Patent Application
20250082013
The present invention relates to aerosol generating device system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to a kit for an aerosol generating system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol generating system.
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.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generating device system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a primary body; a first auxiliary body removably mountable to the primary body comprising a first cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material; and a second auxiliary body removably mountable to the primary body comprising a second cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material; wherein the first auxiliary body and second auxiliary body are arranged to be interchangeably attached to the primary body; and wherein the first cavity has a first configuration and the second cavity has a second configuration, the first configuration being different to the second configuration such that a portion of an article receivable by the first cavity is different than a portion of an article receivable by the second cavity.
The first cavity may be different to the second cavity in at least one spatial aspect.
The first cavity may be configured to receive a different proportion of an article containing aerosol-generating material than the second cavity.
The first cavity may be configured to receive a different proportion of a heating module containing aerosol-generating material than the second cavity.
The first cavity may be configured to receive a first article having a first article configuration and the second cavity is configured to receive a second article having a second, different, article configuration.
The first cavity may have at least one dimension different from the second cavity.
The first cavity may define a first article receiving volume and the second cavity may define a second article receiving volume, the first article receiving volume having at least one dimension different from the second article receiving volume.
The first cavity may have a first article receiving depth and the second cavity has a second, different, article receiving depth.
The first cavity may have a first article receiving width and the second cavity has a second, different, article receiving width.
The first cavity may have a first diameter and the second cavity has a second, different, diameter.
The first auxiliary body may comprise a locating protrusion protruding in the first cavity.
The second auxiliary body may be free from a locating protrusion protruding in the second cavity.
The locating protrusion of the first auxiliary body may be a first locating protrusion and the second auxiliary body may comprise a second locating protrusion protruding in the second cavity.
The first locating protrusion may have a different configuration to the second locating protrusion.
The first locating protrusion may protrude in the first cavity in a different position to the position the second locating protrusion protrudes in the second cavity.
The surface protrusion may be at least one of a rib, a shoulder and a tab.
The first cavity may extend to an opening in the first auxiliary body through which an article is arranged to protrude from the aerosol generating device.
The first auxiliary body may comprise an airpath extending from the first cavity to an opening on a peripheral face of the first auxiliary body.
The airpath may be a bore.
The diameter of the bore may be less than the diameter of the first cavity.
The first auxiliary body may be a mouthpiece.
The second cavity may extend to an opening in the second auxiliary body through which an article is arranged to protrude from the aerosol generating device.
The second auxiliary body may comprise an airpath extending from the second cavity to an opening on a peripheral face of the second auxiliary body.
The second auxiliary body may be a mouthpiece.
The diameter of the bore may be less than the diameter of the second cavity.
The primary body may comprise a power supply.
The device may comprise a heating module.
The heating module may be removably attached to the body module.
The primary body and the heating module may be separable.
The heating module may comprise an inductor coil, and the inductor coil may be configured to generate a varying magnetic field.
The inductor coil may extend around the heating element.
The inductor coil and heating element may be fixedly mounted.
The inductor coil and heating element may be integrally formed in a housing of the heating module.
The heating element may protrude in the heating chamber.
The heating element may be elongate.
The heating element may be configured to interchangeably extend in the first auxiliary body and the second auxiliary body.
The device body and interchangeably each of the first auxiliary body and the second auxiliary body may be configured to enclose the heating module.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a kit for an aerosol generating device system for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a first auxiliary body removably mountable to a primary body of an aerosol generating device, the first auxiliary body comprising a first cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material; and a second auxiliary body removably mountable to the primary body, the second auxiliary body comprising a second cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material; wherein the first auxiliary body and second auxiliary body are arranged to be interchangeably attached to the primary body; and wherein the first cavity has a first configuration and the second cavity has a second configuration, the first configuration being different to the second configuration such that a portion of an article receivable by the first cavity is different than a portion of an article receivable by the second cavity.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol generating device system as described above and an article containing aerosol generating material.
Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
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 flavorants. 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 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free. Apparatus is known that heats aerosol generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an “aerosol generating device”, an “aerosol provision device”, a “heat-not-burn device”, a “tobacco heating product device” or a “tobacco heating device” or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the apparatus.
