Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol
generating system and a method of generating an aerosol.
BACKGROUND
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 types
of
articles, which burn tobacco, by creating products that release compounds
without
burning. Apparatus is known that heats smokable material to volatilise at
least one
component of the smokable material, typically to form an aerosol which can be
inhaled,
without burning or combusting the smokable material. Such apparatus is
sometimes
described as a "heat-not-burn" apparatus or a "tobacco heating product" (THP)
or
"tobacco heating device" or similar. Various different arrangements for
volatilising at least
one component of the smokable material are known.
The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products or a
combination, such as a blended mix, which may or may not contain nicotine.
It is desired to provide an improved aerosol provision device.
SUMMARY
According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device for
generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol
provision
device comprises:
one or more aerosol generators arranged to cause aerosol to be generated from
the aerosol generating material; and
a controller for controlling the one or more aerosol generators;
wherein the controller is operable in a first mode of operation to set a first
heating
profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that during a session of
use the
average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is Ti; and
wherein the controller is operable in a second mode of operation to set a
second
different heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that
during a
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session of use the average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol
generators
is also Ti.
According to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided which
has the ability to set two or more different heating profiles for the one or
more aerosol
generators. The two or more different heating profiles are arranged so that
they have the
same, or substantially the same, average operating temperature Ti during a
session of
use thereby enabling aerosolisable material to be maintained at an optimum or
desired
average temperature during a session of use whilst also facilitating a user to
have
different sensorial experiences by selecting between a choice of different
heating
profiles.
It will be apparent, therefore, that an aerosol provision device according to
various embodiments maintains the optimum operating conditions for generating
aerosol
from an aerosol generating material whilst allowing a user to vary the
sensorial
experience.
According to an embodiment the average operating temperature of the heating
profiles Ti may be in the range: (i) 200-210 C; (ii) 210-220 C; (iii) 220-230
C; (iv) 230-
240 C; (v) 240-250 C; (vi) 250-260 C; (vii) 260-270 C; (viii) 270-280 C;
(ix) 280-290
uC; and (x) 290-300 C.
According to an embodiment the first and second heating profiles may be mirror
images of each other.
According to an embodiment the first heating profile may have a first maximum
operating temperature and the second heating profile may have a second
different
maximum operating temperature.
According to an embodiment the first heating profile may be stepped upwards as
a function of time and the second heating profile may be stepped downwards as
a
function of time.
According to an alternative embodiment the first heating profile may be
stepped
downwards as a function of time and the second heating profile may be stepped
upwards
as a function of time.
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According to an embodiment a session of use comprises at least a first time
period t1 and at least a second subsequent time period t2, wherein in either a
first mode
of operation and/or in a second mode of operation during the first time period
tithe
controller is arranged to set a first maximum temperature Tima, for the one or
more
aerosol generators and wherein during the second time period t2 the controller
is
arranged to set a second maximum temperature T2max for the one or more aerosol
generators, wherein either: (i) Tima. > T2max; or (ii) Tima. < T2max.
According to an embodiment the session of use may comprise at least a first
time
period t1, at least a second subsequent time period t2 and at least a third
yet further time
period t3, wherein in either a first mode of operation and/or in a second mode
of
operation during the first time period tithe controller is arranged to set a
first maximum
temperature Tiõx , during the second time period t2 the controller is arranged
to set a
second maximum temperature T2max and wherein during the third time period t3
the
controller is arranged to set a third maximum temperature T3max wherein
either: (i) Timax >
T2max > T3max ; (ii) Tlmax > T2max < T3max (iii) Tlmax < T2max > T3max or (iv)
Timax < T2max <
T3max =
According to an embodiment the first heating profile may have a first duration
D1
and the second heating profile may have a second different duration D2.
According to an embodiment D1 and D2 may differ by at least 5%, 10%, 15%,
20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%.
According to an embodiment D1 may be selected from: (i) 200-210 s; (ii) 210-
220
s; (iii) 220-230 s; (iv) 230-240 s; (v) 240-250 s; (vi) 250-260 s; (vii) 260-
270 s; (viii) 270-
280 s; (ix) 280-290 s; or (x) 290-300 s.
According to an embodiment D2 may be selected from: (i) 200-210 s; (ii) 210-
220
s; (iii) 220-230 s; (iv) 230-240 s; (v) 240-250 s; (vi) 250-260 s; (vii) 260-
270 s; (viii) 270-
280 s; (ix) 280-290 s; or (x) 290-300 s.
According to an embodiment the second heating profile may correspond to the
first heating profile but additionally include one or more adjustment periods.
The purpose
of including an adjustment period may be to ensure that the first and second
heating
profiles have the same average operating temperature Ti.
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According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device for
generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol
provision
device comprises:
one or more aerosol generators arranged to cause aerosol to be generated from
the aerosol generating material; and
a controller;
wherein the controller is operable in a first mode of operation to set a first
heating
profile for the one or more aerosol generators during a first session of use
wherein the
operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is initially
increased to a
temperature T2 during a first time period, then decreased to a temperature T3
during a
second time period and then increased to a temperature T4 during a third time
period;
wherein the controller is operable in a second mode of operation to set a
second
heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators during a second session
of use
wherein the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is
initially
increased to a temperature T5 during a first time period, then further
increased to a
higher temperature T6 during a second time period and then yet further
increased to a
yet higher temperature 17 during a third time period; and
wherein the controller is operable in a third mode of operation to set a third
heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators during a third session
of use
wherein the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is
initially
increased to a temperature T8 during a first time period, then decreased to a
lower
temperature T9 during a second time period and then yet further decreased to a
yet
lower temperature T10 during a third time period.
According to various embodiments a controller is provided which is operable in
at
least three different modes of operation, wherein in each mode of operation a
different
heating profile may be set for one or more aerosol generators. Accordingly, a
more
versatile controller is provided which enables a user to experience an
increased variety
of sensorial experiences.
Optionally, the controller when operated in the second mode of operation is
arranged to increase the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators
from T5 to
16 to T7 in either: (i) a substantially stepped manner; or (ii) a
substantially smooth
manner.
Optionally, the controller when operated in the second mode of operation is
arranged to decrease the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators
from 18 to
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19 to T10 in either: (i) a substantially stepped manner; or (ii) a
substantially smooth
manner.
According to an embodiment the first session of use may have a duration D1,
the
second session of use may have a duration D2 and the third session of use may
have a
duration D3, wherein either: (i) D1 = D2 = D3; (ii) D1 = D2 # D3; (iii) D1 #
D2 = D3; (iv)
D1 = D3 # D2; or (v) D1 # D2 # D3.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device for
generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol
provision
device comprises:
one or more aerosol generators arranged to cause aerosol to be generated from
the aerosol generating material; and
a controller for controlling the one or more aerosol generators;
wherein the controller is operable in a first mode of operation to set a first
heating
profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that during a session of
use the
average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is Ti; and
wherein the controller is operable in a second mode of operation to set a
second
heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators, wherein the second
heating
profile corresponds to the first heating profile but additionally includes one
or more
adjustment periods such that during a session of use the average operating
temperature
of the one or more aerosol generators is T2, wherein Ti and T2 are different.
According to various embodiments it may be desired to vary a heating profile
which is otherwise set for one or more aerosol generators so to both extend a
session of
use and also vary the average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol
generators throughout a session of use.
According to an embodiment the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or
more induction heating units.
According to an embodiment the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or
more resistive or non-induction heating units.
According to an embodiment the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or
more external heating units.
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According to an embodiment the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or
more internal heating units.
According to an embodiment the one or more aerosol generators comprise a first
heating unit and a second heating unit.
According to an embodiment either: (i) the first heating unit comprises an
induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an induction
heating unit;
(ii) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit and the second
heating unit
comprises a resistive or non-induction heating unit; (iii) the first heating
unit comprises a
resistive or non-induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises
an
induction heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises a resistive
or non-induction
heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-
induction heating
unit.
According to an embodiment either: (i) the first heating unit comprises an
external
heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit;
(ii) the first
heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit
comprises
an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal
heating unit and
the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first
heating unit
comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an
external
heating unit.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to begin when power
or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after an
aerosol
generating article has been inserted into the aerosol provision device.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to begin when power
or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators in order to
raise the
temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature
Tmin
such that a user can take a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol
generating
material. Optionally, Tmin is in the range: (i) 200-210 C; (ii) 210-220 C;
(iii) 220-230 C;
(iv) 230-240 C; (v) 240-250 C; (vi) 250-260 C; (vii) 260-270 C; (viii) 270-
280 C; (ix)
280-290 C; and (x) 290-300 C.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to end when power
or energy is no longer supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.
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According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to end when the
aerosol generating material is substantially spent or wherein a user is unable
to take
further puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to relate to a
period
of time during which a user is enabled to take multiple puffs of aerosol
generated from
aerosol generating material without replacement or replenishment of the
aerosol
generating material.
According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol generating system
comprising:
an aerosol provision device as described above; and
an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material.
The aerosol generating article may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol
provision
device.
According to an aspect there is provided a method of generating aerosol
comprising:
providing an aerosol provision device comprising one or more aerosol
generators
arranged to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material;
inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device; and
selecting between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation;
wherein in the first mode of operation a first heating profile is set for the
one or
more aerosol generators such that during a session of use the average
operating
temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is TI; and
wherein in the second mode of operation a second different heating profile is
set
for the one or more aerosol generators such that during a session of use the
average
operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is also T1.
According to an aspect there is provided a method of generating aerosol
comprising:
providing an aerosol provision device comprising one or more aerosol
generators
arranged to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material;
inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device; and
selecting between at least three different modes of operation;
wherein in a first mode of operation a first heating profile is set for the
one or
more aerosol generators during a first session of use wherein the operating
temperature
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of the one or more aerosol generators is increased to a temperature T2 during
a first time
period, then decreased to a temperature T3 during a second time period and
then
increased to a temperature T4 during a third time period;
wherein in a second mode of operation a second heating profile is set for the
one
or more aerosol generators during a second session of use wherein the
operating
temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is increased to a
temperature T5
during a first time period, then further increased to a higher temperature T6
during a
second time period and then yet further increased to a yet higher temperature
T7 during
a third time period; and
wherein in a third mode of operation a third heating profile is set for the
one or
more aerosol generators during a third session of use wherein the operating
temperature
of the one or more aerosol generators is increased to a temperature T8 during
a first time
period, then decreased to a lower temperature T9 during a second time period
and then
yet further decreased to a yet lower temperature 110 during a third time
period.
According to an aspect there is provided a method of generating aerosol
comprising:
providing an aerosol provision device comprising one or more aerosol
generators
arranged to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material; and
inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device; and
selecting between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation;
wherein in a first mode of operation a first heating profile is set for the
one or
more aerosol generators such that during a session of use the average
operating
temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is TI; and
wherein in a second mode of operation a second heating profile is set for the
one
or more aerosol generators, wherein the second heating profile corresponds to
the first
heating profile but additionally includes one or more adjustment periods such
that during
a session of use the average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol
generators is T2, wherein Ti and 12 are different.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision
device and Fig. 1B is a cross-section of the heating assembly shown in Fig. 1A
with an
aerosol generating article disposed therein;
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Fig. 2A is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol generating article for use
with
the aerosol provision device and Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the aerosol
provision
article;
Fig. 3 is a graph showing a general temperature profile of a first heating
unit in an
aerosol provision device during an exemplary smoking session;
Fig. 4 is a graph showing a general temperature profile of a second heating
unit
in an aerosol provision device during an exemplary smoking session;
Fig. 5 is a graph showing a general programmed heating profile of a heating
element in an aerosol provision device during an exemplary session of use;
Fig. 6 shows two different heating profiles which a controller may set for one
or
more aerosol generators of an aerosol provision device according to an
embodiment
wherein the heating profiles are different but have the same average operating
temperature Ti throughout a session of use;
Fig. 7 shows two different heating profiles which a controller may set for one
or
more aerosol generators of an aerosol provision device according to an
embodiment
wherein the heating profiles have different maximum and minimum temperatures
but
wherein the average operating temperature throughout a session of use is the
same;
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment wherein a first heating profile is stepped upwards
throughout a session of use and a second heating profile is stepped downwards
throughout a session of use and wherein the two heating profiles have the same
average
operating temperature throughout a session of use;
Fig. 9 shows an embodiment wherein a controller may apply two different
heating
profiles have different durations but wherein the heating profiles have the
same average
operating temperature;
Fig. 10 shows an embodiment wherein a controller is arranged to set heating
profiles for one or more aerosol generators and is operable in at least three
different
modes of operation wherein a user may select between at least three different
heating
profiles which may be applied to the one or more aerosol generators of an
aerosol
provision device;
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Fig. 11A shows an embodiment wherein in a first mode of operation the
controller
sets a heating profile wherein the temperature increases, then decreases, then
increases, Fig. 11B shows an embodiment wherein in a second mode of operation
the
controller sets a heating profile which is stepped upwards and Fig. 11C shows
an
embodiment wherein in a third mode operation the controller sets a heating
profile which
is stepped downwards; and
Fig. 12A shows an embodiment wherein a controller sets a heating profile for
one
or more aerosol generators having an average operating temperature Ti and Fig.
12B
shows an embodiment wherein a dummy buffer period or adjustment period is
inserted
into a heating profile so as to extend the duration of the heating profile
with the effect that
the average operating temperature 12 of the one or more aerosol generators
throughout
a session of use is altered.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that provide
volatilised
components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol
generating material
includes any 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". In an
embodiment, the aerosol generating material is a non-liquid aerosol generating
material.
In a particular embodiment, the non-liquid aerosol generating material
comprises
tobacco.
Apparatus is known that heats aerosol generating material to volatilise 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", a
"tobacco
heating product device", a "tobacco heating device" or similar. In an
embodiment the
aerosol provision device is a tobacco heating product. The non-liquid aerosol
generating
material for use with a tobacco heating product comprises tobacco.
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E-cigarette devices are also known which comprise aerosol provision devices
which vaporise 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 volatilising the aerosol generating
material may be
provided as a "permanent" part of the apparatus.
Aerosol provision devices are also known which generate aerosol from a hybrid
aerosol generating article. The hybrid aerosol generating article comprises a
section
which includes a cartomiser which includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating
material
and another section which includes solid aerosol generating material such as
tobacco
granules.
An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol
generating
material for heating, also referred to as a "smoking article". An "article",
"aerosol
generating article" or "smoking 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 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 aerosol provision device according to various embodiments comprises a
plurality of aerosol generators for generating aerosol from aerosol generating
material in
use.
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. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured
to
cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without
heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the
aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure,
or
electrostatic energy.
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A heating unit typically refers to a component which is arranged to receive
electrical energy from an electrical energy source, and to supply thermal
energy to an
aerosol generating material. A heating unit may comprise a heating element. A
heating
element is typically a material which is arranged to supply heat to an aerosol
generating
material in use. The heating unit comprising the heating element may comprise
any other
component required, such as a component for transducing the electrical energy
received
by the heating unit. In other examples, the heating element itself may be
configured to
transduce electrical energy to thermal energy.
The heating unit may comprise an induction coil. In some examples, the coil is
configured to cause heating of at least one electrically-conductive heating
element, so
that heat energy is conductible from the at least one electrically-conductive
heating
element to aerosol generating material to thereby cause heating of the aerosol
generating material.
In some examples, the coil may be configured to generate, in use, a varying
magnetic field for penetrating at least one heating element, to thereby cause
induction
heating and/or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating
element. In such
an arrangement, the or each heating element may be termed a "susceptor". A
coil that is
configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at
least one
electrically-conductive heating element, to thereby cause induction heating of
the at least
one electrically-conductive heating element, may be termed an "induction coil"
or
"inductor coil".
In some examples, the coils may be helical. In some examples, the coils may
encircle at least a part of a heating zone of the aerosol provision device
that is configured
to receive aerosol generating material. In some examples, the coils are a
helical coils
that encircle at least a part of the heating zone.
It has been found that induction heating units in an aerosol provision device
reach
a maximum operating temperature much more rapidly than corresponding resistive
heating elements. According to various embodiments, the aerosol provision
device may
be configured such that one or both heating units reaches its maximum
operating
temperature at a rate of at least 100 C per second. In a particular
embodiment, the
aerosol provision device may be configured such that one or both heating units
reaches
the maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150 C per second.
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Induction heating systems may be of interest because the varying magnetic
field
magnitude can be easily controlled by controlling power supplied to the
heating unit.
Moreover, as induction heating does not require a physical connection to be
provided
between the source of the varying magnetic field and the heat source, design
freedom
and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a heating assembly. The heating
assembly may comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.
The first heating unit and the second heating unit may comprise induction
heating
units and the units may be controllable independent from each other. Heating
the aerosol
generating material with independent heating units may provide more accurate
control of
heating of the aerosol generating material. Independently controllable heating
units may
also provide thermal energy differently to each portion of the aerosol
generating material,
resulting in differing temperature profiles across portions of the aerosol
generating
material.
According to various embodiments, the first and second heating units may be
configured to have temperature profiles which differ from each other in use.
This may
provide asymmetrical heating of the aerosol generating material along a
longitudinal
plane between the mouth end and the distal end of the aerosol provision device
when
the aerosol provision device is in use.
Alternatively, the first and second heating units may be configured to have
temperature profiles which are substantially the same in use. This may provide
symmetrical heating of the aerosol generating material along a longitudinal
plane
between the mouth end and the distal end of the aerosol provision device when
the
aerosol provision device is in use.
An object that is capable of being inductively heated is known as a susceptor.
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.a
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.
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Reference may be made to the temperature of one or more heating units or
heating elements throughout the present specification. The temperature of a
heating unit
or heating element may also be conveniently referred to as the temperature of
the
heating unit which comprises the heating element. This does not necessarily
mean that
the entire heating unit is at the given temperature. For example, where
reference is made
to the temperature of an induction heating unit, it does not necessarily mean
that both
the inductive element and the susceptor have such a temperature. Rather, in
this
example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the
temperature of
the heating element composed in the induction heating unit. For the avoidance
of doubt,
the temperature of a heating element and the temperature of a heating unit can
be used
interchangeably.
As used herein, "temperature profile" or "heating profile" refers to the
variation of
temperature of a material over time. For example, the varying temperature of a
heating
element or heating unit measured at the heating element or heating unit for
the duration
of a smoking session may be referred to as the temperature profile or heating
profile of
that heating element or heating unit. The heating elements or heating units
provide heat
to the aerosol generating material during use, to generate an aerosol. The
temperature
profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit therefore
induces the
temperature profile of aerosol generating material disposed near the heating
element or
heating unit.
"Operating temperature" as used herein in relation to a heating element or
heating unit refers to any heating element temperature at which the element
can heat an
aerosol generating material to produce sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory
puff without
combusting the aerosol generating material. The maximum operating temperature
of a
heating element or heating unit is the highest temperature reached by the
heating
element or heating unit during a smoking session. The lowest operating
temperature of
the heating element or heating unit refers to the lowest heating element
temperature at
which sufficient aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating material
by the
heating element or heating unit for a satisfactory puff. Where there are a
plurality of
heating elements or heating units present in the aerosol provision device,
each heating
element or heating unit has an associated maximum operating temperature. The
maximum operating temperature of each heating element or heating unit may be
the
same, or it may differ for each heating element or heating unit.
In the aerosol provision device according to an embodiment each heating
element or heating unit may be arranged to generate aerosol from aerosol
generating
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material in a non-combustible manner. Although the temperature profile or
heating profile
of each heating element or heating unit may induce the temperature profile of
each
associated portion of aerosol generating material, the temperature profiles or
heating
profiles of the heating element or heating unit and the associated portion of
aerosol
generating material may not exactly correspond. For example, there may be
"bleed" in
the form of conduction, convection and/or radiation of heat energy from one
portion of
the aerosol generating material to another; there may be variations in
conduction,
convection and/or radiation of heat energy from the heating elements or
heating units to
the aerosol generating material; there may be a lag between the change in the
temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit and the change in
the
temperature profile of the aerosol generating material, depending on the heat
capacity of
the aerosol generating material.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a controller for controlling each
heating unit present in the aerosol provision device. The controller may
comprise a
printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller may be configured to control the
power
supplied to each heating unit, and control the "programmed heating profile" of
each
heating unit present in the aerosol provision device. For example, the
controller may be
programmed to control the current supplied to a plurality of inductors to
control the
resulting temperature profiles or heating profiles of the corresponding
induction heating
elements or induction heating units. As between the temperature profile of
heating
elements/units and aerosol generating material described above, the programmed
heating profile of a heating element or heating unit may not exactly
correspond to the
observed temperature profile of a heating element or heating unit, for the
same reasons
given above.
The term "operating temperature" can also be used in relation to the aerosol
generating material. In this case, the term refers to any temperature of the
aerosol
generating material itself at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the
aerosol
generating material for a satisfactory puff The maximum operating temperature
of the
aerosol generating material is the highest temperature reached by any part of
the aerosol
generating material during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum
operating temperature of the aerosol generating material is greater than 200
C, 210 C,
220 C, 230 C, 240 C, 250 C, 260 C 01 270 C. In some embodiments, the
maximum
operating temperature of the aerosol generating material is less than 300 C,
290 C,
280 C, 270 C, 260 "C or 250 'C. The lowest operating temperature is the
lowest
temperature of aerosol generating material at which sufficient aerosol is
generated from
the material to product sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory "puff". In some
embodiments,
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the lowest operating temperature of the aerosol generating material is greater
than 90
C, 100 C, 110 C, 120 C, 130 C, 140 C or 150 'C. In some embodiments, the
lowest
operating temperature of the aerosol generating material is less than 150 00,
140 00,
130 C or 120 'C.
Various embodiments are disclosed which reduce the amount of time it takes for
an aerosol provision device to be ready for use, and more generally improve
the
inhalation experience for a user. Surprisingly, it has been found that
reducing the time
taken for a heating element or heating unit to reach an operating temperature
may at
least partially alleviate "hot puff", a phenomenon which occurs when the
generated
aerosol contains a high water content. Accordingly, the aerosol provision
device
according to various embodiments may provide an inhalable aerosol to a
consumer
which has better organoleptic properties than an aerosol provided by a
conventional
aerosol provision device which does not include a heating unit which reaches a
maximum operating temperature as rapidly.
In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is configured such that at
least one heating element or heating unit in the device reaches its maximum
operating
temperature within 20 seconds, and the first temperature at which the at least
one
heating unit is held for at least 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5
seconds,
10 seconds, or 20 seconds is the maximum operating temperature. That is, in
these
embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature which is not the
maximum
operating temperature before reaching the maximum operating temperature.
In some embodiments, the at least one heating unit reaches its maximum
operating temperature within the given period from ambient temperature.
The aerosol provision device may be configured to operate as described herein.
The aerosol provision device may at least partially be configured to operate
in this
manner by a controller which may be programmed to operate the device in one or
more
different modes. Accordingly, references herein to the configuration of the
aerosol
provision device or components thereof may refer to the controller being
programmed to
operate the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein, amongst other
features (such
as spatial arrangement of the heating units).
Aerosol generating articles for aerosol provision devices (such as tobacco
heating products) usually contain more water and/or aerosol generating agent
than
combustible smoking articles to facilitate formation of an aerosol in use.
This higher
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water and/or aerosol generating agent content can increase the risk of
condensate
collecting within the aerosol provision device during use, particularly in
locations away
from the heating unit(s). This problem may be greater in aerosol provision
devices with
enclosed heating chambers, and particularly those with external heaters, than
those
provided with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). Without wishing to
be bound by
theory, it is believed that since a greater proportion/surface area of the
aerosol
generating material is heated by external-heating heating assemblies, more
aerosol is
released than an aerosol provision device which heats the aerosol generating
material
internally, leading to more condensation of the aerosol within the aerosol
provision
device.
Various programmed heating profiles may be employed in an aerosol provision
device configured to externally and/or internally heat aerosol generating
material to
provide a desirable amount of aerosol to the user whilst keeping the amount of
aerosol
which condenses inside the aerosol provision device relatively low. For
example, the
maximum operating temperature of a heating unit may affect the amount of
condensate
formed. It may be that lower maximum operating temperatures provide less
undesirable
condensate. The difference between maximum operating temperatures of heating
units
in a heating assembly may also affect the amount of condensate formed.
Further, the
point in a session of use at which each heating unit reaches its maximum
operating
temperature may affect the amount of condensate formed.
In use, the aerosol provision device may heat an aerosol generating material
to
provide an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol provision device may be referred to
as "ready
for use" when at least a portion of the aerosol generating material has
reached a lowest
operating temperature and a user can take a puff which contains a satisfactory
amount of
aerosol. In some embodiments the aerosol provision device may be ready for use
within
approximately 20 seconds of supplying power to one or both heating units, or
15
seconds, or 10 seconds or 5 seconds. The aerosol provision device may be ready
for
use within approximately 20 seconds of activation of the device, or 15
seconds, or 10
seconds or 5 seconds. The aerosol provision device may begin supplying power
to a
heating unit such as the first heating unit or the second heating unit when
the device is
activated, or it may begin supplying power to the heating unit after the
aerosol provision
device is activated. The aerosol provision device may be configured such that
power
starts being supplied to one or the heating units some time after activation
of the aerosol
provision device, such as at least 1 second, 2 seconds or 3 seconds after
activation of
the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device may be configured
such that
power is not supplied to one of the heating units, or any heating unit present
in the
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heating assembly until at least 2.5 seconds after activation of the aerosol
provision
device. This may prolong battery life by avoiding unintentional activation of
the heating
unit(s).
The aerosol provision device may be ready for use more quickly than
corresponding aerosol provision devices known in the art, providing an
improved user
experience. Generally, the point at which the aerosol provision device is
ready for use
will be some time after one of the heating units has reached its maximum
operating
temperature, as it will take some amount of time to transfer sufficient
thermal energy
from the heating unit to the aerosol generating material in order to generate
the aerosol.
The aerosol provision device may be ready for use within 20 seconds of one of
the
heating units reaching its maximum operating temperature, or 15 seconds, or 10
seconds or 5 seconds.
In some embodiments, the users sensorial experience arising from the aerosol
generated by the present device is like that of smoking a combustible
cigarette, such as
a factory-made cigarette.
The aerosol provision device may indicate that it is ready for use via an
indicator.
In an embodiment, the aerosol provision device may be configured such that the
indicator indicates that the aerosol provision device is ready for use within
approximately
20 seconds of power being supplied to one of the heating units, or 15 seconds,
or 10
seconds or 5 seconds. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol provision device
may be
configured such that the indicator indicates that the aerosol provision device
is ready for
use within approximately 20 seconds of activation of the device, or 15
seconds, or 10
seconds or 5 second. In another embodiment, the device is configured such that
the
indicator indicates that the device is ready for use within approximately 20
seconds of the
first heating unit reaching its maximum operating temperature, or 15 seconds,
or 10
seconds.
As used herein, "puff" refers to a single inhalation by the user of the
aerosol
generated by the aerosol provision device.
"Session of use" as used herein refers to a single period of use of the
aerosol
provision device by a user. The session of use begins at the point at which
power is first
supplied to at least one heating unit or aerosol generator present in the
heating
assembly. The device will be ready for use after a period of time has elapsed
from the
start of the session of use.
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The session of use may end at the point at which no power is supplied to any
of
the heating units or aerosol generators in the aerosol provision device. The
end of the
session of use may coincide with the point at which the aerosol generating
article is
depleted (the point at which the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each
puff would be
deemed unacceptably low by a user). The session may comprise a plurality of
puffs. The
session may have a duration less than 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes,
or 4
minutes and 30 seconds, or 4 minutes, or 3 minutes and 30 seconds. In some
embodiments, the session of use may have a duration of from 2 to 5 minutes, or
from 3
to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes or approximately 4 minutes. A session
may be
initiated by the user actuating a button or switch on the device, causing at
least one
heating unit or aerosol generator to begin rising in temperature when
activated or some
time after activation.
A session of use may be determined to begin when power or energy is first
supplied to a heating unit or aerosol generator after an aerosol generating
article has
been inserted into the aerosol provision device. A session of use may be
determined to
begin when power or energy is first supplied to one or more heating units or
aerosol
generators in order to raise the temperature of the one or more heating units
or aerosol
generators to an operating temperature Tm in such that a user can take a first
puff of
aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material. According to various
embodiments Tmin may be in the range: (i) 200-210 C; (ii) 210-220 C; (iii)
220-230 C;
(iv) 230-240 C; (v) 240-250 C; (vi) 250-260 C; (vii) 260-270 C; (viii) 270-
280 C; (ix)
280-290 C; and (x) 290-300 C.
A session of use may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer
supplied to the one or more heating units or aerosol generators. A session of
use may
be determined to end when the aerosol generating material is substantially
spent or
wherein a user is unable to take further puffs of aerosol generated from the
aerosol
generating material.
A session of use may be determined to relate to a period of time during which
a
user is enabled to take multiple puffs of aerosol generated from aerosol
generating
material without replacement or replenishment of the aerosol generating
material.
In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device may be operable in at least
a
first (e.g. base) mode of operation and a second (e.g. boost) mode of
operation.
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The heating assembly may be operable in a maximum of two modes of operation,
or may be operable in more than two modes, such as three modes, four modes, or
five
modes.
Each mode of operation may be associated with a predetermined heating profile
for each heating unit in the heating assembly, such as a programmed heating
profile.
One or more of the programmed heating profiles may be programmed or selected
by a
user. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the programmed heating
profiles may
be programmed by the manufacturer. In these examples, the one or more
programmed
heating profiles may be fixed such that an end user cannot alter the one or
more
programmed heating profiles.
The modes of operation may be selectable by a user. For example, the user may
select a desired mode of operation by interacting with a user interface. Power
may begin
to be supplied to a first heating unit at substantially the same time as the
desired mode of
operation is selected.
Each mode may be associated with a temperature profile which differs from the
temperature profiles of the other modes. Further, one or more modes may be
associated
with a different point at which the device is ready for use. For example, the
heating
assembly may configured such that, in a first mode, the device is ready for
use a first
period of time after the start of a session of use, and in a second mode, the
device is
ready for use a second period of time after the start of the session. The
first period of
time may be different from the second period of time.
In some examples, the heating assembly may be configured such that the
aerosol provision device is ready for use within 30, 25 seconds, 20 seconds or
15
seconds of supplying power to a heating unit when operated in the first mode.
The
heating assembly may also be configured such that the aerosol provision device
is ready
for use in a shorter period of time when operating in the second mode - within
25
seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, or 10 seconds of supplying power to a heating
unit
when operating in the second mode.
In a particular embodiment, the aerosol provision device may be configured
such
that the indicator indicates that the aerosol provision device is ready for
use within 20
seconds of selection of a first (e.g. base) mode, and within 10 seconds of
selection of a
second (e.g. boost) mode.
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Providing an aerosol provision device such as a tobacco heating product with a
heating assembly that is operable in a plurality of modes (e.g. base mode and
boost
mode) gives more choice to the consumer, particularly where each mode is
associated
with a different maximum heater temperature. Moreover, such an aerosol
provision
device is capable of providing different aerosols having differing
characteristics, because
volatile components in the aerosol generating material will be volatilised at
different rates
and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows a user to
select a
particular mode based on a desired characteristic of the inhalable aerosol,
such as
degree of tobacco flavour, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature.
