CN116829009A - Non-combustible sol supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol provision device (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable is disclosed. The non-combustible sol supply arrangement (100) comprises a holding device (112) configured to hold each of the plurality of consumables comprising different sizes of aerosol-generating material in place one at a time.

Description

Non-aerosol supply device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a non-aerosol supply device for volatilizing at least one component of an aerosol-generating material in a consumable article to generate an aerosol stream for inhalation by a user.

Background technique

Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called heat-but-not-burn products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating but not burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products or combinations, such as blends, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Contents of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable product, the non-aerosol supply device comprising: a holding device configured to once One holds in place each of a plurality of consumables including differently sized aerosol generating materials.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-aerosol supply system comprising a non-aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, wherein the retaining device includes a first retaining member and a different second retaining member. a zone for each of the zones, wherein the user can select which of the first retaining member and the second retaining member is received in the zone at any given time, wherein when the first retaining member is installed in the zone, the One retaining member is configured to retain a first consumable of a given size in place for use in a non-aerosol supply device, and a second retaining member is configured to retain a second retaining member when the second retaining member is installed in the area. A consumable of a given size is held in place for use in a non-aerosol supply device, and wherein the system includes a first retaining member and a second retaining member.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a non-aerosol supply system comprising a non-aerosol supply device according to the first aspect and one or more consumables comprising an aerosol generating material.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which description is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a non-aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable product;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional block diagram of a second non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable;

Figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a first consumable including an aerosol-generating material;

Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of a second consumable including an aerosol-generating material;

Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device according to a first example;

Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of the holding device according to the first example;

Figure 4C shows a second schematic perspective view of the holding device according to the first example;

Figure 4D shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the holding device according to the first example;

Figure 4E shows a third schematic perspective view of the holding device according to the first example;

Figure 4F shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the holding device according to the first example;

Figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device according to a second example;

Figure 5B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the holding device according to the second example;

Figure 5C shows a second schematic perspective view of the holding device according to the second example;

Figure 5D shows a side cross-sectional view of a holding device according to a second example;

Figure 5E shows a third schematic perspective view of the holding device according to the second example;

Figure 5F shows a second side cross-sectional view of the holding device according to the second example;

Figure 6A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of a holding device according to a third example;

Figure 6B shows a second schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of a holding device according to a third example;

Figure 6C shows a schematic perspective view of a third non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material included in the consumable;

Figure 6D shows a second schematic perspective view of a third non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material included in the consumable;

Figure 7A shows a schematic diagram of a holding device according to a fourth example;

Figure 7B shows a second schematic diagram of a holding device according to a fourth example;

Figure 7C shows a third schematic diagram of a holding device according to a fourth example;

8A shows a schematic perspective perspective internal view of a fourth non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable including a holding device according to a fifth example;

Figure 8B shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device according to a fifth example;

Figure 8C shows a schematic plan view of a holding device according to a fifth example;

Figure 8D shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a holding device according to a fifth example;

Figure 8E shows a second schematic plan view of the holding device according to the fifth example;

Figure 8F shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of a holding device according to a fifth example;

Figure 8G shows a third schematic plan view of the holding device according to the fifth example;

Figure 9A shows a schematic bottom view of a holding device according to a sixth example;

Figure 9B shows a second schematic bottom view of the holding device according to the sixth example;

9C shows a schematic perspective perspective internal view of a fifth non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable including a holding device according to a sixth example;

9D shows a second schematic perspective view of a fifth non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable including a holding device according to a sixth example;

10A shows a schematic perspective view and a schematic perspective enlarged internal view of a sixth non-aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable item including a holding device according to a seventh example. ;

10B shows a second schematic perspective view of a sixth non-aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable including a holding device according to a seventh example;

Figure 10C shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device according to a seventh example;

Figure 10D shows a second schematic perspective view of a holding device according to a seventh example;

Figure 11A shows a schematic perspective view and a schematic side view of a holding device according to an eighth example;

11B shows a schematic perspective view of a seventh non-aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable including a holding device according to the eighth example;

Figure 11C shows a second schematic perspective view and a second schematic side view of the holding device according to the eighth example;

Figure 11D shows a third schematic perspective view and a third schematic side view of the holding device according to the eighth example;

Figure 12A shows a schematic plan view of a holding device according to a ninth example;

Figure 12B shows a second schematic plan view of the holding device according to the ninth example;

Figure 13A shows a schematic plan view of a holding device according to a tenth example;

Figure 13B shows a schematic plan view of a holding device according to a tenth example;

Figure 14A shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device according to an eleventh example;

Figure 14B shows a second schematic perspective view of a holding device according to an eleventh example;

Figure 14C shows a third schematic perspective view of the holding device according to the eleventh example;

Figure 15A shows a schematic plan view of the first retaining member and the second retaining member;

Figure 15B shows a first, second and third schematic perspective view of the non-aerosol supply system;

Figure 15C shows a fourth schematic perspective view of the non-aerosol supply system; and

Figure 15D shows a fifth, sixth and seventh schematic perspective view of the non-aerosol supply system.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-aerosol supply device 100. The non-aerosol supply 100 includes a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity or holder. For example, the receiver may be the heating chamber 102. The heating chamber 102 is configured to receive consumables including aerosol-generating materials.

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example when heated, irradiated or excited in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and/or flavours. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may include "amorphous solids," which may alternatively be referred to as "bulk solids" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (eg, liquid) inside them. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more actives and/or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

A consumable article is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. . The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which in use emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, comprise a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

The non-aerosol supply device 100 is used to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in consumables. The non-aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the non-aerosol supply 100 is used to heat an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable product to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In this example, the aerosol generator is used to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, electrostatic energy, or through the use of ultrasonic energy. In some such examples, the aerosol generator includes one or more piezoelectric elements that subject the aerosol-generating material to vibration.

The non-aerosol supply device 100 is used to heat an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable product to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The non-aerosol supply 100 may be configured to deliver aerosol generated by heating an aerosolizable material. The consumable product is a tobacco heating product (THP) product. The non-aerosol supply device 100 may, for example, be a handheld device for providing inhalable aerosol.

The non-aerosol supply device 100 is hereinafter referred to as device 100 . The apparatus 100 is configured to heat aerosol-generating material included in consumables received in the heating chamber 102 . The apparatus 100 includes a heating arrangement 104 configured to provide energy for heating aerosol-generating material in a consumable article including the aerosol-generating material received in the heating chamber 102 . In some examples, heating arrangement 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements arranged in thermal contact with heating chamber 102 . Heat is generated by the resistive flow of electrical current against the one or more resistive heating elements. This process is known as Joule heating, ohmic heating or resistive heating.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that penetration by a changing magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration by a changing magnetic field results in hysteretic heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be electrically conductive and magnetic, allowing the susceptor to be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this article, a device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

In some examples, the heating arrangement 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field for inductive heating of the susceptor. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors through which alternating current is passed to generate a varying magnetic field. In some examples, heating arrangement 104 includes one or more susceptors. In other examples, the heating arrangement 104 may not include a susceptor, and one or more susceptors may instead be provided as part of/with a consumable item intended for use with the device 100 . Device 100 includes power supply 106 . Power supply 106 provides power to the various components of device 100 . In some examples, power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, power supply 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, and power is supplied from the battery through the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow the power supply 106 to operate at a different voltage than the battery. In some examples, the apparatus 100 may include a DC-AC converter for converting DC current from, eg, a battery, to AC current, eg, to power one or more inductors of the heating arrangement 104 , wherein the heating arrangement 104 It is a magnetic field generator. In the following examples, power supply 106 is referred to simply as battery 106 .

In the example of FIG. 1 , aerosol supply device 100 includes processor 108 in data communication with computer-readable memory 110 . Processor 108 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of device 100 . Processor 108 controls various aspects by executing instructions stored on computer-readable memory 110 . For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating arrangement 104 . For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating arrangement 104 by controlling various electrical components such as switches (not shown in Figure 1). The processor 108, computer readable memory 110, and heating arrangement 104 may collectively be referred to as a heating system.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 includes a holding device 112 . Holding device 112 is configured to hold in place consumables intended for use with device 100 one at a time. For example, the holding device 112 holds in place consumables received in the heating chamber 102 .

