Patent Publication Number: US-2020281264-A1

Title: Electronic aerosol provision device with seal

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2018/053028, filed Oct. 19, 2018, each of which claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1717480.6, filed Oct. 24, 2017, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a device section containing a power source and possibly electronics for operating the device, and an aerosol provision component which may comprise a reservoir of a source material, such as a liquid, containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporization. An aerosol provision component for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source material from the reservoir, for example through wicking/capillary action. 
     While a user inhales on the system, electrical power is supplied from the device section to the heating element in the aerosol provision component to vaporize source material in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such systems are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past/through the aerosol provision component. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol provision component and an opening in the mouthpiece so that air drawn past the aerosol provision component continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol from the aerosol provision component with it. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user. 
     Electronic cigarettes will include a mechanism for activating the heater to vaporize the source material during use. One approach is to provide a manual activation mechanism, such as a button, which the user presses to activate the heater. In such devices, the heater may be activated (i.e. supplied with electrical power) while the user is pressing the button, and deactivated when the user releases the button. Another approach is to provide an automatic activation mechanism, such as a pressure sensor arranged to detect when a user is drawing air through the system by inhaling on the mouthpiece. In such systems, the heater may be activated when it is detected the user is inhaling through the device and deactivated when it is detected the user has stopped inhaling through the device. 
     Typically, three types of electronic aerosol provision systems have been provided to date. Firstly, devices are known where the aerosol provision component and the power containing device section are inseparable and contained within the same housing. Secondly, devices are known where the aerosol provision component and the power containing device section are separable. Such devices facilitate re-use of the device section (via recharging of the power source, for example). Thirdly, devices are known where the aerosol provision component and the power containing device section are separable, and the aerosol provision component itself may be further separated into component parts. For example, in some devices it is possible for the heater of the aerosol provision component to be removed from the aerosol provision component and replaced. 
     Typically, each of these devices are arranged in a generally longitudinal format. That is to say, the various component parts, e.g. the aerosol provision component and the device are generally attached in a sequential end-on format. To date, this has been acceptable to some users of such systems since they may resemble conventional combustible products such as cigarettes. 
     One consideration relating to such devices is that secure attachment between the aerosol provision component and the power section is required. To date, this has typically been achieved via screw-threads or other connections such as bayonet-fittings, or push-fittings. 
     A further consideration relating to such devices is the relatively exposed profile of the aerosol provision component. Since it generally extends from the device section, it might be considered as extending the overall profile of the device, which may be undesirable to some consumers. 
     Various approaches are described which seek to help address some of these issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a device for an electronic aerosol provision system, wherein the device comprises a housing, said housing being formed of a chassis section and a hatch section, wherein the hatch section is connected to the chassis section and moveable between a first position where the chassis section and hatch section together define an enclosed space for an aerosol forming component to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section and hatch section are spaced so as to provide access to the spaced, the hatch section comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol forming component said sleeve comprising a seal for forming a seal with the aerosol forming component when inserted into the sleeve. 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is also provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: a device for an electronic aerosol provision system, wherein the device comprises a housing, said housing being formed of a chassis section and a hatch section, wherein the hatch section is connected to the chassis section and moveable between a first position where the chassis section and hatch section together define an enclosed space for an aerosol forming component to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section and hatch section are spaced so as to provide access to the spaced, the hatch section comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol forming component said sleeve comprising a seal for forming a seal with the aerosol forming component when inserted into the sleeve; a power supply, an activation means, electronics for operating the device, and an aerosol forming component. 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is also provided a process for forming a device, the device comprising a housing, said housing being formed of a chassis section and a hatch section, wherein the hatch section is connected to the chassis section and moveable between a first position where the chassis section and hatch section together define an enclosed space for an aerosol forming component to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section and hatch section are spaced so as to provide access to the spaced, the hatch section comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol forming component said sleeve comprising a seal for forming a seal with the aerosol forming component when inserted into the sleeve; the process comprising: forming a hatch section comprising a sleeve for receipt of an aerosol forming component; inserting a seal for forming a seal with the aerosol forming component into the sleeve; forming a chassis section; and connecting the chassis section with the seal containing hatch section. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an electronic aerosol provision system such as an e-cigarette in accordance with some examples of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of a device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional diagram of the device of  FIG. 2  when the hatch section is in the first position and an aerosol forming component resides within the housing. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an alternative device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5 a  to 5 c    show one example of a suitable mechanism for transitioning the cover section from the first position to the second position in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of part of the internal mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5 a    to  5   c.    
         FIG. 7  is an exploded diagram showing certain components of the device of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the hatch section and shows part of the internal mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5 a    to  5   c.    
         FIGS. 9 a  to 9 c    show a range of sections taken through the longitudinal axis of the sleeve of the hatch section. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sectional view parallel with a longitudinal axis of the sleeve of the hatch section. 
         FIG. 11 a    is a perspective view showing the internal space within the housing of the device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11 b    is a closed up view of the base of the internal space within the housing of the device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  provides a representational image of an aerosol forming component being inserted into the sleeve of the hatch section of the device of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features. 
     As described above, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision system, such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” is sometimes used but this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol (vapor) provision system. Furthermore, an aerosol provision system may include systems which are intended to generate aerosols from liquid source materials, solid source materials and/or semi-solid source materials, e.g. gels. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in connection with some example e-cigarette configurations (e.g. in terms of a specific overall appearance and underlying vapor generation technology). However, it will be appreciated the same principles can equally be applied for aerosol delivery systems having different overall configurations (e.g. having a different overall appearance, structure and/or vapor generation technology). 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an electronic aerosol provision system such as an e-cigarette in accordance with some examples of the prior art (not to scale). The e-cigarette  10  of the prior art has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by dashed line LA, and comprising two main components, namely a body  20  (device section) and a cartomizer  30  (aerosol provision component). The cartomizer includes an internal chamber containing a reservoir of a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated, a heating element, and a liquid transport element (in this example a wicking element) for transporting source liquid to the vicinity of the heating element. In some example implementations of an aerosol provision component according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the heating element may itself provide the liquid transport function. For example, the heating element and the element providing the liquid transport function may sometimes be collectively referred to as an aerosol generator/aerosol forming member/vaporizer/atomizer/distiller. The cartomizer  30  further includes a mouthpiece  35  having an opening through which a user may inhale the aerosol from the aerosol generator. The source liquid may be of a conventional kind used in e-cigarettes, for example comprising 0 to 5% nicotine dissolved in a solvent comprising glycerol, water, and/or propylene glycol. The source liquid may also comprise flavorings. The reservoir for the source liquid may comprise a porous matrix or any other structure within a housing for retaining the source liquid until such time that it is required to be delivered to the aerosol generator/vaporizer. In some examples the reservoir may comprise a housing defining a chamber containing free liquid (i.e. there may not be a porous matrix). 
     As discussed further below, the body  20  includes a re-chargeable cell or battery to provide power for the e-cigarette  10  and a circuit board including control circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette. In active use, i.e. when the heating element receives power from the battery, as controlled by the control circuitry, the heating element vaporizes source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece. During user inhalation the aerosol is carried from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece opening along an air channel that connects between them. 
     In the examples of the prior art, the body  20  and cartomizer  30  are detachable from one another by separating in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, as shown in  FIG. 1 , but are joined together when the device  10  is in use by a connection, indicated schematically in  FIG. 1  as  25 A and  25 B, to provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the body  20  and the cartomizer  30 . The electrical connector on the body  20  that is used to connect to the cartomizer also serves as a socket for connecting a charging device (not shown) when the body is detached from the cartomizer  30 . The other end of the charging device can be plugged into an external power supply, for example a USB socket, to charge or to re-charge the cell/battery in the body  20  of the e-cigarette. In other implementations, a cable may be provided for direct connection between the electrical connector on the body and the external power supply and/or the device may be provided with a separate charging port, for example a port conforming to one of the USB formats. 
     The e-cigarette  10  is provided with one or more holes (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) for air inlet. These holes connect to an air passage (airflow path) running through the e-cigarette  10  to the mouthpiece  35 . The air passage includes a region around the aerosol source and a section comprising an air channel connecting from the aerosol source to the opening in the mouthpiece. 
     When a user inhales through the mouthpiece  35 , air is drawn into this air passage through the one or more air inlet holes, which are suitably located on the outside of the e-cigarette. This airflow (or the associated change in pressure) is detected by an airflow sensor  215 , in this case a pressure sensor, for detecting airflow in electronic cigarette  10  and outputting corresponding airflow detection signals to the control circuitry. The airflow sensor  560  may operate in accordance with conventional techniques in terms of how it is arranged within the electronic cigarette to generate airflow detection signals indicating when there is a flow of air through the electronic cigarette (e.g. when a user inhales or blows on the mouthpiece). 
     When a user inhales (sucks/puffs) on the mouthpiece in use, the airflow passes through the air passage (airflow path) through the electronic cigarette and combines/mixes with the vapor in the region around the aerosol source to generate the aerosol. The resulting combination of airflow and vapor continues along the airflow path connecting from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece for inhalation by a user. The cartomizer  30  may be detached from the body  20  and disposed of when the supply of source liquid is exhausted (and replaced with another cartomizer if so desired). Alternatively, the cartomizer may be refillable. 
     In accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, whilst the operation of the aerosol provision system may function broadly in line with that described above for exemplary prior art devices, e.g. activation of a heater to vaporize a source material so as to entrain an aerosol in a passing airflow which is then inhaled, the construction of the aerosol provision system of some example embodiments of the present disclosure is different to prior art devices. 
     In this regard, a device for an electronic aerosol provision system is provided, wherein the device comprises a housing, said housing being formed of a chassis section and a hatch section, wherein the hatch section is connected to the chassis section and moveable between a first position where the chassis section and hatch section together define an enclosed space for an aerosol forming component to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section and hatch section are spaced so as to provide access to the space.  FIG. 2  is a diagram of an exemplary device  100  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that various components and details of the body, e.g. such as wiring and more complex shaping, have been omitted from  FIG. 2  for reasons of clarity. Some of these are shown in  FIG. 3 . Device  100  comprises a housing  200  formed by chassis section  210  and hatch section  220 . Chassis section  210  may take the form of a single piece of material, or may be formed from two separate pieces of material  210   a ,  210   b  joined together along an appropriate seam (not shown). Chassis section  210  and hatch section  220  are connected such that hatch section  220  is moveable relative to the chassis section  210  between a first position where the chassis section  210  and hatch section  220  together define an enclosed space  250  for an aerosol forming component (not shown) to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section  210  and hatch section  220  are spaced so as to provide access to the space  250 .  FIG. 2  shows chassis section  210  and hatch section  220  in the second position with space  250  being accessible. As can also be seen in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the hatch section  220  may comprise a sleeve  230  mounted on an internal wall of the hatch section  220  such that the sleeve projects towards the space  250 . Sleeve  230  defines a generally longitudinal recess which is able to accommodate an aerosol forming component (not shown). More specifically, an aerosol forming component can be inserted into sleeve  230 . Sleeve  230  will be explained in further detail below; however, in the context of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , it will be apparent than when the hatch section  220  is moved to the first position such that, together with the chassis section  210 , an enclosed space  250  is formed, the sleeve  230  (and the aerosol forming component if present) will occupy the space  250 . Accordingly, by providing a hatch section which is moveable between first and second positions as described herein, it is possible to provide a space for an aerosol forming component to be received without otherwise extending the overall profile of the device. This can be advantageous for a number of reasons. Firstly, a more compact device is provided relative to the conventional longitudinal devices of the art. Secondly, the aerosol forming component is generally more protected than the in the devices of the prior art since it may be located entirely within an enclosed space, thus providing a degree of protection against impact from external objects. This can be particularly important given the presence of source liquid which could leak if the aerosol forming component is damaged. 
     The hatch section  220  of the device  100  shown in  FIG. 2  may also comprise a mouthpiece  260  which defines an outlet. Additionally, the device  100  generally includes an inlet  240  which facilitates the inlet of air into the space  250 . The inlet  240 , space  250  and outlet  260  together form a fluidly connected pathway for air to flow from outside the device, through the space  250 , and out of the outlet of the mouthpiece. When an aerosol forming component is present in the space  250 , the air flow will be channeled through (or past) the aerosol forming component thereby facilitating the entrainment of aerosol in the airflow path. 
     As generally described herein, the device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure may include a number of additional features. In one embodiment, the hatch section is an elongate component comprising an externally facing surface and an internally facing surface. In one embodiment, the hatch section includes a sleeve as part of the internally facing surface, wherein the sleeve is for receiving the aerosol forming component. In one embodiment, the sleeve has a generally tubular profile. 
     As explained herein, the hatch section is moveably connected to the chassis section. In one embodiment, moving the hatch section from the first position to the second position includes the hatch section undergoing at least one of pivoting, rotating, sliding, or swiveling with respect to the chassis housing. Optionally, moving the hatch section from the first position to the second position includes the hatch section undergoing more than one of pivoting, sliding, or swiveling with respect to the chassis housing. Optionally, moving the hatch section from the first position to the second position includes the hatch section undergoing sliding and pivoting with respect to the chassis housing, and in some embodiments, undergoing sliding and then pivoting with respect to the chassis housing. 
     The housing of the present device generally comprises one or more inlets for conveying air into the space when the hatch section is in the first position. The position of the inlet(s) is not particularly limited. For example, in one embodiment, at least one inlet is present on the hatch section. Additionally and/or alternatively, the at least one inlet is present on the chassis section. It may be desirable for the one or more inlets to be aligned with an air inlet on the aerosol forming component. 
     As explained above with respect to devices of the prior art, the device  100  of some example embodiments of the present disclosure can be activated by any suitable means. Such suitable activation means include button activation, or activation via a sensor (touch sensor, airflow sensor, pressure sensor, thermistor etc.). By activation, it is meant that the aerosol generator of the aerosol forming component can be energized such that vapor is produced from the source material. In this regard, activation can be considered to be distinct from actuation, whereby the device  100  is brought from an essentially dormant or off state, to a state in which once or more functions can be performed on the device and/or the device can be placed into a mode which can be suitable for activation. 
     In this regard, housing  200  generally comprises a power supply/source (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) which supplies power to the aerosol generator of the aerosol forming component. It is noted that the connection between the aerosol forming component and the power supply may be wired or wireless. For example, where the connection is a wired connection, contacts  450  within the housing  200 , for example on the chassis section  210 , may contact with corresponding electrodes of the aerosol forming component when the hatch section  220  is in the first position and the aerosol forming component thus resides within space  250 . The establishment of such contact will be explained further below. Alternatively, it is possible for the connection between the power source and the aerosol forming component to be wireless in the sense that a drive coil (not shown) present in the housing  200  and connected to the power source could be energized such that a magnetic field is produced. The aerosol forming component could then comprise a susceptor which is penetrated by the magnetic field such that eddy currents are induced in the susceptor and it is heated. 
     In an optional aspect of the device  100  of  FIG. 2 , there may be provided a surface feature  270  which facilitates movement of the hatch section  220  from the first position to the second position. The surface feature  270  will be explained in more detail below. In the context of the device  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , the surface feature  270  is a recess formed in the outer surface of hatch section  220 . However, it will be understood that the surface feature may not be a recess, and could inserted be a projection, or area of increased surface roughness. In the context of the surface feature  270 , there is provided an area for improved engagement with a digit of a user (such as a thumb) and therefore the movement of the hatch section  220  is improved since the thumb can, for example, reside in the recess and more easily move the hatch section  220  to the second position. The recessed surface feature  270  may in this case also define a transparent section  280  of hatch section  220 . Such a transparent section allows the user to visualize the aerosol forming component, which could be advantageous in allowing the user to see information displayed on the aerosol forming component (such as flavor, brand, purchase date information etc.) and/or the amount of source material present in the aerosol forming component. Such transparent sections are generally not required on devices of the prior art since the aerosol forming component is generally fully exposed in a longitudinal type configuration. The transparent section may be located within the recess. 