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 volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.
The device 11 has a primary body 16 and an auxiliary body 17. The system 10 comprises two or more auxiliary bodies as will be described in detail below. The auxiliary body 17 is removably mounted on the primary body 16. The primary body 16 can act as a handle of the device 11. When using the device 11, the user can hold the device 11 by the primary body 16. The auxiliary body 17 acts as a mouthpiece. The user can draw on the device 11 from the mouthpiece. An opening 13 is formed in a proximal end of the auxiliary body 17. Aerosol is drawn through the opening 13. A bore 19, defining an aerosol path, extends from the opening 13. The article 12 is removably insertable into the device 10. The article 12 is insertable by separating the primary body 16 and the auxiliary body 17. In embodiments the device may have further removably mounted components.
The article 12 is housed within the device 10. The device 11 defines a longitudinal axis 18, along which an article 12 may extend when inserted into the device 11. The opening 13 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 18.
The device 11 includes an aerosol generator 20. The aerosol generator 20 includes a heating assembly 21, a controller (control circuit) 22, and a power source 23. The heating assembly 21 can be a heating module. The heating assembly 21 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating medium or material of an article 12 inserted into the device 11, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating medium. The power source 23 supplies electrical power to the heating assembly 21, and the heating assembly 21 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.
The power source 23 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 23 may be electrically coupled to the heating assembly 21 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller 22 to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit 22 may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 21 based on a user operating a control element (not shown). For example, the controller 22 may activate the heating assembly 21 in response to a user operating a switch (not shown).
The end of the device 11 closest to the opening 13 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 24 of the device 11 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 12 into the device, operates the user control to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the article 12 along a flow path towards the proximal end 24 of the device 11.
The other end of the device furthest away from the opening 13 may be known as the distal end 25 of the device 11 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 24 of the device 11. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 11 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the axis 18.
The primary body 16 of the device 11 houses the power source 23 and the control circuit 22. The primary body 16 may include a chassis and other components forming part of the device 11. The primary body 16 comprises a housing 30. The housing 30 is elongate. The housing 30 has an end face 28 at a proximal end 27 of the housing 30. The heating assembly 21 is disposed at the proximal end 27 of the primary body 16. The heating assembly 21 is mounted to the end face 28 of the primary body 16. The heating assembly 21 can be removably mounted to the end face 28 of the primary body 16. In embodiments, the housing 30 may be any shape. The housing 30 may be a shape that is configured for the user to grip. In embodiments, the heating assembly 21 may be partially embedded in the primary body 16. The heating assembly 21 may protrude from the proximal end of the primary body 16.
The auxiliary body 17 is located at the proximal end 24 of the device 11. The auxiliary body 17 houses at least a portion of the heating assembly 21. The auxiliary body 17 houses at least a portion of the article 12. The auxiliary body 17 is removably mountable to the primary body 16. In embodiments, the heating assembly 21 is fixed to the primary body 16 so that it cannot be removed. The heating assembly 21 protrudes from the primary body 16 into the auxiliary body 17.
The heating assembly 21 comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 12 via an inductive heating process.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
The aerosol generator 20 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 12 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (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 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 heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.
Referring to
The heating chamber 40 is defined by the inner surfaces of the receptacle 42. The receptacle 42 acts as a support member. The receptacle 42 comprises a generally tubular member. The receptacle 42 extends along and around and substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 18 of the device 11. However, other shapes would be possible. The receptacle 42 (and so heating zone 41) is open at its proximal end such that an article 12 received by the device 11 can be received by the heating chamber 40. The receptacle 42 is closed at its distal end by the end wall 43. The receptacle 42 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of an air path (not shown). In use, the distal end of the article 12 may be positioned in proximity or engagement with the end of the heating chamber 40. Air may pass through the one or more conduits forming part of the air path, into the heating chamber 40, and flow through the article 12 towards the proximal end of the device 11.
Other arrangements for the receptacle 42 would be possible. For example, in an embodiment the end wall 43 is defined by part of the heating assembly 21. In embodiments, the receptacle 42 comprises material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.
The heating assembly 21 comprises the heating element 45. The heating element 45 is configured to heat the heating zone 41. The heating zone 41 is defined in the heating chamber 40. In embodiments the heating chamber 40 defines a portion of the heating zone 41 or the extent of the heating zone 41.
The heating element 45 is heatable to heat the heating zone 41. The heating element 45 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 45 comprises material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The heating element 45 comprises electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the heating element 45 may be formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.
The magnetic field generator 47 is configured to generate one or more varying magnetic fields that penetrate the susceptor 46 so as to cause heating in the susceptor 46. The magnetic field generator 47 includes an inductor coil arrangement 48. The inductor coil arrangement 48 comprises the inductor coil 49, acting as an inductor element. The inductor coil 49 is a helical coil, however other arrangements are envisaged. In embodiments, the inductor coil arrangement 48 comprises two or more inductor coils 49. The two or more inductor coils in embodiments are disposed adjacent to each other and may be aligned co-axially along the axis. The inductor coil 49 is disposed external to the receptacle 42. The inductor coil 49 encircles the heating zone 41.
The heating element 45 extends in the heating zone 41. The heating element 45, acting as a protruding element, protrudes in the heating zone 41. The heating element 45 upstands from the base. The heating element 45 is spaced from the peripheral wall 44. The heating assembly 21 is configured such that when an article 12 is received by the heating chamber 40, a heating portion 50 of the heating element 45 extends into a distal end of the article 12. The heating element 45 is positioned, in use, within the article 12. The heating element 40 is configured to heat aerosol generating material of an article 12 from within, and for this reason is referred to as an inner heating element. In embodiments the heating element defines the heating zone. Such a heating element is known as an outer heating element.
With reference to
In embodiments, a second heating assembly (not shown) is provided, wherein the heating assembly 21 is a first heating assembly. The first and second heating assemblies can both be interchangeably mounted to the proximal end of the primary body 16. The first heating assembly can be removed from the proximal end of the primary body 16 and the second heating assembly can be attached to the proximal end of the primary body 16.
The first heating assembly has a different configuration to the second heating assembly. The configuration of the first heating assembly differs from the configuration of the second heating assembly in at least one spatial aspect. The first heating assembly can be a different size to the second heating assembly. The first heating assembly can be a different shape to the second heating assembly. The receptacle of the first heating assembly can be a different configuration to the receptacle of the second heating assembly. The usable volume of the receptacle of the first heating assembly can differ from that of the second heating assembly.
The proximal end 27 of the primary body 16 is defined by the end face 28. A distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 17 locates with the proximal end 27 of the primary body 16. A portion of the heating assembly 21 protrudes through the distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 17 when the primary body 16 and auxiliary body 17 are assembled.
The auxiliary body 17 is removably mounted to the primary body 16. The auxiliary body 17 acts as a first auxiliary body, and is interchangeable with different auxiliary bodies, examples of which are shown in
The auxiliary body 17 is generally tubular. The auxiliary body 17 has a proximal end 61 and the distal end 63. The auxiliary body 17 has an outer surface 60. The auxiliary body 17 is cylindrical. The outer surface 60 has a proximal end surface 62. The outer surface 60 has a distal end surface 64. The distal end surface 64 is generally annular. The outer surface 60 has a peripheral, curved surface that extends between the proximal and distal end surfaces 62, 64. The auxiliary body 17 has a length measured from the distal end surface 64 to the proximal end surface 62. In other embodiments the auxiliary body may be any number of different shapes.
The auxiliary body 17 is removably mounted to the primary body 16. A mounting configuration (not shown) is used to mount the auxiliary body 17. The mounting configuration may comprise one or more of a thread configuration, bayonet configuration, magnetic configuration, and latch configuration. The mounting configuration in embodiments is disposed at the distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 17 and at the proximal end 61 of the primary body 16. For example, with a magnetic configuration, when in close proximity, magnets may exert an attractive force on one another causing the auxiliary body 17 to be attached to the primary body 16. Another example that may be used in various embodiments, is a spring clip. The spring clip may be operable by the user. A locating element (not shown) may also be used that would ensure that the auxiliary body 17 is mounted in a specific orientation on the proximal surface of the primary body 16.