For example,
modes in which the aerosol provision device is ready for use more quickly
(e.g. a second
or "boost" mode) may provide a quicker first puff, or a greater nicotine
content per puff, or
a more concentrated flavour per puff. Conversely, modes in which the aerosol
provision
device is ready for use at a later point in the session of use (e.g. a first
or base mode)
may provide a longer overall session of use, lower nicotine content per puff,
and more
sustained delivery of flavour.
In embodiments wherein the aerosol provision device is ready for use more
quickly in a second (e.g. boost) mode, and/or the first and/or second heating
unit or
aerosol generator has a higher maximum operating temperature in the second
mode, the
second mode may be referred to as a "boost" mode. Various embodiments provide
an
aerosol provision device which is operable in a first "normal" or "base" mode
and a
second "boost" mode. The "boost" mode may provide a quicker first puff, or a
greater
nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavour per puff.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a maximum of two aerosol
generators. In other examples, the aerosol provision device may comprise more
than two
independently controllable aerosol generators, such as three, four or five
independently
controllable aerosol generators.
As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating
units or aerosol generators provided in the heating assembly may comprise an
induction
heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit comprises an inductor
(for example,
one or more inductor coils), and the aerosol provision device may be arranged
to pass a
varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the
inductor. The
varying electric current in the inductor produces a varying magnetic field.
When the
inductor and the heating element are suitably relatively positioned so that
the varying
magnetic field produced by the inductor penetrates the heating element, one or
more
eddy currents are generated inside the heating element. The heating element
has a
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resistance to the flow of electrical currents, so when such eddy currents are
generated in
the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes
the object to be
heated by Joule heating. Supplying a varying magnetic field to a susceptor may
conveniently be referred to as supplying energy to a susceptor.
An aerosol generating system is disclosed comprising an aerosol provision
device as described herein in combination with an aerosol generating article.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a non-combustible apparatus or a
tobacco heating product ("THP") for heating smokable material without burning
or
combusting the smokable material.
An aerosol provision device or aerosol generating device will now be described
in
more detail.
Fig. 1A shows an induction heating assembly 100 of an aerosol provision device
which is given for illustrative purposes to illustrate various aspects of a
heat not but
aerosol provision device. Fig. 1B shows a cross section of the induction
heating
assembly 100 of the device. In alternative embodiments, the heating assembly
may
comprise a resistive heating assembly wherein the aerosol generator comprises
one or
more electrically resistive heaters. According to an embodiment the one or
more
electrically resistive heaters may comprise a winding of electrically
resistive wire or a thin
film. The winding of electrically resistive wire or thin film may be provided
in a tubular
arrangement which surrounds the aerosol generating article.
The heating assembly 100 has a first or proximal or mouth end 102, and a
second or distal end 104. In use, the user will inhale the formed aerosol from
the mouth
end of the aerosol generating device. The mouth end may be an open end.
The heating assembly 100 comprises a first induction heating unit 110 and a
second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110
comprises a first
inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction
heating unit 120
comprises a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.
Figs. 1A and 1B show an aerosol generating article 130 received within a
susceptor 140 (see Fig. 1B). The susceptor 140 forms the first induction
heating element
114 and the second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 may be
formed
from any material suitable for heating by induction. For example, the
susceptor 140 may
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cornprise metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 may comprise non-
ferrous
metal such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminium, tin, or zinc, and/or
ferrous material
such as iron, nickel or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively the susceptor
140 may
comprise a semiconductor such as silicon carbide, carbon or graphite.
Each induction heating element present in the aerosol provision device may
have
any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1B, the induction heating
elements
114,124 define a receptacle to surround an aerosol generating article and heat
the
aerosol generating article externally. In other embodiments (not shown), one
or more
induction heating elements may be substantially elongate, arranged to
penetrate an
aerosol generating article and heat the aerosol generating article internally.
As shown in Fig. 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and second
induction
heating element 124 may be provided together as a monolithic element 140. That
is, in
some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first 114 and
second
124 heating elements. Rather, the differing characteristics between the first
and second
aerosol generators 110, 120 are defined by separate inductor coils 112,122
surrounding
each induction heating element 114,124, so that they may be controlled
independently
from each other. In other embodiments (not depicted), physically distinct
inductive
heating elements may be employed.
The first and second inductor coils 112,122 may be made from an electrically
conducting material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils
112,122 are
made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion to provide
helical inductor
coils 112,122. Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are
individually
insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire_ Litz wires are
designed to
reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the example induction heating
assembly
100, the first and second inductor coils 124,126 are made from copper Litz
wire which
has a circular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other
shape cross
sections, such as rectangular.
The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic
field
for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor
coil 122 is
configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second
section of
the susceptor 124. The first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating
element 114
taken together form a first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, the second
inductor coil
122 and the second induction heating element 124 taken together form a second
induction heating unit 120.
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In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second
inductor coil
122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly
100 (that is,
the first and second inductor coils 112,122 do not overlap). The susceptor
arrangement
140 may comprise a single susceptor. Ends 150 of the first and second inductor
coils
112,122 can be connected to a controller such as a PCB (not shown). In
embodiments,
the controller comprises a PID controller (proportional integral derivative
controller).
The varying magnetic field generates eddy currents within the first inductive
heating element 114, thereby rapidly heating the first induction heating
element 114 to a
maximum operating temperature within a short period of time from supplying the
alternative current to the coil 112, for example within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or
2 seconds.
Arranging the first induction heating unit 110 which is configured to rapidly
reach a
maximum operating temperature closer to the mouth end 102 of the heating
assembly
100 than the second induction heating unit 120 may mean that an acceptable
aerosol is
provided to a user as soon as possible after initiation of a session of use.
It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils 112,122, in
some
examples, may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For
example,
the first inductor coil 112 may have at least one characteristic different
from the second
inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil
112 may have a
different value of inductance than the second inductor coil 122. In Figures 1A
and 1B, the
first and second inductor coils 112,122 are of different lengths such that the
first inductor
coil 112 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second
inductor
coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 may comprise a different number of
turns than
the second inductor coil 122 (assuming that the spacing between individual
turns is
substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112
may be made
from a different material to the second inductor coil 122. In some examples,
the first and
second inductor coils 112,122 may be substantially identical.
In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122
are
wound in the same direction. However, in another embodiment, the inductor
coils
112,122 may be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the
inductor coils
are active at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil
112 may be
operating to heat the first induction heating element 114, and at a later
time, the second
inductor coil 122 may be operating to heat the second induction heating
element 124.
Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in
the inactive
coil when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In
one example, the
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first inductor coil 112 may be a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil
122 a left-
hand helix. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 may be a left-hand
helix and
the second inductor coil 122 may be a right-hand helix.
The coils 112,122 may have any suitable geometry. Without wishing to be bound
by theory, configuring an induction heating element to be smaller (e.g.
smaller pitch helix;
fewer revolutions in the helix; shorter overall length of the helix), may
increase the rate at
which the induction heating element can reach a maximum operating temperature.
In
some embodiments, the first coil 112 may have a length of less than
approximately
20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or a length of approximately 14 mm,
in the
longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. The first coil 112 may
have a length
shorter than the second coil 124 in the longitudinal direction of the heating
assembly 100.
Such an arrangement may provide asymmetrical heating of the aerosol generating
article
along the length of the aerosol generating article.
The susceptor 140 of this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle
within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article
130 can be
inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example the susceptor 140 is tubular,
with a
circular cross section.
The induction heating elements 114 and 124 are arranged to surround the
aerosol generating article 130 and heat the aerosol generating article 130
externally. The
aerosol provision device is configured such that, when the aerosol generating
article 130
is received within the susceptor 140, the outer surface of the article 130
abuts the inner
surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures that the heating is most efficient.
The article
130 of this example comprises aerosol generating material. The aerosol
generating
material is positioned within the susceptor 140. The article 130 may also
comprise other
components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.
The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two heating units. In some
examples,
the heating assembly 100 may comprise three, four, five, six, or more than six
heating
units These heating units may each be controllable independent from the other
heating
units present in the heating assembly 100.
Referring to Figs 2A and 2B, there is shown a partially cut-away section view
and
a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating article 200. The
aerosol
generating article 200 shown in Figs 2A and 2B corresponds to the aerosol
generating
article 130 shown in Fig. 1.
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The aerosol generating article 200 may be any shape suitable for use with an
aerosol provision device. The aerosol generating article 130 may be in the
form of or
provided as part of a cartridge or cassette or rod which can be inserted into
the
apparatus. In the embodiment shown in Figs 1A and 1B and 2, the aerosol
generating
article 130 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod that includes a
body of
smokable material 202 and a filter assembly 204 in the form of a rod. The
filter assembly
204 includes three segments, a cooling segment 206, a filter segment 208 and a
mouth
end segment 210. The article 200 has a first end 212, also known as a mouth
end or a
proximal end and a second end 214, also known as a distal end. The body of
aerosol
generating material 202 is located towards the distal end 214 of the article
200. In one
example, the cooling segment 206 is located adjacent the body of aerosol
generating
material 202 between the body of aerosol generating material 202 and the
filter segment
208, such that the cooling segment 206 is in an abutting relationship with the
aerosol
generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. In other examples, there
may be a
separation between the body of aerosol generating material 202 and the cooling
segment 206 and between the body of aerosol generating material 202 and the
filter
segment 208. The filter segment 208 is located in between the cooling segment
206 and
the mouth end segment 210. The mouth end segment 210 is located towards the
proximal end 212 of the article 200, adjacent the filter segment 208. In one
example, the
filter segment 208 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment
210. In one
embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 204 is between 37 mm and
45 mm,
and optionally the total length of the filter assembly 204 is 41 mm.
In use, portions 202a and 202b of the body of aerosol generating material 202
may correspond to the first induction heating element 114 and second induction
heating
element 124 of the portion 100 shown in Fig. 1B respectively.
The body of smokable material may have a plurality of portions 202a,202b which
correspond to the plurality of induction heating elements present in the
aerosol provision
device. For example, the aerosol generating article 200 may have a first
portion 202a
which corresponds to the first induction heating element 114 and a second
portion 202b
which corresponds to the second induction heating element 124. These portions
202a,202b may exhibit temperature profiles which are different from each other
during a
session of use; the temperature profiles of the portions 202a,202b may derive
from the
temperature profiles of the first induction heating element 114 and second
induction
heating element 124 respectively.
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Where there is a plurality of portions 202a,202b of a body of aerosol
generating
material 202, any number of the substrate portions 202a,202b may have
substantially the
same composition. In a particular example, all of the portions 202a,202b of
the substrate
have substantially the same composition. In one embodiment, body of aerosol
generating material 202 is a unitary, continuous body and there is no physical
separation
between the first and second portions 202a,202b, and the first and second
portions have
substantially the same composition.