It will be understood that the device 100 may include other components not shown in Figure 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlets, control interfaces, charging ports, etc. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic diagram illustrating various components that may be included in the device 100 . Figure 1 is not intended to convey the specific locations of the various components. For example, the retaining device 112 may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus 100 as long as it is used to retain consumables received in the heating chamber 102 in place.

The device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the above-described components may be received. More specific examples of apparatus 100 will be described below.

2 is a schematic side cross-sectional block diagram of an example of apparatus 100. For ease of explanation, certain components of the aerosol supply device 100 are omitted from FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2 , reference numeral 202 indicates the proximal end of the device 100 and reference numeral 204 indicates the distal end of the device 100 . Proximal end 202 is the end that a user holds closer to their mouth (eg, pointed toward their mouth) than distal end 204 when device 100 is used to inhale aerosol as intended. On the other hand, the distal end 204 of the device 100 is the end that the user holds farther from their mouth than the proximal end 202 when the device 100 is used to inhale the aerosol as intended.

In the example of FIG. 2 , the retention device 112 is positioned toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 . However, in other examples, retention device 112 may not be positioned toward proximal end 202. In some examples, retention device 112 is positioned toward distal end 204 of device 100 . The holding device 112 is configured to hold each of a plurality of different sized consumables in place one at a time.

As used herein, different sizes do not refer to variations in the dimensions of a consumable product due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different sizes refer to different expected sizes of consumables. For example, consumables that have different intended widths and/or lengths to fit into different sized receivers. Consumables of different expected sizes may be referred to as different types of consumables. Different types of consumables differ only in their size, or may additionally differ in other aspects, such as internal construction, internal structure, etc.

In some examples, the retention device includes at least one elastic member having a consumable retention force of less than 120 grams. Consumable retention force is the force exerted to a consumable by a retention device to hold the consumable in place.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration only and should not be construed as specifying a particular structure, location toward proximal end 202, arrangement, or the like. FIG. 2 only illustrates the positioning of retention device 112 toward proximal end 202 in the specific example of FIG. 2 . As mentioned above, the retention device 112 may be positioned differently, such as toward the distal end 204 .

The holding device 112 may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Various examples of a retaining device 112 positioned toward the proximal end 202 and configured to retain each of a plurality of differently sized consumables in place, one at a time, are described below.

In the example described below, each of the plurality of consumables has a different width. In instances where the consumable article is rod-shaped (eg, similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the aerosol-generating article may be taken to be the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. Figure 3A shows a first consumable product 300 of the plurality of consumable products, and Figure 3B shows a second consumable product 302 of the plurality of consumable products. The width of the first consumable 300 is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302 .

In Examples 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 described below, the retaining device 112 includes at least one elastic member that enables the retaining device 112 to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to place a consumer having a corresponding width. The product remains in place. For example, the retaining device 112 may have at least one resilient member that enables the retaining device 112 to assume a first configuration for retaining the first consumable 300 in place, and that enables the retaining device 112 to assume a second configuration for retaining the second consumable. 302 remains in place.

In Examples 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 described below, the at least one elastic member enables the holding device to define an initial arrangement that provides a gap with an initial size into which the consumable is to be inserted. Applying a force to the at least one resilient member causes the gap to change in size to accommodate and retain each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.

In Examples 4, 5, 6, 8 described below, more specifically, the at least one elastic member includes two or more elastic members that deflect away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. The two or more elastic members are configured to each simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time to hold the consumables in place.

In Examples 9 and 10 described below, the holding device defines an initial arrangement that provides a gap with an initial size into which the consumable is to be inserted. The retaining device includes a pivotable member pivotally attached to the housing 114 such that the pivot axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with the center of the heating chamber 102 throughout its length. The size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing 114 .

Example 1

In Example 1, each of the plurality of aerosol-generating articles has a different width. Figures 4A to 4F schematically illustrate Example 1 of the holding device 112. The specific holding device according to Example 1 shown in Figures 4A to 4F is labeled 112a. The holding device 112a includes an aperture 402 providing access to the heating chamber 102 of the device 100 . Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112a, and Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of the holding device 112a.

In the initial arrangement, the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 . In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the holding device 112a is in the initial arrangement, and it can be seen that the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. This angle can be between 1° and 15°.

In this example, the retaining device 112a is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100, and moving the retaining device 112a relative to the housing 114 causes the angle to change such that the size of the opening changes.

More specifically, in this example, the retaining device 112a includes a resilient member 408 that enables the retaining device 112a to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to retain consumables having corresponding widths in place. The number of elastic members is not limited to one. In other similar examples, at least one resilient member may be provided that enables the retaining device 112a to adopt each of a plurality of configurations to retain consumables having corresponding widths in place.

In this example, elastic member 408 biases retention device 112a toward the initial arrangement. Applying force to the elastic member 408 causes the angle to change such that the opening to the heating chamber 102 increases in size. In this example, the retaining device 112a includes a housing 410 connected to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the elastic member 408 is positioned between the housing 410 of the retaining device 112a and the housing 114 of the device 100, as shown in Figure 4B . In this example, the housing 410 of the holding device 112a has a shape such that one end of the housing 410 is much thicker than the other end. The shape of the housing 410 is hereinafter referred to as a wedge shape. However, other shapes that implement the described functionality of this example may be used.

The narrow end 412 of the wedge-shaped housing 410 is pivotably connected to the housing 114 of the device 100 (eg, via a hinge). As the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 , the thicker end 414 of the wedge housing 410 moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 . As the thicker end 414 moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 , it moves at least partially into and out of the housing 114 of the device 100 .

In this example, thicker end 414 is positioned closer to heating chamber 102 than narrow end 412 . The aperture 402 is positioned closer to the thicker end 414 of the wedge-shaped housing 410 than the narrower end 412 . Thus, as the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100, the angle of the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 changes. The device 100 includes a heating chamber aperture 102a leading to the heating chamber 102. In this example, the greater the angle between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the more misaligned the aperture 402 is with the heating chamber aperture 102a. On the other hand, the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the more aligned the aperture 402 is with the heating chamber aperture 102a.

The size of the opening into the heating chamber 102 depends on the alignment of the aperture 402 with the heating chamber aperture 102a. The closer the aperture 402 is aligned with the heating chamber aperture 102a, the larger the size of the opening to the heating chamber 102.

In this example, elastic member 408 is a coil spring. However, elastic member 408 may be any other elastic member suitable for performing the functions described in this example. The coil spring 408 is arranged to bias the wedge housing 410 such that the thicker end 414 is away from the housing 114 of the device 100 . Applying force to the coil spring 408 causes the angle between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 to decrease such that the size of the opening to the heating chamber 102 increases. This is because the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber, the more aligned the aperture 402 is with the heating chamber aperture 102a.

Figure 4C is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112a. In the example of Figure 4C, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the holding device 112a. Figure 4D is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the holding device 112a through which the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102.

In Figures 4C and 4D, force has been applied to the coil spring 408 to partially move the thicker end 414 into the housing 114 of the device 100, and accordingly to pivot the narrow end 412 relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. change. Therefore, the angle between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 404 of the heating chamber 102 is slightly reduced compared to the initial arrangement, such that the size of the opening to the heating chamber is increased compared to the initial arrangement.

For example, force is applied to increase the size of the opening so that the first consumable 300 can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 . Once the consumable is inserted, the force against coil spring 408 is removed. The size of the opening is reduced until the top edge 402a of the aperture 402 closest to the thicker end 414 and the bottom edge 402b of the aperture 402 closest to the narrow end 412 contact the first consumable 300, as shown in Figure 4D. This contact holds the first consumable 300 in place and inhibits the holding device 112a from returning completely to the original arrangement.

Figure 4E is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112a. In the example of Figure 4E, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the holding device 112a. Figure 4F is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the holding device 112a with the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the holding device 112a.

As previously mentioned, the width of the second consumable 302 is greater than the width of the first consumable 300 . In the example of Figures 4E and 4F, the holding device functions in the same manner as described above to hold the second consumable 302 in place. In the example of Figures 4E and 4F, compared to the example of Figures 4C and 4D, a force is applied to the coil spring 408 to move the thicker end 414 further into the housing 114 of the device 100 (and accordingly relative to the device). The housing 114 of 100 pivots the narrow end 412) such that the angle between the central axis 414 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 is reduced and the size of the opening is increased compared to the example of Figures 4C and 4D to a greater extent.