       FIG. 3  provides a cross-sectional view of the device  100  of  FIG. 2  wherein the hatch section  220  is in the first position and an aerosol forming component  700  is retained within sleeve  230 . It will be appreciated here that enclosed space  250  is formed within the housing and is occupied by an aerosol forming component within sleeve  230 .  FIG. 3  will be used to further describe some aspects of various embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 4  shows device  100   b . Similarly to device  100 , device  100   b  comprises a housing formed from a chassis section  211  and a hatch section  221 . Hatch section  221  is connected to chassis section  211  and is moveable between a first position wherein an enclosed space  251  is formed for an aerosol forming component to be located for aerosol generation, and a second position wherein the chassis section  211  and hatch section  221  are spaced so as to provide access to the space  251 . In  FIG. 4 , hatch section  221  is shown in the section position providing access to space  251 . According to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , space  251  may define a sleeve having a generally longitudinal profile. The inner surface of the sleeve may be shaped so as to receive an aerosol forming component  700 . It will be appreciated that in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the hatch section is pivotable between the first and second positions. However, said movement between the first and second positions could also be achieved via sliding, swiveling etc. Hatch section  221  also may comprise mouthpiece section  261 . In a similar fashion to device  100 , mouthpiece section  261  may define an outlet which forms a fluid connection with space  251  and an air inlet (not shown) thereby allowing for air to flow through the device  100   b  such that aerosol can be entrained when an aerosol forming component is present in space  251  and activated. 
     Turning back now to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 7  shows an exploded diagram of device  100 . As will be apparent from  FIG. 7 , chassis sections  210   a  and  210   b  can be connected together so as to encase a power supply  290  (such as a battery, which may be rechargeable via wired or wireless means), a printed circuit board (PCB)  291  comprising various control circuitry providing for the functionality of the device, a space for receiving an aerosol forming component via the sleeve  230  of the hatch section, and a mechanism  600  connecting the chassis section  210  and the hatch section  220  and facilitating movement from the first position to the section position. As will be apparent from  FIG. 7 , mechanism  600  can comprise one or more parts which function to connect the chassis and hatch sections, and which facilitates their movement from the respective first to second positions. In this regard, mechanism  600  may be comprised of formations on the chassis section  210 , formations on the hatch section  220  and independent (i.e. separately formed) components. In this example the control circuitry  550  is in the form of a chip, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the device  100 . The circuit board  291  comprising the control circuitry may be arranged between the power supply and the space  250 . The control circuitry may be provided as a single element or a number of discrete elements. The control circuitry may be connected to a pressure sensor to detect an inhalation on mouthpiece  260  and, as mentioned above, this aspect of detecting when there is airflow in the device and generating corresponding airflow detection signals may be conventional. 
     In one embodiment, mechanism  600  may comprise a dowel (pin)  601  and a carriage spring  602  and respective formations on the chassis section  210  and the hatch section  220 . In one embodiment, dowel  601  may connect carriage spring  602  to both the hatch section  220  and the chassis section  210 , thereby facilitating movement of the hatch section  220  from the first position to the section position. The carriage spring  602  may be biased against the hatch section  220  so as to urge it towards the second position. The hatch section may be retained in the first position via lug  603  being releasably positioned within the longitudinal projection of the L-shaped recess/groove  604 . When lug  603  is moved to the lateral projection of the L-shaped recess/grove  604 , carriage spring  602  is able to urge hatch section  220  away from the chassis section  210  and thus into a spaced position (the second position). 
     In a further embodiment, an exemplary mechanism for facilitating connection and movement between the chassis section  210  and the hatch section  220  is shown in  FIGS. 5 a  to 5 c   . Mechanism  650  is shown in  FIGS. 5 a  to 5 c   . Mechanism  650  comprises a first lug  651  and a second lug  652 , both located on the hatch section  220 . Lug  651  resides within a vertical slot  661  formed within chassis section  210  (it may be that the slot  661  is formed by opposing parts of two chassis section components  210   a  and  210   b  respectively). Slot  661  is sized and oriented so as to allow longitudinal movement of lug  651  within the slot. Lug  652  resides within a generally L-shaped slot  662  formed within chassis section  210  (again, it may be that the slot  662  is formed by opposing parts of two chassis section components  210   a  and  210   b  respectively). Mechanism  650  also comprises a biasing cam  670  which is anchored around a pivot P 1 . Biasing cam  670  is urged towards the hatch section  220  by a biasing spring (not shown). Biasing cam includes a retaining shoulder  671 . Retaining shoulder  671  interacts with an anchoring projection  653  of the hatch section  220 . Together, the components of mechanism  650  provide a simple and robust mechanism for facilitating connection and movement between the chassis section  210  and the hatch section  220 . The operation of the mechanism  650  will now be described in more detail. 
     When the hatch section  220  is in the first position (as shown in  FIG. 5 a   ) lugs  651  and  652  are located in the distal most sections of their respective slots  661  and  662 . Furthermore, in this position, anchoring projection  653  engages retention shoulder  671 . Due to the respective orientations of the upper surface of anchoring projection  653  and the lower surface of retention shoulder  671 , the urging of the biasing cam  670  towards the hatch section provides a proximally acting force on the anchoring projection  653 . Furthermore, slope  663  of slot  552  generally urges the hatch section  220  (and thus the anchoring projection  653 ) towards the biasing cam  670  so that the tip of the anchoring projection  653  resides under the retention shoulder. Such an arrangement generally retains the hatch section  220  in the first position and provides the user with a perceptible engagement of the hatch section in the first position as the anchoring projection  653  rides over and is then retained under the retention shoulder  671 . 
     When the user wants to move hatch section  220  towards the second position, the hatch section  220  is generally moved upwards (proximally with respect to the mouthpiece, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 5 a   ). The surface feature  270  may make such a movement easier. Such a movement results in lug  652  riding up slope  663  (since it is being biased towards the slope  663  by the biasing cam  670  and biasing spring), and then along the longitudinal projection of slot  663 . Similarly, lug  651  travels proximally along slot  661 . Further, anchoring projection  653  rides over retention shoulder  671 . Upon continued movement of the hatch section  220 , lug  652  becomes positioned at the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral portions of slot  662 . At the same time, lug  651  reaches the proximal most portion of slot  661 . As a result, hatch section  220  is no longer retained in the first position since lug  652  is free to move laterally in the lateral portion of L-shaped slot  662 . As shown in  FIG. 5 c   , under the influence of the biasing cam  670  and biasing spring (which acts against the biasing cam), the hatch section  220  is urged away from the chassis section  210  into the section position. In this regard, due to the location of lug  651  in the proximal most position of slot  661 , hatch section pivots around a second pivot point P 2  when moved into the second position. When the user wishes to return the hatch section  220  to the first position, the above sequence of steps is performed in reverse. 
       FIG. 6  provides a cut away view of through the chassis housing  210  such that part of mechanism  650  can be seen more clearly. As can be seen biasing cam  670  is mounted on rod  672  which forms pivot P 1 . When urged toward the hatch section  220  by a biasing spring (not shown), the biasing cam  670  can drive the hatch section  220  into the second position provided that lug  652  is in the lateral projection of slot  662 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of hatch section  220  when detached from device  100 . As can be seen, in this embodiment hatch section comprises a sleeve  235  upon which lugs  651  and  652  are mounted, as well as anchoring projection  653 .  FIG. 8  also illustrates an alternative position for the inlet  240 . Thus, the inlet on the device can be formed in any component provided that air can enter the space  250  for accommodating the aerosol forming component.  FIG. 8  also shows retention section  300  which, in this embodiment, is a flexible tang  301  which is forced outwards upon insertion of a suitable aerosol forming component in sleeve  235 . Due to the general rigidity of the material used to form the tang  301 , it generally resists outward deflection and as such serves to provide a degree of grip against the aerosol forming component. This then provides a force which helps to resist removal of the aerosol forming component from sleeve  235 . 
     As described above, there is generally provided a hatch section  220  which in some embodiments comprises a sleeve  235  which is suitable for receiving an aerosol forming component. Due to the way in which the present device is used, the aerosol forming component may well be inserted into the sleeve  235  when the sleeve opening  236  is facing downwards. As a result, there is potentially a risk in some implementations that the inserted aerosol forming component may fall out of the sleeve  235  before the hatch section  220  is moved back to the first position. Accordingly, hatch section  235  may be generally provided with a retention section which is configured to resist removal of the aerosol forming component following insertion into the sleeve. This retention section could take different forms. For example, in one embodiment, the retention section is formed from a flexible tang, such as that shown in  FIG. 8 . Other suitable retention sections may include: a latch  302  (shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ) which engages with a corresponding recess  303  on the aerosol forming component; one or more ribs on the inside wall of the sleeve  235  which engage with the outer surface of the aerosol forming component and resist its removal; a magnet positioned at a relevant section of hatch section  220 /sleeve  235  which interacts with a suitable metal component of the aerosol forming component, such as the heater, to resist removal from the sleeve  235 . In a preferred embodiment, the hatch section includes a sleeve which comprises a flexible tang at an opening of the sleeve. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9 a  to 9 c   , where various cross section cut-aways along the lines A-A, B-B, C-C of  FIG. 8  are shown. The cross section C-C is generally taken at the sleeve opening  236 . In one embodiment, sleeve opening  236  has a generally circular cross section. However, it is possible that the sleeve opening could take another cross section. As is depicted in  FIGS. 9 a  to 9 c   , sleeve  235  may have a cross-section profile that varies along its length. For example, whilst the cross-section taken at line C-C may be generally viewed as being circular, the cross section becomes progressively oval long the length of the sleeve  235 . In particular, the cross-section taken at line B-B is generally more oval than the cross-section at line C-C. Further, the cross-section taken at line A-A is generally more oval than the cross-section at line B-B. Thus, the cross section of sleeve  235  varies between a first point along its length and a second point along its length. In this particular embodiment, the cross-section of sleeve  235  progressively varies so as to match the changing longitudinal cross-sectional profile of a corresponding aerosol forming component. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the sleeve progressively varies from a generally circular shape at a first position, to a generally oval shape at a second position, wherein the second position is downstream with respect to the direction of insertion of the aerosol forming component into the sleeve. In one embodiment, the chassis section  210  may also include one or more ridges or lugs  460  (or other suitable surface feature), as shown in  FIG. 11 b   , which correspond to a longitudinal slot  470  on the outer surface of the distal portion of the aerosol forming component. Such a combination of lugs/longitudinal slot can assist in locking the aerosol forming component in the final rotational orientation 
     As a result, there is provided a hatch section comprising a sleeve for receipt of an aerosol forming component, the sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second sections spaced along the longitudinal axis which exert different rotational biases on the aerosol forming component when inserted. The advantage of this is that should the aerosol forming component have at least one non-circular cross-section, the aerosol forming component can be inserted into the sleeve  235  in any rotational orientation and yet can be progressively oriented to a desired final rotational orientation. This may be important if, for example, the final rotational orientation of the aerosol forming component has an impact on the correct operation of the system as a whole. For example, it may be that the aerosol forming component comprises electrodes that need to be positioned in a specific rotational orientation for them to engage with corresponding electrodes on the inside of the housing  200 . Alternatively, it may be that the heater of the aerosol forming component is required to be orientated in a specific rotational orientation so as to ensure correct alignment with a magnetic field for inductive heating. By utilizing a sleeve which is able to automatically align the aerosol forming component into the desired rotational orientation, regardless of the rotational orientation in which it was in when initially inserted into the sleeve opening, a more seamless experience is provided to the user. In this regard, the ability to impart different rotational biases along the length of the sleeve is not limited to the specific cross section of the sleeve. For example, it is possible that a magnet could be present at a point along the sleeve, wherein said magnet interacts with a corresponding suitable metallic feature on the aerosol forming component. Due to the relative location of the magnet and the corresponding suitable metallic feature on the aerosol forming component, the aerosol forming component can be driven to a different rotational orientation relative to the rotational orientation in which it was in when inserted into the sleeve opening. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the hatch section  220  along a longitudinal axis of the hatch section  220 . Towards the proximal most end of sleeve  235  there may be provided a seal  400 , such as a sealing ring. Seal  400  functions to provide a seal between an inner surface  236  of sleeve  235  and an outer surface of the aerosol forming component when inserted into the sleeve  235 . This seal serves to help ensure that when the user inhales on mouthpiece  260 , airflow is drawn through the aerosol forming component, rather than along its outer perimeter. 
     In one embodiment, the aerosol forming component is urged into contact with the seal when the aerosol forming component is present in the sleeve and the hatch section is in the first position. In one embodiment, this may be effected by one or more biasing projections located on an inner wall of housing. In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 a   , biasing projections  450  are spring loaded electrodes (“pogo pins”) which serve to contact the distal most end of the aerosol forming component and urge it into further contact with seal  400 . It will be appreciated that the one or more biasing projections need not be sprung electrodes, but could alternatively be a ridge or other surface feature on the inner wall of housing  100  which serves to urge the aerosol forming component into further contact with seal  400 . Indeed, it is envisaged that the aerosol forming component may be energized using non-wired means, such as via induction heating, and as such the chassis housing may not use electrodes to contact the aerosol forming component. Generally, it may be desirable to have such biasing projections as they may serve to reduce the manufacturing tolerances within which the housing must be made. 
     Thus, the hatch section has a generally elongate profile defining a proximal end and a distal end, a mouthpiece being arranged at the proximal end and a sleeve opening being arranged at a distal end. In one embodiment, the seal is located adjacent the proximal end of the hatch section. The seal may be located in a circumferential groove formed on the inner surface of the sleeve. An inner surface of the chassis section may be provided with one or more biasing projections configured to bias the aerosol forming component into contact with the seal when present in the sleeve and the hatch section is in the first position. 
     The one or more biasing projections may be spring loaded, such as spring loaded electrodes. The seal may form a radial seal about an outer surface of the aerosol forming component. In one embodiment, upon movement of the hatch section from the second position to the first position, the hatch section undergoes at least one translation wherein the seal is moved towards the one or more biasing projections. 
     Whilst not a critical aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a suitable aerosol forming component for positioning within space  250 ,  251  will now be described in general. The aerosol forming component  700 , such as that shown in  FIG. 12 , includes an aerosol generator arranged (not shown) in an air passage extending along a generally longitudinal axis of the aerosol forming component  700 . The aerosol generator may comprise a resistive heating element adjacent a wicking element (liquid transport element) which is arranged to transport source liquid from a reservoir of source liquid within the aerosol forming component to the vicinity of the heating element for heating. The reservoir of source liquid in this example is adjacent to the air passage and may be implemented, for example, by providing cotton or foam soaked in source liquid. Ends of the wicking element are in contact with the source liquid in the reservoir so that the liquid is drawn along the wicking element to locations adjacent the extent of the heating element. The general configuration of the wicking element and the heating element may follow conventional techniques. For example, in some implementations the wicking element and the heating element may comprise separate elements, e.g. a metal heating wire wound around/wrapped over a cylindrical wick, the wick, for instance, consisting of a bundle, thread or yarn of glass fibers. In other implementations, the functionality of the wicking element and the heating element may be provided by a single element. That is to say, the heating element itself may provide the wicking function. Thus, in various example implementations, the heating element/wicking element may comprise one or more of: a metal composite structure, such as porous sintered metal fiber media (Bekipor® ST) from Bekaert, a metal foam structure, e.g. of the kind available from Mitsubishi Materials; a multi-layer sintered metal wire mesh, or a folded single-layer metal wire mesh, such as from Bopp; a metal braid; or glass-fiber or carbon-fiber tissue entwined with metal wires. The “metal” may be any metallic material having an appropriate electric resistivity to be used in connection/combination with a battery. The resultant electric resistance of the heating element will typically be in the range 0.5-5 Ohm. Values below 0.5 Ohm could be used but could potentially overstress the battery. The “metal” could, for example, be a NiCr alloy (e.g. NiCr8020) or a FeCrAl alloy (e.g. “Kanthal”) or stainless steel (e.g. AISI 304 or AISI 316). Upon activation of the device, power may be delivered from power supply  290  to the aerosol forming member  700  via electrodes  450 . 
     In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.