Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device with a flexible pcb improves the efficient use of interior space inside the aerosol generation device. an aerosol generation device includes a first rigid printed circuit board (pcb) arranged in a first plane, and a first flexible printed circuit (fpc). the first rigid pcb is attached to a first portion of the first fpc, the first fpc having a first portion of the first fpc is arranged in a second plane that is substantially parallel to and different from the first plane, and a second portion of the first fpc connects the first portion of the first fpc to the first rigid pcb.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a first rigid printed circuit board (pcb) arranged in a first plane; anda first flexible printed circuit (fpc); wherein the first rigid pcb is attached to a first portion of the first fpc,the first portion of the first fpc is arranged in a second plane that is substantially parallel to and different from the first plane, anda second portion of the first fpc connects the first portion of the first fpc to the first rigid pcb.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising: a second fpc; wherein the first rigid pcb is attached to a portion of the second fpc,a first portion of the second fpc is arranged in a third plane that is substantially parallel to and different from the first plane and the second plane, anda second portion of the second fpc connects the first portion of the second fpc portion to the first rigid pcb.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the second plane faces a first surface of the first rigid pcb and the third plane faces a second surface of the first rigid pcb that is opposite the first surface of the first rigid pcb; wherein at least part of the first portion of the first fpc faces the first surface of the first rigid pcb, and/orwherein at least part of the first portion of the second fpc faces the second surface of the first rigid pcb.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid pcb, the first portion of the first fpc, and the second portion of the first fpc form a first curved or bent shape in a transversal plane of the aerosol generation device.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the first rigid pcb, the first portion of the second fpc), and the second portion of the second fpc form a second curved or bent shape in a transversal plane of the aerosol generation device.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the first curved or bent shape and the second curved or bent shape are curved or bent in a same direction.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the first curved or bent shape and the second curved or bent shape together form a substantially "e"-letter shaped shape in a transversal plane of the aerosol generation device
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the first rigid pcb has or comprises an elongated shape, and at least a portion of the first fpc and the second fpc extends in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first rigid pcb.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, comprising a second rigid pcb that is connected to a third portion of the first fpc, or a third portion of the second fpc, or a third fpc of which a portion is attached to the first rigid pcb, wherein the second rigid pcb is arranged in a plane that is parallel to a transverse plane of the first rigid pcb.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the first fpc and the second fpc and the third fpc are formed by a single, integrally formed fpc.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising an aerosol generation means for receiving and/or interfacing with a consumable comprising an aerosol generation substrate for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generation substrate, wherein the aerosol generation means is provided substantially at a first end of the aerosol generation device.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply, wherein at least a portion of the first fpc wraps around at least a portion of the power supply and, in a transversal plane of the aerosol generation device, at least a portion or all of the of the power supply is arranged between the first portion of the first fpc and the first rigid pcb.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein less than 40 percent of an interior volume of the aerosol generation device that is defined by a housing of the aerosol generation device as an outer boundary is unoccupied and can be filled with air.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein, when not arranged in the aerosol generation device, the first fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape, wherein the first rigid pcb and the first fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc is connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein, when not arranged in the aerosol generation device, the first fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape, wherein the first rigid pcb and the first fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc is connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb, whereinthe second fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the second fpc into a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape with the first rigid pcb and the first fpc, and whereinthe first rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc and the second fpc are respectively connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein, when not arranged in the aerosol generation device, the first fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape, wherein the first rigid pcb and the first fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc is connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb, whereinthe second fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the second fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape with the first rigid pcb and the first fpc, and whereinthe first rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc and the second fpc are respectively connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb, whereinthe second rigid pcb, or the third fpc and the second rigid pcb is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc with the third portion or the second fpc with the third portion, or with the third fpc in a substantially planar shape, to form a substantially planar aggregate shape with the first rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc, or with the first rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc and the third fpc, whereinthe first rigid pcb and the second rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc, or the first rigid pcb and the second rigid pcb and the first fpc and the second fpc and the third fpc, overlap only at portions where the first fpc and the second fpc, or at portions where the first fpc and the second fpc and the third fpc are respectively connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb and/or the second rigid pcb.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein, when not arranged in the aerosol generation device, the first fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape, wherein the first rigid pcb and the first fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc is connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb,wherein a length of the aggregate shape is a maximum extension of the aggregate shape in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device, anda width of the aggregate shape is a maximum extension of the aggregate shape in a transverse direction of the aerosol generation device in the first plane of the first rigid pcb,wherein a ratio between(i) a total area of the aggregate shape, and (ii) a total area of a rectangle that has the length and the width of the aggregate shapeis larger than 30 percent.
18. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the first curved or bent shape and the second curved or bent shape are curved or bent in opposite directions.
19. the aerosol generation device according to claim 18, wherein the first curved or bent shape and the second curved or bent shape together form a substantially "s"-letter shaped shape in a transversal plane of the aerosol generation device.
20. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein, when not arranged in the aerosol generation device, the first fpc is arranged in substantially the same plane as the first rigid pcb with the first fpc in a substantially planar shape to form a substantially planar aggregate shape, wherein the first rigid pcb and the first fpc overlap only at portions where the first fpc is connected and/or attached to the first rigid pcb,wherein a length of the aggregate shape is a maximum extension of the aggregate shape in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device, anda width of the aggregate shape is a maximum extension of the aggregate shape in a transverse direction of the aerosol generation device in the first plane of the first rigid pcb,wherein a ratio between(i) a total area of the aggregate shape, and (ii) a total area of a rectangle that has the length and the width of the aggregate shapeis larger than 90 percent.


Abstract: [en] the invention concerns a tobacco article (12) extending along an article axis (x) and configured to operate with a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11). the aerosol generating device (11) comprises a receiving cavity (36) configured to receive at least a part of the tobacco article (12). the receiving cavity comprises or is associated to an electromagnetic wave generator configured to generate heat to or in the said part of the tobacco article (12). the aerosol generating device (11) comprises an induction coil (40) arranged relative to the receiving cavity (36) to create a magnetic field in the receiving cavity. the tobacco article (12) is configured to generate aerosol when heated by the aerosol generating device (11). the tobacco article (12) comprises a vibrating element (24) configured to vibrate when it is placed within the magnetic field created by the induction coil (40), to generate haptic feedback to user's lips.

[en] claims 1. a tobacco article (12) extending along an article axis (x) and configured to operate with a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1), the aerosol generating device(11) comprising a receiving cavity (36) configured to receive at least a part of the tobacco article (12); the receiving cavity (36) comprising or being associated to an heating module configured to generate heat to or in the said part of the tobacco article(12); the aerosol generating device (1 1) comprising an induction coil (40) arranged relative to the receiving cavity (36) to create a magnetic field in the receiving cavity; the tobacco article (12) being configured to generate aerosol when heated by the aerosol generating device (11); the tobacco article (12) comprising a vibrating element (24) configured to vibrate when it is placed within the magnetic field created by the induction coil (40), to generate haptic feedback to user’s lips.
2. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco article (12) comprises a tobacco portion (14) designed to be received in the receiving cavity (36) and a non-tobacco portion (16) designed to be downstream of the tobacco portion (14), the vibrating element (24) being inserted in or attached to the non-tobacco portion (16).
3. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 2, wherein the vibrating element (24) is arranged at an upstream end of the non-tobacco portion (16) adjacent to the tobacco portion (14).
4. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the non-tobacco portion (16) comprises a transition portion or segment (26), the vibrating element (24) being inserted in or attached to the transition portion or segment (26); preferably the transition portion or segment (26) comprising or being essentially made of fibrous material, more preferably cellulose acetate material.
5. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 4, wherein the transition portion or segment (26) defines a longitudinal airflow hole (28) extending along to, preferably parallel to the element (24).
6. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 1, wherein the article (12) comprises a tobacco portion (14), designed to be received in a heating part of the receiving cavity (36) comprising the heating module, the heating module being an electromagnetic wave generator configured to provide an induction electromagnetic field, and a nontobacco portion (16) designed to be downstream of the tobacco portion (14), the vibrating element (24) being inserted in or attached to the tobacco portion (14), the vibrating element (24) being configured to heat the tobacco portion (14) by the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic wave generator.
7. a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1), comprising: - a receiving cavity (36) configured to receive at least a part of a tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - an induction coil (40) arranged around or adjacent the receiving cavity (36) and configured to create a magnetic field.
8. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 7, further comprising a heating module comprising a heating element (38) arranged around or adjacent to at least a part the receiving cavity (36) and configured to heat a tobacco portion (14) of the tobacco article (14) to generate aerosol.
9. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 8, wherein the induction coil (40) is arranged away from the heating element (38), the induction coil (40) being configured to cause vibrations of the vibrating element (24) to generate haptic feedback to user’s lips.
10. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 8, wherein the induction coil (40) is arranged around or adjacent to the part of the receiving cavity (36) receiving the tobacco portion (14), the induction coil (40) being configured to cause vibrations of the element (24): - with a carrier frequency, to heat the tobacco portion (14) of the tobacco article (12);- with a modulated frequency, to generate haptic feedback to user’s lips.
11. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a control module (34) configured to control the powering of the induction coil (40).
12. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 11, wherein the control module (34) is further configured to adapt the current modulation in the induction coil (40) to modify the type of vibrations of the element (24).
13. the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the control module (34) is further configured to detect a user puff and activate the induction coil (40) during the user puff according to a predetermined powering profile.
14. an aerosol generating assembly, comprising: - a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, and - a tobacco article (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.


Abstract: [en] a method for controlling an aerosol generating device comprises receiving operating parameters of the aerosol generating device; determining an estimated temperature of a susceptor disposed within a consumable for the aerosol generating device based on the operating parameters; and controlling the power supplied to the inductor based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor. the operating parameters of the aerosol generating device comprise: ambient temperature; and an aspect of a power supplied to an inductor of the aerosol generating device. the estimated temperature of the susceptor is determined during an induction heating of the susceptor by the inductor.

[en] 1. a method of controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising: receiving operating parameters of the aerosol generating device, wherein the operating parameters comprise: ambient temperature; andan aspect of a power supplied to an inductor of the aerosol generating device;determining an estimated temperature of a susceptor disposed within a consumable for the aerosol generating device based on the operating parameters, wherein the estimated temperature is determined during an induction heating of the susceptor by the inductor; andcontrolling the power supplied to the inductor based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein the aspect of the power supplied to the inductor comprises at least one of: current supplied to the inductor;voltage supplied to the inductor; andwattage supplied to the inductor.
3. the method of claim 1, wherein the power supplied to the inductor is controlled using a proportional-integral-derivative, pid, controller.
4. the method of claim 1, wherein the power supplied to the inductor is controlled based on the difference between the estimated temperature of the susceptor and a target temperature of the susceptor.
5. the method of claim 1, further comprising: suspending power supply to the inductor when the estimated temperature of the susceptor reaches a threshold value.
6. the method of claim 1, wherein the estimated temperature of the susceptor is determined based on the operating parameters of the aerosol generating device and based on thermal properties of the consumable.
7. the method of claim 6, wherein the thermal properties of the consumable comprise: thermal capacity; andthermal resistance.
8. the method of claim 6, further comprising: updating the thermal properties of the consumable during the induction heating of the susceptor.
9. the method of claim 8, further comprising: measuring, using a temperature sensor, a temperature at an exterior surface of the consumable; andupdating the thermal properties of the consumable based on the measured temperature.
10. the method of claim 9, further comprising: calculating an estimated temperature at the exterior surface of the consumable; andupdating the thermal properties of the consumable based on the difference between the measured temperature at the exterior surface of the consumable and the estimated temperature at the exterior surface of the consumable.
11. the method of claim 8, wherein the updated thermal properties of the consumable are determined using at least one of: an extended kalman filter;a recursive least-square filter;a variation of parameters method; ora characteristic mapping method.
12. an aerosol generating device comprising processing circuitry configured to perform the method of claim 1.
13. a computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method of any of claim 1.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating device comprises a body (2); a case (10) secured about the body (2); and a cap (17) secured to the case (10) by a hinge (18). sliding the case (10) longitudinally relative to the body (2) causes a contact surface (26,64) of the body (2) to engage a cam surface (22,62) of the cap (17), thereby urging the cap (17) to pivot towards an open position in which a proximal end (6) of the body (2) is exposed. pivoting the cap (17) from the open position towards a closed position causes the cam surface (22,62) to engage the contact surface (26,64), thereby urging the case (10) to slide longitudinally relative to the body (2) back towards its initial position. the cap (17) can thereby be easily opened and closed using only one hand.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating device comprising: a body (2) having a proximal end (6) and a distal end (8);a case (10) secured about the body (2) and configured to slide longitudinally relative to the body (2) between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the case (10) is in the second position, the proximal end (6) of the body (2) protrudes from the case (10);a cap (17) secured to the case (10) by a hinge (18), about which the cap (17) can pivot between a closed position in which the cap (17) conceals the proximal end (6) of the body (2) in at least the first position of the case and an open position in which the proximal end (6) of the body is exposed;the body (2) comprising a contact surface (26,64) and the cap (17) comprising a cam surface (22,62) configured such that, when the case (10) slides from the first position towards the second position, the contact surface (26,64) engages the cam surface (22,62), thereby urging the cap (17) to move from the closed position towards the open position.
2. an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cam surface (22,62) is further configured such that, when the cap (17) is moved from the open position towards the closed position, the cam surface (22,62) engages the contact surface (26,64) of the body (2), thereby urging the case (10) to slide from the second position towards the first position.
3. an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the case (10) is in the first position, the distal end (8) of the body (2) protrudes from the case (10).
4. an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the case (10) is a sleeve that extends fully around a perimeter of the body (2).
5. an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact surface (26,64) is formed by a mouthpiece (4) of the body (2).
6. an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the cap (17) is in the closed position, the contact surface (26) of the body engages the cam surface (22) proximally of the hinge (18).
7. an aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein, when the cap (17) is in the closed position, the cam surface (22) is inclined away from a side (19) of the device where the hinge (18) is formed.
8. an aerosol-generating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the cam surface (22) is planar or concave.
9. an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a catch (37) that releasably engages the cap (17) in the closed position.
10. an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a spring (32,40) that urges the cap (17) towards the open position.
11. an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the case is removably secured about the body.


Abstract: [en] the present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a flat-shaped tobacco article comprising a substrate portion, the device (10) comprising: - a heating chamber (46) extending according to a chamber axis and configured to receive the substrate portion of the tobacco article, the heating chamber (46) comprising a heating plate (47a; 47b) defining two opposite edges (49) extending according to the chamber axis; - a supporting structure (50) extending along the chamber axis and comprising two recess portions (51) facing one another, each recess portion being adapted to receive at least a part of one of said edges of the heating plate and delimited by two opposite retention sides designed to retain the corresponding edge; at least one retention side of each recess portion being inclined in respect with a transversal axis parallel to the heating plate and perpendicular to the chamber axis.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) comprising a substrate portion (15), the device (10) comprising: - a heating chamber (46) extending according to a chamber axis (z) and configured to receive the substrate portion (15) of the tobacco article (12), the heating chamber (46) comprising a heating plate (47a; 47b) defining two opposite edges (49) extending according to the chamber axis (z); - a supporting structure (50) extending along the chamber axis (z) and comprising two recess portions (51) facing one another, each recess portion (51) being adapted to receive at least a part of one of said edges (49) of the heating plate (47a; 47b) and delimited by two opposite retention sides (51 a; 51 b) designed to retain the corresponding edge (49); at least one retention side (51 a; 51 b) of each recess portion (51) being inclined in respect with a transversal axis (t) parallel to the heating plate (47a; 47b) and perpendicular to the chamber axis (z).
2. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein both retention sides (51 a; 51 b) of each recess portion (51) are inclined in respect with the transversal axis (t).
3. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the retention sides (51 a; 51 b) of each recess portion (51) is designed to be in contact with the corresponding edge (49) of the heating plate (47a; 47b), wherein preferably one of the retention sides (51 a; 51 b) presents a greater area of contact with the corresponding edge (49) of the heating plate (47a; 47b) than the other retention side (51 a; 51 b) of a same recess portion (51).
4. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retention side (51 a; 51 b) of each recess portion (51) presents a rounded edge (51 a).
5. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each recess portion (51) presents a groove (53) extending along the chamber axis (z).
6. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein each groove (53) extends substantially along the whole length of the heating chamber (46).
7. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating plate (47a; 47b) is designed to be in contact with the substrate portion (15) of the tobacco article (12).
8. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating plate (47a; 47b) is made from a ceramic substrate, preferably the at least one retention side (51 a; 51 b) which is inclined comprises a chamfer (72) facing the heating plate (47a; 47b).
9. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting structure (50) comprises two symmetric parts (50s), each symmetric part (50s) comprising one of said recess portions (51).
10. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9, further comprising a holding structure (50h) designed to clump said symmetric parts (50s) together according to the transversal axis (t).
11. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the holding structure (50h) is a part of a housing of the device (10).
12. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (46) comprises two heating plates (47a; 47b) facing each other, preferably each recess portion (51) comprises an air gap (68) between the heating plate (47a; 47b) and the at least one retention side (51 a; 51 b) which is inclined in respect with the transversal axis (t) parallel to the heating plate and perpendicular to the chamber axis (z).
13. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the supporting structure (50) comprises a recess portion (51) for each edge (49) of each heating plate (47a; 47b).
14. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (46) is delimited according to the transversal axis (t) by a pair of lateral walls (70) formed by the supporting structure (50).
15. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein each lateral wall (70) extends between a pair of recess portions (51).


Abstract: [en] an electronic cigarette includes a laser and a light guide. a reservoir is provided for storing a vaporisable liquid. an absorber is provided to absorb light emitted by the laser and to generate heat. an optical interface is provided at a second end face of the light guide, and a flow path is provided for vaporisable liquid to flow from the reservoir towards the optical interface at the second end face and the absorber. the optical interface selectively reflects or refracts light emitted by the laser such that light emitted by the laser is coupled towards the absorber when liquid is present at the optical interface and light emitted by the laser is coupled away from the absorber when liquid is not present at the optical interface.

[en] 1. an electronic cigarette comprising: a vaporising light source;a reservoir for storing a vaporisable liquid;a first absorber configured to generate heat by absorbing light from the vaporising light source; andan optical interface provided between the first absorber and the vaporising light source, wherein a flow path is provided for vaporisable liquid to flow from the reservoir towards the optical interface and the first absorber;wherein the optical interface selectively reflects or refracts light emitted by the vaporising light source such that light emitted by the vaporising light source is coupled towards the first absorber when liquid is present at the optical interface and light emitted by the vaporising light source is coupled away from the first absorber when liquid is not present at the optical interface.
2. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein light emitted by the vaporising light source is refracted towards the first absorber when liquid is present at the optical interface and light emitted by the vaporising light source is reflected away from the first absorber when liquid is not present at the optical interface.
3. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, further comprising a light guide that is provided between the vaporising light source and the first absorber, wherein the light guide is configured to receive light emitted by the vaporising light source and transfer the light to the optical interface which is provided between the first absorber and the light guide.
4. the electronic cigarette of claim 3, wherein the optical interface is provided on a surface of the light guide.
5. the electronic cigarette of claim 4, wherein the vaporising light source is oriented so that its emitted light forms an angle of incidence on the surface of the light guide that acts as the optical interface, and wherein the angle of incidence is higher than a critical angle for total internal reflection when liquid is not present at the optical interface.
6. the electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein the light guide is oriented so that light from the vaporising light source is reflected by the light guide and directed towards the optical interface at the angle of incidence.
7. the electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein totally internally reflected light from the optical interface is directed towards a second surface of the light guide, and wherein an angle of incidence at the second surface is lower than a critical angle for total internal reflection so that light is refracted at the second surface, away from the light guide.
8. the electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein the angle of incidence is lower than the critical angle for total internal reflection when liquid is present at the optical interface.
9. the electronic cigarette of claim 3, wherein a gap is provided between the light guide and the first absorber at the optical interface, and wherein the flow path can allow vaporisable liquid to flow into the gap.
10. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, comprising a second absorber for receiving light reflected away from a wick at the optical interface.
11. the electronic cigarettes of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a presence of light coupled away from the optical interface and for providing a feedback control signal for the vaporising light source.
12. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, comprising an airflow channel provided between an air inlet and a mouthpiece, wherein the first absorber is provided in or adjacent the airflow channel so that vaporised liquid can be provided to an airflow passing through the airflow channel and inhaled by a user, and wherein the vaporising light source is provided in or adjacent the airflow channel at a position between the first absorber and the air inlet so that the airflow can be heated by the vaporising light source.
13. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the vaporising light source is a laser.
14. a method of operating an electronic cigarette comprising the steps of: storing a vaporisable liquid in a reservoir;providing a vaporising light source and an optical interface between the vaporising light source and a first absorber;providing a flow path for liquid in the reservoir towards the absorber and the optical interface;emitting light from the vaporising light source towards the optical interface; andselectively reflecting or refracting light emitted by the vaporising light source at the optical interface so that light emitted by the vaporising light source is coupled towards the first absorber when liquid is present at the optical interface and light emitted by the vaporising light source is coupled away from the first absorber when liquid is not present at the optical interface, wherein the first absorber generates heat that can vaporise the vaporisable liquid by absorbing light from the vaporising light source.
15. a consumable for an electronic cigarette comprising: a housing having a bottom portion configured for engagement with an electronic cigarette device,a reservoir for storing a vaporisable liquid,a fluid-permeable absorber arranged in fluid connection with the reservoir; anda through-channel extending from an opening in the housing to a vapor outlet, wherein the absorber is located in the through-channel so that air flows through or past the absorber from the opening in the housing to the vapor outlet.
16. the consumable of claim 15, wherein the absorber is provided with extending projections which extend into inlets of the reservoir, respectively.
17. the consumable of claim 16, wherein the a cross-sectional area of each of the extending projections is smaller than a cross-sectional area of each of the inlets of the reservoir, respectively.
18. the consumable of claim 15, wherein the housing is provided with an annular flange configured to space the bottom portion of the housing at a distance from an interior surface in the electronic cigarette.


Abstract: [en] the invention is directed to a method and a device to provide an aerosol to a user from an aerosol liquid heated in an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical heater, wherein the aerosol liquid comprises at least 55 weight percent of propylene glycol, pg, glycerol, and at least 3 mg/ml of nicotine. the delivery of the aerosol is controlled by the device such that the aerosol collected mass, acm, is at least 85 mg/25 puffs when the puffs are performed and the aerosol is collected by an analytical machine according to iso 20768:2018.

[en] claims 1. a method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol liquid heated in an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical heater, wherein the aerosol liquid comprises: at least 55 weight percent of propylene glycol, pg; glycerol; and at least 3 mg/ ml of nicotine; and wherein the delivery of the aerosol is controlled by the device such that the aerosol collected mass, acm, is at least 85 mg/25 puffs when the puffs are performed and the aerosol is collected by an analytical machine according to iso 20768:2018.
2. the method according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio between pg and glycerol is at least 60:40, preferably at least 65:35 and more preferably at least 70:30; and/or at most 90:10, preferably at most 80:20 and most preferably at most 70:30.
3. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery of the aerosol is controlled by the device such that the acm is at least 90 mg/25 puffs, preferably at least 100 mg/25 puffs, more preferably at least 110 mg/25 puffs, more preferably at least 115 mg/25 puffs, more preferably at least 125 mg/ 25 puffs, even more preferably at least 130 mg/ 25 puffs most preferably at least 137 mg/25 puffs; and/or at most 220 mg/25 puffs, preferably at most 180 mg/25 puffs, more preferably at most 160 mg/25 puffs, particularly at most 140 mg/25 puffs and is most preferably at most 137 mg/25 puffs.
4. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol liquid comprises at least 60 weight percent of pg, preferably at least 65 weight percent of pg, and/or at most 90 weight percent of pg, preferably at most 80 weight percent of pg.
5. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol liquid comprises at least 6 mg/ml of nicotine, preferably at least 8 mg/ml of nicotine and more preferably at least 12 mg/ml of nicotine; and/or at most 59 mg/ml of nicotine, preferably at most 40 mg/ml of nicotine, more preferably at most 20 mg/ml of nicotine and most preferably at most 18 mg/ml.
6. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol liquid further comprises a flavour component in an amount between 1 and 25 weight percent of the aerosol liquid, preferably between 2 and 20 weight percent.
7. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol liquid comprises at least one acid, preferably an organic acid, more preferably one or more of benzoic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, most preferably a combination of benzoic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid.
8. the method according to the preceding claim, wherein the acid-to- nicotine molar ratio is at least 0.1:1 preferably at least 0.2:1, and/or at most 2:1, preferably at most 1:1.
9. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ph of the aerosol liquid is between 4 and 10, preferably between 5.5 and 8.
10. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating device is an e-cigarette.
11. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acm is determined gravimetrically.
12. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acm is determined according to the formular: m acm = - p wherein m is the weight of the aerosol mass collected by the analytical machine and p is the total amounts of puffs.
13. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the acm is determined according to the test method specified in iso 4387:2019. 14- an aerosol generating device for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol liquid, comprising an electrical heater and being configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.


Abstract: [en] an evaporator assembly for a vapour generation device is described. the evaporator assembly comprises a deformable plate in which is formed a first plurality of channels for transporting a vaporisable liquid through the deformable plate to an outlet surface of the evaporator assembly, wherein the deformable plate is configured such that in use the cross-sectional area of each of the first plurality of channels varies as the deformable plate is deformed.

[en] 1. an evaporator assembly for a vapour generation device, the evaporator assembly comprising: a deformable plate in which is formed a first plurality of channels for transporting a vaporisable liquid through the deformable plate to an outlet surface of the evaporator assembly, wherein the deformable plate is configured such that in use the cross-sectional area of each of the first plurality of channels varies as the deformable plate is deformed.
2. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator arranged to deform the deformable plate when the actuator is operated.
3. the evaporator assembly of claim 2, wherein the actuator is configured to deform the deformable plate by one or more of stretching, compressing or shearing the deformable plate along a direction perpendicular to the first plurality of channels.
4. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of channels is defined by a cellular structure in the deformable plate.
5. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of channels is arranged in a regular array.
6. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of channels is adapted to transport the liquid through the deformable plate by capillary action.
7. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first heater arranged to heat the deformable plate.
8. the evaporator assembly of claim 7, wherein the first heater comprises an electrical source configured to generate a current through the deformable plate so as to cause resistive heating of the deformable plate.
9. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rigid plate in which is formed a second plurality of channels for transporting the vaporisable liquid through the rigid plate, wherein the rigid plate and the deformable plate overlap one another such that the second plurality of channels is in fluid communication with the first array of channels.
10. the evaporator assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the second plurality of channels is adapted to transport the liquid through the rigid plate by capillary action.
11. the evaporator assembly of claim 9, wherein the deformable plate is disposed directly on the rigid plate.
12. the evaporator assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second heater arranged to heat the rigid plate.
13. the evaporator assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet surface is a surface of the deformable plate.
14. a vapour generation device comprising: the evaporator assembly of claim 1; anda reservoir for storing the vaporisable liquid, wherein the evaporator assembly is arranged to receive the vaporisable liquid from the reservoir.
15. the vapour generation device of claim 14, further comprising a porous wick arranged to transport the liquid from the reservoir to the evaporator assembly.
16. the evaporator assembly of claim 4, wherein the cellular structure is a honeycomb, truss, or kirigami-based cellular structure.


Abstract: [en] the present invention concerns a filter (45) for an aerosol generating article, the filter (45) extending along a filter axis (f) between an upstream end (55) and a mouth end (60). the upstream end (55) is configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end of an aerosol generating substrate. the filter (45) comprises an upstream end filter portion (70) delimiting the upstream end (55) and comprising impregnated charcoal paper or nonwoven substrate (83), and a mouth end filter portion (65) delimiting the mouth end (60) the filter further comprises at least one flavouring capsule (82).

[en] claims 1 a filter (45; 145; 245; 345) for an aerosol generating article (20), the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) extending along a filter axis (f) between an upstream end (55) and a mouth end (60), the upstream end (55) being configured to be in fluid communication with a downstream end (50) of an aerosol generating substrate (40); the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) comprising: - an upstream end filter portion (70; 170; 370) delimiting the upstream end (55) and comprising impregnated charcoal paper or nonwoven substrate (83); - a mouth end filter portion (65; 165; 365) delimiting the mouth end (60); - at least one flavouring capsule (82; 182; 382) and wherein the mouth end filter portion (65; 165; 365) comprises filter paper or nonwoven substrate (77).
2.- the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to claim 1, wherein the impregnated charcoal paper (83) is a gathered sheet of paper, preferably defining a linear density of charcoal comprised between 0,05 and 0,5 mg / 12 mm.
3.- the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upstream end filter portion (70; 170; 370) has a pressure drop per unit length comprised: - between 4 and 10 mmwg/mm, preferably between 5 and 8mmwg/mm, most preferably between 5 to 7 mmwg/mm, if it contains the flavouring capsule (82; 182; 382); and - between 0,01 to 2 mmwg/mm if the flavouring capsule (82; 182; 382) is not contained in the upstream end filter portion (70; 170; 370), wherein the pressure drop is determined by the iso 6565:2015 standard.
4.- the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the density of the filter paper (77) in the mouth end filter portion (65; 165; 365) is comprised between 0,1 mg/mm3 and 0,3 mg/mm3, and advantageously between 0,13 mg/mm3 and 0,28 mg/mm3, more preferably between 0.15mg/mm3 and 0.25 mg/mm3.
5. the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the density of the impregnated charcoal paper (83) in the upstream end filter portion (70; 170; 370) is comprised between 0,120mg/mm3 and 0,220 mg/mm3, and advantageously between 0,140 mg/mm3 and 0,200 mg/mm3. 6.- the filter (345) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cavity middle portion (375) extending between the upstream end filter portion (370) and the mouth end filter portion (365) and wherein the flavouring capsule (382) is located in the cavity middle portion (375).
7. the filter (145; 245) according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the flavouring capsule is preferably at least 0.4 time, more preferably at least 0.5 to 0.8 time the diameter of the cavity.
8.- the filter (45; 245) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flavouring capsule (82) is located in the mouth end filter portion (65).
9.- the filter (145; 245) according to any claims 1 to 5, wherein the flavouring capsule (182) is located in the upstream end filter portion (170).
10. the filter (145; 245) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the diameter of the flavouring capsule is preferably at least 0.4 time, more preferably at least 0.5 to 0.8 time the diameter of the filter portion.
1 1.- the filter (245) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a second flavouring capsule (182) located in the mouth end filter portion (65).
12.- the filter (145; 245) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the upstream end filter portion (170) comprises an upstream end filter wrapper (85) having a basis weight above 25 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 100 gsm, more preferably between 50 gsm and 80 gsm.
13. the filter (45; 345) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upstream end filter portion comprises (70; 370) an upstream end filter wrapper (85) having a basis weight above 45 gsm, preferably between 45 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 100 gsm.
14.- the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream end filter portion (70; 170; 370) and the mouth end filter portion (65; 165; 365) are wrapped by a common filter wrapper (87).
15. the filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavoring capsule of the invention has a diameter preferably comprised between 2,5 and 4,5 mm and comprises a shell containing a flavoring agent releasable while vaping.
16.- an aerosol generating article (20) comprising: - an aerosol generating substrate (40) delimiting a downstream end (50); and- a filter (45; 145; 245; 345) according to any of the preceding claims.
17.- the aerosol generating article (20) according to claim 16, further comprising a cooling or distancing element (42) interposed between the aerosol generating substrate (40) and the filter (45; 145; 245; 345).


Abstract: [en] a method of operating an aerosol generating device includes detecting a puff inhaled by a user; determining a positional orientation of the device; and providing an indication of a battery-level to the user conditional upon the determined positional orientation of the device and the battery-level. the indication is provided within a predefined interval after the puff is detected.

[en] 1. a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising: detecting a puff inhaled by a user;determining a positional orientation of the device; andproviding an indication of a battery-level to the user conditional upon the determined positional orientation of the device and the battery-level, wherein the indication is provided within a predefined interval after the puff is detected.
2. the method of claim 1, further comprising determining if the battery-level is below a predetermined level, wherein the indication is provided only if the battery-level is below the predetermined level.
3. the method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising determining whether a previous indication of the battery-level has been provided according to the determined positional orientation, wherein the indication of the battery-level is provided conditional upon the previous indication.
4. the method of claim 3, wherein if the positional orientation of the device is in a first orientation, the previous indication is determined by checking a flag set in a session comprising puffs grouped together according to a configurable rule.
5. the method of claim 4, wherein the indication of the battery-level is provided if the flag indicates that no previous indication has been provided in the session.
6. the method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the configurable rule comprises grouping detected puffs into a respective session at least based on an interval between consecutive puffs.
7. the method of claim 3, wherein if the positional orientation of the device is in a second orientation, the previous indication is determined by a timestamp.
8. the method of claim 7, further comprising determining whether the previous indication was provided during a preset time period, wherein the indication of the battery-level is provided only if the previous indication was not provided during the preset time period.
9. the method of claim 1, further comprising repeating the indication of the battery-level conditional upon the determined positional orientation.
10. the method of claim 1, wherein no indication is generated if a next puff is detected within the predefined interval.
11. an aerosol-generating device comprising: a puff sensor configured to detect a puff inhaled by a user;a sensor configured to determine a positional orientation of the device; anda controller configured to instruct an indicator to provide an indication of a battery-level to the user conditional upon the determined positional orientation of the device and the battery-level, wherein the indication is provided within a predefined interval after the puff is detected.
12. the device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to determine if the battery-level is below a predetermined level and instruct the indicator to provide the indication only if the battery-level is below the predetermined level.
13. the device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether a previous indication of the battery-level has been provided according to the determined positional orientation, and instruct the indicator to provide the indication conditional upon the previous indication.
14. a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 1.


Abstract: [en] a vapour generating device (10, 40, 42, 44) comprises a housing (12) and a controller (36). the housing (12) defines a chamber (14) for receiving a cartridge (16). the cartridge (16) comprises a liquid store (17) for holding a vapour generating liquid. the cartridge (16) further comprises a valve (18) openable to release the vapour generating liquid from the liquid store (17) to a vapour generating unit (20) comprising a heater (21) for generation of vapour. the vapour generating device (10, 40, 42, 44) further comprises a force applicator (22) for applying a force on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14). the controller (36) is configured to control the operation of the force applicator (22) to control the amount of force applied on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14) to control the flow rate of vapour generating liquid through the valve (18) to the vapour generating unit (20).

[en] claims 1. a vapour generating device (10, 40, 42, 44) comprising: a housing (12) defining a chamber (14) for receiving a cartridge (16), wherein the cartridge (16) comprises a liquid store (17) for holding a vapour generating liquid and a valve (18) openable to release the vapour generating liquid from the liquid store (17) to a vapour generating unit (20) comprising a heater (21) for generation of vapour; a controller (36); a force applicator (22) for applying a force on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14), wherein the controller (36) is configured to control the operation of the force applicator (22) to control the amount of force applied on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14) to thereby control the flow rate of vapour generating liquid through the valve (18) to the vapour generating unit (20).
2. a vapour generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller (36) is configured to control the operation of the force applicator (22) to apply a force on the cartridge (16) only when the vapour generating device (10, 40, 42, 44) is in use by a user inhaling aerosol.
3. a vapour generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the force applicator (22) comprises a moveable member (24), wherein the moveable member (24) is configured to be moveable in the chamber (14) to control the amount of force applied on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14).
4. a vapour generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable member (24) is configured to be moveable in the chamber (14) in response to a magnetic field generated in the chamber (14).
5. a vapour generating device according to claim 4, wherein the moveable member (24) comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein in use at least a portion of the cartridge (16) is disposed between the moveable member (24) and a solenoid (26), wherein activation of the solenoid (26) by the controller (36) to generate a magnetic field causes the moveable member (24) to move in the chamber (14) towards the solenoid (26) thereby applying a force on the cartridge (16), wherein activation of the solenoid (26) by the controller (36) to generate an opposite magnetic field causes the moveable member (24) to move in the chamber (14) away from the solenoid (26) so that the moveable member (24) no longer applies a force on the cartridge (16).
6. a vapour generating device according to claim 5, wherein the force applicator (22) is configured such that the amount of force applied on the cartridge (16) by the moveable member (24) is controllable by varying the output power of the solenoid (26).
7. a vapour generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moveable member (24) is configured to be moveable in the chamber (14) by being driven by an electric motor (28), wherein the electric motor (28) is operable to move the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14) to apply a force on the cartridge (16), and wherein the electric motor (28) is also operable to move the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14) so that the moveable member (24) no longer applies a force on the cartridge (16).
8. a vapour generating device according to claim 7, wherein the force applicator (22) is configured such that the amount of force applied on the cartridge (16) by the moveable member (24) is controllable by varying the output power of the electric motor (28).
9. a vapour generating device according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the electric motor (28) is an electric rotary motor (30).
10. a vapour generating device according to claim 9, wherein the electric rotary motor (30) comprises a rack and pinion mechanism (32) to drive the moveable member (24) or a lead screw mechanism (34) to drive the moveable member (24).
11. a vapour generating device according to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the controller (36) is configured to determine the position of the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14), and wherein the controller (36) is configured to estimate the amount of vapour generating liquid in the liquid store (17) based on the position of the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14) when a force is being applied on the cartridge (16), the estimate being displayable on a user interface (38).
12. a vapour generating device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the controller (36) is configured to determine the position of the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14) based on the inductive coupling between the solenoid (26) and the moveable member (24).
13. a vapour generating device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the controller (36) is configured to determine the position of the moveable member (24) in the chamber (14) based on the distance the electric motor (28) has caused the moveable member (24) to travel relative to a known starting position.
14. a vapour generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (18) is configured to open to release vapour generating liquid from the liquid store (17) when the applied force on the cartridge (16) increases the pressure of the vapour generating liquid to a threshold amount, and wherein the valve (18) is configured to close to prevent the flow of liquid from the liquid store (17) when the pressure of the vapour generating liquid is below the threshold amount.
15. a method, the method comprising: applying a force on a cartridge (16) by a force applicator (22), the cartridge (16) being received in a chamber (14) defined in a housing of a vapour generating device (10, 40, 42, 44) including a controller (36); and controlling, by the controller (36), the amount of force applied by the force applicator (22) on the cartridge (16) in the chamber (14) to control the flow rate of vapour generating liquid held in a liquid store (17) of the cartridge (16) through a valve (18) of the cartridge (16) to a vapour generating unit (20) comprising a heater (21) for generation of vapour.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a bracket, a plurality of internal components fixed on the bracket and an outside casing delimiting an interior part of the device and having a side surface extending along a device axis and defining a fixation slot extending along this surface between two slot ends, the bracket being received in the interior part of the device by sliding through an insertion opening of the outside casing. the device further includes a finishing element configured to be inserted into the fixation slot and having two fixing ends and a flat portion extending between the fixing ends, the fixing ends protruding from the flat portion and being configured to cooperate with the bracket to retain it inside the interior part of the device.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device, comprising: a bracket;a plurality of internal components fixed on the bracket;an outside casing delimiting an interior part of the device and comprising a side surface extending along a device axis and defining a fixation slot extending along the side surface between two slot ends the bracket being received in the interior part of the device by sliding through an insertion opening of the outside casing, the insertion opening extending perpendicularly to the device axis;a finishing element configured to be inserted into the fixation slot and comprising two fixing ends and a flat portion extending between the fixing ends, the fixing ends protruding from the flat portion and being configured to cooperate with the bracket to retain the flat portion inside the interior part of the device when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the outside casing is made of a single piece.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the fixation slot extends along the device axis.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the fixation slot forms a unique opening on the side surface of the outside casing.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the finishing element is configured to form a smooth surface with the side surface of the outside casing when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein: the side surface of the outside casing forms a chamfer at each slot end;the finishing element forms an inclined edge between the flat portion and each of the fixing ends, each inclined edge being configured to cooperate with the corresponding chamfer when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein each fixing end of the finishing element is formed by a locking tooth configured to abut a part of the bracket against the outside casing when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein, by cooperating with the corresponding chamfer, each inclined edge is configured to press the outside casing and the corresponding part of the bracket against the corresponding locking tooth when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein one of the locking teeth is a rigid locking tooth designed to be inserted into the fixation slot in a first place and the other locking tooth is a flexible locking tooth designed to be inserted into the fixation slot in a second place.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the finishing element forms a peg hole between the flat portion and one of the fixing ends or between the flat portion and an edge delimiting the fixation slot.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, further comprising a peg configured to be inserted into the peg hole when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot, to retain the finishing element into the fixation slot.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of internal components corresponds to a printed circuit board comprising a protruding element arranged on the printed circuit board facing the peg hole when the finishing element is inserted into the fixation slot.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the protruding element is a led.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the peg is made of at least partially transparent material.
15. an assembly method of the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: fixing the plurality of internal components on the bracket;inserting the bracket into the interior part of the device by sliding the bracket through the insertion opening;inserting the finishing element into the fixation slot to retain the bracket in the interior part of the device.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a chamber with an opening for receiving an aerosol generation medium, a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generation medium, and a moveable base configured to move along a length of the chamber. the moveable base comprises one or more channels configured to allow an airflow through the moveable base. the moveable base divides the chamber to define a first region toward the opening, and a second region away from the opening. one or more air inlets are arranged in the second region of the chamber and configured to provide an air flow path from outside the device into the second region by one or more air inlet channels connecting one or more air inlet openings adjacent to the opening of the chamber to the one or more air inlets in the second region of the chamber.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a chamber with an opening for receiving an aerosol generation medium;a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generation medium when the aerosol generation medium is received in the chamber;a moveable base configured to move along a length of the chamber, wherein the moveable base comprises one or more channels configured to allow an airflow through the moveable base, and wherein the moveable base divides the chamber to define a first region positioned closer to the opening, and a second region positioned farther away from the opening; andone or more air inlets arranged in the second region of the chamber, the one or more air inlets configured to provide an air flow path from outside the device into the second region by one or more air inlet channels connecting one or more air inlet openings adjacent to the opening of the chamber to the one or more air inlets in the second region of the chamber.
2. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the one or more air inlet channels run alongside the chamber to feed air into the second region of the chamber.
3. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the heating element extends into the chamber in a direction toward the opening.
4. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the first region is configured to heat the aerosol generation medium, and the second region is configured to pre-heat an airflow to the aerosol generation medium.
5. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the moveable base is configured to move along the heating element such that a first portion of the heating element is arranged in the first region of the chamber and a second portion of the heating element is arranged in the second region of the chamber.
6. the aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of heating zones, each configured to be separately heated based upon a determined heating profile; and wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises a controller configured to determine a position of the moveable base along the heating element, wherein the heating profile is determined based upon the determined position of the moveable base such that a first set of heating zones of the plurality of heating zones arranged in the first region of the chamber operate at a first temperature, and wherein a second set of heating zones of the plurality of heating zones arranged in the second region of the chamber operate at a second temperature different from the first temperature.
7. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the moveable base is moveable between an extended position at a first distance from the opening, and a retracted position at a second distance from the opening, the second distance being greater than the first distance.
8. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the heating element passes through an opening in the moveable base.
9. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the moveable base has a first surface facing toward the opening, and a second surface, opposite the first surface, facing away from the opening, and wherein the one or more channels pass through the moveable base to connect the first surface to the second surface.
10. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is a heating blade insertable into the aerosol generation medium when the aerosol generation medium is received in the chamber.
11. the aerosol generation device of claim 10, wherein the heating blade comprises a piercing end directed toward the opening of the chamber.
12. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is configured the heat the aerosol generation medium without burning the aerosol generation medium.
13. an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device of claim 1 with the aerosol generation medium received in the chamber.
14. the aerosol generation device of any claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation medium is a tobacco rod.
15. the aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the aerosol generation medium is a tobacco rod.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article includes an airflow channel, a substrate for generating an aerosol, wherein the substrate is disposed inside the airflow channel and a valve disposed inside the airflow channel, the valve having an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve is configured to restrict air flow through the airflow channel when in the closed state relative to when in the open state. the valve includes a shape memory alloy arranged such that the valve changes from the closed state to the open state when heated to a transition temperature of the shape memory alloy.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating article comprising: an airflow channel;a substrate for generating an aerosol, wherein the substrate is disposed inside the airflow channel;a valve disposed inside the airflow channel, the valve having an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve is configured to restrict air flow through the airflow channel when in the closed state relative to when in the open state, and wherein at least a portion of the valve comprises a shape memory alloy material arranged such that the valve changes from the closed state to the open state when heated to a transition temperature of the shape memory alloy material.
2. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy material is configured to be in a first form when the valve is in the closed state and to be in a second form when the valve is in the open state, and wherein the shape memory alloy material is arranged such that when heated to the transition temperature while in the first form, the shape memory alloy material transitions from the first form to the second form so as to change the valve from the closed state to the open state.
3. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: a flap arranged to substantially close the airflow channel when the valve is in the closed state; andan actuating portion that comprises the shape memory alloy material and is mechanically connected to the flap, wherein the actuating portion is arranged such that when the valve is heated to the transition temperature while the valve is in the closed state, the actuating portion moves the flap so as to open the airflow channel.
4. the aerosol generating article of claim 3, wherein the actuating portion and the flap are integral with one another.
5. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy material is configured to be substantially planar when the valve is in the open state.
6. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy material has a curie temperature of less than 200 degrees centigrade
7. the aerosol generating article of any claim 1, wherein the valve is inductively heatable.
8. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, further comprising one or more inductively heatable susceptors for heating the substrate, the one or more inductively heatable susceptors being disposed inside the airflow channel.
9. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, further comprising a filter for filtering the aerosol generated by substrate.
10. an aerosol generating system comprising: the aerosol generating article of claim 1; anda heating device arranged to heat the substrate in use.
11. the aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises one or more inductively heatable susceptors for heating the substrate, the one or more inductively heatable susceptors being disposed inside the airflow channel.
12. the aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the heating device comprises an inductor that is configured to produce, in use, an oscillating magnetic field suitable for heating the one or more inductively heatable susceptors.
13. the aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the inductor comprises an electrically-powered coil.
14. the aerosol generating article of claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy material has a curie temperature of less than 100 degrees centigrade


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising: - an aerosol substance containing portion; - at least a filter being spaced from the aerosol substance containing portion by a tubular or spacing element; - at least a first flavour element comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier contain-ing a first flavour; - at least a second flavour element comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier containing a second flavour, wherein the first flavour carrier is configured to start the release of the first flavour after a first time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during a vaping session and the second flavour carrier is configured to start release the second flavour after a second time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during the same vaping session and wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period. the invention relates also to a method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with an aerosol generating article which comprises at least a first and a second flavour element.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating article (1) comprising: an aerosol substance containing portion (2); at least one filter (4) being spaced from the aerosol substance containing portion (2) by a tubular or spacing element (5); at least a first flavour element (6a) comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier (7a) containing a first flavour (f1); at least a second flavour element (6b) comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier (7b) containing a second flavour (f2), characterized in that the first flavour carrier (7a) is configured to start the release of the first flavour (f1) after a first time period upon heating the aerosol generating article (1) during a vaping session and the second flavour carrier (7b) is configured to start release the second flavour (f2) after a second time period upon heating the aerosol generating article (1) during the same vaping session and wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period.
2. aerosol generating product (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, 7b) are made of material comprising a melting point between 24 degrees centigrade and 140 degrees centigrade
3. aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and second flavour element (6b) are positioned at different locations (l1, l2) along an air and/or aerosol flowpath (ap) of the article (1), wherein the flavour carrier (7a) of the first flavour element (6a) has substantially the same melting point, or respectively the same glass transition temperature as the flavour carrier (7b) of the second flavour element (6b).
4. aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that first flavour element (6a) and second flavour element (6b) are positioned at substantially the same longitudinal location along the air and/or aerosol flowpath (ap) of the article (1) and the melting point, or respectively the glass transition temperature of the flavour carrier (7a) of the first flavour element (6a) differs from the melting point, or respectively the glass transition temperature of the flavour carrier (7b) of the second flavour element (6b). aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour element (6b) comprise a same or a common flavouring agent. aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour elements (6b) comprise a different flavouring agent. aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the flavour carriers of the first and/or second element comprises vegetable fat and/or aliphatic ester-type wax. aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, 7b) are selected from the group of: palm wax, soybean wax, carnauba wax, beewax, cocoa butter, coconut fat and combinations thereof. aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour element (6b) are each formed of different layers, wherein the layers are overlapping. aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the layers comprise at least one outer layer and at least one inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a flavour carrier having a lower melting point, or respectively lower glass transition temperature than the flavour carrier of the inner layer. aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and/or the second flavour element (6b) are formed of flavour encapsulation elements such as beads (8a), microcapsules or films (8c). aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and/or the second flavour element (6b) are formed of a film coated on a non-meltable element, in particular paper wrapper or tube, of the article (1). aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the first (6a) or second (6b) flavour elements are located in the aerosol substance containing portion (2), in the filter (4), in a cavity (9) of the article (1) or in the tubular or spacing element (5). method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with an aerosol generating article (1) which comprises an aerosol substance containing portion (2), at least a filter (4) being spaced by a tubular element (5), at least a first flavour element (6a) comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier (7a) and at least a second flavour element (6b) comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier, wherein the first carrier (7a) comprises a first flavour (f1) and the second carrier (7b) comprises a second flavour (f2), characterized by heating the aerosol generating article (1), wherein the first flavour carrier (7a) releases the first flavour (f1) at a first time period of the vaping session, and the second flavour carrier (7b) releases the second flavour (f2) at a second time period of the vaping session, wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period. method according to claim 14, characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, b) release the flavours (f 1, f2) at different melting points, or respectively different glass transition temperatures, preferably wherein the melting points are between 24 degrees centigrade and 140 degrees centigrade


Abstract: [en] the present technology is directed to an aerosol generating apparatus. the aerosol generating apparatus comprising an internal assembly comprising a chassis and an electronic printed circuit, andan outer casing extending along a longitudinal axis (x) and defining an opening for insertion of the internal assembly along the longitudinal axis in a cavity of the outer casing. the chassis comprises a main part and a flexible part. the flexible part is elastically moveable with respect to the main part between a rest configuration, in which the internal assembly has a first extension (e3) along a transverse axis (z) that is larger than an extension (e1) of the opening along the transverse axis, and a flexed or retracted configuration, in which the internal assembly has a second extension along the transverse axis that is smaller than the extension of the opening, so as to allow said insertion.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: an internal assembly comprising a chassis and an electronic printed circuit mounted on the chassis; andan outer casing extending along a longitudinal axis (x) and defining an opening for insertion of the internal assembly along the longitudinal axis (x) in a cavity formed by the outer casing,wherein the chassis comprises a main part and a flexible part mounted on the main part,wherein the flexible part is elastically moveable with respect to the main part between a rest configuration, in which the internal assembly has a first extension (e3) along a transverse axis (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x) that is larger than an extension (e1) of the opening along the transverse axis (z), and a flexed or retracted configuration, in which the internal assembly has a second extension (e4) along the transverse axis (z) that is smaller than the extension (e1) of the opening, so as to allow said insertion.
2. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an extension (e4) along the transverse axis (z), said extension (e4) being larger than the extension (e2) of the opening, the cavity being configured for allowing the flexible part to elastically move with respect to the main part during said insertion from the flexed or retracted configuration to a work configuration, occupied when the internal assembly is in an inserted position, and in which the internal assembly has a third extension (e5) along the transverse axis (z) that is larger than the extension (e1) of the opening.
3. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening is located at a first end of the outer casing along the longitudinal axis (x), the outer casing progressively or stepwise widening perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (x) from the first end towards a second end of the outer casing opposite the first end along the longitudinal axis (x).
4. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second end of the outer casing forms a bottom of the aerosol generating apparatus.
5. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing is seamless.
6. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible part comprises at least a base fixed on the main part of the chassis and an arm extending from the base along the longitudinal axis (x).
7. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the arm is formed of an elastic electrically insulating material.
8. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in the work configuration, the arm is adapted to exert an elastic pressure (p) on the outer casing, the outer casing having a radially inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis (x).
9. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the arm has an extremity opposite the base along the longitudinal axis (x), the extremity defining an orifice, and wherein the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a cover adapted for closing an opening in the outer casing, said cover forming a hook adapted to cooperate with the orifice to retain the arm against the outer casing.
10. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the flexible part further comprises an additional arm extending from the base along the longitudinal axis (x) on the other side of the base with respect to the arm.
11. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said additional arm has an additional extremity opposite the base along the longitudinal axis (x), said additional extremity being fixed with respect to the main part of the chassis.
12. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic printed circuit comprises at least a flexible portion mounted on the flexible part.
13. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the flexible part has a radially outer face with respect to the longitudinal axis (x), the radially outer face forming a recess housing said at least one flexible portion of electronic printed circuit, said at least one flexible portion of electronic printed circuit being sunken in the recess so as to prevent scratching of the electronic printed circuit by the outer casing during said insertion.
14. a method of assembling an aerosol generating apparatus, the method comprising: providing an internal assembly comprising a chassis, and an electronic printed circuit mounted on the chassis, the chassis comprising a main part, and a flexible part mounted on the main part;providing an outer casing extending along a longitudinal axis (x) and defining an opening for insertion of the internal assembly along the longitudinal axis (x) in a cavity defined by the outer casing;inserting the internal assembly in the cavity along the longitudinal axis (x) through the opening; andduring or before said the inserting step, elastically moving the flexible part with respect to the main part between a rest configuration, in which the internal assembly has a first extension (e3) along a transverse axis (z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x) that is larger than an extension (e1) of the opening along the transverse axis (z), and a flexed or retracted configuration, in which the internal assembly has a second extension (e3) along the transverse axis (z) that is smaller than the extension (e1) of the opening, so as to allow said insertion.
15. the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the arm conforms to the radially inner surface in the work configuration.


Abstract: [en] the invention discloses a method of operating an aerosol-generating device comprising identifying a first trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the first trajectory pattern enables a connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; advertising connection data to establish a connection with a personal computing device upon enabling the connection mode; identifying a second trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the second trajectory pattern disables the connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; and sending a disconnection request from the aerosol-generating device to the personal computing device upon disabling the connection mode.

[en]       claims:   1. a method of operating an aerosol-generating device comprising: identifying a first trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the first trajectory pattern enables a connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; advertising connection data to establish a connection with a personal computing device upon enabling the connection mode; identifying a second trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol generating device, wherein the second trajectory pattern disables the connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; and sending a disconnection request from the aerosol-generating device to the personal computing device upon disabling the connection mode.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein the advertising connection data comprises a pairing bit which is set to a predefined value to establish the connection with the personal computing device.
3. the method of claim 2, further comprising activating an application, associated with the aerosol-generating device, on the personal computing device to establish the connection.
4. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising detecting an initial movement of the aerosol-generating device prior to identifying the first and second trajectory patterns.
5. the method of claim 4, wherein the initial movement of the aerosol-generating device is detected based on partial sensor data received from a sensor of the aerosol generating device.
6. the method of claim 5, wherein detecting the initial movement of the aerosol generating device acts as a trigger for the aerosol-generating device to begin receiving full sensor data from the sensor of the aerosol-generating device to enable identification of the first and second trajectory patterns.
7. the method of any preceding claim, wherein the first trajectory pattern comprises a single continuous trajectory and the second trajectory pattern comprises two discontinuous trajectories.
8. the method of claim 7, wherein the first trajectory pattern is a circular motion and the second trajectory pattern is a cross motion.
9. the method of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second trajectory patterns are selected from a list of predefined trajectory patterns stored on the aerosol-generating device.
10. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising receiving a new trajectory pattern from a user and updating the aerosol-generating device to associate the new trajectory pattern with an operation of the device.
11. an aerosol-generating device comprising a sensor and a controller, the sensor and the controller configured to: identify a first trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the first trajectory pattern enables a connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; advertise connection data to establish a connection with a personal computing device upon enabling the connection mode; identify a second trajectory pattern of movement of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the second trajectory pattern disables the connection mode on the aerosol-generating device; and send a disconnection request from the aerosol-generating device to the personal computing device upon disabling the connection mode.
12. the aerosol-generating device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further configured to detect an initial movement of the aerosol-generating device prior to identifying the first and second trajectory patterns.
13. the aerosol-generating device of claim 11 or 12, further comprises: a communication interface to establish connection with a personal computing device via an application installed on the personal computing device; and a user interface to indicate recognition of the first and second trajectory patterns to a user.
14. the aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to update the aerosol-generating device to associate a new trajectory pattern received from a user with an operation of the device.
15. a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claims 1 to 10.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor; includes an electrically operated heating system to heat the precursor to generate the aerosol; a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user; the heating system arranged in fluid communication with the flow path; electrical circuitry to measure a change in a property associated with the heating system due to a cooling effect on the heating system from a user inhalation through the flow path, to determine a characteristic of the inhalation based on the measured property associated with the heating system, and to identify the user based on the determined characteristic.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor, the system comprising: an electrically operated heating system to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol;a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user; wherein the heating system is arranged in fluid communication with the flow path; andelectrical circuitry arranged to: measure a change in a property associated with the heating system due to a cooling effect on the heating system from a user inhalation through the flow path;determine a characteristic of the inhalation based on the measured property associated with the heating system; andidentify the user based on the determined characteristic.
2. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to identify a user based on a correlation of the determined characteristic to a stored characteristic.
3. the system of claim 2, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to store the stored characteristic during a calibration procedure.
4. the system of claim 2, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to identify the user based on a value of a correlation score.
5. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to control an operation of the system based on an identification of a user.
6. the system of claim 5, wherein the operation comprises enabling or disabling of the heating system.
7. the system of claim 1, wherein the measured property associated with the heating system is based on one of the following: a temperature of the heating system; an electrical current through the heating system; an electrical power through the heating system; and an electrical potential over the heating system.
8. the system of claim 7, wherein the measured property associated with the heating system is based on the temperature of the heating system, and the electrical circuitry is arranged to determine the temperature based on measuring an electrical resistance of the heating system.
9. the system of claim 8, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to regulate the temperature of the heating system to a target temperature, and the characteristic is based on at least part of a temporal displacement of said regulated temperature from the target temperature caused by an inhalation through the flow path.
10. the system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic is based on a derivative with respect to time of the measured property associated with the heating system.
11. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry comprises a memory and one or more processors.
12. a method of identifying a user of an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor, the aerosol generation system comprising an electrically operated heating system to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol, and a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user, wherein the heating system is arranged in fluid communication with the flow path; the method comprising: measuring a change in a property associated with the heating system due to a cooling effect on the heating system from a user inhalation through the flow path;determining a characteristic of the inhalation based on the measured property associated with the heating system; andidentifying the user based on the determined characteristic.
13. a computer program comprising instructions which when executed on programmable electric circuitry execute the method of claim 12.
14. electric circuitry for an electrically operated aerosol generation system, said circuitry being arranged to implement the method of claim 12.
15. a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising the computer program of claim 13.
16. the system of claim 7, wherein the measured property associated with the heating system is based on the temperature of the heating system, and the electrical circuitry includes a temperature sensor arranged in operative proximity to the heating system.
17. the method of claim 12, further comprising controlling an operation of the system based on an identification of a user.
18. the method of claim 17, wherein controlling the operation comprises enabling or disabling of the heating system.