WO2025056600A1

WO2025056600A1 - Aerosol forming article

Info

Publication number: WO2025056600A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075357
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charanjit Nandra; Richard Hepworth; Marcus Hartley; Mark Potter; Andrew Denley
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-09-12
Filing date: 2024-09-11
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-12
Also published as: GB202313879D0

Abstract

An aerosol forming article (110) comprising: a substantially planar first surface (122) comprising an aerosol-generating material; a substantially planar second surface (132) opposite the first surface such that an airflow path is defined between the first and second surfaces; and a flow directing feature (138) between the first and second surfaces to induce out of plane flow towards the first surface.

Description

AEROSOL FORMING ARTICLE

Technical field

The present invention relates to an aerosol forming article and an aerosol provision system.

Background

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

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol forming article comprising a substantially planar first surface comprising an aerosol-generating material; a substantially planar second surface opposite the first surface such that an airflow path is defined between the first and second surfaces; and a flow directing feature between the first and second surfaces to induce out of plane flow towards the first surface.

The aerosol forming article may be formed of a layered structure, the layered structure comprising a first layer defining the first surface and a second layer defining the second surface.

The layered structure may comprise at least one intermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer comprising a first intermediate layer, wherein the flow directing feature is formed by the first intermediate layer.

The at least one intermediate layer may comprise a spacer layer, wherein the spacer layer is between the first intermediate layer and the first layer.

The second surface may comprise aerosol generating material.

The flow directing feature may be further configured to induce out of plane flow towards the second surface.

The at least one intermediate layer may comprise an additional spacer layer between the first intermediate layer and the second layer.

The flow directing feature may be a cross member.

The cross member may be configured to split the airflow path.

The cross member may extend across the full lateral width of the intermediate layer. The cross member may extend partway across the lateral width of the intermediate layer. The cross member may comprise a break in its lateral width.

The intermediate layer may comprise an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture forming an inlet to the aerosol forming article.

The intermediate layer may comprise an outlet aperture, the outlet aperture forming an outlet to the aerosol forming article.

The first surface may comprise a plurality of discrete regions of aerosol generating material.

The spacer may comprise a support member, the support member extending between the discrete regions of aerosol generating material.

At least one of the flow directing features may be dimensioned to correspond to the dimension of at least one of the regions or aerosol generating material.

The at least one flow directing features may be aligned with at least one of the regions or aerosol generating material.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol forming article described above and an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an aerosol provision system;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded plan view of an aerosol forming article;

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the layers that form an aerosol forming article;

Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of an aerosol forming article; and

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of an aerosol forming article.

Detailed Description

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

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the 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 some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

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

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

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 aerosolgenerating 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 non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating 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 or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic 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 aerosolmodifying agent.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article. With reference to Fig. 1 , an aerosol provision system 10 comprises an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision system 10 further comprises an aerosol forming article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material. The article 110 may be replaceable. In broad outline, the aerosol forming device 100 may be used to heat the article 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium, which is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing arrangement surrounds and houses various components of the body 102. An article aperture 104 is formed at one end of the body 102, through which the article 110 may be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator (not shown) located within the device.

The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150.

The aerosol generator defines a longitudinal axis 111 , which aligns with an axis of the article 110.

In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator.

The device 100 includes an apparatus for heating aerosol-generating material. The apparatus includes an aerosol generating assembly, a controller (control circuit), and a power source. The apparatus forms part of the body 102. The aerosol generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted through the article aperture 104, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the aerosol generating assembly, and the aerosol generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.

The power source may be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generating assembly based on a user input. The user input may be via a button press or opening a door of the device (for example, a door covering a consumable receiving receptacle). The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate automatically, for example on insertion of an article.

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

With reference to Figs 2, 3 and 4, an aerosol forming article 110 is provided. The aerosol forming article 110 has a layered structure. Each layer of the layered structure and their order of assembly is shown in the exploded view of Fig. 2. The layers are each substantially planar. The layers are arranged in the aerosol-forming article 110 in a stacked configuration, as shown in Fig. 2 such that the aerosol forming article 110 is generally planar. Fig. 3 shows a plan view of each of the layers prior to assembly into an assembled article. Each layer in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is identical to the layers shown in Fig. 2. The article 110 is elongate and substantially rectangular in shape. In use, the longitudinal extent of the article 110 aligns with the longitudinal axis 111 of the device 100. The article 110 has a curved end region 118 which, in use, is located at a proximal (mouth) end of an aerosol generating device 100, close to article aperture 104. The opposing end of the article 110 is the distal end.

The layered structure comprises a first layer 120 and a second layer 130. In the assembled article 110, the first layer 120 and second layer 130 form first 124 and second external surfaces 134 respectively of the aerosol forming article 110.