Increase the size of the opening enough to allow insertion of the second consumable 302 (which is wider). When the force is removed after the second consumable 302 is inserted, the size of the opening decreases until the top edge 402a of the aperture 402 closest to the thicker end 414 and the bottom edge 402b of the aperture 402 closest to the narrow end 412 contact the third Two consumables 300, as shown in Figure 4F. This contact holds the second consumable 300 in place and inhibits the holding device 112a from returning completely to the original arrangement.

In this example, the smaller the angular difference between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the larger the size of the opening to the heating chamber 102. The coil spring 408 is biased to reduce the size of the opening and hold the consumables in place one at a time, as described above. Thus, the holding device 112a of this example is capable of holding consumables of different widths in place one at a time. Retaining device 112a may be used with any width of consumable that may be inserted into aperture 402.

In other examples, the elastic member 408 such as a coil spring may be absent. Instead, there may be a securing mechanism for holding the wedge housing 410 in place to provide a plurality of different angles between the central axis 404 of the aperture 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 . For example, the securing mechanism may secure the wedge housing 410 at a first angle suitable for retaining the first consumable 300 in place and at a different second angle suitable for retaining the second consumable 302 in place. The securing mechanism may include detents, latches, etc. In such instances, a clamping structure may be provided to allow a user to manipulate wedge housing 410 to change the angle.

Example 2

Figures 5A to 5F schematically illustrate Example 2 of the holding device 112. The specific holding device according to Example 2 shown in Figures 5A to 5F is labeled 112b. The retaining device 112b includes an end cap 502 removably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100 . The end cap 502 includes a first opening 504 of a first size and a second opening 506 of a different second size.

The first opening 504 is sized to hold a first width of consumable product (eg, first consumable product 300) in place. The second opening 506 is sized to hold a second width of consumable product (eg, second consumable product 302) in place. For example, the first opening 504 may be sized to allow insertion of a first width of consumable product with the application of sufficient force. However, the first opening 504 may be sized to hold the first width of the consumable in place due to friction, for example, against gravity or forces generated by movement of the device 100 . The first opening 504 may be sized such that the sufficient force described is not so high that a consumable of the first width may be significantly damaged when inserted. On the other hand, the first opening 504 may be small enough to sufficiently hold the first size consumable in place so that it does not move relative to the device 100 when used as intended. The second opening 506 may be sized to similarly hold a second width of consumable in place.

In this example, the retention device 112b is configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration. In a first configuration of the holding device 112b, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the device 100. In the second configuration of the holding device 112b, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. The first configuration and the second configuration are discussed below.

In the example of FIGS. 5A-5D , the retaining device 112b is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting relative to the housing 114 . More specifically, end cap 502 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 114 , as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5A . The end cap 502 may be pivotably attached, for example by being fixedly mounted on a rod/cylindrical element mounted on the housing 114 such that the end cap 502 is pivotable relative to the housing 114 . In this example, end cap 502 includes shaft 518 received in groove 516 in housing 114 . Both shaft 518 and groove 516 have circular cross-sections. The center of shaft 518 and the center of groove 516 are aligned with the longitudinal axis of housing 114 . As such, end cap 502 is configured to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 114 . In other examples (not shown), end cap 502 may be slidably attached to housing 114 . In such an example, the retaining device 112b is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by sliding relative to the housing 114 .

In the example of Figure 5A, the first opening 504 includes a ridge 504a that contacts the first width of the consumable and holds it in place due to friction, as described above. For example, a first width of consumable may be inserted into first opening 504 to contact ridge 504a when sufficient force is applied. However, contact with ridge 504a may hold the consumable in place due to friction, for example, against gravity or forces generated by movement of device 100. In this example, the second opening 506 includes a ridge 506a that contacts and retains the second width of the consumable in the same manner as the ridge 504a retains the first width of the consumable.

Ridges 504a and 506a may include tapered portions that taper inwardly from the proximal end toward the heating chamber 102 . This tapering may allow for easy and guided insertion of correspondingly sized consumables into the first and second openings 504, 506.

Referring to Figure 5B, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the retaining device 112b in a particular configuration is shown. In this example, the retention device 112b includes one or more retention elements configured to retain the retention device in its current configuration. For example, if the retaining device 112b is in the first configuration, the one or more retaining elements retain the retaining device 112b in the first configuration. If the retaining device 112b is in the second configuration, the one or more retaining elements retain the retaining device 112b in the second configuration.

For example, the retaining device 112b includes a first resilient retaining element 508 and a second resilient retaining element 510 . More specifically, in this example, the first resilient retaining element 508 is a first coil spring 508 and the second resilient retaining element 510 is a second coil spring 510 . One end of each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 at a corresponding location on the housing 114 such that when the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 are compressed (or in equilibrium), the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 may be retracted into the housing 114 (eg, inwardly so as not to extend beyond the outermost surface of the housing 114). It should be noted that in this example there are two coil springs as elastic retaining elements. However, in some examples, there may be one or more elastic retention elements.

The other end of each of the first and second coil springs 508, 510 has a corresponding spherical element 508a, 510a adjacent thereto. In this example, when no force is applied to the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 (other than the weight of the respective spherical elements 508a, 510a), each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 One is biased such that the respective spherical elements 508a, 510a at least partially project outwardly from the housing 114. In this example, each of the first and second coil springs 508 , 510 is positioned adjacent the shaft 518 such that the respective spherical elements 508 a , 510 a are covered by the end cap 502 in all positions of the end cap 502 relative to the housing 114 . The holding device 112b has a first recess 512 and a second recess 514 . When the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the first recess 512, the end cap 502 is inhibited from pivoting relative to the housing 114. Similarly, when the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the second recess 514, the end cap 502 is inhibited from pivoting relative to the housing 114. The holding device 112b can thereby be maintained in its current configuration.

The user may cause the end cap 502 to pivot relative to the housing 114 by applying a pivoting force to the end cap 502 such that a force is applied to each of the first spherical element 508a and the second spherical element 510a, respectively, resulting in a first coil spring. 508 and second coil spring 510 compress. This causes the spherical element to retreat into the housing 114 past the outermost surface of the housing 114 to allow pivotal movement of the end cap 502 .

The first recess 512 and the second recess 514 may be configured and positioned on the end cap 502 such that the spherical element engages the recesses when the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 and when the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber. Suppresses pivoting movement during alignment. In this way, the first and second coil springs 508, 510, the first and second spherical elements 508a, 510a, and the first and second notches 512 and 514 form a stop to retain the end cap 502 in the first position. in the first structure and the second structure.

In the example of Figure 5B, two helical springs with spherical elements and two notches are shown. However, in other examples, there may be one or more coil springs and a corresponding appropriate number of notches, which function as described above. For example, a single helical spring and ball element and two recesses (one for each of the first and second configurations) may be provided.

Figure 5C is a schematic perspective view of the retaining device 112b in a first configuration. As previously described, in the first configuration, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 . This enables consumables of appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102 . In the example of FIG. 5C , first opening 504 is sized to allow insertion of first consumable 300 .

Figure 5D is a side cross-sectional view of the holding device 112b in a first configuration with the first consumable 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

Figure 5E is a schematic perspective view of the retaining device 112b in a second configuration. As previously described, in the second configuration, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 . This enables consumables of appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102 . In the example of FIG. 5E , the second opening 506 is sized to allow insertion of the second consumable 302 .

Figure 5F is a side cross-sectional view of the holding device 112b in a second configuration with the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

Example 3

In Figures 6A to 6D, the holding device of Example 3 is marked with reference numeral 112c.

Figure 6A schematically shows an example of a holding device 112c. In Figure 6A, holding device 112c is shown isolated from the remainder of device 100 for ease of explanation. Retention device 112c includes an opening 602 that includes a tapered inner surface 604. The tapered inner surface 604 tapers radially outward as it enters the opening. In this example, there is an elastic member. The elastic member includes an elastic ring 606. The elastic ring 606 may comprise a form of rubber or other elastic material that can be deformed by the application of force and return to its prior deformation form upon removal of the force. For purposes of explanation, a second consumable 302 inserted into the holding device 112c is also shown.

In the holding device 112c, when the elastic ring 606 is sandwiched between the given consumable and the tapered inner surface 604 at a position along the tapered inner surface 604 according to the width of the given consumable, the plurality of consumables A given consumable in is held in place by holding device 112c.