In one embodiment, the body of aerosol generating material 202 comprises
tobacco. However, in other respective embodiments, the body of smokable
material 202
may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may
comprise
tobacco and aerosol generating material other than tobacco, may comprise
aerosol
generating material other than tobacco, or may be free of tobacco. The aerosol
generating material may include an aerosol generating agent, such as glycerol.
In a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating material may comprise one
or
more tobacco components, filler components, binders and aerosol generating
agents.
The filler component may be any suitable inorganic filler material. Suitable
inorganic filler materials include, but are not limited to: calcium carbonate
(i.e. chalk),
perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide,
magnesium
sulphate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic sorbents, such as
molecular
sieves. Calcium carbonate is particularly suitable. In some cases, the filler
comprises an
organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.
The binder may be any suitable binder. In some embodiments, the binder
comprises one or more of an alginate, celluloses or modified celluloses,
polysaccharides,
starches or modified starches, and natural gums.
Suitable binders include, but are not limited to: alginate salts comprising
any
suitable cation, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium
alginate;
celluloses or modified celluloses, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and
carboxymethylcellulose; starches or modified starches; polysaccharides such as
pectin
salts comprising any suitable cation, such as sodium, potassium, calcium or
magnesium
pectate; xanthan gum, guar gum, and any other suitable natural gums.
A binder may be included in the aerosol generating material in any suitable
quantity and concentration.
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The "aerosol generating agent" is an agent that promotes the generation of an
aerosol. An aerosol generating agent 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 generating agent may
improve
the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating article.
In general, any suitable aerosol generating agent or agents may be included in
the aerosol generating material. Suitable aerosol generating agent include,
but are not
limited to: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene
glycol or
triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling
point
hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as
diacetin,
triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates
including ethyl myristate
and isopropyl myristate and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl
stearate,
dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.
In a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating material comprises a
tobacco
component in an amount of from 60 to 90% by weight of the tobacco composition,
a filler
component in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco composition, and
an
aerosol generating agent in an amount of from 10 to 20% by weight of the
tobacco
composition. The tobacco component may comprise paper reconstituted tobacco in
an
amount of from 70t0 100% by weight of the tobacco component.
In one example, the body of aerosol generating material 202 is between 34 mm
and 50 mm in length, optionally, the body of aerosol generating material 202
is between
38 mm and 46 mm in length, optionally still, the body of aerosol generating
material 202
is 42 mm in length.
In one example, the total length of the article 200 is between 71 mm and 95
mm,
optionally, total length of the article 200 is between 79 mm and 87 mm,
optionally still,
total length of the article 200 is 83 mm.
An axial end of the body of aerosol generating material 202 is visible at the
distal
end 214 of the article 200. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 214
of the
article 200 may comprise an end member (not shown) covering the axial end of
the body
of aerosol generating material 202.
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The body of aerosol generating material 202 is joined to the filter assembly
204
by annular tipping paper (not shown), which is located substantially around
the
circumference of the filter assembly 204 to surround the filter assembly 204
and extends
partially along the length of the body of aerosol generating material 202. In
one example,
the tipping paper is made of 58GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example
has a
length of between 42 mm and 50 mm, and optionally, the tipping paper has a
length of
46mm.
In one example, the cooling segment 206 is an annular tube and is located
around and defines an air gap within the cooling segment. The air gap provides
a
chamber for heated volatilised components generated from the body of aerosol
generating material 202 to flow. The cooling segment 206 is hollow to provide
a chamber
for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive
forces and
bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 200
is in use
during insertion into the device 100. In one example, the thickness of the
wall of the
cooling segment 206 is approximately 0.29 mm.
The cooling segment 206 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol
generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The physical displacement
provided
by the cooling segment 206 will provide a thermal gradient across the length
of the
cooling segment 206. In one example the cooling segment 206 is configured to
provide a
temperature differential of at least 40 C between a heated volatilised
component
entering a first end of the cooling segment 206 and a heated volatilised
component
exiting a second end of the cooling segment 206. In one example the cooling
segment
206 is configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 C
between a heated
volatilised component entering a first end of the cooling segment 206 and a
heated
volatilised component exiting a second end of the cooling segment 206. This
temperature differential across the length of the cooling element 206 protects
the
temperature sensitive filter segment 208 from the high temperatures of the
aerosol
generating material 202 when it is heated by the heating assembly 100 of the
device
aerosol provision device. If the physical displacement was not provided
between the filter
segment 208 and the body of aerosol generating material 202 and the heating
elements
114,124 of the heating assembly 100, then the temperature sensitive filter
segment may
208 become damaged in use, so it would not perform its required functions as
effectively.
In one example the length of the cooling segment 206 is at least 15 mm. In one
example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is between 20 mm and 30 mm,
more
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particularly 23 mm to 27 mm, more particularly 25 mm to 27 mm and more
particularly 25
mm.
The cooling segment 206 is made of paper, which means that it is comprised of
a
material that does not generate compounds of concern, for example, toxic
compounds
when in use adjacent to the heater assembly 100 of the aerosol provision
device. In one
example, the cooling segment 206 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper
tube
which provides a hollow internal chamber yet maintains mechanical rigidity.
Spirally
wound paper tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy requirements
of
high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer
diameter,
roundness and straightness.
In another example, the cooling segment 206 is a recess created from stiff
plug
wrap or tipping paper. The stiff plug wrap or tipping paper is manufactured to
have a
rigidity that is sufficient to withstand the axial compressive forces and
bending moments
that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 200 is in use
during insertion
into the device 100.
For each of the examples of the cooling segment 206, the dimensional accuracy
of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy
requirements of
high-speed manufacturing process.
The filter segment 208 may be formed of any filter material sufficient to
remove
one or more volatilised compounds from heated volatilised components from the
smokable material. In one example the filter segment 208 is made of a mono-
acetate
material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 208 provides cooling
and irritation-
reduction from the heated volatilised components without depleting the
quantity of the
heated volatilised components to an unsatisfactory level for a user.
The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the filter segment 208
controls
the pressure drop across the filter segment 208, which in turn controls the
draw
resistance of the article 200. Therefore, the selection of the material of the
filter segment
208 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of the article 200. In
addition, the
filter segment 208 performs a filtration function in the article 200.
In one example, the filter segment 208 is made of a 8Y15 grade of filter tow
material, which provides a filtration effect on the heated volatilised
material, whilst also
reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets which result from the heated
volatilised
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material which consequentially reduces the irritation and throat impact of the
heated
volatilised material to satisfactory levels.
The presence of the filter segment 208 provides an insulating effect by
providing
further cooling to the heated volatilised components that exit the cooling
segment 206.
This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips
on the
surface of the filter segment 208.
One or more flavours may be added to the filter segment 208 in the form of
either
direct injection of flavoured liquids into the filter segment 208 or by
embedding or
arranging one or more flavoured breakable capsules or other flavour carriers
within the
cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 208.
In one example, the filter segment 208 is between 6 mm to 10 mm in length,
optionally 8 mm.
The mouth end segment 210 is an annular tube and is located around and
defines an air gap within the mouth end segment 210. The air gap provides a
chamber
for heated volatilised components that flow from the filter segment 208. The
mouth end
segment 210 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid
enough to
withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during
manufacture and whilst the article is in use during insertion into the device
100. In one
example, the thickness of the wall of the mouth end segment 210 is
approximately 0.2
9mm.
In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 210 is between 6 mm to 10
mm and optionally 8 mm. In one example, the thickness of the mouth end segment
is
0.29 mm.
The mouth end segment 210 may be manufactured from a spirally wound paper
tube which provides a hollow internal chamber yet maintains critical
mechanical rigidity.
Spirally wound paper tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy
requirements
of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer
diameter,
roundness and straightness.
The mouth end segment 210 provides the function of preventing any liquid
condensate that accumulates at the exit of the filter segment 208 from coming
into direct
contact with a user.
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It should be appreciated that, in one example, the mouth end segment 210 and
the cooling segment 206 may be formed of a single tube and the filter segment
208 is
located within that tube separating the mouth end segment 210 and the cooling
segment
206.
A ventilation region 216 is provided in the article 200 to enable air to flow
into the
interior of the article 200 from the exterior of the article 200. In one
example the
ventilation region 216 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 216
formed through
the outer layer of the article 200. The ventilation holes may be located in
the cooling
segment 206 to aid with the cooling of the article 200. In one example, the
ventilation
region 216 comprises one or more rows of holes, and optionally, each row of
holes is
arranged circumferentially around the article 200 in a cross-section that is
substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article 200.
In one example, there are between one to four rows of ventilation holes to
provide
ventilation for the article 200. Each row of ventilation holes may have
between 12 to 36
ventilation holes 216. The ventilation holes 216 may, for example, be between
100 to 500
pm in diameter. In one example, an axial separation between rows of
ventilation holes
216 is between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, optionally, an axial separation between
rows of
ventilation holes 216 is 0.5 mm.
In one example, the ventilation holes 216 are of uniform size. In another
example,
the ventilation holes 216 vary in size. The ventilation holes can be made
using any
suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following techniques:
laser
technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 206 or pre-
perforation of the
cooling segment 206 before it is formed into the article 200. The ventilation
holes 216 are
positioned so as to provide effective cooling to the article 200.
In one example, the rows of ventilation holes 216 are located at least 11mm
from
the proximal end 212 of the article, optionally the ventilation holes are
located between
17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200. The location of
the
ventilation holes 216 is positioned such that user does not block the
ventilation holes 216
when the article 200 is in use.
Providing the rows of ventilation holes between 17 mm and 20 mm from the
proximal end 212 of the article 200 enables the ventilation holes 216 to be
located
outside of the device 100, when the article 200 is fully inserted in the
device 100, as can
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be seen in Fig. 1. By locating the ventilation holes outside of the apparatus,
non-heated
air is able to enter the article 200 through the ventilation holes from
outside the device
100 to aid with the cooling of the article 200.
The length of the cooling segment 206 is such that the cooling segment 206
will
be partially inserted into the device 100, when the article 200 is fully
inserted into the
device 100. The length of the cooling segment 206 provides a first function of
providing a
physical gap between the heater arrangement of the device 100 and the heat
sensitive
filter arrangement 208, and a second function of enabling the ventilation
holes 216 to be
located in the cooling segment, whilst also being located outside of the
device 100, when
the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100. As can be seen from
Fig. 1, the
majority of the cooling element 206 is located within the device 100. However,
there is a
portion of the cooling element 206 that extends out of the device 100. It is
in this portion
of the cooling element 206 that extends out of the device 100 in which the
ventilation
holes 216 are located.