The first layer 120 comprises a substantially planar first surface 122. The first layer 120 is a bi-laminate sheet comprising at least one metal component to form a heating layer. As such, the article 110 may act as a susceptor when installed as part of an aerosol generating system. The heating layer forms the first surface 122. The bi-laminate sheet further comprises a structural layer e.g. a paper layer. The structure layer is outward of the heating layer. The first surface 122 faces inwards. In the present example, the first layer 120 is made from an aluminium foil-backed paper.

The first surface 122 has aerosol-generating material 112 disposed thereon. The aerosol-generating material 112 is disposed in five discrete regions 114 on the first surface 122. In examples, the aerosol generating material 112 is formed as a gel and deposited on the first surface 122 in the discrete regions 114. Adjacent discrete regions 114 of aerosolgenerating material comprise gaps 116 between each region. Gaps 116 are areas on the first surface 112 that are absent aerosol-generating material such that the first surface 112 itself is visible. In examples, there may be two or more discrete regions 114 of aerosol-generating material 112. In examples, there may be three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more discrete regions 114 of aerosol-generating material 112. In examples, there may be a single, continuous portion of aerosol generating material 112 disposed across the first surface 122. In examples, substantially all of first surface 112 may be coated in aerosol-generating material.

In examples, the discrete regions 114 may be used for sequential heating. For example, different regions 114 may be configured to be heated at different times during a session of use in an aerosol provision system. In examples, different regions 114 may be configured to be heated to different temperatures during a session of use. The aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to sequentially heat the different regions 114 in this way.

Also provided is a second layer 130 which comprises a substantially planar second surface 132. Second layer 130 is substantially identical to first layer 120, as shown in Figure 3. The second surface 132 has aerosol-generating material 112 disposed thereon. The aerosol-generating material 112 may be arranged substantially identically to the arrangement of aerosol-generating material 112 on the first surface 112. In examples, aerosol-generating material may only be provided on the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. In examples, the second surface 132 of the second layer 130 may not comprise aerosol-generating material 114. In examples, the second surface may comprise aerosolgenerating material that is arranged differently to the arrangement of aerosol-generating material on the first surface 122.

In the assembled aerosol forming article 110, second surface 132 is arranged opposite the first surface 122. The first surface 122 and second surface 132 are arranged to face each other with the aerosol-generating material 112 disposed thereon such that they are mirror images of each other.

The first surface 122 and second surface 132 are spaced apart from one another. A spacing between the first surface 122 and the second surface 132 defines an airflow path therebetween.

The layered structure of the article 110 comprises three intermediate layers 140, 142, 144. The intermediate layers are arranged between the first surface 122 of the first layer 120 and the second surface 132 of the second layer 130. The intermediate layers provide the spacing between the first surface 122 and the second surface 132. The outermost shape and size of each of the intermediate layers and the first 120 and second 130 layers is substantially the same. The intermediate layers comprise a first intermediate layer 140 and first and second spacer layers 142, 144. In the assembled article 110, the first intermediate layer 140 is positioned between first and second spacer layers 142, 114.

The first intermediate layer 140 comprises a frame member 141 that forms its outermost edge. The frame member 141 has a generally empty space between its long sides, which extend in a longitudinal direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The first intermediate layer 140 comprises one or more flow directing features 138. In particular, first intermediate layer 140 comprises a first flow directing feature 138a, a second flow directing feature 138b and a third flow directing feature 138c.

The flow directing features 138 are cross members in the first intermediate layer 140. The flow directing features 138 each extend laterally across the empty space in frame member 141, between opposing long sides of frame member 141. The flow directing features 138 extend across the full lateral width of the first intermediate layer 140. The first flow directing feature 138a is located approximately half way along the longitudinal length of the first intermediate layer 140. The second flow directing feature 138b is located towards the distal end of the first intermediate layer 140. The third flow directing feature 138c is located towards the mouth end of the first intermediate layer 140.

In use, the flow directing features 138a, 138b, 138c induce out of plane flow towards the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. The flow directing features 138 may further be configured to split an airflow path through the article 110. The flow directing features 138a, 138b, 138c may additionally induce out of plane flow to the second surface 132 of second layer 130. For example, some of the split airflow may flow towards the first surface 122, and some may flow towards the second surface 132 due to symmetry of the intermediate layers of the article 110.

In examples a single flow directing feature 138 may be provided in the first intermediate layer 140. In examples, more than two or more than three flow directing features 138 may be provided in the first intermediate layer 140.

In examples, a first flow directing feature may not may be not be located approximately half way along the longitudinal length of first intermediate layer 140, and may instead be positioned towards the mouth end or the proximal end. In examples, the one or more flow directing features may be spaced evenly along the longitudinal length of the first intermediate layer.