The aperture 13 is disposed at the proximal end of the auxiliary body 17. The aperture 13 is disposed in the proximal end surface 62. The distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 17 is an open end. The auxiliary body 17 comprises a cavity 65. The cavity 65 extends in the auxiliary body 17. The bore 19, defining the aerosol path, extends from the cavity 65 to the opening 13. The cavity 65 is open at the distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 17.
The cavity 65 comprises a first chamber 67 and a second chamber 68. The first chamber 67 extends between the bore 19 and the second chamber 68. The end of the cavity 65 defines a shoulder 69. The shoulder 69 acts as a locating protrusion. The locating protrusion locates the article 12. The first chamber 67 has a first width. The diameter of the first chamber 67 corresponds to the diameter of the article 12. The cavity 65 is arranged to receive the article 12. The cavity 65 is arranged to receive the heating assembly 21 protruding from the primary body 16. The first chamber 67 receives the portion of the article 12 protruding from the heating assembly 21. The depth of the cavity 65 corresponds to the height of the article 12 upstanding from a proximal end 27 of the primary body 16. The depth of the first chamber 67 corresponds to the height of the article upstanding from the heating assembly 21. The depth of the second chamber 68 corresponds to the height of the heating assembly 21 upstanding from the proximal end 27 of the primary body 16.
In embodiments the cavity 65 may comprise any number of chambers, including just one chamber. The chambers may be any shape. The chambers may extend different lengths within the auxiliary body.
The distal end 63 of the auxiliary body 16 is defined by a distal end face 64. The cavity 65 extends from the distal end face 64. An aperture is formed in the distal end face 64 through which the heating assembly 21 is inserted into the auxiliary body.
Referring to
The auxiliary body 117 of this second auxiliary body 117 comprises a second cavity 165 of the device 11. It will be understood that depending on configurations, the auxiliary body 117 may act as a first auxiliary body, with the cavity 165 acting as the first cavity. The cavity 165 comprises a first chamber 167 and a second chamber 168. The first chamber 167 extends between the opening 113 and the second chamber 168. The first chamber 167 has a first width. The opening corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the first chamber 167. The diameter of the first chamber 167 corresponds to the diameter of the article 12. The cavity 165 is arranged to receive the article 12. The cavity 165 is arranged to receive the heating assembly 21 protruding from the primary body 16. The first chamber 167 receives a portion of the article 12 protruding from the heating assembly 21. The depth of the second chamber 168 corresponds to the height of the heating assembly 21 upstanding from the proximal end 27 of the primary body 16.
The article 12 is housed within the auxiliary body 117. When the article 12 is inserted into the device 11 through the auxiliary body, the substrate portion is disposed within the auxiliary body 117. At least a portion of the filter portion protrudes from the auxiliary body 117. In embodiments the article 12 may only comprise a substrate portion and may not include a filter portion. Through the use of such an interchangeable auxiliary body 117, the article 12 may be replaced without the need to detach the auxiliary body 117. The change between different uses of the device, the user replaces one of the auxiliary bodies with a different auxiliary body.
In
This auxiliary body 217 comprises a cavity 265. The auxiliary body 217 of this third auxiliary body 217 comprises a third cavity 265 of the device 11. It will be understood that depending on configurations, this auxiliary body 217 may act as a first or second auxiliary body, with the cavity 265 acting as the first cavity. The third cavity 265 has a different configuration to the first cavity 65. The third cavity 265 has a first chamber 267 and a second chamber 268. A bore 219 extends from the cavity 265 to the opening 213.
In embodiments, the first cavity 65 may have at least one dimension different from the third cavity 265. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the first chambers 67, 267 differ. This enables different sized articles to be used. The dimensions of the second chambers 68, 268 stay consistent between the auxiliary bodies 217. The length of the first cavity 65 may be a first article receiving depth. The third cavity 265 may have a second, different, article receiving depth. The first cavity 65 may have a first article receiving width. The third cavity 265 may have a second, different, article receiving width.