For example, a user may insert a given consumable into holding device 112c, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6A. Then, so that retention device 112c can hold the given consumable in place, the user pulls the given consumable in the opposite direction (i.e., in a direction proximally and away from retention device 112c, hereafter referred to as upward) . When this occurs, it causes the elastic ring 606 to roll upward as a given consumable moves so that it rolls toward the narrower area of the tapered inner surface 604 .

The elastic ring 606 rolls upward as the given consumable is pulled upward, and ultimately causes further upward movement of the given consumable to be inhibited because it is squeezed between the given consumable and the tapered inner surface 604 pressure. This squeezing (clamping) of the elastic ring 606 enables a given consumable to be held in place.

How far the elastic ring 606 rolls upward on the tapered inner surface 604 before inhibiting further upward movement of a given consumable and holding the given consumable in place depends on the width of the given consumable.

Figure 6B schematically shows the configuration of the holding device 112c in which the second consumable 302 has been inserted and pulled so as to be held by the holding device 112c. Figure 6B shows the elastic ring 606 being sandwiched (squeezed) between the second consumable 302 and the tapered inner surface.

Because the tapered inner surface is a continuous surface, the retaining device 112c can be used to hold multiple consumables of different widths in place. This is correct as long as those widths allow the elastic ring 606 to be sandwiched between the consumable in question and the tapered inner surface 604 somewhere along the tapered inner surface 604 to hold the consumable in question in place of.

Figure 6C shows an example of device 100 with consumables inserted into heating chamber 102. Although not shown in FIG. 6C , the collar 602 and elastic ring 606 are positioned toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 . The arrow in Figure 6C indicates the upward direction in which the user pulls a consumable inserted into the device 100 so that the retaining device 112c holds the consumable in place, as described above.

It should be noted that because the elastic ring 606 becomes sandwiched between the consumable and the tapered inner surface 604, it is undesirable to attempt to remove the consumable held by the retaining device 112c by pulling upward on the retaining device 112c. Pulling the held consumable further upward will have the effect that the elastic ring 606 is squeezed more strongly and upward movement is inhibited even further.

Figure 6D is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 of Example 3, showing the distal end 204. To enable removal of the retained consumables, in Example 3, a door or cover 608 is provided that enables the retained consumables to be removed from the distal end 204 . When the retained consumable is pulled toward the distal end 204 (in the downward direction as mentioned in the description of Example 3), the elastic ring 606 is caused to move downward toward the wider area of the tapered inner surface 604 . A retainer (not shown) may be provided to retain the elastic ring 606 in the retention device 112c. For example, an inwardly extending lip may be provided at the widest portion of tapered surface 604 to retain elastic ring 606. This results in the consumable in question not being retained by the sandwiched elastic ring 606 as depicted, and it being removable via the door or cover 608 . Door or cover 608 may include one or more vents, as shown in Figure 6D.

Example 4

In Example 4, two elastic members are set up. However, in other similar examples, more than two elastic members may be provided. The two elastic members are biased toward the initial arrangement, and the gap provided by the initial arrangement is less than the smallest width among the widths of the consumables in the plurality of consumables.

More specifically, in Example 4, each of the two elastic members is an arm forming a cantilever spring, and the consumable holding force of each of the arms forming the cantilever spring is less than 120 grams.

Figures 7A to 7C show a holding device according to Example 4, labeled with reference numeral 112d. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of holding device 112d. In this example, the two or more resilient members include a first arm forming a first cantilever spring 702 and a second arm forming a second cantilever spring 704 .

The first and second cantilever springs 702, 704 are biased toward the initial arrangement, which is the arrangement formed when no force is exerted on the cantilever springs and they are in equilibrium as shown in Figure 7A. The first cantilever spring 702 includes a fixed end 702a that is fixed within the heating chamber 102 (or passage leading to the heating chamber 102) toward the proximal end 202. Similarly, the second cantilever spring 704 includes a fixed end 704a that is fixed within the heating chamber 102 (or passage leading to the heating chamber 102) toward the proximal end 202. Furthermore, in this example, the first cantilever spring 702 includes a free end 702b, and the second cantilever spring 704 includes a free end 704b.

In the example of Figure 7A, the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 each include respective bends 702c, 704c. In this example, the respective convex sides of the first and second bends 702c, 704c face inwardly into the gap. The first bend 702c and the second bend 704c are such that when no force is applied (eg, by inserting a consumable) to the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704, the first bend 702c and the second bend 704c The respective vertices are the closest portions of the first bend 702c and the second bend 704c to the center of the gap. In this example, the gap into which the consumable is inserted is the gap (minimum distance) between the curved portion 702c of the first cantilever spring 702 and the curved portion 704c of the second cantilever spring 704. In Figure 7A, the initial size of the gap (ie, when no consumable is inserted and therefore no force is exerted on either cantilever spring) is indicated by double arrow 706.

As mentioned above, in the example of Figure 7A, the holding device 112d is in an initial arrangement. The gap 706 in the initial arrangement is less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables. For example, if the first consumable 300 has a minimum width, the gap 706 in the initial arrangement is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300 .

In this example, the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 deflect away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. For example, inserting a consumable between cantilever springs causes a force to be applied to both cantilever springs, causing the gap to increase in size as the consumable pushes the cantilever springs away from each other. The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 each contact the consumable at bends 702c, 704c.

The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 are biased toward the initial arrangement. The cantilever spring therefore squeezes the consumable, thereby holding it in place.

The amount of deflection of the cantilever spring depends on the width of the inserted consumable. For example, when the second consumable 302 (which has a greater width) is inserted, the cantilever spring deflects more than the first consumable 300 . A cantilever spring with a consumable retention force of less than 120 grams provides the advantage that the cantilever spring can deflect sufficiently to accommodate a second consumable of greater width without exerting too much force on the second consumable So that, for example, the second consumable becomes damaged. At the same time, the consumable retention force is high enough so that the cantilever spring exerts sufficient force against the first consumable to hold the first consumable in place when it is received in the gap. For example, the consumable retention force is less than 120 grams, preferably greater than 10 grams.

Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the holding device 112d with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. As can be seen, the first consumable is held by the cantilever spring and the bends 702c, 704c contact the first consumable 300. In this example, the cantilever spring is deflected causing the amount of bending to decrease.

Figure 7C is a schematic diagram of the holding device 112d with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. The second consumable 302 is held by the cantilever spring, and the curved portions 702c, 704c contact the second consumable 302. In this example, the cantilever spring deflects more than in the example of Figure 7B because the second consumable 302 is wider. In this example, the bending amount of the cantilever spring is reduced to a greater extent than in the example of Figure 7B. This results in more of the cantilever spring contacting the second consumable 302 due to its greater width.

The retaining device 112d may be positioned toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100, or the retaining device 112d may be positioned toward the distal end 204 of the device 100.

Example 5

8A to 8G show a holding device according to Example 5, labeled with reference numeral 112e. 8A is a schematic perspective view of device 100 showing certain components contained within housing 114. As shown in FIG. In this example, the holding device 112e includes a tubular body 802. As can be seen in Figure 8A, the retaining device 112e is disposed towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100.

In Example 5, eight elastic protrusions 804 are provided as elastic members. Resilient protrusions 804 are configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time to hold the consumables in place. The elastic protrusion 804 is biased toward the initial arrangement. A resilient protrusion 804 extends from the tubular body 802 into the cavity 801 defined by the tubular body 802 . In other examples, there may be one or more elastic protrusions. For example, there may be a number of elastic protrusions other than eight.

In the example of Figure 8A, an absorbent pad 803 is also shown that also holds consumables to keep them in place. An absorbent pad 803 may be placed at the bottom of the heating chamber 102 . For example, absorbent pad 803 may be inserted from the base of device 100 (eg, via a cover/door at distal end 204 of device 100). The absorbent pad 803 may be hollow to allow air to pass through, or it may be solid and made of breathable material. In examples, the absorbent pad may include a flame retardant meta-aramid material (e.g. ), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (such as/> ), heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers (e.g. )wait. In other examples, absorbent pad 803 may be omitted.

8B is a schematic perspective view of the tubular body 802, and FIG. 8C is a schematic top view of the tubular body 802. As shown in FIG. The tubular body 802 includes elastic protrusions 804 extending inwardly into the tubular body 802 (the elastic protrusions 804 constitute the two or more elastic members described above). (It should be noted that for the sake of readability, only some of the resilient protrusions 804 shown in Figures 8B and 8C are directed using lines connected to reference numeral 804).

Tubular body 802 may include a material that enables resilient protrusions 804 to be formed. For example, tubular body 802 may comprise sprung aluminum or another sprung metal suitable for forming tubular body 802 . In some examples, the base structure (eg, tubular portion) of tubular body 802 may be formed from one material and the elastic protrusions 804 may be formed from another material. For example, a rigid material (for structural strength) may be selected for the base structure, and a material with elastic properties may be selected for the elastic protrusions 804 .

Figures 8B and 8C show the tubular body 802 in an initial arrangement. The elastic protrusion 804 is biased toward the initial arrangement. In the initial arrangement, no significant force is applied to the elastic protrusion 804 (eg, by inserting the consumable into the tubular body 802) to deform it away from its equilibrium position/form. The resilient protrusions 804 in their initial arrangement define an initial size gap, which in this example is defined by the inner perimeter 806 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 8C. The gap defined by inner perimeter 806 is less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable product is inserted into the tubular body 802, a force is applied to the elastic protrusion 804, causing the gap to change in size so that the inserted consumable product can be accommodated and retained. The elastic protrusion 804 deflects away from the initial arrangement (it is pushed outward) to change (in this case increase) the size of the gap.

The elastic protrusions 804 are configured to each simultaneously contact the inserted consumable. In this example, tubular body 802 is intended for use with substantially consumable components having a circular cross-section. The elastic protrusions 804 form a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the tubular body 802 such that each elastic protrusion 804 is capable of contacting a consumable product having a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, because the elastic protrusions 804 are biased toward an initial arrangement that provides a gap that is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables, the elastic protrusions 804 press radially inward the inserted Consumables to keep it in place.

The elastic protrusions 804 can be pushed outward and deformed in a continuous manner. Thus, the tubular body 802 may be used to hold in place any consumable product intended for use with the tubular body 802 that has a width greater than the gap defined by the initially disposed inner perimeter 806 and less than or equal to the width of the tubular body 802 The width and width of the elastic protrusion 804 can be reasonably adapted to the geometric shape of the elastic protrusion 804 .

8D is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein, and FIG. 8E is a schematic top view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein.

8F is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein, and FIG. 8G is a schematic top view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

Because the second consumable 302 is wider than the first consumable 300, the elastic protrusion 804 is pushed further outward when the second consumable 302 is inserted than when the first consumable 300 is inserted.

Example 6

Figures 9A to 9D show a holding device according to Example 6, labeled with reference numeral 112f. In Example 6, the retaining device 112 includes a movable element that moves between a plurality of positions relative to the end of the device 100 (eg, relative to the proximal end 202 of the housing 114) to position the retaining device 112 in a corresponding position. Convert between multiple different initial arrangements. In Example 6, each of the plurality of different initial arrangements provides a different initial size of gap into which a consumable product is to be inserted. In Example 6 there are two elastic members which are biased towards an initial arrangement corresponding to the current position of the movable element. In other examples, there may be more than two elastic members.

Figure 9A is a schematic bottom view of the holding device 112f with the first consumable 300 inserted into the holding device 112f. In this example, the holding device 112f includes a movable element 902. In this example, first arm 904 and second arm 906 constitute the two elastic members depicted. The first arm 904 and the second arm 906 act as cantilever springs.

The first arm 904 has a free end 904a and a fixed end 904b. Similarly, second arm 906 has a free end 906a and a fixed end 906b. In this example, first arm 904 and second arm 906 are formed from a single piece of material (eg, metal with suitable material properties to act as a spring). In other examples, the first arm and the second arm may be formed separately.

Figure 9B is a schematic bottom view of the holding device 112f with the second consumable 302 inserted into the holding device 112f. As shown by the double arrow 908, the movable element 902 can move closer to and further away from the free ends of the first and second arms. This movement enables the movable element 902 to move between the plurality of positions as described above to transition between correspondingly different initial arrangements. The first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are fixed relative to the housing 114 . Therefore, when the movable element 902 moves, it also moves relative to the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 .

The movable element 902 has a first contact structure 910 and a second contact structure 912 . When the movable element 902 moves toward the free end 904a relative to the fixed end 904b, the first contact structure 910 contacts the first arm 904 and slides along the first arm 904 toward the free end 904a, and vice versa. Similarly, when the movable element 902 moves toward the free end 906a relative to the fixed end 906b, the second contact structure 912 contacts the second arm 906 and slides along the second arm 906 toward the free end 906a, and vice versa.

The distance between the free ends 904a, 906a without contact with the movable element 902 is equal to or greater than the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a when the movable element 902 is in its furthest position from the free ends 904a, 906a. distance.

As the movable element 902 moves toward the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a are brought closer to each other. This is due to the contact structure contacting the first arm 904 and the second arm 906, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. On the other hand, as the movable element 902 moves away from the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a move further apart.

Thus, different positions of the movable element 902 relative to the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 correspond to corresponding different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a. These different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a are referred to in Example 6 as different initial arrangements. In this example, the gap into which the consumable is to be inserted is defined by the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a. Applying force to the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 (to move them apart) causes the size of the gap to change so that consumables of different widths can be accommodated and retained. In the example of Figures 9A and 9B, the first and second arms 904, 906 are curved toward the free ends 904a, 906a to receive the rod-like consumable therebetween.

In use, the initial arrangement can be chosen so that the gap is smaller than the width of the consumable to be inserted. The first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are biased toward the selected initial arrangement regardless of the selected initial arrangement. When the consumable is inserted, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are forced apart by the consumable (deflected away from the selected initial position to increase the size of the gap). Due to their biasing, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 squeeze the consumable, thereby holding it in place. Therefore, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 each simultaneously contact the consumable to hold it in place.

In an example, when the initial arrangement is such that the gap is larger than the width of the consumable in question, the consumable is first positioned between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906, and the movable element 902 is then moved to a position suitable for the consumable in question. It may be practical to discuss the initial placement of consumables without the location of the consumables being present. (It should be noted that when the movable element 902 is moved in this sequence, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 will not reach the selected initial arrangement because the consumables are already present between them).

Indicia may be provided indicating various different positions of the movable element 902 corresponding to various respective initial arrangements (eg, based on different consumables intended for use with the holding device 112f).

In the example of Figure 9A, the first consumable 300 is inserted between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 towards the free ends 904a, 906a. In the example of Figure 9B, the second consumable 302 is inserted between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 towards the free ends 904a, 906a. It can be seen from these figures that when the second consumable 302 is held by the holding device 112f, the movable element 902 is further away from the free end 904a, 906a than when the first consumable 300 is held by the holding device 112f, and The free ends 904a, 906a are further apart from each other.

Figure 9C is a schematic perspective interior view of the device 100 with the retaining device 112f and the first consumable 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102 and held in place by the retaining device 112f. Figure 9D is a schematic perspective interior view of the device 100 with the retaining device 112f and the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102 and held in place by the retaining device 112f. A mechanism (such as a clamp) may be provided to hold the movable element 902 in a selected position.

Example 7

In Example 7, each of the plurality of consumables has a different width. In instances where the consumable is rod-shaped (eg, similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be taken to be the outer diameter of the consumable. Figure 3A shows a first consumable product 300 of the plurality of consumable products and a second consumable product 302 of the plurality of consumable products. The width of the first consumable 300 is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302 .

In this example, the retaining device 112 includes at least one resilient member that enables the retaining device 112 to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to retain in place consumables having corresponding widths. For example, the retaining device 112 may have at least one resilient member that enables the retaining device 112 to assume a first configuration for retaining the first consumable 300 in place, and that enables the retaining device 112 to assume a second configuration for retaining the second consumable. 302 remains in place.

More specifically, in Example 7, the elastic member is a coil spring. 10A to 10D illustrate a retaining device according to Example 7, wherein the retaining device of Example 7 is labeled 112g. Figure 10A is a schematic perspective view and a schematic perspective enlarged internal view of the device 100 with the holding device 112g installed. The holding device 112g includes a coil spring 1002. The fixed end 1004 of the coil spring 1002 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 of the device 100 . The movable end 1006 of the coil spring 1002 is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100 .

The coil spring 1002 is positioned such that the central axis of the coil spring is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the central axis of the heating chamber 102 . In this way, consumables inserted into the heating chamber 102 pass through the coil spring 1002 . Therefore, the gap into which the consumable product will be inserted is defined by the coil spring 1002.

In this example, movable end 1006 is attached to movable tab 1008 . Movable tab 1008 is removably attached to housing 114 . In the example of Figure 10A, the movable tab has an elongated portion 1008a and a surface portion 1008b. Surface portion 1008b is positioned on the outside of housing 114 so as to be accessible to a user. In this example, the housing 114 includes a slit 1010 through which the elongated portion 1008a extends into the housing 114 . The elongated portion 1008a is attached to the movable tab 1008 by being attached to the elongated portion 1008a of the movable tab 1008 that extends into the housing 114 via the slit 1010 .

The slit 1010 enables the movable tab 1008 to move along the slit relative to the housing 114 . Thus, by moving surface portion 1008b along slit 1010, the user can move movable end 1006.

By moving the movable end 1006 relative to the fixed end 1004, and therefore also relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 (ie, by applying a force to the coil spring 1002), the size of the gap is changed. For example, the movable end 1006 may move in one direction to decrease the size of the gap and in the opposite direction to increase the size of the gap. The direction in which the movable end 1006 is moved to achieve a given effect depends on the arrangement of the coil spring 1002 (eg, where the fixed end 1004 is secured in the housing 114). In the specific example of Figure 10A, as seen from the enlarged view, when movable end 1006 is moved such that movable end 1006 and fixed end 1004 become closer together, the size of the gap decreases and vice versa.

In use, a given consumable may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the retaining device 112g in a configuration in which the size of the gap is greater than the width of the given consumable. The gap can then be reduced by moving the movable end 1006 until the gap is small enough so that the consumable remains in the desired position.

In the example of Figure 10A, second consumable 302 is held by holding device 112g. Figure 10B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 including a retaining device 112g for retaining the first consumable 300 in place. As can be seen, surface portion 1008b is in a different position than the example of Figure 10A, where the wider (ie second consumable 302) is held in place by holding device 112g.

FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding the first consumable 300 . FIG. 10D is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding the second consumable 302 . As can be seen, when the narrower first consumable 300 is held in place, the fixed end 1004 and the movable end 1006 are closer together (resulting in a gap) than when the wider second consumable 302 is held in place. smaller size).

Coil spring 1002 may be biased toward the size at which the gap is greatest. The retaining device 112g may be arranged so that the movable tab 1008 may be retained in a desired position. For example, friction between extension 1008a and slit 1010 may be sufficient to counteract the bias of coil spring 1002 and hold movable end 1006 in place. In some examples, tab 1008 may include structures that engage slit 1010 or engage complementary structures on/in/near slit 1010 to enable tab 1008 to remain in place.

Example 8

The holding device of Example 8 is labeled with reference numeral 112h in Figures 11A to 11D. Figure 11A shows a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112h and a schematic side view of the holding device 112h. In Example 8, there are more than two elastic members labeled with reference numeral 1102 . As shown in Figure 11A to Figure 11D. In this example, elastic members 1102 are arranged in a circumferential direction so as to define a gap therebetween (into which consumables are to be inserted).

The elastic member 1102 is biased toward the initial arrangement. In this example, elastic members 1102 are biased away from each other. The elastic member 1102 in the initial arrangement provides an initial size of gap into which the consumable product will be inserted. The gap provided by the initial arrangement is greater than the largest width among the widths of the consumables in the plurality of consumables. In this example, the innermost portion of elastic member 1102 is protrusion 1102a. A gap is defined between these protrusions 1102a, and these protrusions 1102a are protrusions that contact the inserted consumable.

The retaining device 112h includes a restraining member 1104 slidably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100 . The restrictive member 1104 can slide toward or away from the proximal end 202 (the arrow in Figure 11A indicates the direction of sliding). The two or more elastic members 1102 can be moved closer together to reduce the size of the gap therebetween, or further apart to increase the size. However, the two or more elastic members 1102 do not slide upward or downward like the restrictive member 1104 .

The restrictive member 1104 is configured to slide relative to the housing 114 so as to force the two or more resilient members 1102 against their bias, thereby reducing the size of the gap. This means that the restrictive member 1104 also slides relative to the two or more elastic members 1102 . The restrictive member 1104 includes a ring 1104a surrounding the two or more elastic members 1102 . The inner diameter of ring portion 1104a is smaller than the outer diameter formed by the two or more elastic members 1102 in the original arrangement. Therefore, as the restrictive member 1104 slides downward (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 11A), the loop 1104a pushes the elastic members 1102 closer together, reducing the size of the gap. Retaining device 112h may be configured such that when loop 1104a is in its highest position, elastic member 1102 is in the initial arrangement (ie, loop 1104a does not deflect the elastic member away from the initial arrangement). Therefore, the elastic member 1102 deflects away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap.

The restrictive member 1104 also includes a surface portion 1104b disposed outside the housing 114 so as to be accessible to a user (or otherwise in a manner by which the user may manipulate the restrictive member 1104). A user may contact surface portion 1104b and cause restrictive member 1104 to slide upward and downward. In this example, surface portion 1104b is connected to ring portion 1104a via arm portion 1104c. Housing 114 may include slits or the like such that surface portion 1104b can be positioned externally of housing 114 and connected to ring portion 1104a via arm portion 1104c, for example.

The restrictive member 1104 is moved so as to cause the elastic member 1102 to define a gap such that the inserted consumable is retained by the elastic member 1102 . The elastic members 1102 each simultaneously contact the inserted consumable to hold the consumable in place.

In use, the restrictive member 1104 may be positioned such that the gap is greater than the width of the inserted consumable. The consumable can then be inserted and the restrictive member 1104 can be slid downward until the gap allows protrusion 1102a to contact the consumable and hold it in place. A clamp or the like may be provided that holds the restrictive member 1104 in place once the inserted consumable is in place (ie, a means may be provided to secure the restrictive member 1104 in a desired position).

Figure 11B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 including the holding device 112h. Figure 11C is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112h and a schematic side view of the holding device 112h with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. 11D is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112h and a schematic side view of the holding device 112h with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

As can be seen from Figures 11C and 11D, when the first consumable 300 is held by the holding device 112h, the restricting member 1102 is in a lower position compared to when the second consumable 302 is held by the holding device 112h. The gap for the protrusion 1102a to contact and retain the inserted consumable is smaller.

Example 9

The holding device of Example 9 is labeled 112i in Figures 12A-12B. The pivot member in Figures 12A and 12B is labeled 1202. Pivot axis 1204 is indicated by the cross shown in Figures 12A and 12B, which indicates that pivot axis 1204 is directed toward the page. In other words, pivot axis 1204 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of heating chamber 102 .

In Example 9, the holding device 112i includes three elastic wires labeled with reference numeral 1206. In other examples, there may be two or more elastic wires. The elastic wire 1206 enables the retention device 112i to adopt each of a plurality of configurations to hold consumables of corresponding widths in place one at a time. A first end 1206 a of each elastic wire 1206 is fixedly attached to the pivot member 1202 and a second end 1206 b of each elastic wire 1206 is fixedly attached relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 .

In Example 9, the elastic wires 1206 are configured to each simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time to hold the consumables in place. Applying force to the elastic wire 1206 causes the elastic wire 1206 to deflect away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap to accommodate and retain each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.

To securely attach the second end 1206b relative to the housing 114, in this example a securing member 1210 is provided that is configured to securely attach to the housing 114. The second end 1206b is fixedly attached relative to the housing 114 by being fixedly attached to the securing member 1210 . In the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B , the fixed member 1206 has a circular cross-section and is coaxially aligned with the pivot member 1202 .

The size of the gap into which the consumable product will be inserted is changed by pivoting the pivot member 1202 relative to the housing 114 (as indicated by arrow 1208). In this example, the resilient wire 1206 has a shape that changes the size of the gap as the pivot member 1202 pivots relative to the housing substantially about the central longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102 . Due to their shape, the elastic wires 1206 each include a bend 1206c. The bend 1206c is arranged to define a gap through which the consumable product is to be inserted.

The elastic wire 1206 defines an initial arrangement that provides an initial size of gap. The elastic wire 1206 may be biased such that the bend 1206c defines a minimum gap in the initial arrangement. The elastic wire 1206 deflects away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. Applying a force to the resilient wire 1206 (eg, by pivoting the pivot member 1202) causes the gap to change in size to accommodate and retain each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.

As pivot member 1202 pivots in a clockwise direction relative to Figures 12A and 12B, bend 1206c moves away from the center and the size of the gap increases. On the other hand, when the pivot member 1202 pivots in the counterclockwise direction relative to Figures 12A and 12B, the end 1206c moves toward the center and the size of the gap decreases. The elastic wires 1206 each simultaneously contact the inserted consumable product to hold the inserted consumable product in place. In this example, bend 1206c contacts the inserted consumable.

In the initial arrangement, the pivot member 1202 may be in its most counterclockwise position. In use, the pivot member 1202 may pivot clockwise such that the size of the gap is greater than the width of the inserted consumable. Once the consumable product has been inserted, the pivot member 1202 may be allowed to pivot under the bias of the elastic wire 1206 . Therefore, the flexure 1206 contacts and squeezes the consumable to hold it in place.

In some examples, a clamp or the like may be provided that may be used to maintain the pivot member 1202 in a desired position.

In the example of Figure 12A, the holding device 112i holds the first consumable 300 in place. In the example of Figure 12B, holding device 112i holds second consumable 302 in place. It can be seen that the gap defined by the bend 1206c is smaller when the first consumable 300 is inserted into and retained by the retaining device 112i than when the second consumable 302 is inserted into and retained by the retaining device 112i, and The pivot member 1202 is in a more counterclockwise position.

Example 10

The holding device of Example 10 is labeled 112j in Figures 13A-13B. In this example, the pivotable member is cam 1302. Cam 1302 is pivotally attached to housing 114 of device 100 . The pivot member 1302 is pivotally attached such that the pivot axis 1304 of the cam 1302 is substantially aligned with the center of the heating chamber 102 over the entire length of the heating chamber 102 . In other words, pivot axis 1304 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of heating chamber 102 . The cross marked with reference numeral 1304 in Figures 13A and 13B indicates that the pivot axis points towards the page.

In this example, cam 1302 includes three angled surfaces 1302a such that pivot axis 1304 is substantially parallel to the plane of the angled surfaces. In other examples, cam 1302 may include a different number of such angled surfaces. For example, cam 1302 may include two or more angled surfaces. Holding device 112j includes three clamping members 1306. Each clamping member 1306 is slidably connected to the cam 1302 . In Example 10, each clamping member 1306 is slidably connected to a corresponding one of the angled surfaces 1302a. In this example, each of the three angled surfaces has a clamping member. In other examples, there may be a different number of clamping members corresponding to the number of angled surfaces.

In this example, clamping member 1306 is disposed circumferentially around the gap to define the size of the gap. Clamping members 1306 are configured to each simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time to hold the consumables in place. Clamping member 1306 engages cam 1302 (specifically, angled surface 1302a) such that pivoting cam 1302 causes clamping member 1306 to move toward and away from the center of the gap to change the size of the gap.

In this example, clamping member 1306 includes a roller/slider member 1306a that rolls or slides along angled surface 1302a. In the following description, for convenience, the roller/slider member 1306a is simply referred to as the slider member 1306a. Clamping member 1306 is configured to define a gap into which the consumable product is to be inserted and to contact the consumable product to hold it in place. The clamping members 1306 each include a contact surface 1306b facing inwardly toward the heating chamber and defining a gap.

Cam 1302 may pivot clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 1308. Pivoting cam 1302 causes clamping member 1306 to slide relative to angled surface 1302a to change the size of the gap.

In Example 10, there is at least one elastic member that biases the clamping member 1306 toward an initial arrangement in which the size of the gap is minimal. Clamping member 1306 is biased inwardly toward the center. For example, for each clamping member 1306, a spring may be provided (eg, connected to the housing 114 and to the clamping member) that biases the clamping member toward the center. As mentioned above, the clamping members are slidably connected to the corresponding angled surfaces. In this example, when cam 1302 pivots, clamping member 1306 does not pivot. In this manner, the clamping member 1306 slides relative to the cam 1302.

In some examples, no spring may be provided for each clamping member. Instead, for example, a single spring could force the push member to push all the clamping members toward the center. Various arrangements are contemplated that enable at least one resilient member to bias the clamping member 1306 toward the center.

Although clamping member 1306 is biased toward the center, contact surface 1306b is constrained closest to the center by angled surface 1302a. The initial arrangement occurs when the contact surface 1306b is closest to the center, which occurs when the sliding member 1306a contacts the portion of the angled surface 1302a closest to the center.

As the cam 1302 pivots in the clockwise direction, a force is applied to the at least one resilient member to change the size of the gap by pushing the clamping member 1306 away from the center against the bias. This is caused by the angle of the angled surface 1302a on which the sliding member 1306a slides. This enables consumables to be contained and held by the clamping member. For pivoting in the clockwise direction, the size of the gap increases.

In use, the user can pivot the cam in a clockwise direction to increase the size of the gap. Consumables can then be inserted. The pivoting force can be released (eg, gradually/in a controlled manner) and the cam 1302 can pivot in a counterclockwise direction until the gap causes the contact surface 1306b to contact and squeeze the consumable to hold it in place.

In some examples, a clamp or the like may be provided that may maintain the cam 1302 in a desired position.

In the example of Figure 13A, first consumable 300 is held by holding device 112j. In the example of Figure 13B, the second consumable is held by holding device 112j. As can be seen, the clamping member 1306a contacts a portion of the angled surface 1302 that is closer to the center when the first consumable is held than when the second consumable 302 is held.

Example 11

The above description regarding Example 4 also applies to Example 11.

Figure 14A is a schematic perspective view of a holding device marked with reference numeral 112k according to Example 11. Holding device 112k functions in the same manner as holding device 112d of Example 4. The retaining device 112k differs in that the retaining device 112k includes four cantilever springs instead of two.

As shown in Figure 14A, the holding device includes a first cantilever spring 1402, a second cantilever spring 1404, a third cantilever spring 1406 and a fourth cantilever spring 1408. In this example, the cantilever springs are connected to base plate 1410. In this example, the substrate has a hole 1412 in the center.

When the retaining device 112k is positioned toward the distal end 204 of the device 100, it is advantageous to provide the aperture 1412 such that it is intended to retain the distal end of the consumable. As used herein, the distal end of a consumable is the end opposite the end from which the user draws the aerosol. The aperture 1412 may be advantageous in such an example because the aperture 1412 provides a path for aerosol to flow away from the distal end of the consumable, for example.

Figure 14B is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112k holding the first consumable 300 in place. Figure 14C is a schematic perspective view of the holding device 112k holding the second consumable 302 in place. As can be seen from Figures 14B and 14C, the cantilever spring deflects more in the case of Figure 14C because the second consumable 302 is wider.

Non-aerosol supply system

The following description relates to a non-aerosol supply system. The non-aerosol supply system includes a non-aerosol supply device (eg, device 100). The system also includes a first retaining member and a second retaining member.

The system is configured such that the first retaining member and the second retaining member are mountable toward the proximal end of the device 100 . Figure 15A is a schematic plan view of first and second retaining members 1502, 1504. The holding member is a disk, such as a paper disk, with a hole 1502a, 1504a in the center to accommodate and hold (due to friction) consumables of a given width accordingly. In the example shown, slits 1502b, 1504b are provided to allow the central region of the retaining members 1502, 1504 to flex to accommodate consumables. Slits 1502b, 1504b define arms or prongs that deform to curve the central area to accommodate consumables. The arms or tips contact the respective consumables to hold the respective consumables in place.

When installed in the device 100 , the first retaining member 1502 is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in place for use in the device 100 . When installed in the device 100 , the second retaining member is configured to hold a second consumable of a given size in place for use in the device 100 .

As mentioned above, FIG. 3A illustrates a first consumable product 300 of the plurality of consumable products and a second consumable product 302 of the plurality of consumable products. The width of the first consumable product 300 is smaller than the width of the second consumable product 302

In the example of Figure 15A, the first retaining member 1502 is configured to retain the first consumable 300 in place, and the second retaining member 1504 is configured to retain the second consumable 302 in place.

Figure 15B shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the system. The device 100 includes a slot 1506 at the entrance to the heating chamber 102 toward the proximal end 202 . The slots are sized to receive the first retaining member 1502 and the second retaining member 1504 such that when inserted into the heating chamber 102, the consumable passes through its center.

In this example, the device 100 includes a hinged cover 1508 that opens to allow installation of the first and second retaining members 1502, 1504, and closes to retain them in place. The leftmost schematic view of Figure 15B shows the hinged cover 1508 opened in preparation for installation of the second retaining member 1504. The middle schematic view of FIG. 15B shows the hinged cover 1508 open and the second retaining member 1504 installed within the slot 1506. The rightmost schematic view of Figure 15B shows the hinged cover 1508 closed after the second retaining member 1504 is installed. Thereafter, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the hole in the hinged cover 1508 and is held in place by the second retaining member 1504 . The first retaining member 1502 can be installed in the same manner. Figure 15C shows the second consumable 302 inserted after the second retaining member 1504 is installed as described above.

Figure 15D shows another example of the system. This example is similar to the example described above with reference to Figures 15B and 15C, except that a pivotally attached cover 1510 is provided instead of a hinged cover 1508. This example functions similarly to the previous example, except for the manner in which the pivotally attached cover 1510 opens and closes.

A non-aerosol-generating system may be provided that includes an apparatus according to any of the described examples and one or more consumables including aerosol-generating material, such as first consumable 300 and second consumable 302 .

The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other examples of the invention are contemplated. It will be understood that any feature described with respect to any one example may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other example, or in any combination with any other example . Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. A non-combustible sol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable, the non-combustible sol supply device comprising:

A holding device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables including different sizes of aerosol-generating material in place one at a time.

2. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1, wherein:

each of the plurality of consumables has a different width; and is also provided with

The holding device comprises at least one resilient member enabling the holding device to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold a consumable having a respective width in place.

3. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 2, wherein:

the at least one elastic member enables the holding device to define an initial arrangement providing a gap of initial size into which the consumable is to be inserted; and is also provided with

Applying a force to the at least one resilient member causes a change in the size of the gap to receive and retain each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.

4. A non-combustible sol supply device according to claim 3 wherein:

the at least one resilient member comprises two or more resilient members deflectable away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap; and is also provided with

The two or more resilient members are configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time, each, so as to hold the consumables in place.

5. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 4, wherein:

the two or more resilient members are biased towards the initial arrangement; and is also provided with

The gap provided by the initial arrangement is less than a minimum width among widths of consumables in the plurality of consumables.

6. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 5, wherein:

each of the two or more resilient members is an arm forming a cantilever spring; and is also provided with

The consumable retention force of each arm forming the cantilever spring is less than 120 grams.

7. A non-combustible sol supply device according to claim 3 wherein:

the at least one resilient member is configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time to hold the consumables in place;

the at least one resilient member is biased towards the initial arrangement;

the gap provided by the initial arrangement is less than a minimum width among widths of consumables in the plurality of consumables;

The holding device comprises a tubular body; and is also provided with

The at least one resilient member is a resilient protrusion extending from the tubular body into a cavity defined by the tubular body.

8. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 4, wherein:

the holding device comprises a movable element that moves between a plurality of positions relative to an end of the non-combustible sol supply means so as to switch the holding device between a corresponding plurality of different initial arrangements;

each of the plurality of different initial arrangements provides a different initial size of gap into which the consumable is to be inserted; and is also provided with

The two or more resilient members are biased toward the initial arrangement, which corresponds to a current position of the plurality of positions of the movable element.

9. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1, wherein:

the non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;

the holding means comprises an aperture providing an opening to a chamber of the non-combustible sol supply device;

In an initial arrangement, a central axis of the orifice is at a non-zero angle relative to a central axis of the chamber;

the retaining device is movably attached to the housing and moving the retaining device relative to the housing causes an angle change such that a size of the opening changes.

10. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 9, wherein:

the holding device comprises at least one resilient member enabling the holding device to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold a consumable having a respective width in place;

the opening provided by the initial arrangement is less than a minimum width among the widths of the consumables in the plurality of consumables;

the at least one resilient member biases the retaining device toward the initial arrangement; and is also provided with

Applying a force to the at least one resilient member causes an angular change such that the size of the opening to the chamber increases.

11. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1, wherein:

the non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;

The holding apparatus further comprises an end cap movably attached to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device;

the end cap includes a first opening of a first size and a second opening of a second size;

in a first configuration of the holding apparatus, the first opening is aligned with a chamber of the non-combustible sol supply device;

in a second configuration of the holding apparatus, the second opening is aligned with the chamber.

12. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 11, wherein:

the retaining device includes one or more retaining elements configured to retain the retaining device in its current configuration;

the retaining device is configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device.

13. A non-combustible sol supply device according to claim 3 wherein:

the non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

the elastic member is a coil spring;

a fixed end of the coil spring is fixedly attached to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device;

A movable end of the coil spring is movably attached to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device;

the gap is defined by the center of the coil spring; and is also provided with

The size of the gap is changed by moving the movable end relative to the fixed end.

14. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 4, wherein:

the non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

the two or more elastic members are arranged circumferentially so as to define the gap therebetween;

the two or more resilient members are biased toward the initial arrangement, and the gap provided by the initial arrangement is greater than a maximum width among widths of consumables in the plurality of consumables;

the retaining apparatus comprises a restraining member slidably attached to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device, wherein the restraining member is configured to slide relative to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device so as to force the two or more resilient members against their bias, thereby reducing the size of the gap.

15. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1, wherein:

The non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;

the holding device defines an initial arrangement that provides an initial size gap into which the consumable is to be inserted;

the holding device comprises a pivotable member pivotably attached to the housing such that a pivot axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with a center of a chamber of the non-combustible sol supply device over an entire length of the chamber; and is also provided with

The size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing.

16. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 15, wherein:

the holding device comprises two or more resilient wires enabling the holding device to adopt each of a plurality of configurations, so as to hold consumables having respective widths in place one at a time,

wherein:

a first end of each wire is fixedly attached to the pivotable member;

the second end of each wire is fixedly attached relative to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply means;

The two or more resilient wires are configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time, each at the same time, so as to hold the consumables in place; and is also provided with

Applying a force to the two or more resilient wires causes the two or more resilient wires to deflect away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap to receive and retain each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.

17. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 15, wherein:

the pivotable member is a cam;

the holding device comprising two or more clamping members, each clamping member being slidably connected to the cam,

wherein:

the two or more gripping members being disposed circumferentially about the gap so as to define a dimension of the gap and being configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables one at a time each so as to hold the consumables in place; and is also provided with

The two or more clamping members engage the cam such that pivoting the cam causes the clamping members to move toward and away from the center of the gap, thereby changing the size of the gap.

18. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 2, wherein:

the retaining device includes an opening having a tapered inner surface; and is also provided with

The at least one resilient member comprises a resilient ring,

wherein:

a given consumable of the plurality of consumables is held in place by the holding device when the elastic ring is sandwiched between the given aerosol-generating article and the tapered inner surface at a position along the tapered inner surface that depends on the width of the given aerosol-generating article.

19. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1 wherein the retaining means comprises a region adapted to receive each of a first retaining member and a different second retaining member, wherein a user can select which of the first retaining member and the second retaining member is received in the region at any given time, wherein when the first retaining member is installed in the region, the first retaining member is configured to hold a first given size of consumable in place for use in the non-combustible sol supply device and when the second retaining member is installed in the region, the second retaining member is configured to hold a second given size of consumable in place for use in the non-combustible sol supply device.

20. A non-combustible sol supply system comprising a non-combustible sol supply device according to claim 19 and the first and second retaining members.

21. The non-combustible sol supply device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein:

the retaining means is located towards a proximal end of the non-combustible sol supply means, which is the end of the non-combustible sol supply means that, in use, is closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales an aerosol provided by the non-combustible sol supply means.

22. The non-combustible sol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein:

the retaining means is located towards the distal end of the non-combustible sol supply means, which is the end of the non-combustible sol supply means which is furthest from the user's mouth in use when the user inhales an aerosol provided by the non-combustible sol supply means.

23. The non-combustible sol supply device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:

the holding device comprises at least one resilient member having a consumable holding force of less than 120 grams.

24. A non-combustible sol supply system comprising:

a non-combustible sol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or 21 to 23; and

including one or more consumables of aerosol-generating material.