the distal end of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator;

Figure 31 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a table showing an embodiment of how the configuration of the power supply is controlled to heat each portion of the resistive heating arrangement of Figure 26 or Figure 30; Figure 33 is a table showing a further embodiment of how the configuration of the power supply is controlled to heat each portion of the resistive heating arrangement of Figure 26 or Figure 30;

Figure 34 shows a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator; Figure 35 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generator of Figure 34;

Figure 36 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator; and Figure 37 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generator of Figure 36. Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolisable material without combusting the aerosolisable material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials; and articles comprising aerosolisable material and configured to be used in one of these non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol- generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” (which is sometimes referred to herein as an aerosolisable material) is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol- generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free. The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosolgenerating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosolgenerating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of aerosol- generating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and/or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating material may be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a “monolithic solid”. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dried gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosolgenerating material) or the retained fluid may be solvent (such as when the aerosolgenerating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water. The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants. The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.

An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol- generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may comprise a conductor which can be heated by the passage of an electrical current through the conductor.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision system 100. The aerosol provision system 100 comprises an aerosol provision device 200 and an article 300 comprising aerosol generating material 302 (refer to Figure 3). The article 300 is shown in Figure 2 removed from the aerosol provision device 200. An aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is shown in Figure 3 with a perspective view of a first side 306, with a perspective view of part of a second side 307 shown in Figure 4.

The article 300 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 302 upon operation of the aerosol provision system 100, as will be describe in detail below. The aerosol provision system 100 may be elongate, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision system 100 has a proximal end 102, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system 100, and a distal end 104 which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision system 100 accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use. Further, the aerosol provision system 100 likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use. The terms ‘proximal’ and ‘distal’ as applied to features of the system 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along a longitudinal axis.

The article 300 is received by the aerosol provision device 200. The configuration of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200 may vary. In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision device 200 comprises a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 enclosing components of the device 200. An article receiving portion 206, sometimes referred to as a device chamber, as shown in Figure 5, is configured to receive a portion of the article 300. A proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200 when the article 300 is received in the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 comprises a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle peripheral wall 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary in dependence on the configuration of the article 300.

One or more user-operable control elements 224, such as a button or switch, which can be used to operate the aerosol provision system 100 may be provided on the aerosol provision device 200. For example, a user may activate the system 100 by pressing the control element 224. The one or more user-operable control elements may be omitted. In embodiments, the aerosol provision system 100 is operated by another user action, for example puff activated by a user drawing air through the system.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an opening 214 at the proximal end, leading into the device chamber 206. The opening 214 is provided in one end, through which the article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 may vary, for example the opening may be in a longitudinal side wall of the device 200, and/or may be closed by another feature of the device 200 during use. In the present configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at the proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines the mouthpiece. The user places their mouth over the mouthpiece during use.

The device 200 defines the longitudinal axis along which an article 300 may extend when inserted into the device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be an axis along which the article 300 is inserted into the device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered to be a receiving axis of the device 200. The article 300 may similarly have a longitudinal axis along which it is inserted into the device and this axis may be considered to be an insertion axis. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, for example a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also comprises a control circuit 222, acting as a controller, comprising a processor and a memory.

As discussed in detail below, a heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material 302 of an article 300. The article 300 in embodiments is a consumable, and is interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 comprises other components of the aerosol provision system 100 including components of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200, for example the power source 220 and the control circuit 222.

The aerosol generator 304 forms part of the article 300. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a heating arrangement 312 configured to heat aerosol generating material 302, for example at least one of a film and a gel to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material may be referred to as aerosolisable material. The heating arrangement 312 is a resistive heating arrangement. The or each heating element in embodiments is a resistive heating element, as described in detail below. In such arrangements the heating system 110 comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heating arrangement 312 via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating element, and the resulting flow of current in the heating element, acting as a heating component, causes the heating element to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating element comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating arrangement 312 comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material. The provision of a resistive heating arrangement 312 allows for a compact arrangement.

Resistive heating provides an efficient configuration.

In the use of the aerosol provision system 100, air is drawn into an air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is in a distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have a different configuration, for example in the side. The air flow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined, for example by at least one of an air path through the device 200, an air path external to the device 200, and an air path between the device 200 and the article 300. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at an aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In embodiments the aerosol outlet 318 is in the mouthpiece of the article 300, such that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 into the mouth of a user of the system 100.

In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision system comprises two main components, namely a control section forming a reusable part and a consumable section forming a replaceable or disposable part which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge. As described herein, the aerosol provision device 200 forms a control section and the article 300 forms the consumable section. In the use of the aerosol generating system, the control section and the consumable part may be releasably connected at an interface. The consumable part may be removable and replaceable, for example when the consumable part is used, with the control section being re-used with a different consumable part.

The aerosol provision system 100 as shown is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Different aerosol generating devices and other devices may be used in example implementations of the principles described here. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section, passes through the interface, and exits the consumable part.

As shown schematically in Figure 5, and described in detail below, the article 300 has an article electrical contact configuration 320. The electrical contact configuration 320 in embodiments is formed by the aerosol generator 304. The electrical contact configuration 320 comprises heater electrical contacts 322. The heater electrical contacts 322 may also be known as heater or article contacts. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 comprises connector electrical contacts 232. The connector electrical contacts 232 may also be known as connector or device contacts. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to electrically communicate with the device electrical connector 230.

The configuration of the article 300 may vary. The article 300 comprises a body 324. The body 324 is hollow. The body 324 defines a flow path 326 (refer to Figure 6) through the article 300. The flow path 326 extends between the air inlet 314 and the aerosol outlet 318. The flow path 326 is defined by an internal space in the article along which air and/or aerosol can flow. The flow path 326 is defined in the body 324. The or each aerosol generator 304 bounds the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. The internal space in embodiments comprises two or more chambers. The air inlet 314 comprises an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the opening is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature. The aerosol outlet 318 comprises an outlet opening 317. The outlet opening 317 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the outlet opening 317 is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature.

As shown in Figure 6, the article 300 comprises two aerosol generators 304 forming an aerosol generator arrangement. The number of aerosol generators 304 may differ. Each aerosol generator 304 comprises aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. In embodiments the article 300 comprises a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 will be described in detail, with such detail being applicable to one or more further aerosol generators 304 in embodiments.

The or each aerosol generator 304 and the body 324 are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements such as a tubular arrangement of the article are envisaged. In such tubular arrangements the aerosol generator 304 defines a tubular configuration. Tubular may include circular cross-sectional, an elliptical cross section and other polygonal shapes.

In embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, wherein an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are envisaged.

Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the article 300, with an aerosol generator 304 shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components. The article 300 comprises a first one of the aerosol generator 302, the body 324 and a second one of the aerosol generator. The body 324 spaces the first and second aerosol generators 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 close the internal space defined by the body 324 along which air and/or aerosol can flow. The aerosol generating material 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 face each other and is exposed to the internal space. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment of Figure 6 at least, the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body have equal plan areas. In embodiments, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body 324 has a greater length and/or width. In embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 comprises a body layer. The body may comprise a plurality of body layers. The body layers may be formed in a stack and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as the air inlet 314 and aerosol outlet 318. A wrap encircles the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may comprise a sheet. The wrap acts as a fixed sleeve. The or each aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at a distal end. Exposed electrical contact regions 323 of the heater contacts 322 are exposed at the distal end, for example refer to Figure 2. Other configurations are envisaged, for example at least one exposed electrical contact region 323 may additionally or alternatively be defined along a minor longitudinal face or edge of the article 300, and on a major face of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304.