In
This auxiliary body 317 comprises a cavity 365. The auxiliary body 317 of this fourth auxiliary body 317 comprises a fourth cavity 365 of the device 11. It will be understood that depending on configurations, this auxiliary body 317 may act as a first, second or third auxiliary body, with the cavity 365 acting as the first, second or third cavity. The fourth cavity 365 has a different configuration to the first cavity 65. The fourth cavity 365 has a first chamber 367 and a second chamber 368. A bore 319 extends from the cavity 365 to the opening 313.
In embodiments, the first cavity 65 may have at least one dimension different from the fourth cavity 365. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the first chambers 67, 267 stay consistent. The dimensions of the second chambers 68, 368 differ between the auxiliary bodies 217. This enables different sized heating assemblies to be used. Heating modules may be interchangeably used with different dimensions to accommodate different articles with different dimensions. Other characteristics of the heating modules, such as heating profiles, heating element size, and chamber size may differ. The length of the second chamber 68 may be a first heating assembly receiving depth. The fourth cavity 365 may have a second chamber 368 with a second, different, heating assembly receiving depth. The first cavity 65 may have a first heating assembly receiving width. The fourth cavity 365 may have a second, different, heating assembly receiving width.
In
This auxiliary body 417 comprises a cavity 465. The auxiliary body 417 of this fifth auxiliary body 417 comprises a fifth cavity 465 of the device 11. It will be understood that depending on configurations, this auxiliary body 417 may act as a first, second, third or fourth auxiliary body, with the cavity 465 acting as the first, second, third or fourth cavity. The fifth cavity 465 has a different configuration to the first cavity 65. The fourth cavity 465 has a first chamber 467 and a second chamber 468. A bore 419 extends from the cavity 465 to the opening 413. With this arrangement, both the dimensions of the first and second chamber 467, 468 of the fifth cavity 465 differ from the dimensions of the first cavity 65.
The volume of the first cavity 65 is greater than the volume of the fifth cavity 465. The usable volume of the first cavity 65 is greater that the usable volume of the fifth cavity 465. The first auxiliary body 17 can accommodate a larger heating assembly 21. The fourth auxiliary body 317 can contain a longer heating assembly 21. The fourth auxiliary body 317 is able to house and contain a larger article 12 than the other auxiliary bodies such as the fifth auxiliary body 417. When mounted to the device 11, the fourth auxiliary body 317 can increase the amount of aerosol generating material the device 11 is able to house.
Referring now to
In
Movement of the end wall 43 may be done at discrete intervals, such that the end wall 43 can be located at a particular number of locations. In examples, the end wall 43 may be located at a first, second and third location. The first location may be at the distal end 25 of the receptacle 42. The second location may be at the proximal end 24 of the receptacle 42. The third location may be somewhere between the first and the second location. In embodiments, the movement of the end wall 43 may be achieved in a continuous manner such that the there is no limit the number of locations the end wall 43 may be located along the longitudinal axis 18. It can be appreciated that operation of the end wall 43 by the user can be achieved using any other switch, button or other operating mechanism.
In a first operating condition, that shown in
The device 11 accommodates articles of different sizes and shapes. If an article is of a configuration that does not fit or is not accepted by the device 11, the heating assembly 21 and/or the auxiliary body 17 can be removed and appropriate components can be mounted. The device 11 provides flexibility to the user. The user of the device can use different shapes or sizes of article with ease. The users experience using the device can therefore be improved as they can tailor the experience of using the device 11 based on the user's preference. The manufacturer is also less restricted in designing future articles for the device. The manufacturer can change the design of the article and produce a corresponding mouthpiece and heating assembly. The manufacturer is therefore capable of providing fresh, innovative experiences to the user without being unduly restricted or requiring that the user buy a new device.
In the above described embodiments, the heating arrangement is an inductive heating arrangement. In embodiments, other types of heating arrangement are used, such as resistive heating. The configuration of the device is generally as described above and so a detailed description will be omitted. In such arrangements the heating assembly 201 comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating component, and the resulting flow of current in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating assembly comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material.
In embodiments, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself. In embodiments the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example by conduction.
The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2118774.5 | Dec 2021 | GB | national |
The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/086717 filed Dec. 19, 2022, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2118774.5 filed Dec. 22, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/086717 | 12/19/2022 | WO |