In examples, the flow directing features 138 each extend laterally partway across the empty space in frame member 141, between opposing long sides of frame member 141. This means that the cross member may not extend across the full lateral width of the first intermediate layer 140. In these examples, the flow directing features 138 partially induce out of plane flow of the airpath through the article 110. In examples, each of the cross members that form flow directing features 138 in the first intermediate layer may have breaks in their lateral width. This means that one or more of the cross member may not extend across the full width of the empty space in frame member 141. In examples, each cross member may have a break its lateral width. The breaks in each cross member may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the article. The first intermediate layer 140 further comprises an inlet aperture 150 at its in use distal end and an outlet aperture 152 at its in use proximal end. The inlet aperture 150 and outlet aperture 152 are each formed as gaps in the frame member 141 of the first intermediate layer 140. The inlet aperture 150 and the outlet aperture 152 are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the article 110. The inlet aperture 150 forms an inlet to the aerosol forming article 110. The outlet aperture 152 forms an outlet to the aerosol forming article 110.

In examples, the width of the inlet aperture 150 is smaller than the width the outlet aperture 152. As a result, less aerosol may be lost during use and condensation within the article 110 and/or aerosol provision device 100 may be reduced. In the aerosol forming article 110, the first intermediate later 140 is positioned between the first spacer layer 142 and the second spacer layer 144. First spacer layer 142 is between the first intermediate layer 140 and the first layer 120. Second spacer layer 144 is between the first intermediate layer 140 and the second layer 130. First spacer layer 142 comprises a frame member 146a that forms its outermost edge and four support members 148a. The frame member 146a has a generally empty space between its long sides. The support members 148a extend laterally across the spacer layer 142 between opposing sides of the frame member 146a. First spacer layer comprises four support members 148a. The support members 148a provide structural rigidity to the article 110 when assembled.

In the aerosol forming article 110, the support members 148a align with the gaps 116 between regions 114 of aerosol-generating material 112 on the first surface 122 of first layer 120, where the first surface 122 is absent aerosol generating material. This means that aerosol generating material 112 is not wasted in regions where the support members 148a of the spacer layer 120 might otherwise cover some of the aerosol generating material 112. More or less than four support members 148a may be provided. In examples, the number of support members 148a corresponds exactly to the number of gaps 116 on the first surface 122 of first layer 120. For example, there may be one or more, two or more three or more, four or more, or five or more support members 148a on the first spacer layer 142. In examples, the number of support members 148a may not correspond to the number of gaps 116 of the first surface 122 of first layer 120. In examples, the first spacer layer may be provided with more or less support members 148a as compared to the number of gaps 116. Second spacer layer 144 is substantially identical to first spacer layer 142. Second spacer layer 144 comprises a frame member 146b that forms its outermost edge and four support members 148b. The support members 146b are arranged on second spacer layer 144 in the same way as support members 146a on first spacer layer 142.

First 142 and second 144 spacer layers are symmetrical when assembled in article 110. Support members 148a and 148b are aligned and opposing. Having a configuration where support members 148a, 148b are aligned (i.e. not offset) may mean that the article 110 is more compact in the longitudinal direction and maximises the amount of aerosol generating material that contacts an airflow through the article 110. The spacer layers also may improve structural stability of the article 110.

The support members 148 do not align (i.e. are offset) from flow directing features 138 in first intermediate layer 140. This means that there is an air flow path through the article 110. In use, a flow path is formed along the longitudinal axis between the inlet aperture 150 and the outlet aperture 152 of the first intermediate layer 140. The airflow path starts at inlet aperture 150 and exits the article at outlet aperture 152 of first intermediate layer 140. The flow directing features 138 direct the air flow closer to the aerosol generating material 1124 on one of, or both, of first surface 122 and/or second surface 132.

Referring to Fig. 4, a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol forming article 110 is provided. The consumable 110 comprises the layers as described above with respect to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

In use, the aerosol forming article 110 is received by the aerosol provision device 100. The article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator of the device. The article 110 is heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator. This generates aerosol.

As a user puffs on a mouthpiece of the device, an airflow enters the consumable through inlet aperture 150 that is installed in the device. An exemplary airflow path is shown in Fig. 4 with the dashed arrow.

The airflow path extends along the longitudinal length of the article 110 from the inlet aperture towards the outlet aperture 152. Along the airflow path, the flow directing features 138 split the airflow path such that out of plane flow is induced towards one or both of the first or second surfaces 122, 132. As such, the airflow flows closer to, or contacts, the aerosol generating material 112 disposed on the first surface 122 and may flow closer to, or contact, the aerosol generating material 112 disposed on the second surface 132. This can pick up more aerosol in the airflow and improves efficiency. Further, the puff delivery may be tailored to the requirements of a device or a user as appropriate.