The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross section in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol provision system 100 described above. The aerosol generator 304 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer is also known as an aerosolisable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 comprises the aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340, in embodiments, is formed as an electrically conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the resistive heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may in embodiments comprise a coating. As described in detail below, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, for example as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The or each resistive heating element 342 forms at least a portion of an electrically conductive path between a pair of the electrical contacts 322. The or each resistive heating element 342 provides the electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least of portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material 302 is, in embodiments, in the form of a film or a gel. The resistive heating layer 340 is formed as an electrically conductive layer. This layer in embodiments takes the form of at least one of a metal layer, such as an aluminium layer, or a non-metallic material, such as graphene. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, for example an aluminium foil. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a support 350. The support 350 in embodiments comprise a paper or card material. The support 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. The resistive heating layer 340 is on the support 350. The support 350 is configured as a support layer. As shown in Figure 7, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistive heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support 350 and the aerosol generating layer 330.

The support 350 is electrically insulative. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define a substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generating layer 330.

The article 300 may comprise a laminate 354 comprising the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 comprises the aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a contiguous configuration, or may be formed from discrete portions. The discrete portions may comprise one or more of dots, strips, spirals, or other shapes.

In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises an aerosol- generating film. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and/or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

One or more of the aerosol generating layer 330, resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 may comprise a further layer. For example the support layer 350 may comprise a backing layer or an intermediate layer. The support layer 350 in embodiments is omitted.

Figure 8 shows one of the resistive heating elements 342. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a single resistive heating element 342. The plurality of heating elements 342 may be formed in an array 344 as shown in Figure 9. Other configurations are envisaged.

The resistive heating element 342 comprises a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by an electrically conducting path. The resistive heating path is non-straight. The resistive heating path is convoluted. The configuration of the resistive heating path may vary. The electrical resistance of the heating element 342 may be dependent on the nature of the resistive heating path in the conductive layer, for example the length, width, thickness and arrangement of the path.

The resistive heating element 342 extends between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact and the second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Electrical current flows between the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 through the path. The contact arrangement may be reversed. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 are heater electrical contacts 322. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320.

The meandering or serpentine nature of the path of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path is increased when compared with a straight path between the first and second type of electrical contacts.

The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 comprises the first type of electrical contact 360. The electrical contact 360 of the first type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 comprises a first type of exposed contact region 362. The first type of exposed contact region 362 is exposed on the article for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230.

The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a second type of electrical track 366 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The second type of electrical track 366 comprises the second type of electrical contact 365. The electrical contact 365 of the second type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 comprises a second type of exposed contact region 367. The second type of exposed contact region 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230. As discussed in detail below, the conducting path of the resistive heating element 342 in embodiments is created by defining at least one electrically insulative barrier 346 in the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the electrically insulative barrier 346 is formed by cutting electrically insulative barrier restrictions (i.e. electrically insulating portions), such as gaps, channels or slots into a sheet formed of electrically conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 is preformed to define the or each resistive heating element 342 and then applied to the support 350. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350, and the or each resistive heating element 342 then defined in the resistive heating layer 340. The or each restive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater. The insulative barrier may be an air gap. In embodiments, the insulative barrier is a filled gap, for example filled with an insulative material. The barrier defines a barrier to electrical conduction across the barrier. The or each resistive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed by a cutting action. Cutting may include die cutting. The resistive heating element may be formed by an action applied to the resistive heating layer only. In embodiments, the resistive heating element may be formed by an action applied to the resistive heating layer and the support layer, for example an action of cutting the resistive heating layer and the support layer.

The at least one electrically insulative barrier 346 defines the first and second types of electrical track 361 , 366.

In some embodiments, the tracks of the or each resistive heating element 342 have a width in the region of 0.5mm to 1mm (two example prototypes have widths of 0.93mm and 0.72mm respectively) and gaps between the tracks of less than about

0.25mm (the same two example prototypes have gaps of 0.2mm and 0.05mm respectively). The or each resistive heating element 342 may have overall dimensions of the order of 10mm x 10mm. Other dimensions are possible in other example embodiments. By forming the or each resistive heating element 342 of these dimensions from an aluminium foil of having a thickness of 0.006mm and an electrical resistivity of between 2 and 6 pOhmcm, the resistance of the path has been calculated to be of the order of 1 Ohm. In one example embodiment, the resistance was measured at between 0.83 and 1.31 Ohms. As shown in Figure 9, the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed into a plurality of resistive heating elements, indicated generally by the reference numerals 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d and 342e. Each of the resistive heating elements 342a-342e extends from a respective one of the first type of electrical contact, indicated generally by the reference numerals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts may vary. As such, each resistive heating element 342a-342e extends between a discrete first type of electrical contact and a common second type of electrical contact.

Each of the resistive heating element 342a-342e provides an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generator 304.

The separate first type 360a-360e of electrical contacts enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the plurality of resistive heating elements 342a- 342e. The heating of different zones of the aerosol generating layer 330 can be controlled. For example, an aerosol generator may be provided with five aerosol generating zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of those zones to be activated separately. Accordingly, for example, five puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, and ten puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

In the example resistive heating layer 340, the plurality of first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e, for example a positive electrical connection, are provided and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical connection is provided. This is not essential to all implementations. For example, multiple contacts of the second type could be provided. In embodiments each resistive heating element 342a-342e comprises a corresponding one of the first type of electrical contact 360 and a corresponding one of the second type of electrical contact 365.

In the shown embodiment of Figure 9 of the resistive heating layer 340, the first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e are arranged on a first edge 363 of the resistive heating layer 340 and the second type of electrical contact 365 is arranged on a second edge 368 of the resistive heating layer 340. This may allow for convenient connection of electrical power, but, of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which are discussed further below. Figure 10 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method or algorithm 400 starts at operation 402, where a resistive heating layer is formed into one or more heating elements (e.g. a plurality of heating elements), wherein each resistive heating element extends from an electrical contact of a first type to an electrical contact of a second type. In use, the or each heating element may be used to provide an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the or each resistive heating element may occur prior to or post application of the resistive heating layer on a support, where a support is present. The resistive heating layer may be adhered to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in a different configuration.

At operation 404, the formed resistive heating layer is placed in contact with the aerosol generating layer, wherein said aerosol generating layer incorporates aerosol generating material. Algorithm 400 may be used to produce the aerosol generator 304 described above.

Figure 11 shows the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistive heating layer 340 by depositing aerosol generating material, for example by spraying, painting, dispensing or in some other way. The aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on resistive heating layer 340 as indicated by the arrow 406, in an example implementation of the operation 404.

Figure 12 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an example embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the process of being cut using a laser cutter 408. The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 can be used to form the paths of the heating elements described herein. The use of the laser cutter 408 (or some other cutting process) is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described herein may be generated. Some example methods are described below. Figure 13 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 410. The method or algorithm 410 starts at operation 412, where the resistive heating layer is provided. At operation 414, one or more of the resistive heating elements are formed in the resistive heating layer by chemically etching the resistive heating layer. The operations 412 and 414 are an example implementation of the operation 402 of the method 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

Figure 14 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 418. The method or algorithm 418 starts at operation 420, where one or more heating elements are formed, at least in part, by printing a resistive heating layer. The operation 420 is therefore an example implementation of the operation 402 of the algorithm 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

The cutting, etching and printing methods described above are provided by way of example; other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so- called “hot foiling” approach could be used in which a heating element is made out of a resistive heating layer, and then assembled/bonded onto a support. Yet other techniques could be used, such as die cutting. Moreover, two or more technologies could be combined (e.g. electrical conductivity could be added to connection traces by adding more conductive material, such as additional foil, printed material, etc.). The skilled person will be aware of many further technologies, or combinations of technologies, that could be used in implementations of the principles described herein. Figure 15 is a flow chart showing method of operation or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 424, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method or algorithm 424 may, for example, be implemented using any of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when an instruction to activate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the instruction to activate heating, a determination is made (in operation 428) regarding whether a heating element is available. As discussed above, a plurality of heating elements may be provided. The operation 428 may involve determination which of the heating elements have been used and/or the corresponding available aerosol generating material used up. If a heating element is available, the algorithm moves to operation 430, where an available heating element is used. As discussed above, heating elements may be individually controllable, for example by providing electrical power to individual heating elements. Once the operation 430 is complete, the algorithm terminates at operation 432. If, at operation 428, a determination is made that no heating elements are available, for example because all heating elements have been used, then the algorithm terminates at operation 432. This may mean that a consumable part being used to implement the algorithm 424 needs to be replaced.

Figure 16 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using the laser cutter 408, although other methods could be used, such as chemical etching or printing, as discussed above. The cutting of the electrically conductive layer 340 forms the heating elements as described herein.

In the embodiment of Figure 16, the paths cut are linear paths, extending along the length of the electrically conductive layer 120.

Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, each resistive heating element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to one of the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, both types of electrical contact are provided at the same end of the resistive heating layer 340 and are provided next to each other. In such an arrangement that there is free from a common second type of electrical contact as is some other embodiments; instead, each heating element has separate first and second types of electrical contacts.

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of heating elements 342, each heater element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, the different types of electrical connection are provided at the opposite ends of the resistive heating layer 340 and a common second type of electrical contact is provided. Although a linear path is provided, an increase in the electrical resistance may be provided by means of providing a crenelated path, acting as a convoluted path. Note that the paths of any other embodiments described herein could also be crenelated.

Figure 19 shows the distal end of the article 300. As shown, the body 324 comprises a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a stack of body layers 325. The body layers 325 form a laminate. The body layers 325 in embodiments are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define features of the article 300. At least one body layer in embodiments comprises a gap defining the air inlet 315. The gap defines the opening 314. The aerosol generator 304 comprises the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises the resistive heating elements 342, the first type of electrical contacts 360, for example providing positive electrical connections to each of a plurality of heating elements 342 and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example providing a common negative electrical connection to the plurality of heating elements 342. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365, namely the heater contacts 322, together form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304.

The resistive heating elements 342 are on an inner side of the resistive heating layer 340. The inner side defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304 as shown in Figure 3. The heater contacts 322 are on the second side 307 of the resistive heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines an outer side of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contacts 322 are exposed so that they are able to be brought into contact with the device electrical connector 230. The heater contacts 322 are on an opposing side of the resistive heating layer 340 to the resistive heating elements 342. Other configurations are envisaged.

The support layer 350 is between an inner portion of the resistive heating layer 340 and an outer portion of the resistive heating layer 340.

A fold 370 is formed in the resistive heating layer 340. The fold 370 defines the heater contacts 322. The fold 370 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 19 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The fold 370 defines a flap 372. The heater contacts 322 are on the flap 372. The flap defines a contact panel. The remaining part of the blank defines a main panel.

In embodiments with the support layer 350, the support layer 350 in embodiments is folded. The substrate 352 is folded at the fold 370. In embodiments, the support layer 350 ends at the fold. In embodiments, the fold 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304.

The folded portion of resistive heating layer 340 is affixed in the folded position. This folded portion in embodiments is adhered, for example by bonding. Other fixing means are anticipated.

The fold 370 defines the first type of exposed contact region 362. The fold 370 defines the second type of exposed contact region 367. The electrical tracks 361, 366 electrically communicate across the fold 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 are defined on the second side of the resistive heating layer 340. Portions of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 extend on the first side of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the resistive heating elements extend from the fold 370. Other configurations are anticipated.

The device 200 comprises a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 of the electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 is dependent on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments, such as the aerosol generator as shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 300 comprises a plurality of heater contacts 322 including a plurality of the first type of heater contact 360 and one of the second type of heater contact 365. The article 300 comprises another set of heater contacts 322 on the opposing side of the article 300 corresponding to the second aerosol generator 304.

Figure 20 shows a device connector 230 of the aerosol provision device 200 used in some embodiments. The connector 230 has separate connector electrical contacts 232 for connection with the heater contacts 322. Figure 21 schematically shows the aerosol provision system 100. The system

100 comprises the article 300 and aerosol provision device 200, both shown in block diagram. The device 200 comprises first and second connectors 230a and 230b.

The connectors 230a and 230b enable the aerosol provision device 200 to provide regulated or controlled electrical voltages and/or currents to the various first and second type of heater contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304 when the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device 200. The aerosol provision device 200 may comprise a connector arrangement configured to provide electrical power to the connectors 230a, 230b. The aerosol provision device 200 may, for example, operate the method as described above. Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 440, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method or algorithm 440 starts at operation 442, where a resistive heating layer is formed into at least one resistive heating element, the or each heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least a portion of an aerosolisable material to generate an aerosol. Example heating elements that may be formed in the operation 442 are described elsewhere in this document.

At operation 442, an aerosol generating material is applied and/or formed on the resistive heating layer.

The operations 442 and 444 of the method or algorithm 440 are similar to (and may be identical to) the operations 402 and 404 of the method or algorithm 400 described above.

In operation 446 at least one first type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above. In operation 448 at least one second type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above.

In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal a single edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal to different edges of the resistive heating layer.

In embodiments, the first types of electrical contact (e.g. positive connection(s)) are provided along a first edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the second types of electrical contact (e.g. negative electrical connection(s)) are provided along a second edge of the resistive heating layer. The operations 446 and 448 could be performed in a different order, or at the same time. Moreover, the operations 446 and 448 could be performed together with the operation 442.

At operation 450, the resistive heating layer is folded. In embodiments, the support layer is folded together with the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer is folded such that electrical contacts of the first and second type are provided adjacent to one another, as discussed in detail below. Figures 23 to 25 show an embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with the algorithm 440.

Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using a laser cutter 408. The pre- folded configuration defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. The blank in embodiments defines fold lines along which folds are made during formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank comprises the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define panels defined by the fold lines. As shown in Figure 23, the resistive heating layer 340 is formed into a plurality of heating elements 192, although the number may differ and may be one. A plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360 (e.g. positive electrical contact) are provided along the first edge of the electrically conductive layer (one contact for each heating element is shown). A single second type of electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the contacts are spaced from the edges. As discussed above, each heating element of the plurality extends from an electrical contact of the first type to an electrical contact of the second type.

The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 by the laser cutter 408 forms the paths of the or each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser formation or some other cutting process is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described above may be generated. Some example alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

As indicated in Figure 24, the aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistive heating layer 340. The blank is then folded, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 24. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 is defined comprising the heating elements 342. A second panel 376 is formed comprising the plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360. A third panel 377 is formed comprising the second type of electrical contact 365. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375. Figure 25 shows the folded aerosol generator 304.

As discussed above, the heating elements 342 of the resistive heating arrangement 312 (e.g. the resistive heating layer 340) may be individually controllable by providing electrical power individually to each of the plurality of resistive heating elements 342a-342e. The heating of different zones of the aerosol generating layer 330 can thus be controlled, such that each zone can be activated separately.

In accordance with some of the embodiments described above (e.g. as shown in Figure 9), in order to individually control a plurality of heating elements 342, a large number of electrical contacts may be required to facilitate the supply of power to individual ones of the plurality of heating elements 342.

The Applicant has appreciated that sharing at least one of the electrical contacts between different heating elements 342, as explained further with respect to the embodiments described below, may advantageously reduce the number of electrical contacts required whilst still allowing each of the plurality of heating elements to be heated in isolation (i.e. whilst still allowing the heating elements 342 to be supplied with power individually). This sharing of electrical contacts may be achieved by creating shared electrical contacts on the article and/or by sharing connector electrical contacts on the device between different article electrical contacts. In sharing electrical contacts, this may be understood that two contacts, which would otherwise be in electrical isolation from one another, are configured to be in electrical contact with one another. In this sense, the contacts may be considered to be bridged. Reducing the number of electrical contacts on the article 300 and/or device 200 may advantageously reduce the complexity of manufacturing of the article 300 and/or the device 200, may reduce the number of components and/or may simplify operation of the system 100.

Figure 26 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an aerosol generator 304 of an article 300 for an aerosol provision system 100. Figure 27 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27, the aerosol generator 304 comprises a resistive heating arrangement in the form of a resistive heating layer 340. The aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 further comprises an aerosol generating material 330, and a support 350. In the embodiment shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27, the aerosol generating material 330 comprises an aerosol generating layer and is arranged on top of the resistive heating arrangement 340. The resistive heating arrangement 340 may be arranged to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 330, in use, to generate an aerosol.

As shown in Figure 26, the resistive heating arrangement 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions 380a-380d, each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end 382 and a second end 384. The first resistive heating portion 380a has a first end 382a and a second end 384a. The second resistive heating portion 380b has a first end 382b and a second end 384b. The third resistive heating portion 380c has a first end 382c and a second end 384c. The fourth resistive heating portion 380d has a first end 382d and a second end 384d. Each of the resistive heating portions 380a-380d may be considered to be a heating element, e.g. a heating element 342 of the type discussed previously. The first and second ends 382a-382d, 384a-384d may be the points at which an electrical connector 230 of an aerosol provision device 200 makes electrical contact with the resistive heating portions 380a-380d. As such, the first and second ends 382a-382d, 384a-384d may be considered to be, or provide, article electrical contacts which provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating portions 380a-380d. In some embodiments, as depicted, at least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions e.g. the first and second resistive heating portions 380a, 380b are discrete such that they are electrically insulated from one another when the article 300 is not inserted into the article receiving portion 206 of a corresponding device 200. In some embodiments of the resistive heating arrangement, e.g. as shown in Figure 26, each (i.e. all) of the plurality of resistive heating portions 380a-380d are electrically insulated from one another when the article is not inserted into the article receiving portion. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 the heating arrangement 340 comprises an electrically conductive layer formed into one or more heating elements 342a-342d, wherein each heating element 342a-342d comprises a respective heating portion 380a-380d.

Figure 28 is a schematic a side view of an embodiment of an aerosol provision system 100 comprising an article 300 including the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 26. As shown in Figure 28, the aerosol generating system 100 comprises the aerosol provision device 200 and an article 300. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an article receiving portion 206 shaped to receive the article 300, and the two electrical connectors 230a, 230b, each electrical connector 230a, 230b comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232.

Figure 29 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of an aerosol generating system 100 (as shown in Figure 28) comprising the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27, and two electrical connectors 230a, 230b of the aerosol provision device 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 29, the article 300 may comprise first and second aerosol generators 304 (which are not visible in this Figure, except for the first and second ends 382a-382d, 384a-384d of the first aerosol generator 304). Each electrical connector 230a, 230b may be arranged to provide electrical power to a respective resistive heating arrangement 340 of the first and second aerosol generators 304. In the embodiment shown in Figures 28 and 29, the electrical connectors 230a, 230b, e.g. the connector electrical contacts thereof, apply a force to opposing sides of the article 300. This may advantageously ensure that the article 300 remains level within the article receiving portion 206 and may act to securely retain the article 300 within the article receiving portion 206. However, it should be appreciated that whilst Figure 28 and Figure 29 show a two-sided arrangement, whereby two electrical connectors 230a and 230b are provided, each on opposing sides of the aerosol provision device 200, other embodiments of the aerosol provision device 200 are envisaged which comprise only one electrical connector 230. Other embodiments are envisaged with different numbers of electrical connectors 230, e.g. four, as described further below with respect to Figure 37. Of course any number of electrical connectors 230 may be included, and the number of electrical connectors 230 may depend on the specific configuration of the device 200 and/or the article 300.

Figure 29 shows a portion of the distal end 308 of the article 300. A wrap 395 (i.e. an outermost layer) encircles the article 300 (e.g. the aerosol generator(s) 304 thereof) and forms part of the article 300. The wrap 395 may act as a fixed sleeve and comprises an outer layer which may be made of an electrically insulating material. The first aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at a distal end 308 of the article 300. A first set of exposed electrical contact regions 323 is exposed at the distal end 308 of the article 300 on a first surface 371 of the article 300. Although not shown in Figure 29, a second aerosol generator protrudes from the wrap at the distal end 308, and a second set of exposed electrical contact regions is exposed at the distal end 308 of the article 300, on a second surface 373 of the article 300, wherein the second surface 373 is opposite to the first surface 371. In the embodiment shown in Figure 29, the electrical connector 230a comprises five connector electrical contacts 232a-232e. The electrical connector 230b comprises five connector electrical contacts 232f-232j. The article 300 comprises five electrical contact regions 323a-323e on the first surface 371 of the article 300. The resistive heating arrangement 340 and the electrical connector 230a are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, each connector electrical contact 232a-232e touches a corresponding electrical contact region 323a- 323e of the article 300. Thus, each of the electrical contact regions 323a-323e may be considered to comprise or define an article electrical contact.

Each electrical contact region 323a-232e is positioned at a location which comprises at least part of the first end 382 and/or at least part of the second end 384 of one of the resistive heating portions 380a-380d of the first aerosol generator 304. Each electrical contact region 323a-323e may be in electrical connection with one or more of the resistive heating portions 380a-380d, but each electrical contact region 323a-323e may not be arranged to heat the aerosol generating material 330. The resistive heating arrangement 340 and the electrical connector 230a are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts 232b is in electrical connection with both a second end 384a of a first one of the resistive heating portions 380a and a first end 382b of a second one of the resistive heating portions 380b.

In the embodiments shown in Figure 29, the second connector electrical contact 232b engages the second end 384a of the first one of the resistive heating portions 380a and the first end 382b of the second one of the resistive heating portions 380b. i.e. the second connector electrical contact 232b creates a bridging electrical contact between the first and the second resistive heating portions 380a and 380b by touching the second electrical contact region 323b. Although not shown in Figure 29, the resistive heating arrangement of the second aerosol generator and the electrical connector 230b may be arranged in an equivalent manner.

For the embodiment shown in Figure 29, the resistive heating arrangement 340 and the electrical connector 230a are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, each of a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232b, 232c, 232d is in electrical connection with both a second end 384a, 384b, 384c of a resistive one of the resistive heating portions 380a, 380b, 380c and a first end 382b, 382c, 382d of a different respective one of the resistive heating portions 380b, 380c, 380d. This is achieved by the second, third and fourth connector electrical contacts 232b, 232c and 232d being configured to touch the second, third and fourth electrical contact regions 323b, 323c and 323d respectively.

Thus, the first resistive heating arrangement 340 and electrical connector 230a are configured such that a first connector electrical contact 232a, of the electrical connector 230a, is in electrical connection with the first end 382a of the first resistive heating portion 380a, a second connector electrical contact 232b, of the electrical connector 230a, is in electrical connection with the second end 384a of the first resistive heating portion and the first end 382b of the second resistive heating portion 280b, and a third connector electrical contact 232c, is in electrical connection with the second end 384b of the second resistive heating portion 380b when the article 300 is received in the article receiving portion 206. The third connector electrical contacts 232c is further in electrical connection with the first end 382c of the third resistive heating portion 280c when the article 300 is received in the article receiving portion 206. In a similar manner, the fourth connector electrical contact 232d is in electrical connection with the second end 384c of the third heating portion 380c and the first end 382d of the fourth resistive heating portion 280d. The fifth connector electrical contact 232e is in electrical connection with the second end 384d of the fourth resistive heating portion 232d.

The resistive heating arrangement of the second aerosol generator and the electrical connector 230b may be arranged in an equivalent manner.

As will be appreciated, the total number of connector electrical contacts 232 is reduced compared to embodiments which do not share at least one connector electrical contact 232 between at least a first resistive heating portion 380a and a second resistive heating portion 380b. This may reduce the number of components required for the device, thereby potentially simplifying manufacture and/or reducing the cost of the device. It may also simplify the provision of power to respective resistive heating portions 380a-380d of the article 300. In Figure 29, each electrical contact region 323 comprises part or all of the first end 382 and/or the second end 384 of one of the resistive heating portions 380. However, in other embodiments, the electrical contact regions 323 may be merely electrically connected to respective first and second ends 382, 384 of the resistive heating portions 380. For example, the resistive heating portions 380 may form all or part of respective resistive heating elements 342, and the ends 382, 384 of each resistive heating portion 380 may be electrically connected to an electrical contact region 323. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive layer 340 comprises one or more electrical tracks extending from each heating element 342. The electrical tracks may extend to or provide the electrical contact regions 323 (i.e. the article electrical contacts). Thus, in such embodiments, the electrical tracks may provide electrical connection between the electrical contact regions 323 and the first and second ends 382, 384 of the resistive heating portions 380 (which form part or all of the heating elements 342). Using electrical tracks in accordance with these embodiments may advantageously enable the electrical contact regions 323 on the article 300 to be located adjacent to one another, making it more straight forward to implement bridging connector electrical contacts 232 which are shared between at least two electrical contact regions 323 as described herein.

In the embodiment described above, the electrical bridging between at least some of the resistive heating portions (i.e. between the article electrical contacts) is achieved by the connector electrical contacts. However, the Applicant has appreciated that the bridging can be achieved in other ways as discussed below. Figure 30 is a schematic plan view of the distal end of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator 304 of an article 300 for an aerosol provision system 100. In a similar manner to the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26, the aerosol generator 304 of this embodiment comprises a support 350, an aerosol generating material 330 and a resistive heating arrangement 340, wherein the resistive heating arrangement 340 comprises an electrically conductive layer formed into a plurality of resistive heating portions 380a-380d. Each resistive heating portion 380a-380d comprises a length of electrically conductive material having a first end 382 and a second end 384. In the embodiment shown in Figure 30, each resistive heating portion 380a-380d provides a resistive heating element 342.

In a different manner to the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26, in the embodiment shown in Figure 30, the first end 382b of the second resistive heating portions 380b is electrically connected to the second end 384a of the first resistive heating portion 380a by a first shared article electrical contact 390a. Equivalently, the first end 382c of the third resistive heating portion 380c is electrically connected to the second end 384b of the second resistive heating portion 380b by a second shared article electrical contact 390b. The first end 382d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d is electrically connected to the second end 384c of the third resistive heating portion 380c by a third shared article electrical contact 390c. Whilst four resistive heating portions 380a-380d are disclosed in respect of this embodiment, it will be appreciated that any number of resistive heating portions and associated shared article electrical contacts may be provided.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 30 further comprises a first separated article electrical contact 323a which is electrically connected to the first end 382a of the first heating portion 380a, but electrically isolated from each of the other resistive heating portions, i.e. the second heating portion 380b, the third heating portion 380c and the fourth heating portion 380d. There is also a second separated article electrical contact 323e which is electrically connected to the second end 384d of the fourth heating portion 380d, but electrically isolated from each of the other resistive heating portions, i.e. the first resistive heating portion 380a, the second resistive heating portion 380b and the third resistive heating portion 380c. It will be appreciated that this arrangement of first, second and third shared article electrical contacts 390a, 390b, 390c and the first and second separated article electrical contacts 323a, 232e reduces the total number of electrical contacts required to provide an electrical connection to the plurality of heating portions 380a-380d. Figure 31 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 30, and two electrical connectors 230a, 230b of an aerosol provision device 200. Each electrical connector 230a, 230b may be arranged to provide electrical power to a respective resistive heating arrangement 340 of a first and a second aerosol generator 304 which are located on opposite sides of the article 300.

The resistive heating arrangement 340 (the distal end of which is visible in Figure 31) and the electrical connector 230a shown in Figure 31 are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts (e.g. the second connector electrical contact 232b) engages a shared article electrical contact (e.g. the first shared article contact 390a). Similarly, a third connector electrical contact 232c engages the second shared article electrical contact 390b, and the fourth connector electrical contact 232d engages the third shared article electrical contact 390c. The first and fifth connector electrical contacts 232a and 232e engage the first and second separated article electrical contacts 323a and 323e respectively.

Arranging the second, third and fourth connector electrical contacts 232b, 232c and 232d to engage with the corresponding first, second and third shared article contacts 390a, 390b, 390c respectively means that the second, third and fourth electrical contacts 232b, 232c, 232d are each in electrical connection with two different resistive heating portions 280.

The first, second and third shared article contacts 390a, 390b, 390c may be manufactured of a material with a low resistivity, such that when an electrical current is passed through the shared article contacts 390, the first, second and third shared article contacts 390a-390c do not generate a notable amount of heat. The resistive heating portions 380a-380d of the resistive heating arrangement 340 may be manufactured from a material with a higher resistivity than the shared article contacts 390 to generate heat for generating an aerosol from a portion of the aerosol generating material.