Fig. 3 depicts a temperature profile 300 of a first heating element in an
aerosol
provision device, such as the first inductive heating element 114 shown in
Fig. 1B, during
an exemplary session of use 302. The temperature profile 300 suitably refers
to the
temperature profile of the first inductive heating element 114 in any mode of
operation of
the heating assembly. The temperature profile 300 of the first heating element
114 is
measured by a suitable temperature sensor disposed at the first heating
element 114.
Suitable temperature sensors include thermocouples, thermopiles or resistance
temperature detectors (RTDs, also referred to as resistance thermometers). In
a
particular embodiment, the device comprises at least one RID. In an
embodiment, the
device comprises thermocouples arranged on each heating element 114,124
present in
the aerosol provision device. The temperature data measured by the or each
temperature sensor may be communicated to a controller. Further, it may
communicated
to the controller when a heating element 114,124 has reached a prescribed
temperature,
such that the controller may change the supply of power to elements within the
aerosol
provision device accordingly. Optionally, the controller comprises a PI D
(proportional
integral derivative) controller, which uses a control loop feedback mechanism
to control
the temperature of the heating elements based on data supplied from one or
more
temperature sensors disposed in the device. In an embodiment, the controller
comprises
a PI D controller configured to control the temperature of each heating
element based on
temperature data supplied from thermocouples disposed at each of the heating
elements.
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The session of use 302 begins when the device is activated 304 and the
controller controls the device to supply energy to at least the first
induction heating unit
110. The device may be activated by a user by, for example, actuating a push
button, or
inhaling from the device. Actuating means for use with an aerosol provision
device are
known to the person skilled in the art. In the context of a heater assembly
comprising
induction heating means, the session of use begins when the controller
instructs a
varying electrical current to be supplied to an inductor (such as first and
second coils
112,122) and thus a varying magnetic field to be supplied to the induction
heating
element, generating a rise in temperature of the induction heating element. As
mentioned
hereinabove, this may conveniently be referred to as "supplying energy to the
induction
heating unit".
The end 306 of the session of use session of use 302 occurs when the
controller
instructs elements in the device to stop supplying energy to all aerosol
generators
present in the aerosol provision device. In the context of a heater assembly
comprising
induction aerosol generators, the session of use ends when varying electrical
current
ceases to be supplied to any of the induction heating elements provided in the
heating
assembly, such that any varying magnetic field ceases to be supplied to the
induction
heating elements.
At the beginning of the smoking session 302 the temperature of the first
heating
element rapidly increases until it reaches the maximum operating temperature
308. The
time taken 310 to reach the maximum operating temperature 308 may be referred
to as
the "ramp-up" period, and has a duration of less than 20 seconds according to
various
embodiments.
The temperature of the first heating element may optionally drop from the
maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature 314 later in the
session of
use 312. If the temperature drops from the maximum operating temperature 308
later in
the session of use 302, it is preferred that the temperature to which the
first heating
element drops 314 is an operating temperature. The operating temperature to
which the
first heating element drops 314 may suitable be referred to as the "second
operating
temperature" 314. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element
does not drop
below the lowest operating temperature of the first heating element until the
end 306 of
the session of use 302. The first heating element optionally remains at or
above the
second operating temperature 314 until the end 306 of the session of use 302.
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In embodiments wherein the heating assembly is operable in a plurality of
modes
(e.g. base mode and boost mode), the temperature of the first heating element
may drop
from the maximum operating temperature 308 to a second operating temperature
314 in
at least one of the modes. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating
element drops
from the maximum operating temperature 308 to a second operating temperature
314 in
all of the operable modes. For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum operating
temperature 308 and second operating temperature 314 of the first heating
element may
differ from mode to mode.
In some examples, the second operating temperature 314 is from 180 to 240 'C.
Where the heating assembly is operable in a plurality of modes, the second
operating
temperature 314 in at least one mode of operation may be from 180 to 240 C.
Optionally, the second operating temperature 314 in all modes of operating may
be from
180 to 240 C. Optionally still, the second operating temperature 314 is at
least 220 C.
In some examples, the first heating element or aerosol generators remains at
or above
the second operating temperature 314 until the end of the session of use in
all modes of
operation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the heating
assembly such
that the first heating element does not drop below 220 C until the end of the
session of
use 220 may at least partially prevent condensation from occurring in the
first portion of
the aerosol generating article during the session of use, and/or also reduce
resistance to
draw provided by the first portion of the aerosol generating article.
In these embodiments, the first heating element may remain at or substantially
close to the highest operating temperature for up to least 25%, 50%, or 75% of
the
session. For example, the first heating element may remain at its maximum
operating
temperature for a first duration of the session of use, then drop to and
remain at the
second operating temperature for a second duration of the session of use, the
first
duration being at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. The first duration
may be
longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, in at least one mode
of operation,
the first duration is longer than the second duration. In this example, the
ratio of the first
duration to the second duration may be from 1.1:1 to 7:1, from 1.5:1 to 5:1,
from 2:1 to
3:1, or approximately 2.5:1.
In a particular embodiment, the device is operable in a plurality of modes,
and the
ratios listed above apply to the first mode of operation. In the second mode
of operation,
the first duration may be longer or shorter than the second duration.
Optionally, the
second duration is longer than the first duration. Thus, one embodiment is a
device
which is configured such that in a first mode of operation, the first duration
is longer than
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the second duration, but in the second mode of operation, the second duration
is longer
than the first duration. In one embodiment, in the second mode of operation,
the ratio of
the second duration to the first duration may be from 1.1:1 to 5:1, from 1.2
to 2:1 or from
1.3:1 to 1.4:1. In another embodiment, in the second mode of operation, the
ratio of the
second duration to the first duration may be from 2:1 to 12:1, from 2.5:1 to
11:1. In
particular, the ratio may be from 3:1 to 4:1; alternatively, the ratio may be
from 8:1 to
10:1. This embodiment may be particularly suitable for reducing the amount of
condensate formed in the device during a session of use.
It has been determined that operating the first heating element at its maximum
operating temperature for a greater proportion of the session of use may help
in reducing
the amount of condensate which collects in the device during use. This effect
may be
particularly noticeable in so-called "boost" modes of operation where the
heating unit
operates at a higher maximum operating temperature during a shorter session of
use.
The maximum operating temperature 308 may be from approximately 200 C to
300 C, or 21000 to 290 C, or 220 C to 280 C, or, 23000 to 270 C, or 240 C
to 260
C.
Fig. 4 depicts a temperature profile 400 of a second heating element when
present in an aerosol provision device, such as the second inductive heating
element
124 shown in Fig. 1B, during an exemplary smoking session 402. Smoking session
402
corresponds to smoking session 302 shown in Fig. 3. The temperature profile
400
suitably refers to the temperature profile of the second inductive heating
element 124 in
any mode of operation of the heating assembly.
The session of use 402 begins when the device is activated 404 and energy is
supplied to at least the first induction heating unit. In this example, the
controller is
configured not to supply energy to the second induction heating unit at the
start of the
session of use 402. Nevertheless, the temperature at the second induction
heating
element will likely rise somewhat due to thermal "bleed" ¨ conduction,
convection and/or
radiation of thermal energy from the first heating element 114 to the second
heating
element 124.
At a first programmed time point 406 after the beginning of the session of
use, the
controller instructs energy to be supplied to the second heating unit 120 and
the
temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly until the time
point 408 at
which a predetermined first operating temperature 410 is reached, then the
controller
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controls the second heating unit 120 such that the second heating element 124
remains
at substantially this temperature for a further period of time. The
predetermined first
operating temperature 410 may be lower than the maximum operating temperature
412
of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments (not shown), the first
predetermined operating temperature is the maximum operating temperature; that
is, the
second heating element 124 is directly heated to its maximum operating
temperature
upon activation of the second heating unit 120.
In some embodiments, the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is from
150 "C to 200 'C. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 may be
greater
than 150 00, 160 C, 170 C, 180 C, or 190 C. The predetermined first
operating
temperature 410 may be less than 200 00, 190 C, 180 C, 170 C, or 160 'C.
Optionally,
the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is from 150 C to 170 C. A
lower first
operating temperature 410 may help to reduce the amount of undesirable
condensate
which collects in the device.
In embodiments wherein the heating assembly is operable in a plurality of
modes,
the heating assembly may be configured such that the second heating element
124 rises
to a first operating temperature 410, maintains the first operating
temperature 410, then
subsequently rises to the maximum operating temperature 412, in at least one
mode.
Optionally, the heating assembly is configured such that the second heating
element 124
rises to a first operating temperature 410, maintains the first operating
temperature 410,
then subsequently rises to the maximum operating temperature 412 in all
operable
modes.
The first programmed time point 406 at which power is first supplied to the
second heating unit 120 may be at least approximately 10 seconds, 20 seconds,
30
seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or 60 seconds after activation of the device
404. For
embodiments wherein the heating assembly is operable in a plurality of modes,
the first
programmed time point 406 is at least approximately 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30
seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds, or 80 seconds after
activation of the device 404 in at least one mode. Optionally, the first
programmed time
point 406 is at least approximately 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40
seconds, 50
seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds, or 80 seconds after activation of the device
404 in all
operable modes. The first programmed time point 406 may be the same in each
mode,
or it may differ between modes. Optionally, the first programmed time point
406 differs
between the modes. In particular, the first programmed time point 406 may be
at a later
point in the session of use in the first mode than in the second mode.
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In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that
the second induction unit 120 rises to the predetermined operating temperature
410
within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds or 2 seconds of the
programmed
time point 406 for increasing the temperature of the second induction heating
element
124 to the first predetermined operating temperature 410. Put another way, the
period
414 between the two time points 406, 408 may have a duration of 10 seconds or
less, 5
seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less.
Optionally,
the period 414 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.
The second heating element 124 may be kept at the predetermined first
operating
temperature 410 for a predetermined period of time until a second programmed
time
point 416 at which the controller controls the second heating unit such that
the second
heating element 124 rises to its maximum operating temperature 412. At this
second
programmed time point 416 the temperature of the second heating element 124
rises
rapidly until the time point 418 at which the maximum operating temperature
412 is
reached. Then, the controller controls the second heating unit such that the
second
heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further
period of time.
The second programmed time point 416 may be at least approximately 10
seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or 60 seconds after
activation of the device 404.
In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that
the second induction element 124 rises from the first predetermined operating
temperature 410 to the maximum operating temperature 412 within 10 seconds, or
5
seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds or 2 seconds of the programmed time point 416
for
increasing the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the
maximum
operating temperature 412. Put another way, the period 420 between the two
time points
416, 418 may have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4
seconds or
less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 420 has
a duration of
2 seconds or less.
The temperature of the second heating element in the period from timepoint 416
to tinnepoint 418 may rise at a rate of at least 50 C per second, or 100 C
per second, or
150 00 per second.
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In some embodiments the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that the
second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature
412
after at least approximately 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds,
80
seconds, 100 seconds, or 120 seconds from activation of the device 404.
Optionally, the
heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating
element 124
reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 after at least approximately 120
seconds after activation of the device 404.
In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may be configured such that
the second induction heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating
temperature
412 after at least approximately 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40
seconds, 50
seconds, 60 seconds, 80 seconds, 100 seconds, or 120 seconds from the first
induction
heating element 122 reaching its maximum operating temperature 308. Optionally
the
heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating
element 124
reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 after at least approximately 120
seconds from the first induction heating element 122 reaching its maximum
operating
temperature 308. Put another way, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, time
point 418 may
be at least 120 seconds later than time point 310 during the smoking session
302, 402.
The second heating element 124 may be kept at its maximum operating
temperature 412 for a predetermined period of time until the end of the
smoking session
422, at which point the controller controls the heating assembly such that
energy ceases
to be supplied to all heating elements present in the aerosol provision
device. Optionally,
after the temperature of the second heating element 124 has reached an
operating
temperature (roughly around the first predetermined time point 406), the
temperature of
the second heating element 124 does not drop below the lowest operating
temperature
424 of the second heating element 124 until the end of the smoking session
402.
In embodiments wherein the first heating element 122 drops from a maximum
operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature later in the smoking session,
the
second heating element 124 may reach its maximum operating temperature 412
before
the temperature drop of the first heating element 122, after the temperature
drop of the
first heating element 122, or concurrent with the temperature drop of the
first heating
element 122. In an embodiment, the second heating element 124 reaches its
maximum
operating temperature 412 before the first heating element 122 drops from its
maximum
operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature.
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In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first
heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating
element 124.
In other embodiments the maximum operating temperatures 308, 412 of the first
and
second heating elements 122, 124 may differ. For example, the maximum
operating
temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 may be greater than that of
the second
heating element 124, or the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second
heating
element 124 may be greater than that of the first heating element 122. In one
embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element
122 is
greater than the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating
element
124. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first
heating
element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element
124.
For periods during which a heating element remains at a substantially constant
temperature, there may be minor fluctuations in the temperature around the
target
temperature defined by the controller. In some embodiments, the fluctuation is
less than
approximately 10 00, or 5 C, or 4 00, 01 3 00, 01 2 C, or 1 'C.
Optionally the
fluctuation is less than approximately 3 C for at least the first heating
element, at least
the second heating element, or both the first heating element and second
element.
Figs. 3 and 4 discussed hereinabove reflect the measured or observed
temperature profile of heating unit(s) present in the device 100. Fig. 5
reflects a
programmed heating profile of any heating unit(s) present in the device 100.
Any
programmed heating profile of any heating unit present in the heating assembly
of the
present device may be depicted by the general programmed heating profile as
shown in
Fig. 5.
A programmed heating profile 500 includes a first temperature, temperature A
502. Temperature A 502 is the first temperature which the heating unit is
programmed to
reach during a given session of use, at tinnepoint A 504. Tinnepoint A 504 may
conveniently be defined in terms of the number of seconds elapsed from the
start of a
session of use, i.e. from the point at which power is first supplied to at
least one heating
unit present in the heating assembly.
Optionally, a programmed heating profile 500 may include a second temperature,
temperature B 506. Temperature B 506 is a temperature different to temperature
A 502.
In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature B 506
during a
given session of use at timepoint B 508. Timepoint B 508 occurs temporally
after
timepoint A 504.
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From timepoint A 504 to timepoint B 508, the device is programmed to have
substantially the same temperature, temperature A 502. However, in some
embodiments,
there may be variation about temperature A 502 in this period. For example,
the heating
unit may have a temperature within 10 C of temperature A 502 during this
period,
optionally within 5 C of temperature A 502 during this period. Such profiles
are still
considered to correspond to the profile shown generally in Fig. 5. In other
embodiments,
there is substantially no variation from temperature A 502 during this period.
Even though Fig. 5 depicts temperature B 506 being higher than temperature A
502, the programmed heating profiles of the present disclosure are not so
limited:
temperature B 506 may be higher or lower than temperature A 502 for any given
heating
profile.
Optionally, a programmed heating profile 500 includes a second temperature,
Temperature B 506.
Optionally, a programmed heating profile 500 may include a third temperature,
temperature C 510. Temperature C 510 is a temperature different to temperature
B. In
some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach to temperature C 510
during a
given session of use at timepoint C 512. Timepoint C 512 occurs temporally
after
timepoint B 508 and thus timepoint A 502.
Temperature C 510 may or may not be the same temperature as temperature A
502.
Even though Fig. 5 depicts temperature C 510 being higher than temperature B
506 and temperature A 502, the programmed temperature profiles of the present
disclosure are not so limited: temperature C 510 may be higher or lower than
temperature A 502 for any given heating profile; temperature C 510 may be
higher or
lower than temperature B 506 for any given heating profile.
The programmed heating profile 500 includes a final timepoint 514, the point
at
which energy stops being supplied to the heating unit for the rest of the
session of use. It
may be that the final timepoint 514 is concurrent with the end of the session
of use.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the temperatures 502, 506, 510 and
timepoints 504, 508, 512, 514 of the programmed heating profile of the heating
unit(s)
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may be modulated to reduce the accumulation of condensation in a device 100.
In
particular, configuring the device such that timepoint B 508 occurs after 50%
of the
session of use has elapsed, optionally after 75% of the session of use has
elapsed, may
reduce the amount of condensate which collects in the device in use.
In embodiments wherein the heating assembly comprises at least two aerosol
generators, the heating assembly may be configured such that the first and
second
aerosol generators have substantially the same maximum operating temperature.
The
inventors have identified that this configuration may also reduce the
accumulation of
condensation in the device.
Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein a controller may set two different
heating profiles for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol provision
device. The
controller may be operable in a first mode of operation to set a first heating
profile
601,602 for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol provision device. As
shown in
Fig. 6, the first heating profile 601,602 may be stepped down as a function of
time. The
controller when operated in the first mode of operation is arranged to set the
first heating
profile 601,602 such that during a session of use (i.e. between time points
610 and 612)
the average operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is
arranged to
be a temperature Ti.
In the particular embodiment shown in Fig. 6 in the first mode of operation
the
controller is initially arranged at the start of a session to set a
temperature 601 at initial
time point 610 for the one or more aerosol generators. The initial temperature
601 may
be maintained for a period of time t1 and then at time point 611 the
temperature may be
dropped to a lower temperature 602 for the remainder of the session of use.
The
session is deemed to end at time point 612 when the controller stops supplying
energy to
the one or more aerosol generators.
The controller may also be operated in a second mode of operation as shown in
Fig. 6 wherein the controller is arranged to set a second different heating
profile 603,604
for the one or more aerosol generators such that during a session of use (i.e.
between
time points 610 and 612) the average operating temperature of the one or more
aerosol
generators is also arranged to be temperature Ti.
Accordingly, the controller may be arranged to operate in at least a first
mode and
a second mode wherein different heating profiles may be utilised but wherein
the
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different heating profiles set the same average operating temperature Ti for
the one or
more aerosol generators.
It will be understood that it may be desirable to maintain aerosolisable
material at
a certain optimum average temperature throughout a session of use and as such
it is
desired that a heating profile which is applied to the one or more aerosol
generators has
an average operating temperature Ti which substantially matches or corresponds
with
the desired optimum average temperature.
According to an embodiment the average operating temperature Ti of the
heating profile(s) 601,602;603,604 may be in the range: (i) 200-210 C; (ii)
210-220 C;
(iii) 220-230 C; (iv) 230-240 C; (v) 240-250 C; (vi) 250-260 C; (vii) 260-
270 C; (viii)
270-280 C; (ix) 280-290 C; and (x) 290-300 C.
The first and second heating profiles 601,602;603,604 may be mirror images of
each other as in the case of the example shown and described with reference to
Fig. 6.
In the example shown in Fig. 6 the first heating profile 601,602 is arranged
to set a first
temperature 601 during a first time period t1 from time points 610 to 611 and
then at time
point 611 the first heating profile sets a lower temperature 602 for the
remaining time
period t2 from time points 611 to 612. Conversely, the second heating profile
603,604 is
arranged to set a temperature 603 during time period t1 from time points 610
to 611 and
then at time 611 the second heating profile sets a higher temperature 604 for
the
remaining time period 611 to 612.
It has been found that a desired or optimum sensorial experience for a user
may
be achieved by maintaining the average operating temperature of the one or
more
aerosol generators at a certain average operating temperature Ti during a
session of
use (i.e. during time points 610 to 612). However, as illustrated by Fig. 6
different
heating profiles may be utilised which have the same average operating
temperature Ti.
The ability to set different heating profiles which have the same average
operating temperature Ti during a session of use enables aerosolisable
material to be
maintained at an optimum average temperature during a session of use whilst
also
facilitating a user to have different sensorial experiences by selecting
between two or
more different heating profiles.
According to an embodiment the session of use may comprise at least a first
time
period t1 and at least a second subsequent time period t2 as shown in Fig. 6.
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With reference to Fig. 6, in a first mode of operation during the first time
period t1
the controller may be arranged to set a first maximum temperature 601 for the
one or
more aerosol generators. During the second time period t2 the controller may
then be
arranged to set a second maximum temperature 602 for the one or more aerosol
generators. The first maximum temperature 601 may be higher than the second
maximum temperature 602.
According to an alternative embodiment the first maximum temperature may be
lower than the second maximum temperature.
In a second mode of operation during the first time period t1 the controller
may be
arranged to set a first maximum temperature 603 for the one or more aerosol
generators.
During the second time period t2 the controller may then be arranged to set a
second
maximum temperature 604 for the one or more aerosol generators. The first
maximum
temperature 603 may be lower than the second maximum temperature 604.
According to an alternative embodiment the first maximum temperature may be
higher than the second maximum temperature.
Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein a controller may be arranged to set a
first heating profile 701,702,703,704 having a first maximum operating
temperature
701,703 and a second heating profile 705,706,707,708 having a second different
maximum operating temperature 705,707 but wherein both heating profiles have
the
same average operating temperature Ti.
Similarly, the first heating profile 701,702,703,704 may have a first minimum
operating temperature 702,704 and the second heating profile 705,706,707,708
may
have a second different minimum operating temperature 706,708.
Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein a controller may set a first heating
profile 801,802,803,804 for the one or more aerosol generators wherein the
first heating
profile 801,802,803,804 may be stepped upwards as a function of time and
wherein the
average operating temperature throughout a session of use is Ti. The
controller may
also be arranged to set a second heating profile 810,811,812,813 for the one
or more
aerosol generators wherein the second heating profile 810,811,812,813 may be
stepped
downwards as a function of time. The second heating profile 810,811,812,813
may be
arranged to have the same average operating temperature throughout a session
of use
as the first heating profile namely Ti.
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In the particular example shown in Fig. 8 the two heating profiles are mirror
images of each other. However, it will be understood that it is not essential
that the two
heating profiles are mirror images.
According to other embodiments the first heating profile may be stepped
downwards as a function of time and the second heating profile may be stepped
upwards
as a function of time wherein both heating profiles may have the same average
operating
temperature Ti throughout a session of use.
As another example, a session of use may comprise at least a first time period
t1,
at least a second subsequent time period t2 and at least a third yet further
time period t3.
The controller may be operable in a first mode of operation and in a second
mode of
operation. During the first time period tithe controller may be arranged to
set a first
maximum temperature Timax , during the second time period t2 the controller is
arranged
to set a second maximum temperature T2max and wherein during the third time
period t3
the controller is arranged to set a third maximum temperature T3ma.. According
to an
embodiment T1 max > T2max > T3max. According to another embodiment T1 max >
T2max <
T3max According to another embodiment Ti max < T2max > T3max. According to
another
embodiment Tima. < T2max < T3max.
Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment wherein the controller may be arranged
to
set two different heating profiles for the one or more aerosol generators. The
first
heating profile 900 has an average operating temperature T1 and a duration D1.
The
second heating profile 901 has the same average operating temperature T1 but a
different duration D2. D1 and D2 may differ by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%,
25%, 30%,
35%, 40%, 45% or 50%. D1 may be 200-210 s, 210-220 s, 220-230 s, 230-240 s,
240-
250 s, 250-260 s, 260-270 s, 270-280 s, 280-290 s or 290-300 s. Similarly, D2
may be
200-210 s, 210-220 s, 220-230 s, 230-240 s, 240-250 s, 250-260 s, 260-270 s,
270-280
s, 280-290 s or 290-300 s.
Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment wherein a controller for setting heating
profiles
to one or more aerosol generators is operable in at least three different
modes of
operation 1001,1002,1003.
Accordingly, a controller is provided which enables a user to be able to
select
between experiencing an increased variety of sensorial experiences.
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As shown in Fig. 11A, a user may select the controller to operate in a first
mode
of operation 1001 wherein the controller may be arranged to set a first
heating profile for
the one or more aerosol generators during a first session of use (between
times tO and
t3) wherein the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is
initially
increased to a temperature T2 during a first time period tO to t1, then
decreased to a
lower temperature T3 during a second time period t1 to t2 and then increased
to a higher
temperature T4 during a third time period t2 to t3. The session of use is
deemed to end
at time t3.
As shown in Fig. 113, a user may select the controller to operate in a second
mode of operation 1002 wherein the controller may be arranged to set a second
heating
profile for the one or more aerosol generators during a second session of use
(between
times tO and t3) wherein the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol
generators is initially increased to a temperature 15 during a first time
period tO to t1,
then further increased to a higher temperature T6 during a second time period
t1 to t2
and then yet further increased to a yet higher temperature T7 during a third
time period
t2 to t3. The session of use is deemed to end at time t3.
As shown in Fig. 11C, a user may select the controller to operate in a third
mode
of operation 1003 wherein the controller may be arranged to set a third
heating profile for
the one or more aerosol generators during a third session of use (between
times tO and
t3) wherein the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators is
set
initially at a temperature T8 during time period tO to t1 and then decreased
to a lower
temperature T9 at a time t1. The controller is further arranged to decrease
the
temperature to a yet lower temperature T10 at time t2. In an embodiment the
temperature is maintained at temperatureT10 for time period t2 to t3. The
session of use
is deemed to end at time t3.
According to an embodiment the first session of use may have a duration D1,
the
second session of use may have a duration D2 and the third session of use may
have a
duration 03.
In the example shown in Figs. 11A-11C the duration of all three sessions of
use is
the same so that D1 = D2 = D3. However, other embodiments are contemplated
wherein, for example, D1 = D2 # D3. According to another embodiment D1 # D2 =
D3.
According to a further embodiment D1 = D3 # 02. According to a yet further
embodiment
D1 # D2 # D3. The various heating profiles shown in Figs. 11A-11C have a
stepped
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profile wherein the operating temperature which is set for the one or more
aerosol
generators changes in a stepped manner as a function of time. However, other
embodiments are also contemplated wherein the operating temperature which is
set for
the one or more aerosol generators may vary in a smooth or continuous manner
as a
function of time.
Fig. 12A illustrates a heating profile according to another embodiment. In a
first
mode of operation as illustrated by Fig. 12A the controller sets a first
heating profile
1200,1201 for the one or more aerosol generators. The first heating profile
comprises
setting a first temperature 1200 during time period tO to t1, then setting a
second
temperature 1201 during time period t1 to t2, then setting a third temperature
1200
during time period t2 to t3 and then setting a fourth temperature 1201 during
time period
t3 to t4. The session of use is deemed to end at time t4.
During such a session of use the average operating temperature of the one or
more aerosol generators is Ti.
As illustrated in Fig. 12B, according to an embodiment the controller may be
operated in a mode of operation wherein a dummy buffer period or adjustment
period
may be inserted into the heating profile in order to form a new second heating
profile.
In the particular example shown in Fig. 12B, the dummy buffer period or
adjustment period is inserted into the heating profile at the end of the first
heating profile
at time t4 in order to extend the session of use so that the session of use
now finishes at
a later time t5.
Accordingly, various embodiments are disclosed wherein the controller is
operable in a second mode of operation to set a second heating profile for the
one or
more aerosol generators, wherein the second heating profile corresponds to the
first
heating profile but additionally includes one or more dummy buffer periods.
The one or
more dummy periods may also be referred to as one or more adjustment periods.
It should be understood, however, that it is not essential that the dummy
buffer
period (or adjustment period) is inserted at the end of the first heating
profile as
illustrated by Fig. 123. Embodiments are contemplated wherein one or more
dummy
buffer periods or adjustment periods may be inserted into the first heating
profile at any
point in the first heating profile.
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With reference to the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 12B, in the second mode
of
operation the controller sets a heating profile having a first temperature
1200 during time
period tO to t1, then sets a second temperature 1201 during time period t1 to
t2, then
sets a third temperature 1200 during time period t2 to t3 and then sets a
fourth
temperature 1201 during time period t3 to t4. The controller further includes
a dummy
buffer period or adjustment period between time t4 to t5 wherein the
temperature is
maintained at a temperature 1200.
In the second mode of operation the average operating temperature of the one
or
more aerosol generators is T2. It will be understood that T2 is different from
the average
operating temperature Ti in the first mode of operation.
One or more dummy periods or adjustment periods may be inserted into the first
heating profile for a variety of reasons. For example, it may be desired to
operate the
aerosol provision device is a second mode of operation which has a different
average
operating temperature to the first mode of operation. Other embodiments are
contemplated wherein it may be desired to vary another property of a
temperature profile
which is set for the aerosol generators such as a mark-space ratio or period
of time
before setting a higher or lower temperature.
It is also contemplated that when one or more dummy periods or adjustment
periods are inserted into the first heating profile then a session of use may
end prior to
the end of a temperature profile which is set for the aerosol generators.
With reference to the embodiments described above the one or more aerosol
generators may comprise one or more induction heating units or one or more
resistive or
non-induction heating units. The one or more aerosol generators may comprise
one or
more external or internal heating units.
An external heating unit will be understood as comprising a heating unit which
surrounds an aerosol generating article and directs heat into the outer
portion of the
aerosol generating article which then heats the remaining portion of the
aerosol
generating article. The external heating unit(s) may comprise an induction
heating
unit(s) and/or a resistive heating unit(s).
By way of contrast, an internal heating unit comprises a heating unit which
enters
into or which is provided within the main body of the aerosol generating
article. For
example, an internal heating unit may comprise a blade provided in the base of
a heating
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chamber of the aerosol provision device. The aerosol generating article when
inserted
into the aerosol provision device will be pushed down onto the blade with the
result that
the blade extends into the distal end of the aerosol generating article.
According to
various embodiments the internal heating unit(s) may comprise resistive
heating units
wherein an electrical current is passed through the heating unit in order to
heat the
heating unit. However, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the internal
heating unit(s) may comprise induction heating unit(s). An induction heating
unit may
comprise an induction coil for generating a time varying magnetic field and a
susceptor.
The induction coil and the susceptor are suitably relatively positioned so
that the varying
magnetic field produced by the inductor penetrates the susceptor and one or
more eddy
currents are generated inside the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to
the flow
of electrical current, so when such eddy currents are generated in the
susceptor, their
flow against the electrical resistance of the susceptor causes the susceptor
to be heated
by Joule heating. For example, a susceptor may be provided in the base of a
heating
chamber of the aerosol provision device such that the aerosol generating
article is
pushed onto the susceptor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into
the
aerosol provision device. The susceptor may then be heated by an induction
coil which
may be spaced at a distance from the internal susceptor.
The one or more aerosol generators may comprise a first heating unit and a
second heating unit. According to an embodiment either: (i) the first heating
unit
comprises an induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an
induction
heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit
and the second
heating unit comprises a resistive or non-induction heating unit; (iii) the
first heating unit
comprises a resistive or non-induction heating unit and the second heating
unit
comprises an induction heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises
a resistive or
non-induction heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive
or non-
induction heating unit.
According to an embodiment either: (i) the first heating unit comprises an
external
heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit;
(ii) the first
heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit
comprises
an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal
heating unit and
the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first
heating unit
comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an
external
heating unit.
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A session of use is determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied
to
the one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol generating article has
been inserted
into the aerosol provision device. A session of use may also be determined to
begin
when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators
in order to
raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating
temperature
Tmin such that a user can take a first puff of aerosol generated from the
aerosol
generating material. Tmin may be in the range: (i) 200-210 C; (ii) 210-220
C; (iii) 220-
230 C; (iv) 230-240 C; (v) 240-250 C; (vi) 250-260 C; (vii) 260-270 C;
(viii) 270-280
C; (ix) 280-290 C; and (x) 290-300 C. A session of use may be determined to
end
when power or energy is no longer supplied to the one or more aerosol
generators.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to end when the
aerosol
generating material is substantially spent or wherein a user is unable to take
further puffs
of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.
According to an embodiment a session of use is determined to relate to a
period
of time during which a user is enabled to take multiple puffs of aerosol
generated from
aerosol generating material without replacement or replenishment of the
aerosol
generating material.
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.
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