In examples, one of first 142 or second 144 spacer layers is omitted. The article 110 may therefore comprise, for example, a first spacer layer 142 and at least one intermediate layer 140 with flow directing features 138. In this example, the airflow is still directed by the features 130 such that it flows closer towards the first surface 112 of the first layer 120 that comprises the aerosol-generating material.

In examples, two intermediate layers are provided. A second intermediate layer may be provided with flow directing features to further direct or disrupt the airflow.

In examples, more than three intermediate layers may be provided, for example four intermediate layers, five intermediate layers or six or more intermediate layers.

In examples, both of the first 142 and second 144 spacer layers are omitted. A spacer layer may be combined with the intermediate layer that comprises the flow directing features. The frame member 141 of the intermediate layer may be of a greater thickness than the thickness of the flow directing features 138. As such, the thicker frame member 141 acts as a spacer to space the flow directing features from first layer 120 and a second layer 130 of the article 110. This means that the airflow path may pass over or under each of the flow directing features. As a result, the consumable may be more compact with less layers required for simplified assembly.

Referring to Fig. 5, the flow directing features may be wider along the longitudinal axis. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the first and second surfaces 122, 132 of first and second layers 120, 130 as well as the first spacer layer 142 and the second spacer layer 144 are each identical to those shown in Fig. 4.

In this embodiment, the first intermediate layer 240 has a frame member 241 and comprises flow directing features 238. There are four flow directing features 238 which extend between long longitudinal sides of the frame member 241. First flow directing features 238a are substantially identical to those described with respect to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Second flow directing features 238b are wider than first flow directing features in the longitudinal direction of the article 110. The second flow directing features 238b align with some of the regions of aerosol generating material 122 on each of the first and second surfaces 122, 132. This means that the airflow path is directed closer to an increased surface area of aerosol generating material 122 in the article 110 in regions adjacent to the second flow directing features 238b.

In examples, an equal number of wider second flow directing features 238b are provided to align with each of the regions 114 of aerosol generating material 112. . In examples, one or more wider second flow directing features 238b are provided. In examples, two or three wider second flow directing features 238b are provided to align with alternate regions 114 of aerosol generating material 112.

In examples, the second flow directing features 238b are wider or narrower than the regions of aerosol generating material. In examples, the spacer layers 142, 144 may be thicker to create spacing between the first and second surfaces 122, 132 of the first and second layers 120, 130 and the first intermediate layer 240 respectively. This allows increased airflow through the consumable when the second flow directing features 238 align with the regions of aerosol generating material 112.

In examples, the article comprises a mouthpiece at its proximal end. In an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol forming article and an aerosol generating device, the system mouth piece may be provided in one of the article or the device.

In examples, the proximal end of the article may not be rounded. In plan view, the longitudinal length of the article may not extend past the regions of aerosol generating material. The article may be symmetrical about a midpoint along its longitudinal length. This means that the article is smaller and more compact. Additionally, the article may be insertable into an aerosol generating device in more than one orientation, which is easier for a user.

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 forming article comprising: a substantially planar first surface comprising an aerosol-generating material; a substantially planar second surface opposite the first surface such that an airflow path is defined between the first and second surfaces; and a flow directing feature between the first and second surfaces to induce out of plane flow towards the first surface.

2. The aerosol forming article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol forming article is formed of a layered structure, the layered structure comprising a first layer defining the first surface and a second layer defining the second surface.

3. The aerosol forming article of claim 2, wherein the layered structure comprises at least one intermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer comprising a first intermediate layer, wherein the flow directing feature is formed by the first intermediate layer.

4. The aerosol forming article of claim 3, wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises a spacer layer, wherein the spacer layer is between the first intermediate layer and the first layer.

5. The aerosol forming article of claim 4, wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises an additional spacer layer between the first intermediate layer and the second layer.

6. The aerosol forming article of any preceding claim, wherein the second surface comprises aerosol generating material.

7. The aerosol forming article of claim 6, wherein the flow directing feature is further configured to induce out of plane flow towards the second surface.

8. The aerosol forming article of any preceding claim, wherein the flow directing feature is a cross member.

9. The aerosol forming article of claim 8, wherein the cross member is configured to split the airflow path.

10. The aerosol forming article of any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the intermediate layer comprises an inlet aperture, the inlet aperture forming an inlet to the aerosol forming article.

11. The aerosol forming article of any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the intermediate layer comprises an outlet aperture, the outlet aperture forming an outlet to the aerosol forming article.

12. The aerosol forming article of any preceding claim, wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of discrete regions of aerosol generating material.

13. The aerosol forming article of any of claims 4 to 12, wherein the spacer comprises a support member, the support member extending between the discrete regions of aerosol generating material.

14. An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol forming article according to any preceding claim and an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol.