[Technical Field]

The present invention generally relates to the field of inhalation devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to aerosol generating article for use in an inhalation device, inhalation device for use with such an aerosol-generating article, and an inhalation system. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article.

[Background]

Inhalation devices, also referred to as aerosol generation devices, such as e-cigarettes, vaping devices and aerosol inhalers, are known. Such inhalation devices are hand-held devices and conventionally include an atomizer, a power supply, and a tobacco stick, liquid-filled capsule, or similar means disposed therein in order to generate an aerosol (that is, a vapour) that may be inhaled by the user. Such means may be referred to as an aerosol-generating article and may contain an amount of an aerosol generating material. The generated aerosol may contain, for example, a form of nicotine such that user of the inhalation device may, for example, simulate smoking tobacco by inhaling the generated aerosol.

[Summary of the Invention]

[Technical Problem]

Inhalation devices are generally designed to be reusable. By way of example, a reusable inhalation device may include features such as a rechargeable power source. In order to facilitate such repeated use, a supply of any consumables required for aerosol generation, namely the aerosol-generating material comprised in the aerosol-generating article, must be maintained. As such, the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating material is generally designed as a consumable product that is detachable from the inhalation device and replaceable.

As the aerosol-generating material generally comprises nicotine or other active substances, in the interest of ensuring safety and quality, it is preferable that the inhalation device and aerosol-generating article are designed such that only authorized aerosol-generating articles (e.g. those produced by the same manufacturer as the inhalation device or those which have undergone a particular quality control) may be used with the inhalation device.

Various mechanical means of recognising authorized aerosol-generating articles and of preventing the inhalation device from being operated to generate an aerosol when a non-authorized aerosol-generating article is used are known in the art. By way of example, a consumable aerosol generating article and a reusable inhalation device may have a specifically configured connecting means such that a non-authorized aerosol-generating article cannot be successfully connected to the inhalation device.

WO 2020/148550 A1 relates to a capacitive coupled radio frequency identification, RFID, tag and a method for reading such a tag. Unlike other RFID tags, capacitive coupled RFID tags do not comprise an antenna and, instead, alter an impedance in response to an RF electric field applied by a reader. This altering impedance is detectable by the reader. WO 2020/148550 A1 proposes that such a tag may be attached to consumables such as an exchangeable part of an e-cigarette.

Such a capacitive coupled RFID tag may, as such, be adapted to provide an electronic means of identifying particular consumables.

However, the present inventors have recognised that the application of such capacitive coupled RFID tag to aerosol-generating article for use in inhalation devices as described above may be significantly more complicated than other applications described in WO 2020/148550 A1.

In particular, capacitive coupled RFID tag and other such RFID tags can only operate correctly at relatively low temperatures (e.g. up to 100°C). Furthermore, capacitive coupled RFID tags, due to their absent antenna, must be read by reading electrodes within close distance, for example within a maximum distance of 1 mm to 2 mm, as opposed to antenna based RFIDs.

However, the aerosol-generating material comprised in an aerosol generating article must generally be heated by an inhalation device to significantly higher temperatures than this in order generate an aerosol. In particular, aerosol generation by conventional inhalation devices may require temperatures of, for example, up to 250°C or up to 350°C.

Such temperature requirements, and the constraints these may place on the positioning of the capacitive coupled RFID tag and reading means on an e- cigarette or an exchangeable part thereof, are not considered in WO 2020/148550 A1.

[Summary of the Solution]

The present invention is intended to address one or more of the above technical problems.

In particular, in view of the limitations discussed above, the present inventors have devised, in accordance with a first aspect herein, an aerosol-generating article for use in an inhalation device. The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol-generating material section comprising a charge of an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generating article further comprises a filter section comprising at least one filter element and a hollow spacer tube arranged between the aerosol generating material section and the at least one filter element. An RFID tag is arranged on the aerosol-generating article along a length of the hollow spacer tube. The RFID tag is a capacitive-coupled RFID tag not having an antenna.

The application of heat by the inhalation device is generally focused on the aerosol-generating material section comprising the aerosol-generating material in order to generate an aerosol. As such, the aerosol-generating material section generally has a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID tag. Furthermore, there is generally significant heat exchange as the generated aerosol passes through and is filtered by the at least one filter element, resulting in this part of the aerosol-generating article also having a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID tag.

Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect further comprises a hollow spacer tube arranged between the aerosol generating material section and the at least one filter element. Unlike the at least one filter element, the hollow spacer tube can be made of non-filtering material and in that case it would not function to filter the generated aerosol. As such, there is minimal heat exchange by conduction between the hollow spacer tube and the generated aerosol as the generated aerosol passes through the hollow spacer tube and the hollow spacer tube provides effective heat insulation against the aerosol leaving the aerosol-generating material section.

As such, by providing an aerosol-generating article having a hollow spacer tube and by arranging the RFID tag on the aerosol-generating article along a length of the hollow spacer tube, the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect ensures that the RFID tag is not exposed to excessively high temperatures and, as such may operate correctly.

In this way, the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect enables identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol generating articles by electronic means.

Further, the use of a capacitive-coupled RFID tag not having an antenna may be particularly advantageous in that it may be readily attached to non-planar surfaces of an aerosol-generating article.

In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag may be provided on the hollow spacer tube. This may be advantageous in that the provision of the RFID tag may be incorporated directly into the manufacture of the hollow spacer tube, independent of any plug wrappers and tipping papers, thereby allowing the aerosol-generating article to be manufactured in a more efficient manner. More preferably, the RFID tag may be provided on an outer surface of the hollow spacer tube or inside a thickness of the hollow spacer tube. This may allow the RFID tag to be protected from heat coming from the aerosol travelling inside the hollow cavity of the hollow spacer tube.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise at least one paper wrapper wrapped around a length of the hollow spacer tube and the RFID tag may be provided on the at least one paper wrapper. This may allow the tag to be hidden from sight or covered in the assembled aerosol-generating article. This in turn may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact. Furthermore, this may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag from attempted forgery or tampering. By also providing the RFID tag on at least one paper wrapper, the use of an RFID tag for identifying and/or authenticating of an authorized aerosol-generating article may be facilitated by simply wrapping an aerosol-generating article with a paper wrapped having an RFID tag provided thereon. As such, a need to modify or alter an existing process for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article may be reduced or avoided.

More preferably, the RFID tag may be provided inside a thickness of the at least one paper wrapper or between the at least one paper wrapper and the hollow spacer tube. This may allow the RFID tag to be hidden from sight or covered in the assembled aerosol-generating article. This in turn may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact. Furthermore, this may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag from attempted forgery or tampering.

In a preferred embodiment, the hollow spacer tube is formed of rolled paper. Rolled paper may provide advantageous heat insulating properties as well as a lower materials cost. By way of example, the hollow spacer tube may be formed from a non-porous paper, which may help to ensure that the hollow spacer tube is sufficiently rigid and durable. The RFID tag may be positioned between two layers of the rolled paper. In this configuration, the tag can be physically protected from inside heat and from external physical damage. In general, the capacitive coupled RFID tag is preferably positioned at a close distance from outer surface of the aerosol generating article, e.g., the external side of the wrapper, preferably at a distance shorter than 200 microns, preferably between 30 and 200 microns, most preferably between 30 and 150 microns. At such distance, the readable position of the tag within the RF field generated by the electrodes can be more easily secured.

The present inventors have further devised, in accordance with a second aspect herein, an inhalation device for use with an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect. The inhalation device comprises a heating cavity configured to receive therein at least a part of the aerosol-generating article and comprising an opening for inserting said part of the aerosol-generating article. The inhalation device further comprises a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating material section of the aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity and an RFID reader comprising at least a pair of reading electrodes configured to provide a radio frequency signal able to read the capacitive-coupled RFID tag. The reading electrodes are arranged at or next to the opening of the heating cavity and away from the heating element.

The application of heat by the heating element of the inhalation device is focused within the heating cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is received.As such, at the location of the heating element, the heating cavity generally has a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID reader or that prevents the detection of the RFID tag.

Accordingly, by arranging the reading electrodes away from the heating element, the inhalation device of the second aspect ensures that the RFID reader is not exposed to temperatures susceptible of tampering the reading electrodes integrity or to alter or perturbate the electric field generated for reading a capacitive-coupled tag arranged in an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect inserted in the heating cavity. Furthermore, the inhalation device of the second aspect ensures that the reading electrodes may still be positioned in proximity to the aerosol-generating article (e.g. within 1mm to 2mm thereof) and, as such, the RFID tag provided thereon, because the reading electrodes are provided at or next to the opening of the heating cavity through which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. As such, it becomes possible for the RFID reader to operate correctly.

In this way, the inhalation device according to the second aspect enables identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol-generating articles by electronic means.

In a preferred embodiment, the reading electrodes may be arranged on or within a wall of the heating cavity adjacent to the opening of the heating cavity. This may be advantageous in that the reading electrodes can be made integral to the body of the cavity, i.e. by casting, soldering or laser sintering (or other additive manufacturing technique) in place, which may allow for greater integration, reliability and compactness in the device. Furthermore, this may reduce or avoid a need for additional fitting pieces, as it is only necessary to, for example, solder or plug electrical connectors to the controller of the inhalation device.

In a preferred embodiment, the reading electrodes may be arranged in a portion of the inhalation device extending from the opening of the heating cavity. This may advantageously allow for a more flexible configuration of the reading electrodes. By way of example, the portion may be in the form of a fitting piece (e.g. formed of annular seal) or plug onto which the electrodes are provided (e.g. by over-molding, deposition, additive manufacturing), which may be fit upon assembly of the device. This, in turn, may allow the portion to be replaced if necessary and/or may avoid or reduce an increase in the complexity of manufacturing of the heating cavity.

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the reading electrodes may be electrode rings spaced from each other along a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the cavity. The use of such electrode rings may help to ensure that the RFID tag on an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity may be aligned with and read by the RFID reader, regardless of the angular orientation of the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the heating cavity. More preferably, the electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance comprised between about 0.2 to about 5 mm, preferably between about 0.5 to 2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the reading electrodes may be formed within a band of insulating material. This may help to prevent heat exchange by conduction between the walls of the heating cavity and the reading electrodes. This, in turn, may help to avoid heat contamination of the reading of the RFID tag of an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity by the RFID reader.

In a preferred embodiment, in which the heating element are arranged to surround a longitudinal section of the wall of the heating cavity, the reading electrodes electrode rings may be formed of a first electrically conductive metal and the wall of the heating cavity is formed of a second thermally conductive metal different from the first electrically conductive metal. This may help to prevent heat exchange by conduction between the walls of the heating cavity and the reading electrodes. This, in turn, may help to avoid heat contamination of the reading of the RFID tag of an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity by the RFID reader.

The present inventors have further devised, in accordance with a third aspect herein, an inhalation system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect and an inhalation device according to the second aspect. A longitudinal position of the RFID tag of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to a longitudinal position of the RFID reader of the inhalation device when the aerosol-generating material section of aerosol-generating article is received in the heating cavity of the inhalation device. The inhalation device further comprises a control unit connected to the RFID reader and configured to authenticate the aerosol-generating article and/or control operation of the heating element based on information received, via the RFID reader, from the RFID tag of the aerosol-generating article.

The inhalation system according to the third aspect ensures that the RFID tag of the aerosol-generating article and the RFID reader of the inhalation device are appropriately aligned when the aerosol-generating material section of aerosol-generating article is received in the heating cavity of the inhalation device. As such, it becomes possible for the RFID reader to read the RFID tag.

Furthermore, the inhalation system according to the third aspect allows the aerosol-generating article to be authenticated and/or operation of the heating element to be controlled based on information received by the inhalation device, via the RFID reader, from the RFID tag of the heated- tobacco stick.

In this way, the inhalation system according to the third aspect enables identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol-generating articles by electronic means.

The present inventors have further devised, in accordance with a fourth aspect herein, a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect. The method comprises providing, on a paper web, a capacitive-coupled RFID tag not having an antenna. The method further comprises winding the paper web into a form of a hollow tube.

In a preferred embodiment, the paper may be wound in such a manner that the capacitive-coupled RFID tag becomes inserted between two layers of the paper web. As a result, the tag becomes protected during the next manufacturing operations.

The capacitive-coupled RFID tag may also be affixed on the outer surface of the hollow tube or on the surface of the paper web intended to form the outer surface of the paper tube after rolling.

The method according to the fourth aspect allows an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect to be manufactured. In this way, the method according to the fourth aspect enables identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol-generating articles by electronic means.

Furthermore, the method according to the fourth aspect is advantageous in that it incorporates the provision of the capacitive-coupled RFID tag directly into the manufacture of the hollow spacer tube, independent of the plug wrappers and tipping papers. Accordingly, the method according to the fourth aspect allow an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect to be manufactured in a more efficient manner.

This may also help to ensure that the capacitive-coupled RFID tag is hidden from sight in the assembled aerosol-generating article. This in turn may advantageously help to protect the capacitive-coupled RFID tag from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact. Furthermore, this may advantageously help to protect the capacitive-coupled RFID tag from attempted forgery or tampering.

In a preferred embodiment, providing the capacitive-coupled RFID tag on the paper web may comprise any one of depositing, adhering or printing the capacitive-coupled RFID tag on the paper web.

In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the fourth aspect may further comprise providing, on the paper web, a plurality of capacitive- coupled RFID tags additional to the capacitive-coupled RFID tag, and cutting the paper web into segments such that each segment has a capacitive-coupled RFID tag provided thereon. This advantageously allows multiple hollow spacer tube to be manufactured simultaneously, thereby improving the efficiency of the manufacturing method.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

Embodiments of the invention will now be explained in detail, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, described below. Like reference numerals appearing in different ones of the figures can denote identical or functionally similar elements, unless indicated otherwise.

Figures 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of an aerosol-generating article, according to an aspect herein.

Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic illustrations of an inhalation device, according to an aspect herein.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative inhalation device, according to an aspect herein. Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing a process by which an aerosol generating article 100 may be manufactured, in accordance with an aspect herein.

[Detailed Description]

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Figures 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of an aerosol-generating article 100, according to an aspect herein. In particular, Figure 1A shows an exploded view of the elements of the aerosol-generating article

100 and Figure IB illustrates the outer appearance of the aerosol generating article 100.

The aerosol-generating article 100 is an aerosol-generating article for use in an inhalation device, such as inhalation device 200 shown in Figures 2A to 2C and inhalation device 200' shown in Figure 3.

The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an aerosol-generating material section 101 comprising a charge of an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a filter section comprising at least one filter element 103, 104 and a hollow spacer tube 102 arranged between the aerosol-generating material section

101 and the at least one filter element 103, 104.

In the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1, the filter section is composed of the combination of elements 102, 103, and 104. That is, the aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise two filter elements 103, 104. By way of example, filter element 103 may, as in the present example embodiment, be constituted of a tubular filter element (also called "centre hole filter segment"). By way of further example, the filter element 104 may, as in the present example embodiment, be an acetate filter rod. Alternatively, either of filter elements 103, 104 may be any other suitable type of filter element known in the art.

By way of alternative, the aerosol-generating article 100 may comprise a single filter element or three or more filter elements.

The filters 103, 104 may be provided at a so called "mouth end" of the aerosol-generating article 100, that is the end at which the user inhales a generated aerosol.

The aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, be a so called "heated-tobacco stick" (also referred to as a "heatable tobacco stick", "a tobacco stick", etc.).

In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol generating material section 101 may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise a tobacco rod formed, in part at least, of reconstituted tobacco. Alternatively, aerosol-generating material section 101 may, for example, comprise as the aerosol-generating material tobacco powder and/or a gel-like composition in a capsule or pod.

For example, in such embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 100 may be for use in a so-called Heat-not-Burn (HNB) device or a heated tobacco product (HTP) device. Heat-not-Burn devices may contain tobacco that is heated directly by a heating element (e.g., a tubular heater to surround a tobacco stick) to create vapor. Another type of heated tobacco device contains tobacco (e.g., tobacco powder in a capsule or pod) which is heated indirectly to create vapor by direct electrical heating of a liquid contained within the device or a replaceable cartridge.

By way of further alternative, the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a liquid that contains, by way of non-limiting example, nicotine and/or flavours (e.g. mint, menthol, herbs, and/or fruit flavours) to create vapor by direct electrical heating of a liquid and the aerosol-generating material section 101 may comprise a reservoir for holding the liquid.

More generally, the aerosol-generating material comprised in the aerosol generating material section 101 may further include additional substances, such as glycerin, propylene glycol and/or water, to aid formation of an aerosol. By way of example, in embodiments such as the present example embodiment in which the aerosol-generating article 100 is a heated-tobacco stick, the aerosol-generating material may comprise reconstituted tobacco and glycerin.

The hollow spacer tube 102 may, as in the present example embodiment, be formed of rolled paper. By way of example, the hollow spacer tube 102 may be formed from a non-porous paper, which may help to ensure that the hollow spacer tube 102 is sufficiently rigid and durable.

Alternatively, the hollow spacer tube 102 may be formed from any other suitable material.

Additionally or alternatively, the hollow spacer tube 102 may, as in the present example embodiment, not be made of filtration material, such as cellulose acetate.

Unlike the at least one filter element 103, 104, the hollow spacer tube 102 does not function to filter an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material comprised in the aerosol-generating material section 101. As such, there is minimal heat exchange by conduction between the hollow spacer tube and the generated aerosol as the generated aerosol passes through the hollow spacer tube. Therefore, the temperature at or towards the outer surface of the hollow spacer tube 102 may remain relatively low.

The hollow spacer tube 102 may, as in the present example embodiment, provide a cooling function of allowing a generated aerosol to cool as it travels along the length of the hollow spacer tube 102 from the aerosol generating material section 101 towards the at least one filter element 103, 104. The aerosol gradually cools down from the upstream end towards its downstream end of the tube. Therefore, the hollow spacer tube is preferably long enough to allow the aerosol temperature to reduce sufficiently. The length of the spacer tube may be, for example, between 10 and 25 mm, preferably between 15 and 22 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the hollow spacer tube 102 may, as in the present example embodiment, include ventilation holes 107 along its length. This may contribute by dilution with ambient air to the cooling of the aerosol and to control the release rate of the constituents.

Additionally or alternatively, the hollow spacer tube 102 may, as in the present example embodiment, have an insulating or isolating function by reducing heat exchange with the aerosol through the walls of the hollow spacer tube 102.As such, the outer surface of the hollow spacer tube 102 may gradually decrease the temperature of the aerosol along its length.

The aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, further comprise at least one paper wrapper 105, 106 wrapped around a length of the aerosol-generating article 100.

By way of example, in the present example embodiment, the aerosol generating article 100 comprises a first paper wrapper 105 and a second paper wrapper 106. The first paper wrapper 105 may, as in the present example embodiment, be wrapped around the length of the at least one filter elements 103, 104 and may be referred to as a combining plug wrap paper. The second paper wrapper 106 may, as in the present example embodiment, be wrapped around the length of the at least one filter elements 103, 104, the length L of the hollow spacer tube 102 and a portion of the length of the aerosol-generating material section 101 and may be referred to as a tipping paper. The filter elements may further be wrapped by individual plug wraps (not shown) for proper cutting and form integrity of the segments before being wrapped by the first paper wrapper 105.

Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 100 may not comprise any paper wrapper or may comprise a single paper wrapper wrapped around a length of the aerosol-generating article 100. By way of further alternative, the aerosol-generating article 100 may comprise three or more paper wrapper wrapped around a length of the aerosol-generating article 100. An RFID tag 108 is arranged on the aerosol-generating article 100 along a length L of the hollow spacer tube 102. The RFID tag 108 is a capacitive-coupled RFID tag not having an antenna.

In particular, arrow 20 in Figure 1A represents a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 100 and of the hollow spacer tube 102. The aerosol-generating article 100 has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis. As shown in Figure 1A, a portion of the elongated shape of the aerosol-generating article 100 is formed by the elongated shape of the hollow spacer tube 102 which also extends along the longitudinal axis.

The extent or length of the hollow spacer tube 102 in the overall length of the aerosol-generating article 100 is shown as a hashed section and indicated by reference sign L in Figure IB.

The RFID tag 108 is arranged on the aerosol-generating article 100 along a length L of the hollow spacer tube 102 such that the longitudinal location of the RFID tag 108 along the longitudinal axis is within the extent of the hollow spacer tube 102 along the longitudinal axis. That is, it is not necessary that the RFID tag 108 is directly attached to the hollow spacer tube 102.

The length L may, for example, correspond to approximately one third of the overall length of the aerosol-generating article 100. By way of example, the length of the aerosol-generating article 100 may be approximately 50mm to 60 mm and the length L of the hollow spacer tube 102 may be approximately 20mm.

By way of example, the RFID tag 108 may, as in the present example embodiment, be provided on the hollow spacer tube (for example, attached to or formed directly on or in the hollow spacer tube 102). As shown in Figure 1A, the RFID tag 108 may, as in the present example embodiment, be provided on an outer surface of the hollow spacer tube 102.

By way of more specific example, the RFID tag 100 may be deposited, adhered or printed on the material from which the hollow spacer tube 102 is formed before or after the material is formed into a hollow tube shape. Alternatively, the RFID tag 108 may be attached to the hollow spacer tube 102 by any suitable means known in the art.

Alternatively, the RFID tag 108 may be provided inside a thickness of the hollow spacer tube 102. That is, the RFID tag 108 may be away from an internal surface of the hollow spacer tube 102 but beneath an outer surface of the hollow spacer tube 102. By way of example, in embodiments in which the hollow spacer tube 102 is formed of rolled paper, one or more layers of paper may be provided between the RFID tag 108 and the outer surface of the hollow spacer tube 102.

This may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag 108 from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact and/or from attempted forgery or tampering, while also ensuring that the RFID tag 108 is provided away from an internal surface of the hollow spacer tube 102 and the aerosol travelling inside the hollow cavity of the hollow spacer tube 102.

By way of alternative, in embodiments such as the present example embodiment in which the aerosol-generating article 100 comprises at least one paper wrapper 106 wrapped around a length of the hollow spacer tube 102, the RFID tag 108 may be provided on the at least one paper wrapper 106. Such a configuration is indicated by reference sign 108' in Figure 1A. For example, the RFID tag 108 may preferably be provided inside the a thickness of at least one paper wrapper 106 or between the at least one paper wrapper 106 and the hollow spacer tube 102.

By way of more specific example, the RFID tag 100 may be deposited, adhered or printed on the at least one paper wrapper 106. Alternatively, the RFID tag 108 may be attached to the at least one paper wrapper 106 by any suitable means known in the art.

It is preferable that the RFID tag 108 is hidden from sight in the assembled aerosol-generating article 100. For example, in the present example embodiment shown in Figure IB, the RFID tag 108 is not visible in the assembled aerosol-generating article 100 as it is covered by the second paper wrapper 106. In particular, this may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag 108 from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact. Furthermore, this may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag 108 from attempted forgery or tampering. As such, in embodiments such as the present example embodiment in which the aerosol-generating article 100 comprises at least one paper wrapper 106 wrapped around a length of the hollow spacer tube 102, the RFID tag 108 may be provided inside the at least one paper wrapper.

Additionally or alternatively, the RFID tag 108 may be provided inside the hollow spacer tube. By way of example, where the hollow spacer tube 102 is formed from rolled paper, the RFID tag 108 may be provided under an outermost layer of paper.

The RFID tag 108 may, as in the present example embodiment, be a capacitive-coupled RFID tag, i.e., not having an antenna, such as those described in WO 2020/148550 A1.

Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic illustrations of an inhalation device 200, according to an aspect herein.

The inhalation device 200 is a handheld device that is configured to generate an aerosol (that is, a vapour) that may be inhaled by a user of the inhalation device 200.

The inhalation device 200 may, as in the present example embodiment, be a so-called "HNB" device as discussed above. Alternatively, the inhalation device 200 may be a so-called "e-cigarette" device. E-cigarette devices contain no tobacco and heat a liquid that contains, by way of non limiting example, nicotine and/or flavours to create vapor by direct or indirect electrical heating of a liquid contained within a reservoir in the device or a replaceable cartridge.

The inhalation device 200 comprises a heating cavity 203 (shown in Figure 2B) configured to receive therein at least a part of the aerosol generating article, such as the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figures 1A and IB, and comprising an opening 201 for inserting said part of the aerosol-generating article 100.

For example, the at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 100 received in the heating cavity 203 may include at least the aerosol generating material section 101 of the aerosol-generating article 100. Figures 2A and 2C show the inhalation device 200 where the aerosol generating article 100 has been inserted though the opening 201 and is received in the heating cavity 103. Figure 2B shows the inhalation device 200 where no aerosol-generating article is received in the heating cavity 203.

Optionally, the inhalation device 200 may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise a covering element, such as slideable covering element 202 configured to cover the opening 201 when no aerosol generating article is received in the heating cavity 203. This may advantageously protect the reading electrodes 205a, 205b and other internal components of the inhalation device 100 from damage or dirt.

The inhalation device 200 further comprises a heating element 204 (shown in Figures 2B and 2C) configured to heat the aerosol-generating material section 101 of the aerosol-generating article 100 received in the heating cavity 203.

The heating element 204 may, as in the present example embodiment, be arranged to surround a longitudinal section of the wall of the heating cavity. For example, the heating element 204 may have, for example, a tubular or similar shape. By way of more specific example, the heating element 204, together with the heating cavity 203, may provide an "oven", such that the inhalation device 200 is configured as an oven-type heating device.

Alternatively, the heating element 204 may be a blade or needle type heating element that is inserted into the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating material section 101 when the aerosol-generating article 100 is received in the heating cavity 203.

Optionally, the inhalation device 200 may comprise an insulation layer 204a of the heating element 204 to isolate rest of the inhalation device 200 from the heat generated by the heating element 204.

The inhalation device 200 further comprises an RFID reader comprising at least a pair of reading electrodes 205a, 205b configured to provide a radio frequency signal able to read the capacitive-coupled RFID tag. The reading electrodes 205a, 205b are arranged at or next to the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203 and away from the heating element 204.

That is, the pair of reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, be configured to generate a radio frequency signal able to provide a modulated electric field to read a capacitive-coupled RFID tag, such as RFID tag 102 of aerosol-generating article 100.

The reading electrodes 205a, 205b are arranged at the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203 in that the reading electrodes 205a, 205b are located close to or adjacent to the opening 201. As such, it is not necessary that the reading electrodes 205a, 205b are positioned exactly at, for example, a furthest extent of a wall of the heating cavity 203. They should however be arranged in the cavity or close to the opening 201 thereof in such a way as to be sufficiently remote from the heating element 204 such that in use heat generated by the heating element and conducted by the cavity material or aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article inserted therein does not alter the RF signal/electric field generated by the electrodes for reading the capacitive-couple RFID- tag 108 in the article 100.

By way of more specific example, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, be positioned within 5 mm or less of the opening 201.

Furthermore, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, be are arranged away from the heating element 204 in that the reading electrodes 205a, 205b do not overlap with the heating element along a length of the heating cavity. By way of example, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b are preferably a distance of at least 2-5 mm from the closest portion of the heating element 204.

By providing the reading electrodes 205a, 205b away from the heating element 204 in this way, heat alteration of the reading electrodes 205a, 205b and their reading capacity may be avoided. Furthermore, such a positioning ensures that the corresponding location of the RFID tag 108 along the hollow spacer tube 102 is not provided at a directly heated part of the aerosol-generating article 100. By way of example, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present embodiment, be arranged in a portion 206 of the inhalation device extending from the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203. By way of example, the portion 206 may, as in the present example embodiment, be in the form of a pre-tube outside the heating cavity 203 and extending from the opening 201.

Alternatively, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may be arranged on or within a wall of the heating cavity adjacent to the opening of the heating cavity.

By way of example, Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternative inhalation device 200', according to an aspect herein.

The reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the example embodiment shown in Figure 3, be provided in a fitting seal/ring element 209 inserted into the opening in snug fit fashion on the walls of the heating cavity 203. The description of all other elements of inhalation device 200 of Figures 2A to 2C applies equally to the inhalation device 200' of Figure 3.

The reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the example embodiments of either of Figures 2A to 2C or 3, be formed within a band of insulating material. For example, the insulating material may be a thermally insulating or thermally resistant plastic (e.g. PEEK) or a rubber material (e.g. silicone rubber).

In embodiments such as the present example embodiment in which the heating element 204 is arranged to surround a longitudinal section of the wall of the heating cavity 203, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may be formed of a first electrically conductive metal such as, for example, copper, silver or gold. In such embodiments, the wall of the heating cavity 203 may preferably, as in the present example embodiment, be formed of a second thermally conductive metal different from the first electrically conductive metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel.

The reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, be electrode rings spaced from each other along a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the cavity. By way of example, the electrodes rings may extend around the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203 so as to partially or fully encircle the opening 201. The use of such electrode rings may help to ensure that the RFID tag 108 on the aerosol-generating article 100 may be aligned with and read by the RFID reader, regardless of the angular orientation of the aerosol-generating article 100 when it is received in the heating cavity 203.

Alternatively, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may be any other suitable type of electrode.

In the present example embodiment, the inhalation device 200 comprises two reading electrodes 205a, 205b. By way of further alternative, the inhalation device 200 may comprise more than two reading electrodes. For example, rather than electrode rings, the reading electrodes may comprise two or more pairs of electrodes arranged at different respective angular positions at the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203. Such a configuration may help to ensure that the RFID tag 108 on the aerosol generating article 100 may be aligned with and read by the RFID reader, regardless of the angular orientation of the aerosol-generating article 100 when it is received in the heating cavity 203.

The reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, each have a thickness in the longitudinal direction of less than or equal to 2mm, e.g. approximately 0.01mm to 2mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may, as in the present example embodiment, be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance of less than or equal to 5mm, e.g. approximately 0.2mm to 5mm, preferably between about 0.5 to 2 mm.

The aerosol-generating article 100 and the inhalation device 200 of Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C together provide an insulation system 10.

The aerosol-generating article 100 and the inhalation device 200' of Figure 3 also together provide an insulation system. The below description of insulation system 10 applies equally to such an inhalation system. In the inhalation system 10, a longitudinal position of the RFID tag 108 of the aerosol-generating article 100 corresponds to a longitudinal position of the RFID reader of the inhalation device 200 when the aerosol-generating material section 101 of aerosol-generating article 100 is received in the heating cavity 203 of the inhalation device 200.

As such, it becomes possible for the RFID reader to read the RFID tag.

As discussed above, the aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, be detachable from the inhalation device 200 such that it may be readily replaced. By way of example, the aerosol generating article 200 may be detachably connected to the inhalation device 1 by any suitable means, e.g. via an interference fit, a snap fit, a screw fit, a bayoneted fit or a magnetic fit.

The inhalation device 200 may, as in the present example embodiment, further comprise a control unit 208 connected to the RFID reader and configured to authenticate the aerosol-generating article 100 and/or control operation of the heating element 204 based on information received, via the RFID reader, from the RFID tag 108 of the aerosol generating article 100.

Authenticating the aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise a determination of whether the aerosol generating article 100 received in the heating cavity 203 of the inhalation device 200 is an authorised aerosol-generating article (e.g. one produced by the same manufacturer as the inhalation device 100 or one which has undergone a particular quality control). In practice, authentication may be based on information stored in the RFID tag 108, such as an identifier or code, that may be provided to the RFID reader by the RFID tag 108 when the RFID reader applies an RF electric field to the RFID tag 108.

Optionally, authenticating the aerosol-generating article 100 may, as in the present example embodiment, further comprise unlocking the inhalation device 200 for use only in a case where the aerosol-generating article 100 is successfully authenticated. Unlocking the inhalation device 200 may, for example, comprise the control unit 208 controlling the power supply unit 207 to provide power to the heating element 204 so that an aerosol may be generated. Alternatively, unlocking the aerosol generation device may comprise the control unit 208 controlling an I/O unit such as optional button 203 shown in Figure 2A to allow control of the inhalation device 200 to generate an aerosol by a user.

In a case where the aerosol-generating article 100 is not successfully authenticated, the control unit 208 may, for example, control the power supply unit 207 to prevent supply of power to the heating element 204, control an I/O unit such as optional button 203 shown in Figure 2A to prevent input by the user, and/or performing control to power off the inhalation device 200.

Controlling operation of the heating element 204 may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise controlling supply of voltage or current to the heating element 204 to control turn the heating element on or off or to control the amount of heat generated by (i.e. control the temperature of) the heating element 204.

More generally, the control unit 208 may comprise one or more processing units (e.g. a central processing unit (CPU) such as a microprocessor, or a suitably programmed field programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 207 may be provided with any memory sections (not shown) necessary to perform its function of controlling operation of the inhalation device 200. Such memory sections may be provided as part of (comprised in) the control unit 207 (e.g. integrally formed or provided on the same chip) or provided separately, but electrically connected to the control unit 207. By way of example, the memory sections may comprise both volatile and non-volatile memory resources, including, for example, a working memory (e.g. a random access memory). In addition, the memory sections may include an instruction store (e.g. a ROM in the form of an electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory) storing a computer program comprising the computer-readable instructions which, when executed by the control unit 207, cause the control unit 207 to perform various functions.

The control unit 208 may, as in the present example embodiment , be configured to control operation of the inhalation device. By way of example, the control section 11 may control supply of power to the heating element 204 and charging of the power supply unit 207. Additionally or alternatively, the control section 11 may optionally control supply of power to, and receive and process signals from any sensors or I/O units (e.g. optional button 203 shown in Figure 2A) included in the inhalation device 200 and control operation of the inhalation device 200 based on the received signals.

Additionally or alternatively, the inhalation device 200 may, as in the present example embodiment, further comprise, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, a power supply unit 207. The power supply unit 207 may, as in the present example embodiment, be a rechargeable power supply. The power supply unit 207 may, as in the present example embodiment, be a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply unit 207 may be, for example, a chargeable secondary battery or an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC).

As discussed above, the application of heat by the inhalation device 200 is generally focused on the aerosol-generating material section 101 comprising the aerosol-generating material in order to generate an aerosol. As such, the aerosol-generating material section 101 generally has a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID tag 108. Furthermore, there is generally significant heat exchange as the generated aerosol passes through and is filtered by the at least one filter element 103, 104, resulting in this part of the aerosol-generating article 100 also having a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID tag.

Accordingly, the hollow spacer tube 102 is arranged between the aerosol generating material section 101 and the at least one filter element 103, 104. Unlike the at least one filter element 103, 104, the hollow spacer tube 102 does not function to filter the generated aerosol. As such, there is minimal heat exchange by conduction between the hollow spacer tube 102 and the generated aerosol as the generated aerosol passes through the hollow spacer tube 102 and the temperature of the hollow spacer tube 102 remains relatively low.

As such, by arranging the RFID tag 108 along the length L of the hollow spacer tube 102, it may be ensured that the RFID tag 108 is not exposed to excessively high temperatures and, as such may operate correctly, thereby enabling identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol generating articles by electronic means.

Furthermore, the application of heat by the heating element 204 of the inhalation device 200 is focused within the heating cavity 203 in which the aerosol-generating article 100 is received. As such, the heating cavity 203 generally has a relatively high temperature that may be unsuitable for placement of the RFID reader.

Accordingly, by arranging the reading electrodes 205a, 205b away from the heating element 204, it may be ensured that the RFID reader is not exposed to excessively high temperatures. Furthermore, the reading electrodes 205a, 205b may still be positioned in proximity to the aerosol-generating article 100 (e.g. within 1mm to 2mm thereof) and, as such, the RFID tag 108 provided thereon, because the reading electrodes 205a, 205b are provided at or next to the opening 201 of the heating cavity 203 through which the aerosol-generating article 100 is inserted. As such, it becomes possible for the RFID reader to operate correctly.

In this way, the inhalation device 200 also contributes to facilitating identifying and/or authentication of authorized aerosol-generating articles by electronic means.

The present inventors have further recognised that it may be particularly advantageous to manufacture aerosol-generating article in which the hollow spacer tube 102 is formed from rolled paper.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing a process by which such an aerosol generating article may be manufactured, in accordance with an aspect herein.

In process step S10 of Figure 4, a capacitive-coupled RFID tag is provided on a paper web.

The capacitive-coupled RFID tag may, as in the present example embodiment, be the RFID tag 108 described above in relation to Figure 1. Additionally or alternatively, the paper web may, as in the present example embodiment, comprise a non-porous paper, which may help to ensure that the resulting hollow spacer tube is sufficiently rigid and durable.

Providing the capacitive-coupled RFID tag on the paper web may comprise any one of depositing, adhering or printing the capacitive-coupled RFID tag on the paper web. Alternatively, the capacitive-coupled RFID tag may be attached to the paper web by any suitable means known in the art.

In process step S14 of Figure 4, the paper web is wound into a form of a hollow tube.

In the present example embodiment, this hollow tube may serve as a hollow spacer tube in an aerosol-generating article.

Alternatively, the process of Figure 4 may be adapted to allow multiple hollow spacer tubes to be produced from a single paper web. In such embodiments, the process of Figure 4 includes option additional process steps S12 and S16.

In process step S12 of Figure 4, a plurality of capacitive-coupled RFID tags additional to the capacitive-coupled RFID tag are provided, on the paper web.

Each of the plurality of capacitive-coupled RFID tags may be provided on the paper web by any of the means discussed above in relation to process step S10. Process step S12 may be performed prior to process step S14.

In process step S16 of Figure 4, the paper web is cut into segments such that each segment has a capacitive-coupled RFID tag provided thereon.

Process step S16 may preferably be performed after process step S14 such that the paper web has already been wound into a hollow tube, which hollow tube is then cut into segments. Alternatively, process step S16 may be performed before process step S14 such that the paper web is cut into segments prior to winding and process step S14 comprises winding each segment into a hollow tube.

The process of Figure 4 may further comprise any additional steps required to manufacture the assembled aerosol-generating article, such as aerosol-generating article shown in Figure IB. By way of example, the process of Figure 4 may further comprise steps of obtaining an aerosol generating material section, obtaining one or more filter elements, arranging and attaching the hollow spacer tube between the aerosol generating material section and the one or more filter elements, and/or wrapping the aerosol-generating article in one or more paper wrappers.

The process of Figure 4 is advantageous in that it incorporates the provision of the capacitive-coupled RFID tag directly into the manufacture of the hollow spacer tube, independent of the plug wrappers and tipping papers. Accordingly, the process of Figure 4 may allow the aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure to be manufactured in a more efficient manner.

This may also help to ensure that the capacitive-coupled RFID tag is hidden from sight in the assembled aerosol capacitive-coupled -generating article. This in turn may advantageously help to protect the RFID tag from damage caused by rubbing or other external contact. Furthermore, this may advantageously help to protect the capacitive-coupled RFID tag from attempted forgery or tampering.

Although detailed embodiments have been described, they only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention defined by the independent claims, and are not to be seen as limiting.