The first, second and third shared article electrical contacts 390a, 390b, 390c, may be attached to the heating arrangement 340 so as to bridge the relevant first and second ends. The first, second and third shared article electrical contacts 390a, 390b, 390c, may, for example, be soldered in place. In other embodiments, the first, second and third shared article electrical contacts 390a, 390b, 390c may be integrally formed in the heating arrangement 340, e.g. integrally formed within a resistive heating layer thereof. In the embodiments shown in Figure 26 to Figure 31, the aerosol provision device 200 may be configured to selectively power the resistive heating portions 380a-380d of the resistive heating arrangement 340. The aerosol provision device 200 may be configured to heat the first resistive heating portion 380a of the resistive heating arrangement by providing power via the first connector electrical contact 232a and the second connector electrical contact 232b. The aerosol provision device 200 may be configured to heat the second portion 380b of the heating arrangement 340 by providing power via the second connector electrical contact 232b and the third electrical connector contact 232c. Similarly, the aerosol provision device 200 may configured to heat the resistive heating portion 380c of the resistive heating arrangement 340 by providing power via the third connector electrical contact 232c and a fourth connector electrical contact 232d. The aerosol provision device 200 may be configured to heat the fourth resistive heating portion 380d of the resistive heating arrangement 340 by providing power via the fourth connector electrical contact 232d and a fifth electrical connector contact 232e.

Figure 32 is a table showing an embodiment of how the configuration of the power supply may be controlled to heat each portion 380a-380d of the resistive heating arrangement 340 shown in Figure 26 or Figure 30.

In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 32, the first connector electrical contact 232a may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g a positive connection as shown in Figure 32) and the second connector electrical contact 232b may provide an electrical connection of a second type (e.g. a negative connection as shown in Figure 32). The third connector electrical contact 232c may provide an electrical connection of the first type (e.g. a positive connection). As will be appreciated, in this embodiment, the type of electrical connection for the second connector electrical contact 232b (e.g. a negative connection) remains the same both for when it is being used to supply power to the first portion 380a of the resistive heating arrangement 340 and when being used to supply power to the second resistive heating portion 380b of the resistive heating arrangement 340. The fourth connector electrical contact 232d may provide an electrical connection of the second type, and the fifth connector electrical 232e contact may provide an electrical connection of the first type. In a similar manner to the second electrical connector contact 232b, in this embodiment, the third and fourth connector electrical contacts 232c, 232d have the same type of electrical connection irrespective of which portion of the resistive heating arrangement 340 they are being used to supply power to. The aerosol provision device 200 may configured to provide power to the resistive heating arrangement 340, and the power may be controlled such that only one of the first resistive heating portion 380a or the second resistive heating portion 380b is heated at one time. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 32, the first type of connector electrical contact is configured to receive a positive voltage from a power supply of the device, and the second type of connector electrical contact is a configured to receive a negative voltage from a power supply, or provide a ground connection.

Thus, to heat the first resistive heating portion 380a, the first electrical connector contact 232a is configured to receive a positive voltage, and the second electrical connector contact 232b is configured to receive a negative voltage, or provide a ground connection.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 32, each connector electrical contact 232a-232e may be configured to receive only one type of voltage - i.e. either a positive voltage, or a negative or ground connection. Considering the full array of resistive heating portions shown in Figure 26, for example, for embodiments where the polarity of each connection is fixed, to heat the second resistive heating portion 380b, the second connector electrical contact 232b is supplied with a negative voltage, and the third connector electrical contact 232c is supplied with a positive voltage. For heating the third resistive heating portion 380c, the connector electrical contact 232c is supplied with a positive voltage, and the connector electrical contact 232d is supplied with a negative voltage.

Of course, it should be appreciated that the polarity of the voltages received for each type of electrical connection could be reversed such that the first connector electrical contact 232a receives a negative voltage, or provides a ground connection, and the second connector electrical contact 232b receives a positive voltage. The same applies to subsequent third to fifth connector electrical contacts 232c-232e

Figure 33 is a table showing a further embodiment of how the configuration of the power supply may be controlled to heat each portion 380 of the resistive heating arrangement 340 shown in Figure 26 or Figure 30.

According to the embodiment shown in the table of Figure 33, each of the first to fifth connector electrical contacts 232a-232e may be configured to receive either type of voltage, and the polarity of the power supply may switch in dependence on which resistive heating portion should be heated. The heating arrangement 340 and the electrical connector 230 may be configured such that to heat the first heating portion 380a, the first connector electrical contact 232a is supplied with a first type of electrical connection and the second connector electrical contact 232b is supplied with a second type of electrical connection. To heat the second heating portion 280b, the second connector electrical contact 232b is supplied with the first type of electrical connection and the third connector electrical connector 232c is supplied with the second type of electrical connection.

Considering the full array of resistive heating portions shown in Figure 26, for example, for embodiments where the polarity of each connection can be switched, to heat the second resistive heating portion 380b, the second connector electrical contact 232b is supplied with a positive voltage, and the third connector electrical contact 232c is supplied with a negative voltage. For heating the third resistive heating portion 380c, the third connector electrical contact 232c is supplied with a positive voltage, and the fourth connector electrical contact 232d is supplied with a negative voltage.

Further embodiments of the resistive heating arrangement 340 are anticipated, some of which are described with reference to the Figures below. It should be appreciated that each of these further embodiments can be powered in a similar manner to the configuration described above with reference to Figure 32 and Figure 33.

Figure 34 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator 304 of an article 300 for an aerosol provision system 100. In a similar manner to the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26 and Figure 30, the aerosol generator 304 of this embodiment comprises a support 350, an aerosol generating material 330 and a resistive heating arrangement 340 in the form of an electrically conductive layer. As shown in Figure 34, for this embodiment, instead of the resistive heating arrangement 340 comprising a plurality of heating elements 342, there is one length of electrically conductive material 385 forming a single resistive heating element 342. The resistive heating arrangement 340, specifically the single resistive heating element 342 thereof comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions 380a-380d, each resistive heating portion 380a-380d comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end 382 and a second end 384. In the embodiment shown in Figure 34, each resistive heating portion 380a-380d is a different portion of the single resistive heating element 342, i.e. the five resistive heating portions 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d, 380e together form the same continuous length of electrically conductive material 385 which forms the resistive heating element 342.

Thus it can be seen that, in the embodiment shown in Figure 34, at least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions (e.g. the first and second resistive heating portions 380a, 380b) of the article 300 are respective portions of a continuous length of electrically conductive material 385, wherein the second end 384a of a first one of the resistive heating portions 380a abuts the first end 382b of a second one of the resistive heating portions 380b. In other words, the second end 384a of the first resistive heating portion 380a is arranged adjacent to, and immediately following, the second resistive heating portion 380b, such that the first resistive heating portion 380a and the second resistive heating portion 380b form a continuous part of the continuous length of electrically conductive material 385. The same arrangement applies for the remaining resistive heating portions 380c, 380d, 380e in the embodiment shown in Figure 34. The second end 384b of the second resistive heating portion 380b abuts the first end 382c of the third resistive heating portion 380c. The second end 384c of the third resistive heating portion 380c abuts the first end 382d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d. Finally, the second end 384d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d abuts the first end 382e of the fifth resistive heating portion 380e.

Whilst the embodiment in Figure 34 shows one length of electrically conductive material 385, other embodiments are envisaged where there is a plurality of lengths of electrically conductive material 385, each comprising a plurality of resistive heating portions 380.

Figure 35 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising an article 300 which includes the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 34, and two electrical connectors 230a, 230b of an aerosol provision device 200. Each electrical connector 230a, 230b may be arranged to provide electrical power to a respective resistive heating arrangement 340 of a first and a second aerosol generator 304, wherein the resistive heating arrangements 340 are located on opposites sides of the article 300 to one another. The resistive heating arrangement 340 and electrical connector 230a shown in

Figure 35 are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, a first connector electrical contact of the plurality of connector electrical contacts, e.g. the second connector electrical contact 232b, engages the continuous length of electrically conductive material 385 at an engagement portion - e.g. a second engagement portion 323b encompassing the second end 384a of the first resistive heating portion 380a and the first end 382b of the second resistive heating portion 380b. It can be seen that the engagement portion 232b encompassing the second end 384a of the first resistive heating portion 380a and the first end 382b of the second resistive heating portion 380b provides an article electrical contact. Similarly, the third connector electrical contact 232c engages a third engagement portion 323c encompassing the second end 384b of second resistive heating portion 380b and the first end 382c of the third resistive heating portion 380c. The fourth connector electrical contact 232d engages a fourth engagement portion 323d encompassing the second end 384c of the third resistive heating portion 380c and the first end 382d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d. The fifth connector electrical contact 232e engages the fifth engagement portion 392e encompassing the second end 384d of fourth resistive heating portion 380d and the first end 382e of the fifth resistive heating portion 380e.

The first and sixth connector electrical contacts 232a and 232f engage a first engagement portion 323a and a sixth engagement portion 323f respectively. Each of the first to sixth engagement portions 323a-323f may be considered to provide article electrical contacts.

The first to sixth connector electrical contacts 232a-232f may be suitable shaped and/or dimensioned such that they only contact the relevant first and/or second ends (i.e. the first to sixth engagement portions 323a-323f) of the resistive heating portions 380a- 380d.

Arranging the second to fifth connector electrical contacts 232b, 232c, 232d,232e such that they engage with the corresponding second to fifth engagement portions 323b, 323c, 323d and 323e respectively means that the second to fifth connector electrical contacts 232b, 232c, 232d and 232e are in electrical connection with two different ones of the first to sixth resistive heating portions 280a-280f. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous as formation of the aerosol generator 304, specifically the resistive heating arrangement 340 thereof, may be simplified compared to other embodiments as a single continuous resistive track may be formed.

In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 26-31, 34 and 35, the first end 382 and the second end 384 of the electrically conductive material in each resistive heating portion 380 may be arranged adjacent one another such that the first end 382 and second end 384 of each resistive heating portion 380 in the plurality of resistive heating portions are all located on the same side of the article 300. In being located on the same side of the article 300 this may mean that the first end 382 and second end 384 of the resistive heating elements 342 and/or resistive heating portions 380 are arranged along one edge of the article 300. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figures 26-31 , 34 and 35, each resistive heating element 342 or resistive heating portion 380 may extend across a length of the article 300 from a first edge of the resistive heating arrangement 340 to a second opposing edge of the heating arrangement 340 in a first direction, and extend back across the length of the article 300 from the second edge of the resistive heating arrangement 340 to the first edge of the resistive heating arrangement 340 in a direction which is parallel to the first direction.

Using an arrangement of resistive heating portions 380 in accordance with these embodiments may advantageously enable the electrical contact regions 323 in electrical communication with the first ends 382 and the second ends 384 of the heating portions 380 of the article 300 to be located adjacent to one another, making it more straight forward to implement shared contact portions of bridging device connectors as described herein.

Figure 36 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator 304 of an article 300 for an aerosol provision system 100. In a similar manner to the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 26, Figure 30, and Figure 34, the aerosol generator 304 of this embodiment comprises a support 350, an aerosol generating material 330 and a resistive heating arrangement 340 in the form of an electrically conductive layer. The resistive heating arrangement 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions 380a-380d, each resistive heating portion 380a-380d comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end 382 and a second end 384.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 36, the first ends of the electrically conductive material 382a, 382c, 382e, of the first, third and fifth resistive heating portions 380a, 380c and 380e, and the second ends 384b, 384d of the electrically conductive material of the second and fourth resistive heating portions 380b, 380d are arranged adjacent to one another on a first side of the article 300. The second ends 384a, 384c and 384e of the electrically conductive material of the first, third and fifth resistive heating portions 380a, 380c, 380e, and the first ends 382b, 382d of the electrically conductive material of the second and fourth resistive heating portions 380b, 380d are arranged adjacent one another on a second side of the article 300.

Figure 37 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of part of a further embodiment of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising an article 300 including the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 36, and four electrical connectors 230a, 230b, 230c and 230d of an aerosol provision device 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 37, a first pair of the electrical connectors 230a and 230c are arranged to provide electrical power to the resistive heating arrangement 340 of a first aerosol generator 304. A second pair of the electrical connectors 230b and 230d are be arranged to provide electrical power to the resistive heating arrangement 340 of a second aerosol generator, which is arranged on the opposite side of the article 300 to the first resistive heating arrangement 340. The resistive heating arrangement 340 and the first pair of electrical connectors 230a and 230c are configured such that when the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, a first connector electrical contact 232a of the electrical connector 230ais in electrical connection with both a first end 382a of a first one of the resistive heating portions 380a and a second end 384b of a second one of the resistive heating portions 380b at the position indicated by the first electrical contact region 323a. A second connector electrical contact 232b of the electrical connector 230c is in electrical connection with the second end 384a of the first one of the resistive heating portions 380a at a position indicated by the electrical contact region 323b. A third connector electrical contact 232c of the electrical connector 230c is in electrical connection with the first end 382b of the second resistive heating portion 380b at a position indicated by the electrical contact region 323c. To provide electrical power to the first resistive heating portion 380a, the first connector electrical contact 232a may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g. a positive connection as described with reference to Figure 32), and the second connector electrical contact 232b may provide an electrical connection of a second type (e.g. a negative connection as described with reference to Figure 32). To provide electrical power to the second resistive heating portion 380b, the first connector electrical contact 232a may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g. a positive connection), and the third connector electrical contact 232c may provide an electrical connection of a second type.

In a similar manner, as shown in Figure 37, the resistive heating arrangement 340 and the first pair of electrical connectors 230a, 230c are arranged such that a fourth connector electrical contact 232d is in electrical connection with both the first end 382c of the third resistive heating portion 380c and the second end 384d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d at the position indicated by the fourth electrical contact region 323d.

A fifth connector electrical contact 232e is in electrical connection with the second end 384c of the third resistive heating portion 380c at a position indicated by the electrical contact region 323e. A sixth connector electrical contact 232f is in electrical connection with the first end 382d of the fourth resistive heating portion 380d at a position indicated by the electrical contact region 323f. To provide electrical power to the third resistive heating portion 380c, the fourth connector electrical contact 232d may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g. a positive connection), and the fifth connector electrical contact 232e may provide an electrical connection of a second type (e.g. a negative connection). To provide electrical power to the fourth resistive heating portion 380d, the fourth connector electrical contact 232d may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g. a positive connection), and the sixth connector electrical contact 232f may provide an electrical connection of a second type (e.g. a negative connection).

A seventh connector electrical contact 232g is arranged to be in electrical connection with the first end 382e of the fifth resistive heating portion 380e. An eighth connector electrical contact 232h is arranged to be in electrical connection with the second end 384e of the fifth resistive heating portion 380e. To provide electrical power to the fifth resistive heating portion 380e, the seventh connector electrical contact 232g may provide an electrical connection of a first type (e.g. a positive connection), and the eighth connector electrical contact 232h may provide an electrical connection of a second type (e.g. a negative connection).

Whilst a specific arrangement of connector electrical contacts 232a-h is shown in Figure 37, and described above, it will be appreciated that other arrangements of connector electrical contacts may also be employed.

In each of the embodiments of the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figures 26-31 and Figures 34-37, the plurality of resistive heating portions 380 may be arranged such that the plurality of resistive heating portions 380 are adjacent to one another. The first and second ends 382, and 384 of each resistive heating portion 380 may be arranged on the same face of the article 300. This may advantageously make it easier to share electrical contacts between different heating portions 380. Whilst each of the embodiments shown in Figures 26-31 and Figures 34-37 depict a longitudinal arrangement of resistive heating portions, where each resistive heating portion 380 extends across the length of the article 300, other embodiments are envisaged. For example, wherein each heating portion 380 extends across the width of the article 300. It will be appreciated that any of the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, any of the features of the embodiments of Figures 1-25 may equally be applied to the embodiments of Figures 26 to 37.

In some embodiments of the different arrangements of aerosol generators and articles described above the aerosol generating material is formed in a configuration other than as an aerosol generating layer. The aerosol generating material in embodiments is in the form of an aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. The aerosol generating material, arranged as an aerosol generating segment for example, may comprise a plurality of individual pieces of aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating material may be individual pieces of tobacco material. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of strips, beads or pellets. In embodiments the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material.

The aerosol generating segment in embodiments comprises a body of material. The aerosol generating material is a non-liquid. In such an embodiment, the body of material comprises a rod of aerosol generating material, for example a tobacco rod. For example, the body of material may comprise shredded tobacco material. The body of material may be formed into a rod. In some embodiments, the body of material comprises cut rag tobacco that is formed into a rod. The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may comprise extruded tobacco. The aerosol generating material may comprise reconstituted tobacco.

The aerosol generating material, formed as a solid material, may comprise nicotine. The aerosol generating material may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, tobacco. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material is free from tobacco.

In embodiments of any of the above, the heating of the article provides a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into an inhalable medium. In an embodiment of the above, the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material. The article may comprise a mouth end section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section. The article may comprise a ventilation area in the mouth end section. The mouth end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be placed between a user’s lips.

In embodiments of any of the above described articles, the or each resistive heating element is configured to heat substantially the entire aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating segment in embodiments is at least substantially cylindrical. In embodiments, the aerosol generating segment is at least partially wrapped by the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating element extends in the aerosol generating segment. The resistive heating element may extend around the aerosol generating segment. In embodiments, the resistive heating element encircles the aerosol generating segment. In some arrangements at least a portion of the flow path through the article is through the aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment may define part of the air path. In embodiments, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are exposed from the aerosol generating segment.

The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component may contain paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and/or bandcast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fibre such as wood fibre or pulp or wheat fibre. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non- tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-former material. In this context, an "aerosol-former material" is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-former material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporisation and/ or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/ or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-former material may improve the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol-former material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein.

Paper reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco feedstock is extracted with a solvent to afford an extract of solubles and a residue comprising fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after refining of the fibrous material, and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibres) by deposition of the extract onto the fibrous material. The process of recombination resembles the process for making paper.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; and an aerosol provision device comprising an article receiving portion shaped to receive the article, and an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein the resistive heating arrangement and the electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts is in electrical connection with both a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions.

2. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions are discrete such that they are electrically insulated from one another when the article is not inserted into the article receiving portion; and wherein the resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions.

3. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 , wherein the first end of at least one of the resistive heating portions is electrically connected to the second end of a second one of the resistive heating portions by a shared article electrical contact; and wherein the resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages the shared article electrical contact.

4. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 wherein at least two of the plurality of resistive heating portions are respective portions of a continuous length of electrically conductive material, wherein the second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions abuts the first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions; and wherein the heating arrangement and electrical connector are configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, a first connector electrical contact of the plurality of connector electrical contacts engages the continuous length of electrically conductive material at a portion encompassing the second end of the first heating portion and the first end of the second heating portion.

5. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of resistive heating portions are arranged such that: the plurality of resistive heating portions are adjacent to one another; and the first end and the second end of the electrically conductive material in each resistive heating portion are arranged adjacent one another such that the first and second ends of each resistive heating portion in the plurality of resistive heating portions are all located on the same side of the article.

6. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the first and second ends of each resistive heating portion are arranged on the same face of the article.

7. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of resistive heating portions are arranged adjacent to one another, and each resistive heating portion extends across a length of the article from a first edge of the resistive heating arrangement to a second opposing edge of the resistive heating arrangement in a first direction, and extends back across the length of the article from the second edge of the resistive heating arrangement to the first edge of the resistive heating arrangement in a direction which is parallel to the first direction.

8. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the first resistive heating portion comprises a first end and the second resistive heating portions comprises a second end, and wherein the resistive heating arrangement and electrical connector are configured such that a first connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical connection with the first end first end of the first resistive heating portion, a second connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical connection with the second end of the first resistive heating portion and the first end of the second resistive heating portion, and a third connector electrical contact, of the electrical connector, is in electrical contact with the second end of the second resistive heating portion when the article is received in the article receiving portion.

9. The aerosol provision system of claim 8, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to selectively power to the portions of the resistive heating arrangement, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to heat the first portion of the resistive heating arrangement by providing power via the first connector electrical contact and the second connector electrical contact and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to heat the second portion of the resistive heating arrangement by providing power via the second connector electrical contact and the third electrical connector contact.

10. The aerosol provision system of claim 8 or 9 wherein the first connector electrical contact provides an electrical connection of a first type, wherein the second connector electrical contact provides an electrical connection of a second type and the third connector electrical contact provides an electrical connection of the first type.

11. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to provide power to the resistive heating arrangement, and wherein the power is controlled such that only one of the first resistive heating portion or the second resistive heating portion is heated at one time; the resistive heating arrangement and the electrical connecter being configured such that: to heat the first resistive heating portion, the first electrical connector is supplied with a first type of electrical connection and the second electrical connector is supplied with a second type of electrical connection; and to heat the second resistive heating portion, the second electrical connector is supplied with the first type of electrical connection and the third electrical connector is supplied with the second type of electrical connection.

12. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the first type of electrical contact is configured to receive a positive voltage from a power supply of the device, and the second type of electrical contact is a configured to receive a negative voltage from a power supply, or provide a ground connection.

13. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating layer.

14. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises an electrically conductive layer formed into one or more resistive heating elements which define the plurality of resistive heating portions.

15. The aerosol provision system of claim 14, wherein each of the one or more heating elements comprises a plurality of heating portions.

16. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the electrically conductive layer forms a resistive heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

17. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the electrically conductive layer further comprises electrical tracks extending from one or more heating elements.

18. The aerosol provision system of claim 17, wherein the electrical tracks extend to or provide the first and second ends of each of the resistive heating portions.

19. An aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion shaped to receive, in use, an article comprising an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; wherein the device further comprises: an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein the electrical connector is configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts is in electrical connection with a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the heating portions.

20. An article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material; a resistive heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating portions, each resistive heating portion comprising a length of electrically conductive material having a first end and a second end; wherein the article is shaped to be inserted, in use, into an article receiving portion of an aerosol provision device which comprises an electrical connector comprising a plurality of connector electrical contacts; and wherein the resistive heating arrangement is configured such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion a second end of a first one of the resistive heating portions and a first end of a second one of the resistive heating portions is in electrical contact with a single one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts.