[EN] The invention discloses a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising recording a period of active use of the device; detecting a puff inhaled by a user; determining if a battery-level notification had been provided to the user in the said period before the puff detection; determining a battery-level of the device if no notification had been provided previously; and generating an indication on the device for the user if the determined battery-level is below a predetermined level. [EN] 1. A method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising: recording a period of active use of the device;detecting a puff inhaled by a user;determining if a battery-level notification had been provided to the user in the said period before the puff detection;determining a battery-level of the device if no notification had been provided previously; andgenerating an indication on the device for the user if the determined battery-level is below a predetermined level.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the said period of active use of the device is a session comprising puffs grouped according to a configurable rule.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the configurable rule comprises grouping detected puffs into a respective session at least based on an interval between consecutive puffs.4. The method of claim 1, wherein said period of active use of the device is a preset time period.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication is provided within a predefined interval after the puff is detected.6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predefined interval is between 1 and 2 seconds.7. The method of claim 5, further comprising detecting a start and an end of the puff, wherein the predefined interval is measured after the end of the puff.8. The method of claim 7, wherein no indication is generated if a next puff is detected within the predefined interval.9. The method of claim 7, wherein no indication is generated if a notification was provided previously at the start of the said period of active use.10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a positional orientation of the device, wherein said period of active use of the device is recorded according to the determined positional orientation.11. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a puff sensor configured to detect a puff inhaled by a user; anda controller configured to: record a period of active use of the device;determine if a battery-level notification had been provided to the user in the said period before the puff detection;determine a battery-level of the device if no notification had been provided previously; andan indicator configured to provide an indication to the user if the determined battery-level is below a predetermined level.12. The device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to define the period of active use of the device as a session comprising puffs grouped according to a configurable rule and set a flag for the indication provided during the session.13. The device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to define the period of active use of the device as a preset time period and timestamp the indication provided during the preset time period.14. The device of any of claims 11, further comprising an orientation sensor to determine a positional orientation of the device when in active use.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 claim 1.


[EN] The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate and comprising: - a device body (30) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40) extending along the device axis (Y); - a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end opposite to the open end, the sealed end being air impermeable, the heating chamber being configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate through the open end; - an airflow path extending between an flow inlet and an flow outlet (64) through the open end of the heating chamber, the flow inlet being arranged on the side wall (40) of the device body (30). [EN] 20 CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body (30; 130; 230) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40; 140; 240) extending along the device axis (Y); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and a sealed end (71) opposite to the open end (70), the sealed end (71) being air impermeable, the heating chamber (45) being configured to receive a heater part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) through the open end (70); - an airflow path extending between an flow inlet (66; 166; 266) and an flow outlet (64; 164; 264) through the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45), the flow inlet (66; 166) being arranged on the side wall (40; 140; 240) of the device body (30; 130; 230), wherein the airflow path comprises an upstream portion extending from the flow inlet (66; 166; 266) until an abutting end (18) of the aerosol generating substrate (12), and a downstream portion extending from said abutting (18) end until the flow outlet (64; 164; 264) through the aerosol generating substrate (12), when the aerosol generating substrate (12) is inserted into the heating chamber (45).2. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein the device body (30; 130) comprises a mouthpiece (32; 132) and a housing (34; 134) extending successively along the device body (30; 130), the mouthpiece (32; 132) defining a through- hole (60) configured to receive a mouthpiece part (16) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).3. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 2, wherein the flow inlet (66; 166) is formed in a transition zone between the mouthpiece (32; 132) and the housing (34; 134).4. The aerosol generating device (110) according to claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece (132) and the housing (134) form a single piece, the transition zone being formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece (132) to the housing (134).5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the housing (34) defines an insertion opening (36) extending perpendicularly to the device axis (Y) and configured to receive the mouthpiece (32). 216. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece (32) defines a recess portion (62) forming the flow inlet (66) when the mouthpiece (32) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) of the housing (34).7. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the through-hole (60) of the mouthpiece opens to the recess portion (62).8. The aerosol generating device (210) according to claim 1, wherein the device body (230) defines an insertion opening (236) on one of its ends suitable to receive a part of the aerosol generating substrate (12); when received in the insertion opening (236), the aerosol generating substrate (12) forming a protruding part from the device body (230), said protruding part forming a mouthpiece.9. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow inlet (66; 166; 266) is arranged to face ventilation holes (22) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).10. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the heating chamber (45) outside the aerosol generating substrate (12), preferably, the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45).11. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (45) extends along the device axis (Y) and defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a pair of chamber lateral walls (73A, 73B) facing each other and a pair of chamber contact walls (74A, 74B) facing each other and intended to be in contact with substrate contact walls (14A, 14B) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).12. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein said part of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends between at least one chamber lateral wall (73A, 73B) and the aerosol generating substrate (12). 2213. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 12, wherein the sealed end (71) of the heating chamber (45) forms a transition portion between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the airflow path.14. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 13, wherein the sealed end (71) defines stopping means (80) preventing contact of the abutting end (18) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) with a distal wall (75) of the heating chamber (45) sealing it at the sealed end (71); preferably, the stopping means (80) being formed by a rounded shape of the distal wall (75) or a rib extending from the distal wall (75).15. Assembly comprising an aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, and furthermore comprising an aerosol generating substrate (12).


[EN] An aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable is provided. The aerosol generation device comprises a battery (104) configured to provide a power flow to a heater, and a controller (102) configured to determine a voltage level of the battery. The voltage level of the battery is determined as a measured voltage of the battery when an elapsed time after a charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited is greater than or equal to a time threshold. The voltage level of the battery is determined as the measured voltage of the battery adjusted by a compensation factor when the elapsed time is less than the time threshold. The controller is further configured to control an indicator (108) to indicate a number of remaining aerosolisation sessions that can be powered by the battery based upon the determined voltage level. [EN] Claims 1. An aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising: a battery configured to provide a power flow to a heater; and a controller configured to determine a voltage level of the battery, wherein the voltage level of the battery is determined as a measured voltage of the battery when an elapsed time after a charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited is greater than or equal to a time threshold, and wherein the voltage level of the battery is determined as the measured voltage of the battery adjusted by a compensation factor when the elapsed time is less than the time threshold; and wherein the controller is further configured to control an indicator to indicate a number of remaining aerosolisation sessions that can be powered by the battery based upon the determined voltage level.2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a handpiece and a charging case connectable to the handpiece, wherein the handpiece comprises the battery and the controller and is configured to aerosolise the aerosol generating consumable, and wherein the charging case is configured to charge the battery of the handpiece when the handpiece is connected to the charging case.3. The aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine the elapsed time after the charging power flow has been inhibited based upon an elapsed time after the handpiece has been disconnected from the charging case.4. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate a first number of remaining aerosolisation sessions when the controller determines that the voltage level of the battery is greater than or equal to a first voltage threshold.5. The aerosol generation device of claim 4, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate a second number of remaining aerosolisation sessions when the controller determines that the voltage level of the battery is less than a second voltage threshold, wherein the second voltage threshold is lower than the first voltage threshold, and the second number of remaining aerosolisation sessions is less than the first number of remaining aerosolisation sessions.6. The aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate a third number of remaining aerosolisation sessions when the controller determines that the voltage level of the battery is less than the first voltage threshold and greater than or equal to the second voltage threshold, wherein the third number of remaining aerosolisation sessions is less than the first number of aerosolisation sessions and greater than the second number of aerosolisation sessions.7. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to determine the voltage level of the battery as: a measured voltage of the battery when a second elapsed time after the battery is at least partially discharged is greater than or equal to a second time threshold; and the measured voltage of the battery adjusted by a second compensation factor when the second elapsed time is less than the second time threshold.8. The aerosol generation device of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the battery has been fully charged, and to indicate by the indicator the first number of remaining aerosolisation sessions when it is determined that the battery has been fully charged.9. The aerosol generation device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the battery has been fully charged by determining that a control parameter is set to a state indicative of a full charge.10. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the battery is a lithium iron phosphate battery.11. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, comprising a user input means operable in a first manner to trigger the aerosol generation device to aerosolise the aerosol generating consumable, and in a second manner to trigger controller to determine the voltage level of the battery and control the indicator to indicate the number of remaining aerosolisation sessions that can be powered by the battery based upon the determined voltage level.12. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, further comprising a pulse width modulation module connected to the controller, wherein the pulse width modulation module is configured to convert the power flow from the battery to the heater to a pulse width modulated power flow.13. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating consumable is a tobacco rod, and the aerosol generation device is configured to heat without burning the tobacco rod to produce an aerosol in an aerosolisation session.14. A method of operating an aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising a battery configured to provide a power flow to a heater, the method comprising: determining an elapsed time since a charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited; determining a voltage level of the battery; wherein determining the voltage level of battery comprises determining the voltage level of the battery as a measured voltage of the battery when the elapsed time after a charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited is greater than or equal to the time threshold; wherein determining the voltage level of battery comprises determining the voltage level of the battery as the measured voltage of the battery adjusted by a compensation factor when the elapsed time is less than the time threshold; and controlling an indicator to indicate a number of remaining aerosolisation sessions that can be powered by the battery based upon the determined voltage level.15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured for operation with an aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable and comprising a battery configured to provide a power flow to a heater, cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: determining, with a timer, an elapsed time since a charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited; determining voltage level of the battery using a voltage sensor of the aerosol generation device; wherein determining the voltage level of battery comprises determining the voltage level of the battery as a measured voltage of the battery when the elapsed time after the charging power flow to the battery has been inhibited is greater than or equal to a time threshold; wherein determining the voltage level of battery comprises determining the voltage level of the battery as the measured voltage of the battery adjusted by a compensation factor when the elapsed time is less than the time threshold; and controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to indicate a number of remaining aerosolisation sessions that can be powered by the battery based upon the determined voltage level.


[EN] The present invention concerns a flat-shaped tobacco article configured to operate with an aerosol generating device and extending along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (20) and an abutting end (18) and comprising a mouthpiece portion (16) adjacent to the mouth end (20) and a tobacco portion (15) adjacent to the abutting end (18); the tobacco portion (15) comprising: - a substrate layer (30) forming two opposite sides; - a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the substrate layer (30) so as its internal surface forms a first gap (31) with one of the sides of the substrate layer (30) and a second gap (32) with the other side of the substrate layer (30); each of the first gap (31) and the second gap (32) being adapted to receive a heating blade of the aerosol generating device. [EN] CLAIMS 1. A flat-shaped tobacco article (12) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (1 1) and extending along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (20) and an abutting end (18), the tobacco article (12) comprising a mouthpiece portion (16) adjacent to the mouth end (20) and a tobacco portion (15) adjacent to the abutting end (18); the tobacco portion (15) comprising: - a substrate layer (30) extending along the article axis (X) and forming two opposite sides; - a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the substrate layer (30) so as its internal surface forms a first gap (31) with one of the sides of the substrate layer (30) and a second gap (32) with the other side of the substrate layer (30); each of the first gap (31) and the second gap (32) being adapted to receive a heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (11).2. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first gap (31) is thicker than the second gap (32).3. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 2, wherein the second gap (32) is adapted to receive the heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (11) so as the heating blade (62) is in contact with the corresponding side of the substrate layer (30).4. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first gap (31) is adapted to receive the heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (11) so as the heating blade (62) is spaced from the corresponding side of the substrate layer (30).5. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece portion (16) comprises a core (27) and a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the core (27) so as its entire internal surface is in contact with the core (27).6. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 5, wherein the wrapper (21) of the mouthpiece portion (16) and the wrapper (21) of the tobacco portion (15) are formed by a same wrapping sheet.7. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the core (27) comprises corrugated paper.8. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (21) is made from paper.9. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, defining only two gaps adapted to receive the heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (1 1), the two gaps being the first gap (31) and the second gap (32).10. An aerosol generating device (11) comprising a heating chamber (50) extending along a device axis (Y) along between a closed end and an opening (60); the heating chamber (50) being configured to receive through its opening (60) a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a heating blade (62) extending from its closed end and configured to be received in the first gap (31) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12) or in the second gap (32) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12), depending on the insertion orientation of the flat-shaped tobacco article.11. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 10, wherein the heating blade (62) is adapted to heat the substrate layer (30) by conduction heating when it is received in the second gap (32) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and by convection heating when it is received in the first gap (31) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12).12. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the heating blade (62) forms two opposite sides and comprises a heating element (64) arranged on one of the sides; the heating element (64) being configured to be in contact with the substrate layer (30) when the heating blade (62) is received in the second gap (32) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and spaced from the substrate layer (30) when the heating blade (62) is received in the first gap (31) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12).13. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the heating chamber (50) comprises two parallel opposite walls (54A, 54B) extending along the device axis (Y), the heating blade (62) extending parallel to said opposite walls (54A, 54B) with uneven distances until these walls. 1514. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 13, wherein the heating blade (62) extends between one of said opposite walls (54A, 54B) and a plane arranged at mid-distance between these opposite walls (54A, 54B).15. An aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising: - a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; - an aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 14.


[EN] The present invention concerns a heating element (14) for a consumable article (12), the consumable article (12) comprising a storage portion (22) storing a vaporizable material, the heating element (14) comprising an element body (24) configured to be engaged in an engaged position at least partially around the storage portion (22) of the consumable article (12) and the element body (24) being configured to be removably received at least partially in an energy supplying cavity of an external energy supplied device. The element body (24) comprising a heat absorbing/releasing material (32) able to: - absorb heat during a pre-heating phase carried out when the element body (24) is received with this consumable article (12) in the energy supplying cavity; - while the element body (24) is in the engaged position with the consumable article (12), release the absorbed heat to during a vaping phase. [EN] 36 CLAIMS 1. A heating element (14) for a consumable article (12), the consumable article (12) comprising a storage portion (22) storing a vaporizable material, the heating element (14) comprising an element body (24) configured to be engaged in an engaged position at least partially around the storage portion (22) of the consumable article (12) and be disengaged with the consumable article (12); the element body (24) being further configured to be removably received at least partially in an energy supplying cavity (52) of an external energy supplied device (42); the element body (24) comprising a heat absorbing/releasing material (32) able to:- absorb heat during a pre-heating phase carried out when the element body (24) is engaged with the consumable article (12) and received in the engaged position with this consumable article (12) in the energy supplying cavity (52) of the external energy supplied device (42); - while the element body (24) is in the engaged position with the consumable article (12), release the absorbed heat to the storage portion (22) to the vaporizable material during a vaping phase carried out upon a triggering event; the element body (24) further comprising a heater (31) comprising at least one susceptor able to generate heat upon inductive interaction with the external energy supplied device (42).2. The heating element (14) according to claim 1, wherein said heat absorbing/releasing material (32) is a phase change material (PCM) able to absorb/release heat during its phase changing; preferably, said phase change material (PCM) being chosen to melt during the preheating phase and solidify during the vaping phase; advantageously, said phase change material (PCM) comprises a salt, a eutectic mixture of salts or salt hydrates.3. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (31) is able to: - during the pre-heating phase, generate heat and transfer this heat to the heat absorbing/releasing material (32); and/or - during the vaping phase, transfer heat from the heat absorbing/releasing material (32) to the vaporizable material. 374. The heating element (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (31) is designed to be arranged at least partially around the storage portion (22) of the consumable article (12) and/or penetrate the storage portion (22) of the consumable article (12), when the element body (24) is in the engaged position with the consumable article (12).5. The heating element (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (31) is designed to be interposed between the storage portion (22) of the consumable article (12) and the heat absorbing/releasing material (32), when the element body (24) is in the engaged position with the consumable article (12).6. The heating element (14) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the heater (31) comprises a plurality of susceptors mixed with or embedded within the heat absorbing/releasing material (32).7. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element body (24) further comprises a protruding member designed to penetrate the storage portion of the consumable article (12), when the element body (24) is in the engaged position with the consumable article; the protruding member comprises a heater (31) and/or at least a part of said heat absorbing/releasing material (32); preferably, the heater (31) comprising a susceptor.8. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element body (24) further comprises an insulator (33) arranged at least partially around the heat absorbing/releasing material (32) and/or configured to be arranged at least partially around the storage portion (22).9. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element body (24) forms a ring or a cup able to be engaged with the consumable article (12) by sliding along an article axis (X).10. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising anchoring means designed to fix the element body (24) on the consumable article (12), when the element body (24) is engaged with the consumable article (12).11. The heating element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triggering event comprises achieving a predetermined temperature of the vaporizable material in the storage portion (22), expiring a predetermined time delay, achieving a predetermined pressure in a neighbourhood of the consumable article (12) or consuming a predetermined amount of energy from a power source.12. A consumable kit (10; 1 10; 210) comprising: - a consumable article (12; 112; 212) comprising a storage portion (22; 122; 222) storing a vaporizable material; and - a heating element (14; 114; 214) comprising a heat absorbing/releasing material able to: - absorb heat during a pre-heating phase carried out when the consumable kit (10; 1 10; 210) is received in an energy supplying cavity (52) of an external energy supplied device (42); - release the absorbed heat to the storage portion (22; 122; 222) to the vaporizable material during a vaping phase carried out upon a triggering event.13. A vaping set, comprising: - an external energy supplied device (42) comprising an energy supplying cavity (52);- a consumable kit (10; 110; 210) according to claim 12.14. A method for producing an aerosol from a consumable kit (10; 110; 210) according to claim 12, the method comprising the following steps: - upon engagement of the consumable kit (10; 1 10; 210) with an external energy supplied device (42), carrying out a pre-heating phase by heating a heating element (14; 114; 214) of the consumable kit (10; 1 10; 210); - upon a triggering event, carrying out a vaping phase by heating the vaporizable material by the heating element (14; 1 14; 214).15. The method for producing an aerosol according to claim 14, further comprising the following step: - upon engagement of the consumable kit (10; 110; 210) with the external energy supplied device (42) after the vaping phase, carrying out a recharging phase to re-heat the heating element (14; 1 14; 214).


[EN] An aerosol generation device (100) has an illuminated status indicator. A body (102) of the aerosol generation device (100) has a window (112) and an array of light sources (146) is provided inside the body (102) so as to direct light out of the body (102) through the window (112). A light diffuser (118) is disposed between the array of light sources (118) and the window (112) and walls (150) are provided that extend between the light sources (146). The combination of the light diffuser (118) and the walls (150) causes the light directed through the window (112) from the light sources (146) to appear to as a block of light that increases smoothly in size as increasing numbers of adjacent light sources (146) are illuminated. [EN] Claims: 1. An aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a body (102) having a non-opaque window (1 12); an array of light sources (146) located inside the body (102); a light diffuser (118) disposed between the array of light sources (118) and the non-opaque window (1 12); and a plurality of walls (150) extending between the light sources (146).2. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls (150) comprise a light diffusing material.3. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the light diffuser (1 18) comprises the same light diffusing material as the plurality of walls (150).4. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 3, wherein the light diffuser (1 18) and the plurality of walls (150) comprise a single contiguous piece.5. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the light diffusing material is a white translucent material, preferably a polycarbonate.6. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (146) are configured to direct light towards the non-opaque window (1 12).7. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light diffuser (118) is configured to receive light from the light sources (146) and to transmit it towards the non-opaque window (112).8. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls (150) are configured to receive light emitted obliquely from the light sources (146) to limit spillage of the light from each light source (146) along the array.9. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of light sources (146) is a linear array.10. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (146) of the array are light emitting diodes.11. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall (150) of the plurality of walls (150) extends to obstruct a straight path of light between adjacent light sources (146) of the array.12. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each light source (146) of the array is surrounded by the light diffuser (1 18) and one or more of the plurality of walls (150) on all sides apart from a side of the light source facing in a direction opposite to a shortest direct path from the array of light sources (146) to the non-opaque window (112).13. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (146) are spaced approximately 2 mm apart.14. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall (150) of the plurality of walls (150) has a length in a direction of a shortest direct path from the array of light sources (146) to the non-opaque window (1 12) of approximately 0.5 mm.15. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (146) are located directly behind the non-opaque window (112).16. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light diffuser (1 18) extends over the array of light sources (146) and the non-opaque window (112).17. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light diffuser (118) has a greater height and width than the array of light sources (146) and the non-opaque window (1 12).18. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) has a cladding.19. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 18, wherein the cladding has a different refractive index to the light diffuser (1 18).20. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) is a polished surface (151).21. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) is a smooth surface.22. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) is a mirrored surface.23. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) is white or near white.24. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface of the light diffuser (1 18) is a roughened surface (154).25. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an optical element (116) disposed between the light diffuser (118) and the non-opaque window (112).26. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 25, wherein the optical element (1 16) is a lens.27. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 25, wherein the optical element (1 16) is a light filter.28. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the optical element (1 16) has a transmittance band between 400nm and 700nm.29. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source.30. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure (108) moveable between a closed position and an open position.31. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 30, wherein the closure (108) is also moveable between the open position and an activation position.32. The aerosol generation device (100) of either of claims 30 or 31, wherein the array of light sources (146) is arranged to illuminate differently in dependence on the position of the closure (108).33. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the array of light sources (146) is configured to be inoperable with the closure (108) in the closed position and operable with the closure (108) in the open position or in the activation position.34. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (146) of the array are configured to illuminate sequentially in dependence upon a status of the aerosol generation device (100).35. A method of operating the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: indicating a first status of the aerosol generation device (100) by illuminating a first group of the light sources (146); indicating a second status of the aerosol generation device (100) by illuminating a second group of the light sources (146), the first group being at least partly different to the second group.36. A method of manufacturing the aerosol generation device (100) of any of claims 1 to 34, comprising: selecting the light sources (146), the light diffuser (1 18), and the walls (150) and the relative positioning of the same, so that the light visible through the non-opaque window (1 12) when any group of the light sources (146) adjacent to one another are illuminated appears to be uniformly distributed except at a periphery of the visible light.


[EN] A vapour generating device has a chamber in which strain gauges are arranged to measure a strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber. The strain gauges 4 are arranged on a sidewall of the chamber. A controller determines an operation based on the measured strain; operations include selecting heating profiles to be applied to the vapour generating material, adjusting the retention to draw, and preventing or allowing the device from operating with the vapour generating material. [EN] 1. A vapour generating device comprising: a chamber for receiving a vapour generating material;a vaporiser for vaporising a vapour generating material received in the chamber;at least one strain gauge arranged to measure a strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber; anda controller arranged to determine an operation that is dependent on the measured strain.2. The device of claim 1, wherein the vaporiser is a heater arranged to engage a vapour generating material received in the chamber.3. The device of claim 1, wherein the generated strain is related to a dimension or shape of a vapour generating material received in the chamber.4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one strain gauge is connected to at least one side wall of the chamber.5. The device of claim 1, wherein there are two or more strain gauges.6. The device of claim 5, wherein the two or more strain gauges are evenly distributed around side walls of the chamber.7. The device of claim 1, wherein the strain gauge(s) is/are arranged to guide the vapour generating material toward a desired position in the chamber.8. The device of claim 1, wherein the strain gauge(s) is/are oriented in the direction of insertion.9. The device of claim 1, wherein the vaporiser is at an end of the chamber opposite an opening of the chamber, and the strain gauge(s) is/are positioned closer to the opening of the chamber than the vaporiser.10. The device of claim 1, wherein the size of an air inlet defined by a cross sectional area of the chamber, the strain gauge(s) and a vapour generating material received in the chamber is adjusted according to the cross sectional shape of the vapour generating material received in the chamber, thereby adjusting the retention to draw.11. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to: compare the measured strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber to a predetermined threshold strain; andselect an operation that prevents the vapour generating device from operating with the vapour generating material received in the chamber if the measured strain is less than or more than the predetermined threshold strain.12. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to: compare the measured strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber to stored information corresponding to strains generated by authorised vapour generating materials;determine if the vapour generating material received in the chamber is an authorised vapour generating material based on the comparison; andselect an operation that prevents the vapour generating device from operating with the vapour generating material received in the chamber if the vapour generating material does not correspond an authorised vapour generating material.13. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to: compare the measured strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber to stored information corresponding to strains generated by vapour generating materials with associated stored heating profiles; andselect an operation, wherein the operation is a heating profile, from the stored heating profiles for use with the vapour generating material received in the chamber based on the measured strain.14. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is arranged to: determine a type of a vapour generating material received in the chamber based on the measured strain; andindicate the type of the vapour generating material received in the chamber to a user of the vapour generating device.15. A system comprising the device of claim 1 with a vapour generating material received in the chamber.


[EN] An aerosol generating article includes aerosol generating material having first and second regions and an inductively heatable susceptor in the first region. The first region can be located upstream of the second region or downstream of the second region relative to an aerosol flow direction within the article. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system are also described. [EN] 1. An aerosol generating article comprising: aerosol generating material having first and second regions; andan inductively heatable susceptor in the first region.2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first region is located upstream of the second region and preferably wherein the first region extends from a first end of the aerosol generating material to an intermediate point between the first end and a second end of the aerosol generating material, the second region extends from the intermediate point to the second end, and the inductively heatable susceptor includes an elongate part which extends from the first end to the intermediate point.3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first region is located downstream of the second region and preferably wherein the first region extends from a second end of the aerosol generating material to an intermediate point between the second end and a first end of the aerosol generating material, the second region extends from the intermediate point to the first end, and the inductively heatable susceptor includes an elongate part which extends from the second end to the intermediate point.4. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor is tubular.5. The aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating material is positioned both inside and outside of the tubular inductively heatable susceptor.6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor includes a sharpened or pointed end.7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor is connected to a sharpened or pointed part comprising a non-inductively heatable material.8. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating sheet which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.9. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein an end of the inductively heatable susceptor is flush with the first end or second end of the aerosol generating material or embedded in the first end or second end of the aerosol generating material.10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor has a length which is greater than a width of the aerosol generating article.11. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material having first and second regions, the method comprising positioning an inductively heatable susceptor in the first region.12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first region is located upstream of the second region, the first region extends from a first end of the aerosol generating material to an intermediate point between the first end and a second end of the aerosol generating material, the second region extends from the intermediate point to the second end, and the inductively heatable susceptor is tubular, the method comprising inserting the tubular inductively heatable susceptor into the first region from the first end so that it extends from the first end to the intermediate point.13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first region is located downstream of the second region, the first region extends from a second end of the aerosol generating material to an intermediate point between the second end and a first end of the aerosol generating material, the second region extends from the intermediate point to the first end, and the inductively heatable susceptor is tubular, the method comprising inserting the tubular inductively heatable susceptor into the first region from the second end so that it extends from the second end to the intermediate point.14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises inserting the tubular inductively heatable susceptor into the first region by a pusher, the pusher having a tapered part which can be partially inserted into an end of the tubular inductively heatable susceptor.15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises a first end, a second end and an intermediate point between the first and second ends, the method comprising inserting the inductively heatable susceptor into the first region from the first end or the second end so that it extends to the intermediate point and supporting the aerosol generating material at the opposite one of the first and second ends during insertion of the inductively heatable susceptor into the first region.16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises a first end, a second end and an intermediate point between the first and second ends, the method comprising inserting the inductively heatable susceptor into the first region from the first end or the second end so that it extends to the intermediate point, wherein the aerosol generating material in the second region is compressed in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the aerosol generating material or a direction of insertion during insertion of the inductively heatable susceptor into the first region.17. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising an induction coil defining a cavity the induction coil being configured to generate an alternating electromagnetic field; andthe aerosol generating article according to claim 1 positioned in the cavity so that a longitudinal axis of the inductively heatable susceptor is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cavity.


[EN] The present invention concerns a flat-shaped tobacco article configured to operate with an aerosol generating device and extending along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (20) and an abutting end (18) and comprising a mouthpiece portion (16) adjacent to the mouth end (20) and a tobacco portion (15) adjacent to the abutting end (18); the tobacco portion (15) comprising: - a substrate layer (30) extending along the article axis (X) and forming two opposite sides; - a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the substrate layer (30) so as its internal surface is in contact with one side of the substrate layer (30) and forms a gap (32) with the other side of the substrate layer (30); the gap (30) being adapted to receive a heating blade of the aerosol generating device. [EN] CLAIMS 1. A flat-shaped tobacco article (12) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (11) and extending along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (20) and an abutting end (18), the tobacco article (12) comprising a mouthpiece portion (16) adjacent to the mouth end (20) and a tobacco portion (15) adjacent to the abutting end (18); the tobacco portion (15) comprising: - a substrate layer (30) extending along the article axis (X) and forming two opposite sides; - a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the substrate layer (30) so as its internal surface is in contact with one side of the substrate layer (30) and forms a gap (32) with the other side of the substrate layer (30); the gap (30) being adapted to receive a heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (1 1).2. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 1, wherein the gap (32) is adapted to receive the heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (11) so as the heating blade (62) is in contact with the corresponding side of the substrate layer (30).3. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate layer (30) is thicker than the gap (32).4. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece portion (16) is adjacent to the tobacco portion (15).5. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece portion (16) comprises a core (27) and a wrapper (21) forming an internal surface and arranged around the core (27) so as its entire internal surface is in contact with the core (27).6. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 5, wherein the wrapper (21) of the mouthpiece portion (16) and the wrapper (21) of the tobacco portion are formed by a same wrapping sheet.7. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the core (27) comprises corrugated paper.8. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (21) is made from paper.9. The flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, defining only one gap, being said gap (32), which is adapted to receive the heating blade (62) of the aerosol generating device (11).10. An aerosol generating device (1 1) comprising a heating chamber (50) extending along a device axis (Y) between a closed end and an opening (60); the heating chamber (50) being configured to receive through its open end a flatshaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a heating blade (62) extending from its closed end and configured to be received in the gap (32) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12).11. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 10, wherein the heating blade (62) forms two opposite sides, one of these sides being designed to be in contact with the substrate layer (30) of the tobacco portion (15) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and the other side being designed to be in contact with the internal surface of the wrapper (21) of the tobacco portion (15) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12).12. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1 1, wherein the heating blade (62) comprises a heating element (64) arranged on the side of the heating blade (62) designed to be in contact with the internal surface of the wrapper (21) of the tobacco portion (15) of the flat-shaped tobacco article (12).13. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the heating chamber (50) comprises two parallel opposite walls (54A, 54B) extending along the device axis (Y), the heating blade (62) extending parallel to said opposite walls (54A, 54B) with uneven distances until these walls.14. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 13, wherein the heating blade (62) extends between one of said opposite walls (54A, 54B) and a plane arranged at mid-distance between these opposite walls (54A, 54B).15. An aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising: 14 - a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9;- an aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 10 to 14.


[EN] The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (11) comprising a heating chamber (50) extending along a chamber axis between a closed end (51) and an open end (52); the heating chamber (50) being flat-shaped and configured to receive through its open end (52) a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and defining a first portion adjacent to the closed (51) end and a second portion adjacent to the open end (52); the heating chamber (50) comprising at least two chamber contact walls (54A, 54B) facing each other and extending through both portions of the heating chamber (50); the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B) being arranged so as the distance between these walls in the second portion of the heating chamber (50) is greater than the distance between these walls in the first portion of the heating chamber (50). [EN] CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generating device (11) comprising a heating chamber (50; 150; 250) extending along a chamber axis between a closed end (51; 151; 251) and an open end (52; 152; 252); the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) being flat-shaped and configured to receive through its open end (52; 152; 252) a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and defining a first portion adjacent to the closed (51; 151; 251) end and a second portion adjacent to the open end (52; 152; 252); the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) comprising at least two chamber contact walls (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) facing each other and extending through both portions of the heating chamber (50; 150; 250); the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) being arranged so as the distance between these walls in the second portion of the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) is greater than the distance between these walls in the first portion of the heating chamber (50; 150; 250).2. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) is designed to receive a substrate part (15) of the tobacco article (12) and the second portion of the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) is designed to receive at least partially a cooling part (16) of the tobacco article (12).3. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 2, wherein the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) are designed to be in contact with at least a half, advantageously at least three quarters, of the total external area of the substrate part (15) of the tobacco article (12).4. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) are designed to be spaced from at least a half, advantageously at least three quarters, of the total external area of the cooling part (16) of the tobacco article (12).5. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chamber contact wall (54A, 54B) presents a flat surface designed to face the tobacco article (12).6. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chamber contact wall (54A, 54B) forms a non-zero angle with the chamber axis.7. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B) extend from the closed end (51) to the open end (52) of the heating chamber (50) so as to form a V-shape.8. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the first portion of the heating chamber (150; 250) the chamber contact walls (154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) extend parallel to the chamber axis.9. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 8, wherein in the second portion of the heating chamber (150; 250) the distance between the chamber contact walls (154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) increases gradually from an end adjacent to the first portion until the open end (152; 252) of the heating chamber (150; 250).10. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 9, wherein in the second portion of the heating chamber (250) the chamber contact walls (254A, 254B) form a curved shape.11. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to claim 9, wherein: - in each portion of the heating chamber (150), each chamber contact (154A, 154B) wall presents a flat surface designed to face the tobacco article (12); - the flat surfaces of each chamber contact wall (154A, 154B) form a non-zero angle between the first portion and the second portion.12. The aerosol generating device (1 1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) forms a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) comprising furthermore a pair of parallel chamber lateral walls extending along the chamber axis, preferably the distance between the chamber lateral walls being between 3 and 10 times greater, than any distance between the chamber contact walls (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B). 1613. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one chamber contact wall (54A, 54B; 154A, 154B; 254A, 254B) is a heating wall.14. The aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (50; 150; 250) forms a cup shape.15. An aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and an aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, the aerosol generating device being adapted to operate with the flat-shaped tobacco article.


[EN] The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate and comprising: - a device body extending along a device axis; - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and at least two heating walls (74A, 74B), the heating chamber (45) being configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate through the open end (70); - two heating elements (47A, 47B), each heating (47A, 47B) element being adjacent to a respective heating wall (74A, 74B) of the heating chamber (45); - a controller configured to operate separately each heating element (47A, 47B) with the same aerosol generating substrate, according to a heating profile chosen among a predetermined group of heating profiles. [EN] 21 CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body (30; 130; 230) extending along a device axis (Y); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and at least two heating walls (74A, 74B) arranged opposite and in parallel one to another, the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) being configured to receive a heater part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) through the open end (70); - two heating elements (47A, 47B), each heating element (47A, 47B) being adjacent and parallel to a respective heating wall (74A, 74B) of the heating chamber (45); - a controller (43) configured to operate separately each heating element (47A, 47B) with the same aerosol generating substrate (12), according to a heating profile chosen among a predetermined group of heating profiles.2. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 1, wherein said group of heating profiles comprises at least: - a first heating profile comprising activation of both heating elements (47A, 47B) until reaching a first target temperature; - a second heating profile comprising activation of one of the heating elements (47A, 47B) until reaching a second target temperature.3. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (43) is configured to choose the first heating profile during a pre-heating mode of operation of the device (10; 110; 210) and the second heating profile during a floating mode of operation of the device (10; 110; 210).4. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first target temperature and the second target temperature are equal to a same value, said value being comprised between 230 degrees centigrade and 350 degrees centigrade, advantageously between 250 degrees centigrade and 300 degrees centigrade5. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller (43) is further configured to operate, after having carried out the second heating profile, according to at least one heating profile chosen in the group comprising at least: 22 - a third heating profile comprising activation of the heating element (47A, 47B) used in the second heating profile to achieve a third target temperature which is higher than the second target temperature; - a fourth heating profile comprising deactivation of the heating element (47A, 47B) used in the second heating profile, and activation of the other heating element (47A, 47B); and - a fifth heating profile comprising activation of the two heating elements (47A, 47B); - a sixth heating profile comprising deactivation of each heating element (47A,47B).6. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (45) extends along the device axis (Y) and defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a first pair of walls facing each other and forming chamber lateral walls (73A, 73B), and a second pair of walls facing each other and forming said heating walls (74A, 74B).7. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 6, wherein each heating wall (74A, 74B) is rigidly fixed to each chamber lateral wall (73A, 73B) so as to define the rectangular cross-sectional shape.8. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each heating wall (74A, 74B) is at least 3 times, advantageously 5 times and more advantageously 8 times, wider than each chamber lateral wall (73A, 73B).9. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each heating wall (74A, 74B) defines a contact surface designed to be in a tight contact with an external surface of the aerosol generating substrate (12) when the aerosol generating substrate (12) is inserted into the heating chamber (45).10. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to claim 9, wherein each heating element (47A, 47B) is attached to an outer surface of the corresponding heating wall (74A, 74B), opposite to the contact surface of this heating wall (74A, 74B).11. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein each chamber lateral wall (73A, 73B) is designed to be spaced out from an external surface of the aerosol generating substrate (12) when the aerosol generating substrate (12) is inserted into the heating chamber (45). 2312. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (45) is configured to compress the heater part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) when it is received in the heating chamber (45).13. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each heating element (47A, 47B) is attached to an outer surface of the heating chamber (45).14. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each heating element (47A, 47B) is a polyimide film heater.15. The aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising insulator arranged between an outer surface of the heating chamber (45) and an inner surface of the device body (30; 130; 230).


[EN] The invention provides an aerosol generation device configured to operate with a replaceable article (16) comprising a storage compartment, comprising: - a receptacle (10) extending along a receptacle axis (A), defining a receptacle internal surface and configured to receive the replaceable article (16); - a heating system configured to heat the replaceable article (16) when it is received in the receptacle (10); the aerosol generation device being characterized in that the receptacle internal surface comprises at least one protrusion (14) protruding from the receptacle internal surface and configured to compress a part of the airflow path of the storage compartment to reduce its cross-sectional area, when the replaceable article (16) is received in the receptacle (10); the or each protrusion (14) defining a protrusion surface adjacent to the receptacle internal surface and forming an angle with the receptacle internal surface greater than 100° along the entire protrusion (14) in an airflow direction. [EN] CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generation device configured to operate with a replaceable article (16) comprising a storage compartment containing a vaporizable material, the storage compartment defining an airflow path extending between an air inlet (12) and an air outlet through the vaporizable material; the aerosol generation device comprising: - a receptacle (10) extending along a receptacle axis (A), defining a receptacle internal surface and configured to receive the replaceable article (16) in a space delimited by the receptacle internal surface so as the airflow path extends along the receptacle axis (A); - a heating system configured to heat the replaceable article (16) when it is received in the receptacle (10); the aerosol generation device being characterized in that the receptacle internal surface comprises at least one protrusion (14) protruding from the receptacle internal surface and configured to reduce the cross-sectional area of the receptacle so as to compress a part of the airflow path of the storage compartment, when the replaceable article (16) is received in the receptacle (10); the or each protrusion (14) defining a protrusion surface adjacent to the receptacle internal surface and forming an angle with the receptacle internal surface greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion (14) in an airflow direction.2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum height of the or each protrusion (14) measured according to an axis perpendicular to the receptacle axis (A) is comprised between 2 percent and 15 percent of the receptacle diameter, and preferably between 5 percent and 10 percent of said diameter.3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum length of the or each protrusion (14) measured according to the receptacle axis (A) is comprised between 5 percent and 75 percent of the receptacle length measured according to the receptacle axis (A), and preferably between 10 percent and 65 percent of said length.4. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each protrusion (14) forms an ascending portion, a top portion and a descending portion; the ascending portion extends from the receptacle internal surface until the top portion and the descending portion extends from the top portion until the receptacle internal surface.5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the ascending portion is symmetric to the descending portion with respect to the top portion.6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ascending portion defines transversal dimensions gradually increasing from the receptacle internal surface until the top portion, and/or the descending portion defines transversal dimensions gradually decreasing from the top portion until the receptacle internal surface.7. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the or each protrusion (14) is chosen in the group consisting of: - chevron; - arrowhead; - asymmetric fillet and chamfer; - symmetric fillet; - asymmetric fillet; - symmetric chamfer; - asymmetric chamfer.8. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of protrusions (14) arranged on the receptacle internal surface axially according to the receptacle axis (A) and/or circumferentially.9. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each protrusion (14) is arranged to be adjacent to the air outlet of the storage compartment, when the replaceable article (16) is received in the receptacle (10).10. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each protrusion (14) is moveable according to the receptacle axis (A).11. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each protrusion (14) is moveable according to an axis perpendicular to the receptacle axis (A) between an engaged position and a disengaged position; the replaceable article (16) being freely moveable within the receptacle (10) according to the receptacle axis (A) when the or each protrusion (14) is in the disengaged position and being locked in the receptacle (10) when the or each protrusion (14) is in the engaged position.12. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating system is an inductive heating system comprising a coil configured to create a magnetic field, the storage compartment of the replaceable article (16) comprising at least one susceptor (20) extending along the airflow path between an upstream end and a downstream end, and being able to generate heat when it is placed in the magnetic field created by the coil; the or each protrusion (14) is arranged to face at least partially a susceptor (20) of the storage compartment of the replaceable article (16), when the replaceable article (16) is received in the receptacle (10); preferably, the number of protrusions (14) being chosen equal to the number of the susceptors (20).13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the or each protrusion (14) defines a top portion arranged to face the downstream end of the corresponding susceptor (20), when the replaceable article (16) is received in the receptacle (10).14. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heating system comprises one or several heating elements extending along at least a part of the receptacle internal surface and the contact surface of the or each protrusion (14).15. An aerosol generation set comprising: - a replaceable article (16) comprising a storage compartment containing a vaporizable material, the storage compartment defining an airflow path extending between an air inlet (12) and an air outlet through the vaporizable material; - an aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to operate with the replaceable article (16).


[EN] The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the heating chamber (45) configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate (12); - an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a pushing bar (81) formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejecting position; the pushing bar (81) comprising a pushing element (89) configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate (12) from the heating chamber (45) by pushing while the pushing bar (81) is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position. [EN] 19 CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generating device (10; 110) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body (30; 130) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40; 140) extending along the device axis (Y); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and a closed end (71) opposite to the open end (70), the heating chamber (45) being configured to receive a heater part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) through the open end (70); - an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a pushing bar (81) formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejecting position, the pushing bar (81) being flexible to follow a winding pathway inside the device body (30; 130); the pushing bar (81) comprising a pushing element (89) configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate (12) from the heating chamber (45) by pushing it from the closed end (71) toward the open end (70) while the pushing bar (81) is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position.2. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein: - the heating chamber (45) comprises at least one heating wall (74A) configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate (12), the heating wall (74A) comprising an inner surface; - the pushing element (89) is configured to be in contact with the inner surface of the heating wall (74A) while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).3. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the heating chamber (45) extends along the device axis (Y); - the device body (30) further comprises a mouthpiece (32) defining a through-hole (60) extending along the device axis (Y) and facing the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45), the mouthpiece (32) being configured to receive a mouthpiece part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).4. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pushing element (89) is further configured to cross the heating chamber (45) and at least a part of the through-hole (60) of the mouthpiece (32) while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12). 205. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pushing element (89) further comprises cleaning means configured to clean the through-hole (60) of the mouthpiece (32) and/or the heating chamber (45), while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).6. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing element (89) is configured to seal impermeably the heating chamber (45) at the closed end (71) when the pushing bar (81) is in the retracted position.7. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 6, wherein the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45) defines a unique air permeable opening of the heating chamber (45), when the pushing bar (81) is in the retracted position.8. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises an actuator (82; 182) configured to move the pushing bar (81) between the retracted position and the ejecting position; - the pushing bar (81) extends between a proximal end (85) receiving the pushing element (89) and a distal end (87) fixed to the actuator (82; 182).9. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 8, wherein the pushing bar (81) is configured to slide between said positions following the winding pathway comprising two parallel straight sections, each of the proximal end (85) and the distal end (87) being slidable in a respective straight section of the winding pathway.10. The aerosol generation device (10; 110) according to claim 10, wherein the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises guiding means causing the pushing bar to follow the winding pathway.11. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the actuator (82; 182) is configured to slide in a slot (42; 142) between a distal position causing the retracted position of the pushing bar (81) and a proximal position causing the ejecting position of the pushing bar (81). 2112. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 11, wherein said slot (42; 142) is arranged on the side wall (40; 140) of the device body (30; 130); preferably, the actuator (82; 182) is configured to fit closely the slot (42; 142) at least at the distal position to prevent air entering inside the device body (30; 130).13. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater (47) adjacent to an outer surface of the heating wall (74A).14. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defines a rectangular cross-section.15. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) is delimited by at least two opposite heating walls (74A, 74B), each heating wall (74A, 74B) defining an inner surface, the pushing element (89) being configured to be in contact with the inner surface of each heating wall (74A, 74B), while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).


[EN] A method for controlling the heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device is described, the susceptor being inductively heated by an oscillating circuit driven by an inverter at an operating frequency. The method includes a power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device, a step of updating the operating frequency being performed during the power delivery mode and including the following sub-steps: determining, using a controller, the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit during heat of the susceptor; and setting, using the controller, the operating frequency at the determined resonant frequency. The updating step is continuously repeated during power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device. [EN] 1. A method for controlling heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, the susceptor being inductively heated by an oscillating circuit driven by an inverter at an operating frequency, wherein said method comprises a power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device, a step of updating the operating frequency being performed during the power delivery mode and comprising the following sub-steps: determining, using a controller, a resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit during heating of the susceptor; andsetting, using the controller, the operating frequency at the determined resonant frequency,said updating step being continuously repeated during the power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the resonant frequency in the updating step is determined by measuring a phase between a current of an inductance coil and a voltage of a capacitor of the oscillating circuit, the resonant frequency corresponding to a frequency obtained when the current and the voltage are at 90 degrees phase shift.3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the resonant frequency in the updating step is determined by minimizing an error function calculated using measurements of electrical indicative values in the oscillating circuit.4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the updating step further comprises a sub-step of determining a susceptor temperature based on the determined resonant frequency during the power delivery mode.5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of the susceptor during the power delivery mode is determined using a predetermined linear function between the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit and the temperature of the susceptor.6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of the susceptor during the power delivery mode is determined using a predetermined polynomial function between the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit and the temperature of the susceptor.7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature identification mode of the aerosol-generating device.8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the power delivery mode and the temperature identification mode are alternated during operating of the aerosol-generating device.9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the temperature identification mode is run at regular intervals of time.10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an initialization step comprising the following sub-steps: determining an initial resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit when the susceptor is at ambient temperature; andsetting the operating frequency at the determined initial resonant frequency.11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the resonant frequency in the initialization step is determined by: sweeping frequencies on a range;measuring an indicative electrical value in the oscillating circuit; and selecting the resonant frequency within said range when an extremum of said indicative electrical value is obtained.12. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an induction heatable susceptor;an oscillating circuit arranged to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating the susceptor;an inverter configured to drive the oscillating circuit at an operating frequency; anda controller adapted to implement the method for controlling the heating of the susceptor according to claim 1.13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, further comprising a boost converter connected between a power supply unit and the inverter.


[EN] An aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device configured to receive each of a plurality of aerosol generation substrates and to generate a respective aerosol to be inhaled by a user; a feedback interface for receiving user response data in reaction to inhaling the generated aerosol; and a preference identification system. The preference identification system being configured to: for each of the plurality of aerosol generation substrates, obtain user response data from the feedback interface; and identify a preferred aerosol for the user based on the user response data. [EN] 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device configured to receive each of a plurality of aerosol generation substrates and to generate a respective aerosol to be inhaled by a user;a feedback interface for receiving user response data of a user in reaction to inhaling the generated aerosol; anda preference identification system configured to:for each of the plurality of aerosol generation substrates, obtain the user response data from the feedback interface; andidentify a preferred aerosol for the user based on the user response data.2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the preference identification system is configured to: obtain initial user response data from the feedback interface for each of a sample plurality of aerosol generation substrates, the sample plurality of aerosol generation substrates being provided in a pack; andidentify an initial preferred aerosol for the user based on the initial user response data.3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the respective aerosols generated from the sample plurality of aerosol generation substrates are distributed across a sensory range of different compositions.4. The aerosol generation system according to claim 3, wherein the sensory range comprises a range of strengths of each of one or more aerosol components.5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the preference identification system is further configured to: obtain subsequent user response data from the feedback interface for one or more subsequent aerosol generation substrates;identify an updated preferred aerosol for the user based on the subsequent user response data and the initial preferred aerosol.6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the preference identification system is configured to: identify a plurality of candidate preferred aerosols for the user based on the user response data; andpresent the plurality of candidate preferred aerosols in a user interface.7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to receive at least two of the plurality of aerosol generation substrates simultaneously, and to control which of the received aerosol generation substrates is used to generate an aerosol.8. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to receive an indication of the preferred aerosol, and to control which of the received aerosol generation substrates is used to generate an aerosol, based on the preferred aerosol.9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises an aerosol generation chamber and a substrate mixing element configured to mix a plurality of the simultaneously-received aerosol generation substrates and supply a mixed aerosol generation substrate to a heating chamber.10. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the preference identification system is configured to identify the preferred aerosol based on the user response data and based on a predetermined model relating user response data to aerosol preference.11. The aerosol generation system according to claim 10, wherein the preference identification system is configured to: obtain user response data for each of a plurality of training users; andtrain the model to predict a preferred aerosol based on user response data for the plurality of training users.12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the feedback interface comprises a sensor for measuring an involuntary response of the user, and the user response data comprises an indication of the involuntary response.13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a heart rate, a blood pressure, a skin temperature or a galvanic skin response.14. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is arranged on an exterior surface of a housing of the aerosol generation device.15. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the feedback interface comprises a voluntary response interface for receiving a voluntary response from the user in reaction to inhaling the generated aerosol, and the user response data comprises an indication of the voluntary response.16. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the feedback interface comprises an air flow sensor arranged to measure aerosol inhalation at the aerosol generation device when the user is inhaling the generated aerosol, and the user response data comprises an indication of the aerosol inhalation.17. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a substrate identification readable material for identifying a received aerosol generation substrate, and the user response data comprises an indication of the received aerosol generation substrate.18. (canceled)19. A kit, comprising: a pack comprising: a sample plurality of aerosol generation substrates, each for generating a different respective aerosol in an aerosol generation system, wherein the different respective aerosols are distributed across a sensory range of different compositions such that a preferred aerosol can be identified based on user response data obtained in reaction to inhaling each of the aerosols; andand an aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device configured to receive each of the plurality of aerosol generation substrates and to generate the respective aerosol to be inhaled by a user;a feedback interface for receiving user response data of a user in reaction to inhaling the generated aerosol; anda preference identification system configured to: for each of the plurality of aerosol generation substrates, obtain the user response data from the feedback interface; andidentify a preferred aerosol for the user based on the user response data.20. A method of controlling an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device configured to receive an aerosol generation substrate and to generate a respective aerosol to be inhaled by a user; anda feedback interface for receiving user response data of the user in reaction to inhaling the generated aerosol,the method comprising:for each of a plurality of aerosol generation substrates, using the aerosol generation device to generate a respective aerosol, and obtaining user response data from the feedback interface; andidentifying a preferred aerosol for the user based on the user response data.


[EN] An aerosol generating article includes a first layer of aerosol generating material; a second layer of aerosol generating material; and a plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material; wherein each of the strips of inductively heatable susceptor material is located between the first and second layer of aerosol generating material. [EN] 1. An aerosol generating article comprising: a first layer of aerosol generating material;a second layer of aerosol generating material; anda plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material;wherein each of the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material is located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material to form an inductively heatable susceptor portion; andwherein the inductively heatable susceptor portion is arranged to form at least one air channel.2. The aerosol generating article according to claim h wherein the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material are arranged as a sheet.3. The aerosol generating article according to or claim 2, wherein the sheet comprises a first surface having a plurality of raised portions.4. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, the sheet is arranged as a spiral.5. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein the sheet comprises at least two sheet layers, wherein each of the at least two sheet layers comprises at least two of the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material.6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein each of the at least two sheet layers is arranged as a ring.7. The aerosol generating article according to claim k wherein the rings are concentrically arranged.8. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of sheet segments, wherein each of the plurality of sheet segments comprises at least one of the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material.9. The aerosol generating article according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of sheet segments is separate from each other.10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of sheet segments is randomly arranged within an aerosol generating device.11. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating material of at least one of the first and second layers comprises a tobacco material.12. A method of producing an aerosol generating article comprising: arranging a plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material between first and a second layers of aerosol generating material.13. The method of claim 1Z further comprising: applying an adhesive to the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material;locating the plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material; andpressing the first and second layers together to form a sheet.14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising cutting the sheet into a plurality of sheet segments, wherein each of the plurality of sheet segments comprises at least one strip of inductively heatable susceptor material located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material.15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising cutting the sheet into at least two sheet layers, wherein each of the at least two sheet layers comprises at least two strips of inductively heatable susceptor material located between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material.


[EN] The invention relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device having a heating element and a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device. The heat transfer element can be heated by the heating element of the aerosol generation device when the consumable is attached to the aerosol generation device. The heat transfer element is configured to be deformed when its temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, such that an area of contact, which exists between the heating element and the heat transfer element when the consumable is attached to the aerosol generation device and the temperature of the heat transfer element is below the threshold temperature, can be reduced, or eliminated. [EN] 1. A consumable for use with and attachable to an aerosol generation device comprising a heating element, the consumable comprising: an aerosol generation substrate; anda heat transfer element for heating the aerosol generation substrate for generating an aerosol;wherein the heat transfer element is arranged to be heated by the heating element of the aerosol generation device when the consumable is attached to the aerosol generation device, andthe heat transfer element is configured to be deformed when its temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, such that an area of contact, arranged to exists between the heating element and the heat transfer element when the consumable is attached to the aerosol generation device and a temperature of the heat transfer element is below the threshold temperature, is reduced, or eliminated.2. (canceled)3. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element is configured to be elastically deformed when its temperature is at or above the threshold temperature and to substantially be reset to its original shape when its temperature is subsequently at a temperature below the threshold temperature.4. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a material that exhibits a thermostatic behaviour.5. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA), and the threshold temperature corresponds to a transformation temperature of the SMA.6. The consumable according to claim 5, wherein the heat transfer element is configured to be deformed when its temperature is at or above the transformation temperature such that at least a portion of the heat transfer element can be retracted from the heating element.7. The consumable according to claim 5, wherein the heat transfer element is configured to substantially remain in its deformed shaped once deformed even when its temperature is subsequently at a temperature below the transformation temperature.8. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA), and the threshold temperature corresponds to a transformation temperature of the SMA.9. The consumable according to claim 8, wherein the heat transfer element is configured to substantially be reset to its original shape when its temperature reaches a temperature below the transformation temperature.10. The consumable according to claim 9, wherein, if the heat transfer element is at or above a second threshold temperature that is higher than the transformation temperature, the heat transfer element is configured to substantially remain in its deformed shaped once deformed even when its temperature is subsequently at a temperature below the transformation temperature.11. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a bimetallic material.12. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element is configured to deform as a function of its temperature such that at or above the threshold temperature, at least a portion of the heat transfer element can be retracted from the heating element.13. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a magnetic material arranged to provide an attractive magnetic force between the a magnetic material of the heating element and the heat transfer element to establish contact between the heating element and the heat transfer element when the temperature of the heat transfer element is below the threshold temperature.14. The consumable according to claim 13, wherein the threshold temperature is a Curie temperature of the heat transfer element, and the attractive magnetic force between the heating element and the heat transfer element is configured to be reduced or eliminated at or above the Curie temperature of the heat transfer element such that at least a portion of the heat transfer element is retracted from the heating element.15. An aerosol generation system comprising: a consumable according to claim 1; andan aerosol generation device comprising a heating element configured for heating the heat transfer element of the consumable when the consumable is attached to the aerosol generation device.