WO2025068114A1

WO2025068114A1 - Aerosol-generating device with parallel airflow branches

Info

Publication number: WO2025068114A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/076662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Petrus Maria Pijnenburg
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-09-29
Filing date: 2024-09-23
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-29
Also published as: CN121793860A

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device having an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path extending between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path. The device comprises arranged in the airflow path a common airflow arrangement, a first airflow branch, and a second airflow branch. The common airflow arrangement defines a common RTD. The first airflow branch comprises a first upstream airflow channel, a first cavity located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a first aerosol-generating article, and a first downstream airflow channel located downstream of the first cavity. The second airflow branch comprises a second upstream airflow channel, a second cavity located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a second aerosol-generating article, and a second downstream airflow channel located downstream of the second cavity. The first and second airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other. The first and second airflow branches are fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH PARALLEL AIRFLOW BRANCHES

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. It is also known that aerosol-generating articles may be formed as a liquid container containing liquid that can be heated to form an aerosol from the liquid. It is also known to use aerosol-forming substrates and aerosol-generating articles having other shapes, for example cuboid or sheet-like shapes, for insertion into the device cavity. It is also known to provide aerosol-generating devices with an enlarged cavity capable of receiving multiple aerosolgenerating articles to, for example, allow for a user to combine multiple flavours, for example but not limited to hybrid aerosol generating devices and systems. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional aerosol-generating device that is configured to selectively receive a plurality of aerosol-forming articles or substrates, for example compatible with diverse aerosol-forming substrates, for example for mixing aerosols from the diverse aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional aerosolgenerating device with a substantially constant resistance to draw for different operational modes. It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional aerosol-generating device which may avoid or reduce the need of complex control systems for the individual operational modes and/or complex air path and airflow designs. It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional aerosol-generating device which may avoid or reduce the need of multiple expensive control components. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol-delivery. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with an improved aerosol-delivery for diverse aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with an improved aerosol-delivery for diverse aerosol-forming substrates when being heated simultaneously. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with an airflow control management. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with an improved aerosol-delivery management. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with an individualised aerosol-delivery management for diverse aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device which avoids or reduces contamination of an inner channel of the device. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with customization possibilities. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that allows independent and simultaneous use of multiple aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a compact design. It would be desirable to provide for an aerosol-generating device where more than one aerosolforming article or substrate can be placed inside the device, for selective consumption and temporary storage.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The device may have an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path. The airflow path may extend between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path. The device may comprise a common airflow arrangement arranged in the airflow path. The device may comprise a first airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The device may comprise a second airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The common airflow arrangement may define a common RTD. The first airflow branch may comprise a first upstream airflow channel. The first airflow branch may comprise a first cavity located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel and being configured to removably receive a first aerosolgenerating article. The first airflow branch may comprise a first downstream airflow channel located downstream of the first cavity. The second airflow branch may comprise a second upstream airflow channel. The second airflow branch may comprise a second cavity located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel and being configured to removably receive a second aerosol-generating article. The second airflow branch may comprise a second downstream airflow channel located downstream of the second cavity. The first and second airflow branches may be fluidically arranged in parallel to each other. The first and second airflow branches may be fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device is structured to define an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path. The airflow path extends between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device comprises a common airflow arrangement arranged in the airflow path. The common airflow arrangement is structured to define a common RTD. The aerosol-generating device comprises a first airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The first airflow branch comprises a first upstream airflow channel. The first airflow branch comprises a first cavity located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a first aerosol-generating article. The first airflow branch comprises a first downstream airflow channel located downstream of the first cavity. The aerosol-generating device comprises a second airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The second airflow branch comprises a second upstream airflow channel. The second airflow branch comprises a second cavity located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a second aerosol-generating article. The second airflow branch comprises a second downstream airflow channel located downstream of the second cavity. The first and second airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other. The first and second airflow branches are fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

A multifunctional aerosol-generating device may be provided. A multifunctional aerosol-generating device may be provided that is configured to selectively receive a plurality of aerosol-forming articles or substrates, for example compatible with diverse aerosolforming substrates, for example for mixing aerosols from the diverse aerosol-forming substrates. A multifunctional aerosol-generating device with a substantially constant resistance to draw for different operational modes may be provided. A multifunctional aerosol-generating device is provided which may avoid or reduce the need of complex control systems for the individual operational modes and/or complex air path and airflow designs. A multifunctional aerosol-generating device is provided which may avoid or reduce the need of multiple expensive control components. An aerosol-generating device with improved aerosol-delivery may be provided. An aerosol-generating device with an improved aerosol-delivery for diverse aerosol-forming substrates may be provided. An aerosolgenerating device with an improved aerosol-delivery for diverse aerosol-forming substrates when being heated simultaneously may be provided. An aerosol-generating device with an airflow control management may be provided. An aerosol-generating device with an improved aerosol-delivery management may be provided. An aerosol-generating device with an individualised aerosol-delivery management for diverse aerosol-forming substrates may be provided. An aerosol-generating device may be provided which avoids or reduces contamination of an inner channel of the device. An aerosol-generating device with customization possibilities may be provided. An aerosol-generating device may be provided which allows independent and simultaneous use of multiple aerosol-forming substrates. An aerosol-generating device with a compact design may be provided.

The common RTD forms part of the overall RTD of the device. The common airflow arrangement is connected in the airflow path in series to the airflow branches and the airflow branches are arranged in parallel to each other in the airflow path. The common airflow arrangement may be arranged upstream or downstream of the airflow branches. The device may be configured such that the overall RTD is calculated as the sum of the common RTD plus an RTD of the parallel arranged airflow branches “RTD of the branches”: overall RTD = common RTD + RTD of the branches

The device may be configured such that contributions to the overall RTD by other parts of the airflow path are negligible.

The airflow branches are arranged in parallel to each other. The “RTD of the branches” may thus be calculated by dividing 1 by the sum of the reciprocals of the RTDs of the individual parallel arranged airflow branches, i.e. the RTD of the first airflow branch “B1”, the RTD of the second airflow branch “B2”, and the RTD of each optional further airflow branch “Bx”:

1

RTD of the branches = — - - - —

Bl B2 Bx

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the common RTD forms the major part of the overall RTD. For example, the common RTD may be 20 mm WG or more, optionally 25 mm WG or more, 30 mm WG or more, optionally 35 mm WG or more, optionally 40 mm WG or more, optionally 45 mm WG or more, optionally 50 mm WG or more, optionally 55 mm WG or more, optionally 60 mm WG or more, optionally 65 mm WG or more, optionally 70 mm WG or more, optionally 75 mm WG or more, optionally 80 mm WG or more, optionally 85 mm WG or more, optionally 90 mm WG or more, optionally 95 mm WG or more, optionally 100 mm WG or more.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the individual airflow branches have a low RTD. For example, each airflow branch without an aerosol-generating article being inserted into the respective cavity may have an RTD of 10 mm WG or below, optionally 5 mm WG or below, optionally 4 mm WG or below, optionally 3 mm WG or below, optionally 2.5 mm WG or below, optionally 2 mm WG or below.

The removably insertable aerosol-generating articles may be configured to have a low RTD. The removably insertable aerosol-generating articles may be configured to have a low RTD, for example as measured as an additional RTD provided to the respective airflow branch after the article being inserted into the corresponding cavity, from an upstream end to a downstream end. For example, each aerosol-generating article may be configured to have an RTD of 10 mm WG or below, optionally 5 mm WG or below, optionally 4 mm WG or below, optionally 3 mm WG or below optionally 2 mm WG or below. For example, using non-limiting numerical examples for explanatory purposes, an RTD of each airflow branch may be about 6 mm WG and an RTD of each aerosol-generating article may be about 4 mm WG, and the aerosol-generating device may comprise two parallel arranged airflow branches, namely the first airflow branch and the second airflow branch. The RTD of the branches without the aerosol-generating articles inserted thus is 3 mm WG:

1

RTD of the branches with articles [mm WG ] = - — - = 3

6 ⁺ 6

The RTD of the branches with the aerosol-generating articles inserted is 5 mm WG:

1

RTD of the branches [mm WG ] = — j j — = 5

6 4 ⁺ 6 4

For example, an RTD of each airflow branch may be about 6 mm WG and an RTD of each aerosol-generating article may be about 4 mm WG, and the aerosol-generating device may comprise three parallel arranged airflow branches, namely the first airflow branch, the second airflow branch, and a third airflow branch. The RTD of the branches without the aerosol-generating articles inserted thus is 2 mm WG:

1

RTD of the branches [mm WG ] = — j j = 2

6 ⁺ 6 ⁺ 6

The RTD of the branches with the aerosol-generating articles inserted is 3.33 mm WG: 3.33

The above examples show the small contribution of the airflow branches to the overall RTD. The above examples show the small variation of the overall RTD when inserting aerosol-generating articles into the cavities of the respective airflow branches. For example, having an aerosol-generating device with a common RTD of about 60 mm WG, inserting the articles into the cavities changes the overall RTD by less than 5 percent in the above examples. For the device with two branches, the overall RTD will change from 63 mm WG to 65 mm WG upon insertion of the two articles. For the device with three branches, the overall RTD will change from 62 mm WG to 63.33 mm WG upon insertion of the three articles.

Consequently, a consistent smoking experience in terms of the RTD experienced by the user may be provided for different operational modes. For example, in a first operational mode only the first aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the first cavity and the second cavity may be empty. For example, in a second operational mode, the first aerosolgenerating article may be inserted into the first cavity and the second aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the second cavity. The overall RTD for both operational modes will change by a very small value such that a user may experience a substantially consistent smoking experience for both operational modes, and may not notice the slight change in RTD.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a third airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The third airflow branch may comprise a third upstream airflow channel. The third airflow branch may comprise third cavity located downstream of the third upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a third aerosol-generating article. The third airflow branch may comprise a third downstream airflow channel located downstream of the third cavity. The third airflow branch may be fluidically arranged in parallel to the first and second airflow branches. The third airflow branch may be fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a fourth airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The fourth airflow branch may comprise a fourth upstream airflow channel. The fourth airflow branch may comprise a fourth cavity located downstream of the fourth upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a fourth aerosol-generating article. The fourth airflow branch may comprise a fourth downstream airflow channel located downstream of the fourth cavity. The fourth airflow branch may be fluidically arranged in parallel to the first, second and third airflow branches. The fourth airflow branch may be fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more further airflow branches arranged in the airflow path. The one or more further airflow branches each may comprise an upstream airflow channel. The one or more further airflow branches each may comprise a cavity located downstream of the upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a further aerosol-generating article. The one or more further airflow branches may comprise a downstream airflow channel located downstream of the cavity. The one or more further airflow branches may be fluidically arranged in parallel to the first, second, third and fourth airflow branches. The one or more further airflow branches may be fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a merging chamber arranged in the airflow path. The merging chamber may be arranged downstream of the airflow branches. The airflow branches may be fluidically connected to the merging chamber.

The merging chamber may be configured as a mixing chamber, a cooling chamber, or a homogenization chamber. The merging chamber may be configured as a mixing chamber comprising one or more ventilation holes. The ventilation holes may guide additional ambient air into the merging chamber.

The merging chamber may be fluidically connected to a mouthpiece arranged at the downstream end in the airflow path. The at least one main air outlet may be arranged in the mouthpiece. It is also possible that the merging chamber is located itself in the mouthpiece, for example in a removable mouthpiece.

The common airflow arrangement may be fluidically arranged downstream of the airflow branches. The common airflow arrangement may be fluidically arranged upstream of the airflow branches. The common airflow arrangement may comprise both components upstream of the airflow branches and components downstream of the airflow branches.

The common airflow arrangement may comprise a single component arranged at one position in the airflow path to define the common RTD. For example, the common airflow arrangement may comprise a single component arranged upstream of the airflow branches to define the common RTD. For example, the common airflow arrangement may comprise a single component arranged downstream of the airflow branches to define the common RTD.

The common airflow arrangement may comprise a plurality of components arranged at different positions in the airflow path to define the common RTD. For example, the common airflow arrangement may comprise a first component arranged upstream of the airflow branches and a second component arranged downstream of the airflow branches, wherein the first and second components, together, define the common RTD.

For example, the common airflow arrangement may comprise a plurality of components arranged upstream of the airflow branches, wherein the plurality of components, together, define the common RTD. For example, the common airflow arrangement may comprise a plurality of components arranged downstream of the airflow branches, wherein the plurality of components, together, define the common RTD.

The common airflow arrangement may be fluidically arranged upstream of the airflow branches and the portion of the airflow path downstream of the airflow branches may be configured not to significantly contribute to the overall RTD.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the overall RTD is in a range between 20 millimeters of water gauge and 150 millimeters of water gauge, optionally between 30 millimeters of water gauge and 120 millimeters of water gauge. The resistance to draw may be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. The terms “resistance to draw” and “RTD” are used synonymously herein. The terms “millimeters of water gauge”, “millimeters water gauge”, and “mm WG” are used synonymously herein.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the common RTD formed by the common airflow arrangement amounts to between 80% and 99.9%, preferably between 85% and 99%, more preferably between 90% and 99% of the overall RTD.

The common airflow arrangement may include a flow restriction arrangement for defining the common RTD. As used herein, the term "flow restriction arrangement" relates to a structure in the airflow path that provides a resistance, obstruction, or hurdle for the airflow. The presence of the flow restriction arrangement thus increases the RTD. For example, the flow restriction arrangement may be configured as one or more narrowed flow sections or channels, a plurality of baffles, a meandering airflow path, a porous body element, a filter-like element, or a plurality of tubes having an overall flow area cross-section that is smaller than an overall flow area cross-section of the one or more inlets.

The common airflow arrangement may include a functional element such as but not limited to a filter element or a heater element. The filter element, the heater element, or both may be configured for defining the common RTD.

The common airflow arrangement may include one or both of a heater element, for example a heat exchanger and a convectional heater. The heat exchanger or the convectional heater may be configured for heating incoming air. The heat exchanger or the convectional heater may be configured for defining the common RTD.

Each upstream airflow channel of the airflow branches may comprise one or both of a heat exchanger and a convectional heater.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that a straight portion of each upstream airflow channel comprising the heat exchanger or convectional heater extends parallel to a straight portion of the respective cavity. Each upstream airflow channel may describe a U-turn between the respective straight portions.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise, for each cavity, a heating element arranged to heat the respective aerosol-generating article when located in the respective cavity.

The device may be configured such that the heating elements are independently controllable.

The heating elements may be any kind of heating element known to those skilled in the art. The heating elements may be any kind of heating element as described herein.

The heating elements may be inductive heating elements. Each inductive heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil. Each inductive heating element may comprise at least one flat inductor coil. Each inductive heating element may comprise at least one flat inductor coil and at least one flat susceptor element.

One or more of the heating elements may be dielectric heating elements. Each heating element may be a dielectric heating element. Each dielectric heating element may comprise two opposing dielectric heating plates forming a heating capacitor.

One or more of the airflow branches may comprise a branch valve means configured for manipulating an airflow through the respective airflow branch. Each airflow branch may comprise a branch valve means configured for manipulating an airflow through the respective airflow branch. Each branch valve means may be configured to block or substantially block or open an air passage for the respective one of the airflow branches. Each branch valve means may be configured to adjust an air resistance or restriction for the respective one of the airflow branches. The branch valve means may be located downstream of the cavities. The branch valve means may be located upstream of the cavities. Locating the branch valve means upstream of the cavities may reduce or avoid contamination of the branch valve means by aerosol forming from the heaters of the airflow branches.

Generally, it may be advantageous to place sensible components, for example valves with movable parts, upstream of the cavities holding the aerosol-generating articles to reduce or avoid contamination of those sensible components.

The branch valve means may be configured to be in a closed position by default.

The branch valve means may be configured as manually adjustable valves, mechanically-passive valves, or electro-mechanical valves.

The branch valve means may be configured to move into the open position in response to an aerosol-generating article being inserted into the respective cavity. The branch valve means may be mechanically activated. The mechanically activated branch valve means may comprise a pin element or lever. The pin element or lever may be configured to be pushed by an aerosol-generating article on insertion of the aerosolgenerating article into the respective cavity to open up the respective branch valve means.

One or more of the branch valve means may be configured as pinch valves. Each of the branch valve means may be configured as a pinch valve. Each airflow branch with a pinch valve may comprise a lever extending into the respective cavity and being mechanically coupled to the respective pinch valve, such that, on insertion of the aerosolgenerating article into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article moves the lever to open the pinch valve.

The branch valve means may be electrically activated. The electrically activated branch valve means may comprise a sensor. Each electrically activated branch valve means may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, a hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a resistive electrode. The branch valve means may be thermally activated. The branch valve means may be configured to be thermally activated by the heat produced by the heating element of the respective airflow branch when the heating element is operating.

The branch valve means may be configured as thermal expansion valves, gas expansion valves, thermocouple and fluid valves, or a combination thereof.

The branch valve means may be configured as flow restriction-type valves. The flow restriction-type valves may be configured as ball valves, plate valves, sliding disk valves, butterfly valves, check valves, gate valves, globe valve, pinch valves, diaphragm valves, piston valves, or combinations thereof.

Generally, passive components may be advantageous. For example, a valve means that opens and closes in response to temperature changes may provide a simple solution. Costs of the device may be reduced. Complexity of the device may be reduced.

The cavities may be identically shaped and sized for receiving identically shaped and sized aerosol-generating articles.

The cavities may be one or both of differently shaped and differently sized for avoiding insertion of a wrong aerosol-generating article following the key-lock principle.

Each cavity may comprise a cavity opening for insertion of the respective aerosolgenerating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a main axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the device. The cavity openings may be arranged in a lateral sidewall of the device such that the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the respective cavity via the respective cavity opening along an insertion direction. The insertion direction may be substantially perpendicular to the main axis. The proximal end may comprise a mouthpiece.

Each cavity opening may comprise a sealing element arranged in proximity to the respective cavity opening. The sealing element may comprise an elastic material. The elastic material may be an elastomeric material. The elastic material may be selected from one or more of: synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE.

Each cavity may comprise first and second major boundary surfaces. The first and second major boundary surfaces of each of the cavities may extend in facing parallel relations defining a principal flow axis for fluid flowing through the respective cavity. The device may be configured such that fluid flow, in use, from an inlet of the respective cavity to an outlet of the respective cavity is in a direction substantially parallel to the principal flow axis. An inner volume of each of the cavities may be generally cuboid-shaped. A diameter of the first and second major boundary surfaces of each cavity may equal at least four times a distance between the first and second major boundary surfaces of the respective cavity.

The first and second major boundary surfaces of each of the cavities may be spaced from one another by a distance of less than 5 millimeters.

The cavities may have a flat or planar shapes. For example, at least one of the cavities may have a slot-like shape for insertion of a card-like shaped article, similar to a shape of a SIM card slot or an SD card slot, or other type of electronic card slot. For insertion of the aerosol-generating article, at least one of the cavities may have a cavity opening in the shape of a slot in a side wall of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the cavity openings may be formed as slots having a longitudinal axis of extension that coincides with each other. Both the cavity openings may have the same size and shape, such that a specific aerosol-generating article can be received in either one of the cavities.

The cavity openings may have one or both of a different size and a different shape. The cavities may have one or both of a different size and a different shape. Thereby, only a specific article may be inserted into the respective cavity.

The aerosol-generating article may have a flat or planar shape. For example, a cardlike shape, similar to a shape of a SIM card or an SD card, or other type of electronics card. Both the first and second aerosol-generating articles may have the same size and shape, such that either one of the aerosol-generating articles can be received in a specific cavity. The first and second aerosol-generating articles may have one or both of a different size and a different shape. Thereby, only a specific article may be inserted into the respective cavity.

Non-limiting examples of structures of flat articles may be those shown in PCT/EP2022/084128 and WO2016/005531, these patent publications herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The aerosol-generating articles may be shaped to be non-stick or rod-like, for example as flat or planar articles. The article may therefore have a different look or feel from a conventional cigarette, when compared to the rod-like articles used for some conventional heat-not-burn devices. For example, a flat or planar article may be used that may be compact and easy to store. A flat or planar article may be stackable, thereby allowing the storage in a small volume. A flat or planar article may be made to be solid and rugged. A flat or planar article may be less likely to break, as it may not serve simultaneously as a mouth piece that resembles a mouthpiece of a conventional cigarette, but may be fully or at least partially incorporated into a body of the aerosol-generating device upon use for inhalation, and providing for a separate mouthpiece for the inhalation. A flat or planar article may be designed to be thinner in thickness as compared to a diameter of a stick-like or rod-like aerosol generating article, thereby allowing to further reduce a volume that needs to be heated, allowing to further increase the heater efficiency.

A tab-like, rod-like, or bar-like aerosol-generating device may be used in conjunction with flat or planar articles. A tab-like, rod-like or bar-like aerosol-generating device may provide for a device that resembles commonly known e-Vapor devices, but still providing heat-not-burn technology. The tab-like, rod-like or bar-like aerosol-generating device may conveniently be held and concealed in a hand of a user for discretion and inhalation purposes.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured as a “side loader” device. One or both of the cavity openings may be provided in a lateral side wall of the aerosol-generating device. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise two large opposing major surfaces and two smaller opposing minor surfaces. One or both of the cavity openings may be arranged in one of the minor surfaces. One or both of the cavity openings may be arranged in one of the minor surfaces. All cavity openings may be arranged in the same minor surface. The cavity openings may be arranged at different longitudinal positions of the aerosol-generating device with respect to a longitudinal axis of the device, the longitudinal axis of the device extending between the proximal end of the device and the distal end of the device opposing the proximal end, preferably wherein the proximal end comprises a mouthpiece. The cavity openings may be arranged along a common longitudinal axis of the cavity openings. The common longitudinal axis of the cavity openings may be arranged substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the device. For example, the cutting angle between the common longitudinal axis of the cavity openings and the longitudinal axis of the device may be less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees.

A “side loader” configuration as described above may advantageously improve handiness of the aerosol-generating device. Convenience for a user using the device may be improved. A side loader configuration may advantageously be combined with the airflow configuration comprising one or more branch valve means as disclosed herein.

One or both of the cavities may comprise an insertion mechanism for inserting the respective article into the respective cavity. One or both of cavities may comprise an ejection mechanism for ejecting the respective article from the respective cavity. One or both of the cavities may comprise an injection and ejection mechanism for inserting the respective article into the respective cavity and for ejecting the article from the respective cavity.

The insertion and ejection mechanism may comprise one or more of a tray mechanism, a push-pull mechanism, and a push-push mechanism, or a tray mechanism using either push-pull or a push-push mechanism. The cavities may have the same insertion and ejection mechanism. The cavities may have different insertion and ejection mechanisms. An insertion mechanism or an ejection mechanism, preferably an insertion and ejection mechanism, may advantageously improve handiness of the aerosol-generating device. Convenience for a user using the device may be improved by the mechanism. The mechanism may advantageously be combined with the airflow configuration comprising one or more branch valve means as disclosed herein.

The mechanism may comprise a security lock for inhibiting accidental ejection of the respective article.

One or both of cavities may comprise a tray mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article. For example, the tray mechanism may comprise an insertable tray for receiving the respective article. The insertable tray may be configured for being insertable into the respective cavity and being removable from the respective cavity. The insertable tray may form part of the aerosol-generating device or may form part of the article. The tray mechanism may comprise a slidable tray for receiving the respective article. The slidable tray may be configured to be slidable into and out of the respective cavity. The slidable tray may be permanently connected to the aerosol-generating device. The slidable tray mechanism may be similar to a slidable tray mechanism known for CD players or card holders. Preferably, the slidable tray mechanism does not comprise a motor.

The insertable tray may comprise a sealing element arranged to seal the cavity when the tray is inserted into the respective cavity. The sealing element of the tray may comprise an elastic material. The elastic material may be an elastomeric material. The elastic material may be selected from one or more of: synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and LILDPE.

One or both of the cavities may comprise a push-pull insertion and ejection mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article.

One or both of the cavities may comprise a push-push insertion and ejection mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article. The push-push insertion and ejection mechanism may be similar to those mechanisms known for SD cards or SIM cards, for example, the Molex push-push ejection system for SD/SIM (push-to-insert, push-to-eject). The respective cavity may comprise a socket for removably holding a card-like article.

Insertion and injection mechanisms may comprise those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,394,827 and U.S. Patent No. 6,478,591 , these references herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

One or both of the cavities may comprise a door mechanism for opening and closing the respective cavity opening. The door mechanism may comprise a spring-biased door. The door mechanism may comprise a tilting door. The tilting door may be forced open by insertion of the respective article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to individually control operation of each of the heating elements.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the respective cavity. The controller may be adapted to control the respective heating element in dependence of a signal received from the sensor.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source. The power source may be configured to supply power to the heating elements.

The aerosol-generating device comprises at least one air inlet at the upstream end of the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of air inlets arranged at the upstream end of the airflow path. For example, one or more or each of the upstream airflow channels of the airflow branches may comprise an individual air inlet at the upstream end of the airflow path.

The aerosol-generating device comprises at least one main air outlet at the downstream end of the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of air outlets arranged at the downstream end of the airflow path. For example, one or more or each of the downstream airflow channels of the airflow branches may comprise an individual air outlet at the downstream end of the airflow path.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device has an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path. The airflow path extends between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device comprises a common airflow arrangement arranged in the airflow path. The common airflow arrangement defines a common RTD. The aerosol-generating device comprises a plurality of airflow branches arranged in the airflow path. Each airflow branch comprises an upstream airflow channel. Each airflow branch comprises a cavity located downstream of the upstream airflow channel and being configured to removably receive an aerosol-generating article. Each airflow branch comprises a downstream airflow channel located downstream of the cavity. The airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other. The airflow branches are fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosolgenerating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may be shaped to closely conform to the shape of the respective cavity. The aerosol-generating article may have any kind of geometrical shape. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a round shape, for example a generally spherical shape, for example a pebble or blister-like shape. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a cuboid shape, for example a planar or flat type shape, for example a generally SD or SIM card-like shape. The respective cavity may have any kind of geometrical shape. For example, the cavity may have a round shape, for example a generally spherical shape, for example a pebble or blister-like shape. For example, the cavity may have a cuboid shape, for example a generally SD or SIM card slot-like shape. The aerosol-generating article and the respective cavity may have corresponding shapes.

The aerosol-generating article may be the first aerosol-generating article. The first airflow branch and the first aerosol-generating article may be configured such that, when the first aerosol-generating article is inserted into the first cavity, the RTD of the first airflow branch is at least 5 times lower than the common RTD, preferably at least 7.5 times lower than the common RTD, more preferably at least 10 times lower than the common RTD.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise the first aerosol-generating article and a further aerosol-generating article. The further aerosol-generating article may be the second aerosol-generating article. The second airflow branch and the second aerosol-generating article may be configured such that, when the second aerosol-generating article is inserted into the second cavity, a RTD of the second airflow branch is at least 5 times lower than the common RTD, preferably at least 7.5 times lower than the common RTD, more preferably at least 10 times lower than the common RTD.

The first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article may be identical articles. The first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article may be different types of articles. For example, the first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article may have different shapes. For example, the first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article may comprise one or both of different types and different amounts of aerosol-forming substrates. The first aerosolgenerating article and the second aerosol-generating article may have identical compositions.

The first aerosol-forming substrate of the first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-forming substrate of the second aerosol-generating article may have different compositions. A user may individualize a user experience by combining different articles with different compositions and flavors as she or he wishes.

An RTD of the aerosol-generating article may be below 20 millimeters of water gauge, preferably below 15 millimeters of water gauge, more preferably below 10 millimeters of water gauge, more preferably below 6 millimeters of water gauge. The resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article may be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more lateral hollow inner channels for reducing a resistance to draw of the article.

The heating elements may be any kind of heating element as described herein.

The heating element may be a dielectric or capacitive-type heating element. For example, dielectric or capacitive-type heating element can be used having two or more flat or planar electrodes arranged to removably receive an exemplary flat or planar aerosolgenerating article therebetween, interconnected via an impedance matching circuit to an AC source, for generating microwaves between the electrodes for capacitive/dielectric heating.

The heating element may be a resistive or Joule-type heating element, for example being part of the aerosol-forming device, the exemplary flat or planar aerosol-forming article, or both. The resistive heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the resistive heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the respective cavity. Alternatively, a resistive heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. A resistive heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. A resistive heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the resistive heating element during operation. It is also possible that the resistive heating elements are part of the aerosol-forming article, for example a flat or planar aerosol-forming article, for example but not limited to a plate-like shape or having electrically resistive tracks arranged on a flat heater substrate, for example as described in W02016/005530 and WO2016/005533, showing a cartridge with integrated heating elements, these references herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The heating element may be a radiation-based heating element, for example but not limited to a semiconductor based heating element, having an array of individual radiationbased heating elements, for example as shown in WO2017/182249, this reference incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The radiation-based heating element may a non-contact heater, for example as shown in WO2022/207447, this reference incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The radiation-based heating element may comprise a radiation source that can radiate onto a surface or layer of a flat aerosol-forming article to cause aerosolization or vaporization. The radiation source may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be microwaves, far infrared, infrared, near infrared, or visible light

The radiation source may be a photonic device or laser irradiation device. The photonic device may be a light-emitting diode (LED). The radiation source may be a perovskite LED.

The photonic device may be a thin film that can irradiate electromagnetic radiation, preferably infrared radiation.

The radiation source may comprise an infrared radiating coating, for example an NiCr2O4 powder coating or other high-emissivity ceramic coating that can emit infrared light.

The heating element may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise one or more induction coils which each may surround the respective cavity. For example, a helical induction coil may extend around the first and second major boundary surfaces of a cavity. The longitudinal axis of the or each induction coil may be substantially parallel to the principal flow axis. For example, the heating element can be configured to have planar coils configured for inductively heating a flat susceptor inside, outside, or in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate of the flat or planar aerosol-forming article, for example as described in WO2015/177043 or WO2015/177044, these references herewith incorporate by reference in their entirety.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” in respect of an induction coil refers to an axis extending through the centre of the coil in a direction generally perpendicular to the turns of the coil.

The induction heating element may be arranged to inductively heat a susceptor. The induction heating element may comprise one or more induction coils located adjacent the first and/or second major boundary surface of a respective cavity. The longitudinal axis of the or each induction coil may be substantially perpendicular to the principal flow axis, for example and to a plane defined by the first major boundary surface.

The one or more induction coils may be planar. For example, a planar induction coil may be located adjacent and in parallel to one of the first and second major boundary surfaces of a respective cavity. For example, a first planar induction coil may be located adjacent and in parallel to the first major boundary surface and a second planar induction coil may be located adjacent and in parallel to the second major boundary surface.

The susceptor may be part of an aerosol-generating article within the cavity. The susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the susceptor may be arranged on an inner side of the cavity. For example, one or both of the first and second major boundary surfaces of a respective cavity may comprise a susceptor material. In use, a susceptor may be inductively heated by the or each induction coil. The susceptor then, in turn, conductively, convectively and/or radiatively heats the aerosolforming substrate located in proximity to the susceptor.

A ‘susceptor’ refers to an element that heats up when subjected to a varying or alternating magnetic field. Usually, a susceptor is conductive, and heating of the susceptor is the result of eddy currents being induced in the susceptor or hysteresis losses. Both hysteresis losses and eddy currents can occur in a susceptor. A susceptor may include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium and any other conductive elements. Preferably, the susceptor element is a ferrite element. The material and the geometry for the susceptor may be chosen to provide a desired electrical resistance and heat generation.

In the operation of an induction heater, a high frequency alternating current is passed through one or more induction coils to generate one or more corresponding alternating magnetic fields that induce a voltage in a susceptor of an article. The induced voltage causes a current to flow in the susceptor and this current causes Joule heating of the susceptor that in turn heats the aerosol-forming substrate. If the susceptor is ferromagnetic, hysteresis losses in the susceptor may also generate heat.

The term ‘high frequency’ denotes a frequency ranging from about 500 Kilohertz (KHz) to about 30 Megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 500 KHz to 30 MHz), in particular from about 1 Megahertz (MHz) to about 10 MHz (including the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz), and even more particularly from about 5 Megahertz (MHz) to about 7 Megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘magnetic field’ may refer to a varying or alternating magnetic field.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘current’ may refer to an alternating current.

The heating element may be configured or configurable to heat an article received in the cavity to a temperature less than 400 degrees centigrade, for example less than 300 degrees centigrade, say less than 270 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the heater may be configured or configurable to heat an article for forming an aerosol received in the heating chamber to a temperature less than 250, 225, 200, 175 or 150 degrees centigrade, for example less than 140, 130, 120, 110, 100 or 90 degrees centigrade.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source or power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel- metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form or may be in liquid form. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. An aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ are used synonymously.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of: tobacco, nicotine, a gel composition and a flavour agent. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of botanicals, botanical drugs, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The one or more of botanicals, botanical drugs, and pharmaceutical ingredients may be part of an aerosol-forming substrate that can be at least partially aerosolized with an aerosol former for inhalation. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of botanicals, botanical drugs, and pharmaceutical ingredients, wherein the substrate has an aerosol former content of between 5% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises plant material and an aerosol former. Preferably, the plant material is a plant material comprising an alkaloid, more preferably a plant material comprising nicotine, and more preferably a tobacco-containing material.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least 70 percent of plant material, more preferably at least 90 percent of plant material by weight on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises less than 95 percent of plant material by weight on a dry weight basis, such as from 90 to 95 percent of plant material by weight on a dry weight basis.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least 5 percent of aerosol former, more preferably at least 10 percent of aerosol former by weight on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises less than 30 percent of aerosol former by weight on a dry weight basis, such as from 5 to 30 percent of aerosol former by weight on a dry weight basis. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises plant material and an aerosol former, wherein the substrate has an aerosol former content of between 5% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The plant material is preferably a plant material comprising an alkaloid, more preferably a plant material comprising nicotine, and more preferably a tobacco-containing material. Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Alkaloids are found mostly in plants, but are also found in bacteria, fungi and animals. Examples of alkaloids include, but are not limited to, caffeine, nicotine, theobromine, atropine and tubocurarine. A preferred alkaloid is nicotine, which may be found in tobacco.

An aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. An aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, for example may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In preferred embodiments an aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material, for example cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds, which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

As used herein, the term “tobacco material” is used to describe any material comprising tobacco, including, but not limited to, tobacco leaf, tobacco rib, tobacco stem, tobacco stalk, tobacco dust, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco material and homogenised tobacco material.

As used herein, the term “homogenised tobacco” denotes a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Homogenized tobacco may include reconstituted tobacco or cast leaf tobacco, or a mixture of both. The term “reconstituted tobacco” refers to paperlike material that can be made from tobacco by-products, such as tobacco fines, tobacco dusts, tobacco stems, or a mixture of the foregoing. Reconstituted tobacco can be made by extracting the soluble chemicals in the tobacco by-products, processing the leftover tobacco fibers into a sheet, and then reapplying the extracted materials in concentrated form onto the sheet.

The term “cast leaf’ is used herein to refer to a sheet product made by a casting process that is based on casting a slurry comprising plant particles (for example, clove particles, or tobacco particles and clove particles in a mixture) and a binder (for example, guar gum) onto a supportive surface, such as a belt conveyor, drying the slurry and removing the dried sheet from the supportive surface. An example of the casting or cast leaf process is described in, for example- in U.S. Patent No. 5,724,998 for making cast leaf tobacco, this reference herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety. In a cast leaf process, particulate plant materials are mixed with a liquid component, typically water, to form a slurry. Other added components in the slurry may include fibres, a binder and an aerosol former. The particulate plant materials may be agglomerated in the presence of the binder. The slurry is cast onto a supportive surface and dried to form a sheet of homogenised plant material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more flavourants. As used herein, the term "flavourant" refers to a composition having organoleptic properties, which provide a sensory experience to the user, for example to enhance the flavour of aerosol. A flavourant can be used to deliver a gustatory sensation (taste), an olfactory sensation (smell), or both a gustatory and an olfactory sensation to the user, for example when inhaling the aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco may be referred to herein as a tobacco stick.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol-generating device may interact with one or both of an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate. An electrically operated aerosol-generating device may comprise an atomiser, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate forms part of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating system refers to the combination of the aerosol-generating device with the aerosol-generating article. In the aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating device cooperate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device and the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article during use thereof.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosolgenerating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example E1: An aerosol-generating device having an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path extending between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path, the device comprising arranged in the airflow path a common airflow arrangement, a first airflow branch, and a second airflow branch, wherein the common airflow arrangement defines a common RTD; wherein the first airflow branch comprises a first upstream airflow channel, a first cavity located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a first aerosol-generating article, and a first downstream airflow channel located downstream of the first cavity; wherein, the second airflow branch comprises a second upstream airflow channel, a second cavity located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a second aerosol-generating article, and a second downstream airflow channel located downstream of the second cavity; wherein the first and second airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other; and wherein the first and second airflow branches are fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

Example E2: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E1 , comprising arranged in the airflow path a third airflow branch, wherein the third airflow branch comprises a third upstream airflow channel, a third cavity located downstream of the third upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a third aerosol-generating article, and a third downstream airflow channel located downstream of the third cavity, wherein the third airflow branch is fluidically arranged in parallel to the first and second airflow branches; and wherein the third airflow branch is fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

Example E3: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E2, comprising arranged in the airflow path a fourth airflow branch, wherein the fourth airflow branch comprises a fourth upstream airflow channel, a fourth cavity located downstream of the fourth upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a fourth aerosol-generating article, and a fourth downstream airflow channel located downstream of the fourth cavity, wherein the fourth airflow branch is fluidically arranged in parallel to the first, second and third airflow branches; and wherein the fourth airflow branch is fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

Example E4: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, comprising arranged in the airflow path a merging chamber, wherein the merging chamber is arranged downstream of the airflow branches, and wherein the airflow branches are fluidically connected to the merging chamber.

Example E5: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E4, wherein the merging chamber is configured as a mixing chamber, a cooling chamber, or a homogenization chamber, optionally wherein the merging chamber is configured as a mixing chamber comprising one or more ventilation holes.

Example E6: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E4 or Example E5, wherein the merging chamber is fluidically connected to a mouthpiece arranged at the downstream end in the airflow path, and wherein the at least one main air outlet is arranged in the mouthpiece.

Example E7: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the common airflow arrangement is fluidically arranged upstream of the airflow branches.

Example E8: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the overall RTD is in a range between 20 millimeters of water gauge and 150 millimeters of water gauge, preferably in a range between 30 millimeters of water gauge and 120 millimeters of water gauge, optionally wherein the resistance to draw is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015.

Example E9: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the common RTD formed by the common airflow arrangement amounts to between 80% and 99.9%, preferably between 85% and 99%, more preferably between 90% and 99% of the overall RTD. Example E10: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a flow restriction arrangement for defining the common RTD.

Example E11 : The aerosol-generating device according to Example E10, wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a heat exchanger or convectional heater for heating incoming air and for defining the common RTD, or wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a filter element for defining the common RTD.

Example E12: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each upstream airflow channel of the airflow branches comprises a heat exchanger or convectional heater.

Example E13: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E12, wherein a straight portion of each upstream airflow channel comprising the heat exchanger or convectional heater extends parallel to a straight portion of the respective cavity, and wherein each upstream airflow channel describes a U-turn between the respective straight portions.

Example E14: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, comprising for each cavity a heating element arranged to heat the respective aerosol-generating article when located in the respective cavity.

Example E15: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E14, wherein the device is configured such that the heating elements are independently controllable.

Example E16: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E14 or Example E15, wherein each heating element comprises at least one inductor coil, more preferably at least one flat inductor coil, more preferably at least one flat inductor coil and at least one flat susceptor element, or wherein each heating element is a dielectric heating element, preferably wherein each dielectric heating element includes two opposing dielectric heating plates forming a heating capacitor.

Example E17: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each airflow branch comprises a branch valve means configured for manipulating an airflow through the respective airflow branch.

Example E18: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E17, wherein each branch valve means is configured to block or substantially block or open an air passage for the respective one of the airflow branches. Example E19: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E17 or Example E18, wherein each branch valve means is configured to adjust an air resistance or restriction for the respective one of the airflow branches.

Example E20: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E17 to E19, wherein the branch valve means are located upstream of the cavities.

Example E21 : The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E17 to E20, wherein the branch valve means are configured to be in a closed position by default.

Example E22: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E21, wherein the branch valve means are configured as manually adjustable valves, mechanically-passive valves, or electro-mechanical valves.

Example E23: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E21, wherein the branch valve means are configured to move into the open position in response to an aerosolgenerating article being inserted into the respective cavity, preferably wherein the branch valve means are mechanically activated, more preferably wherein each mechanically activated branch valve means comprises a pin element or lever, more preferably wherein the pin element or lever is configured to be pushed by an aerosol-generating article on insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the respective cavity.

Example E24: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E23, wherein the branch valve means are configured as pinch valves and, wherein each airflow branch comprises a lever extending into the respective cavity and being mechanically coupled to the respective pinch valve, such that, on insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article moves the lever to open the pinch valve.

Example E25: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E17 to E23, wherein the branch valve means are electrically activated, optionally wherein each electrically activated branch valve means comprises a sensor.

Example E26: The aerosol-generating device according Example E25, wherein each electrically activated branch valve means comprises a sensor, and wherein the sensor is a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, a hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a resistive electrode.

Example E27: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E17 to E21, wherein the branch valve means are thermally activated.

Example E28: The aerosol-generating device according to a combination of Example E27 and any of Examples E14 to E16, wherein the branch valve means are configured to be thermally activated by the heat produced by the heating element of the respective airflow branch when the heating element is operating. Example E29: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E27 or Example E28, wherein the branch valve means are configured as thermal expansion valves, gas expansion valves, thermocouple and fluid valves, or a combination thereof.

Example E30: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E17 to E29, wherein the branch valve means are configured as flow restriction-type valves, preferably wherein the flow restriction-type valves are configured as ball valves, plate valves, sliding disk valves, butterfly valves, check valves, gate valves, globe valve, pinch valves, diaphragm valves, piston valves, or combinations thereof.

Example E31 : The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cavities are identically shaped and sized for receiving identically shaped and sized aerosol-generating articles.

Example E32: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E1 to E30, wherein the cavities are one or both of differently shaped and differently sized for avoiding insertion of a wrong aerosol-generating article following the key-lock principle.

Example E33: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each cavity comprises a cavity opening for insertion of the aerosolgenerating article.

Example E34: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E33, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a main axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the device, and wherein the cavity openings are arranged in a lateral sidewall of the device such that the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the respective cavity via the respective cavity opening along an insertion direction, the insertion direction being substantially perpendicular to the main axis, preferably wherein the proximal end comprises a mouthpiece.

Example E35: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E34, wherein each cavity opening comprises a sealing element arranged in proximity to the respective cavity opening, preferably, wherein the sealing element comprises an elastic material, more preferably an elastomeric material, more preferably a material selected from one or more of: synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE.

Example E36: The aerosol-generating device according any of the preceding examples, wherein each cavity comprises first and second major boundary surfaces, the first and second major boundary surfaces of each of the cavities extending in facing parallel relations and defining a principal flow axis for fluid flowing through the respective cavity, wherein the device is configured such that fluid flow, in use, from an inlet of the respective cavity to an outlet of the respective cavity is in a direction substantially parallel to the principal flow axis.

Example E37: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E36, wherein an inner volume of each of the cavities is generally cuboid-shaped, preferably wherein a diameter of the first and second major boundary surfaces of each cavity equals at least four times a distance between the first and second major boundary surfaces of the respective cavity.

Example E38: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E36 or Example E37, wherein the first and second major boundary surfaces of each of the cavities are spaced from one another by a distance of less than 5 millimeters.

Example E39: The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, comprising one or both of a controller and a power source.

Example E40: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples and an aerosol-generating article.

Example E41 : The aerosol-generating system according to Example E40, wherein the aerosol-generating article is the first aerosol-generating article, and wherein the first airflow branch and the first aerosol-generating article are configured such that, when the first aerosol-generating article is inserted into the first cavity, an RTD of the first airflow branch is at least 5 times lower than the common RTD, preferably at least 7.5 times lower than the common RTD, more preferably at least 10 times lower than the common RTD.

Example E42: The aerosol-generating system according to Example E40 or Example E41, wherein an RTD of the aerosol-generating article is below 20 millimeters of water gauge, preferably below 15 millimeters of water gauge, more preferably below 10 millimeters of water gauge, more preferably below 6 millimeters of water gauge.

Example E43: The aerosol-generating system according to Example E42, wherein the resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015.

Example E44: The aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples E40 to E43, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more lateral hollow inner channels for reducing a resistance to draw of the article.

Example E45: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E1 to E39, wherein the airflow path, the at least one main air inlet, and the at least one main air outlet form part of the aerosol-generating device.

Example E46: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E1 to E39, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises the airflow path, the at least one main air inlet, and the at least one main air outlet. Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating device;

Fig. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 3a to 3d show diagrams of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device;

Fig. 4 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 5a and 5b show diagrams of airflow paths of aerosol-generating devices;

Fig. 6 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device;

Fig. 7 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 8a and 8b show a pinch valve means;

Fig. 9a shows a cavity;

Fig. 9b shows an aerosol-generating article; and

Figs. 10a and 10b show an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an aerosol-generating device in across-sectional view. The aerosol-generating device has an overall RTD of an airflow path extending between at least one main air inlet 10 at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet 12 at a downstream end of the airflow path. Arranged in the airflow path, the device comprises a common airflow arrangement 14, a first airflow branch, and a second airflow branch. Fig. 1 exemplarily shows one common air inlet, but it is also possible that there are several air inlets, for example one for each airflow branch, or other configurations of the air inlets. The common airflow arrangement 14 defines a common RTD. The first airflow branch comprises a first upstream airflow channel 16, a first cavity 18 located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel 16 and being configured to receive a first aerosol-generating article, and a first downstream airflow channel 20 located downstream of the first cavity 18.

The second airflow branch comprises a second upstream airflow channel 22, a second cavity 24 located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel 22 and being configured to receive a second aerosol-generating article, and a second downstream airflow channel 26 located downstream of the second cavity 24.

The first and second airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other and in series to the common airflow arrangement.

Fig. 2 schematically shows an aerosol-generating device in across-sectional view. The aerosol-generating device of Fig. 2 is similar to the device of Fig. 1. However, the device of Fig. 2 differs from the device of Fig. 1 in that the device of Fig. 2 further comprises a third airflow branch arranged in the airflow path. The third airflow branch comprises a third upstream airflow channel 28, a third cavity 30 located downstream of the third upstream airflow channel 28 and being configured to receive a third aerosol-generating article, and a third downstream airflow channel 32 located downstream of the third cavity 30. The third airflow branch is fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement and is fluidically arranged in parallel to the first and second airflow branches.

Figs. 3a to 3d show diagrams of the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 2 in four different configurations. In Fig. 3a, a first aerosol-generating article 102 is inserted into the first cavity 18, a second aerosol-generating article 104 is inserted into the second cavity 24, and a third aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into the third cavity 30. In Fig. 3b the first cavity is 18 is empty, a second aerosol-generating article 104 is inserted into the second cavity 24, and a third aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into the third cavity 30. In Fig. 3c the first and second cavities 18, 24 are empty and a third aerosol-generating article 106 is inserted into the third cavity 30. In Fig. 3d all three cavities 18, 24, 30 are empty.

The downstream path of the airflow path between the first, second and third airflow branches is designed to have a relatively large cross-section such that it does not contribute significantly to the overall RTD.

In the configuration shown in Fig. 3d, the overall RTD of the airflow path between the air inlet 10 and the air outlet 12 therefore calculates as the sum of the common RTD of the common airflow arrangement 14 plus the contribution to the RTD by the three parallel arranged airflow branches “RTD of the branches”: overall RTD = common RTD + RTD of the branches

The branches are indicated by their respective first, second, and third cavities 18, 24, 30 in Figs 3a to 3d. The contribution to the RTD by the three parallel arranged branches “RTD of the branches” is calculated by 1 divided by the sum of the reciprocals of the RTDs of the individual branches, i.e. the RTD of the first branch “B1”, the RTD of the second branch “B2”, and the RTD of the third branch “B3”:

For example, the device may be designed such that the common RTD is 60 mm WG and the RTD of each branch is 6 mm WG. Consequently, the overall RTD is 62 mm WG: 1 overall RTD [mm WG] = 60 + — j j = 62

6 ⁺ 6 ⁺ 6

The individual aerosol-generating articles may be designed such that they do not significantly contribute to the RTD of a respective airflow branch when inserted into the respective cavity. For example, the individual aerosol-generating articles may comprise one or more lateral hollow inner channels for reducing a resistance to draw of the article to a negligible amount. In that case, the overall RTD for all configurations shown in Figs. 3a to 3d will be about 62 mm WG.

In an alternative embodiment, the individual aerosol-generating articles may be configured such that they add a small amount to the RTD. For example, each article may add about 2 mm WG to the respective airflow branch when inserted into the respective cavity such that the RTD of an empty branch is 6 mm WG and the RTD of a branch with the article in the cavity is 6 mm WG + 3 mm WG = 9 mm WG. In this example, the overall RTD in the configuration of Fig. 3d is still unchanged as no articles are inserted. However, the RTD of the configuration of Fig. 3a having all three articles inserted in this alternative embodiment calculates to 63 mm WG:

1 overall RTD [mm WG] = 60 + - — - — - = 63

9 + 9 + 9

The overall RTD in the configuration in Fig. 3b is 62.57 mm WG and the overall RTD in the configuration of Fig. 3c is 62.25 mm WG for the alternative embodiment where each article adds 2 mm WG to the airflow branch when being inserted into the cavity. This shows the small changes in the overall RTD of the system in different configurations. Therefore, a consistent smoking experience may be provided for different operational modes.

Fig. 4 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device. In difference to the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, in the embodiment of Fig. 4, each branch comprises a branch valve means. Branch valve means 19 is capable of opening and closing the first airflow branch. Branch valve means 25 is capable of opening and closing the second airflow branch. Branch valve means 31 is capable of opening and closing the third airflow branch.

For example, the device may be designed such that the common RTD is 60 mm WG and the RTD of each branch is 6 mm WG. Consequently, the overall RTD is 62 mm WG in case all three branch valve means 19, 25, 31 are open. Closing one of the branch valve means, the overall RTD calculates to 63 mm WG:

Analogously, closing two of the branch valve means, the overall RTD calculates to 66 mm WG. Consequently, the overall RTD of the device changes by not more than 10% when switching between different operational modes of the device having zero, one, or two of the branch valve means 19, 25, 31 closed. Therefore, a consistent smoking experience may be provided for different operational modes. The branch valve means may be configured such that they closed by default and that they are open when an aerosol-generating article is received in the respective cavity.

Figs. 5a and 5b show diagrams of airflow paths of aerosol-generating devices extending from main the air inlet 10 to the main air outlet at 12. The devices of Figs. 5a and 5b each comprise three airflow branches as indicated by their respective first, second, and third cavities 18, 24, 30. The common airflow arrangement 14 defining the common RTD is arranged upstream of the three airflow branches. Each airflow branch may comprise an optional heat exchanger or convectional heater 34 arranged upstream of the respective cavity 18, 24, 30. The aerosol-generating devices of Figs. 5a and 5b comprise, for each cavity 18, 24, 30, a heating element 36 arranged to heat the respective aerosol-generating article when located in the respective cavity. The aerosol-generating devices of Figs. 5a and 5b may comprise optional branch valve means 19, 25, 31 for closing off the individual airflow branches, for example manually-actuatable valves or electro-mechanical valves. The branch valve means 19, 25, 31 may be located in the upstream airflow channels of the airflow branches upstream of the cavity as shown in Fig. 5b. The branch valve means 19, 25, 31 may be located in the downstream airflow channels of the airflow branches downstream of the cavity as shown in Fig. 5a.

Fig. 6 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device extending from main the air inlet 10 to the main air outlet at 12. In the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 6, a straight portion of each upstream airflow channel 16, 22, 28 comprises a heating element, for example a heat exchanger or convectional heater 34. The straight portions comprising the heating element, for example the heat exchanger or convectional heater 34 extend parallel to a straight portion of the respective cavity 18, 24, 30. Each upstream airflow channel 16, 22, 28 describes a U-turn between the respective straight portions. Each cavity may comprise a heating element 36. Each airflow branch may comprise, between the heating elements 36 at the downstream end, heat-activated valves 19, 25, 31 which open upon heating with the respective heating elements 36 of the respective airflow branch.

In a variant, the valves 19, 25, 31 can be positioned such that they can have a closed position and a variable open position to set a defined RTD to each airflow branch.

As an operational example, only one airflow branch may be open for air passage, and only one cavity being equipped with an aerosol-generating article. Only the branch valve means with the cavity comprising the aerosol-generating article may be open and the other two branch valve means may be closed, and therefore cut off from the airflow, for example during a puff. Thereby, the RTD of the branches is defined by a single active branch having an open valve and a cavity including the aerosol-generating article.

As a next operational example, two airflow branches may be open of air passage, and two cavities may each be equipped with an aerosol-generating article for a dual consumption. The aerosols from the two articles may be mixed downstream of the airflow branches, for example by the use of a specific air mixing chamber. One branch valve means would be in a fully closed potion, namely the branch valve means of the airflow branch without an article in the respective cavity. The other two branches are connected fluidically in parallel to each other. The RTD of the branches of this fluidic arrangement has an RTD reduced by a factor 2, as compared to the single branch situation described above. Therefore, as compared to a situation where only one branch is active or open, it would be possible to add additional RTD value to the two open airflow branches by using adjustable valves means to adjust the RTD of the branches to match with a predefined RTD value. This could be done to match the exact same RTD value as the one open branch.

For this purpose, the two branch valve means of the two open airflow branches comprising the aerosol-generating articles in their cavities may be adjusted such that the RTD value of each airflow branch is increased by about a factor 2, so that the overall RTD remains similar or identical to the RTD of one single open airflow branch B1. This may be achieved, for example, by reducing a cross-sectional area of the flow that passes through respective branch valve means, or by adding or varying obstructions into the flow path. In case each aerosol-generating article adds a different amount to the RTD of the respective airflow branch, each RTD of the two open airflow branches can be specifically adjusted, for example such that the two branches individually have the same RTD value, whilst maintaining the RTD of the branches.

In a third variant, all three airflow branches are open, and the RTD of each branch may be further reduced by the adjustable branch valve means, to be able to have an RTD of the branches at a desired value. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the valves 19, 25, 31 are all arranged downstream of the cavities 18, 24, 30. Alternatively, they could also be arranged upstream of the cavities 18, 24, 30, for example upstream of the heat exchangers or convectional heaters 34, to avoid that the valves 19, 25, 31 can become contaminated or clogged by aerosol and other particles, receiving only the incoming clean air.

Fig. 7 shows a diagram of an airflow path of an aerosol-generating device extending from main the air inlet 10 to the main air outlet at 12, where there is an optional common heat exchanger or convectional heater 34 arranged upstream of the three airflow branches. The valves 19, 25, 31 of the individual branches are arranged upstream of the cavities 18, 24, 30.

Figs. 8a and 8b show a pinch branch valve means 19, 25, 31 configured for manipulating an airflow through the respective airflow branch. The branch valve means is configured to at least substantially block or open an air passage for the respective one of the airflow branches. For example, branch valve means 19 of the first airflow branch may be located upstream of the cavity 18 in the upstream airflow channel 16 of the airflow branch. The branch valve means is configured to be in a closed position by default. This is achieved by a spring element 40 which is in a relaxed configuration when the upstream airflow channel 16 is closed as shown in Fig. 8a.

The branch valve means is configured to move into the open position as shown in Fig. 8b in response to an aerosol-generating article 102 being inserted into the respective cavity via a cavity opening 72 as indicated by an arrow in Fig. 8b. The branch valve means is mechanically activated. The mechanically activated branch valve means comprises a lever 42 configured to be pushed by the aerosol-generating article 102 on insertion of the article into the respective cavity to open up the branch valve means. In particular, the branch valve means is configured as a pinch valve. The airflow branch comprises a lever 42 extending into the respective cavity 18 and being mechanically coupled to the respective pinch valve such that, on insertion of the aerosol-generating article 102 into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article moves the lever 42 to open the pinch valve. The upstream airflow channel 16 may comprise a flexible tube, for example a silicon tube, which may be squeezed by the lever 42 such that the flexible tube closes to at least substantially block an air passage for the respective one of the airflow branches. The elastic flexible tube may revert back to an initial tubular shape when the lever 42 is removed from the tube upon insertion of the aerosolgenerating article 102. In this sense the valve performs a “pinching action” of the tube.

By using a pinch valve, movable parts in contact with humid air or aerosol passing through the air channel may be reduced or avoided. By using a pinch valve, a simple valve means with little moving parts may be provided. There may be only little frictional forces of faces rubbing against each other. A valve means with high durability may be provided. A precise valve means may be provided. A valve means which is easy to clean may be provided.

The valve mechanism of Figs. 8a and 8b may additionally allow to simultaneously spring bias the aerosol-generating article 102 for ejection. For example, a push-push mechanism such as those known for SD card slots may be included.

Fig. 9a shows a schematic representation of a cavity 18, 24, 30 in perspective view. The cavity comprises first and second major boundary surfaces 60, 62. The first and second major boundary surfaces 60, 62 of the cavity extend in facing parallel relations and defining a principal flow axis 64 for fluid flowing through the cavity from a cavity inlet 66 to a cavity outlet 68.

The device may be configured such that fluid flow, in use, from the cavity inlet 66 to the cavity outlet 68 is in a direction substantially parallel to the principal flow axis 64. The principal flow axis 64 may be substantially parallel to a main axis of the aerosol-generating device. An inner volume of the cavity has a generally cuboid shape. However, the cavity may comprise a geometric feature for inhibition of insertion of a wrong article into the cavity. The geometric feature may be, for example, a cut-off corner 70.

A diameter “x” of the first and second major boundary surfaces 60, 62 is at least four times the length of a distance “y” between the first and second major boundary surfaces 60, 62 in a direction perpendicular to the principal flow axis 64.

The cavity may comprise a cavity opening 72 for insertion of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 9b shows a schematic representation of an aerosol-generating article 102, 104, 106. The aerosol-generating article comprises first and second major boundary surfaces 160, 162. The first and second major boundary surfaces 160, 162 of the article extend in facing parallel relations and defining a principal flow axis 164 for fluid flowing through the article. The article has a generally cuboid shape. However, the article may comprise a geometric feature for inhibition of insertion of a wrong article into the cavity. The geometric feature may be, for example, a cut-off corner 170.

A diameter “v” of the first and second major boundary surfaces 160, 162 is at least four times the length of a distance “w” between the first and second major boundary surfaces 160, 162 in a direction perpendicular to the principal flow axis 164.

Figs. 10a and 10b show an aerosol-generating device in perspective views. The device may be the device of Fig. 1. A proximal end 226 of the device is configured as a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be replaceable.

The device of Figs. 10a and 10b may be described as a “side loader”. The cavity openings 72 are provided in a lateral side wall of the device. The housing of the device comprises two large opposing major surfaces and two smaller opposing minor surfaces. The cavity openings 72 are arranged in one of the minor surfaces.

Both of the cavity openings 72 have a planar slot-like shape for insertion of a card-like shaped article 102, 104, 106. Both cavity openings 72 are formed as slots, each slot having a longitudinal axis of extension, wherein both axes are parallel to each other and are aligned forming a common longitudinal axis 225 of the cavity openings 72. The common longitudinal axis 225 of the cavity openings 72 is arranged substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis 224 of the device, the longitudinal axis 224 of the aerosol-generating device extending between the proximal end 226 and the distal end 228 of the device.

Fig. 10a shows hands of a user, illustrating a user conveniently inserting an article 102 into the first cavity via the cavity opening 72.

One or both of the cavities may comprise a tray mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article. For example, the tray mechanism may comprise an insertable tray for receiving the respective article, the insertable tray being configured for being insertable into the respective cavity. For example, the tray mechanism may comprise a slidable tray for receiving the respective article. The slidable tray may be slidable into and out of the respective cavity. The mechanism may be similar to a slidable tray mechanism known for CD players.

One or both of the cavities may comprise a push-pull insertion and ejection mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article. Preferably, one or both of the cavities comprise a push-push insertion and ejection mechanism for insertion and ejection of the respective article. The push-push insertion and ejection mechanism may be similar to the mechanism used for SD cards or SIM cards, for example the Molex push-push ejection system for SD/SIM (push-to-insert, push-to-eject). The respective cavity may comprise a socket for removably holding a card-like article. The insertion and ejection mechanism may be arranged not to interfere with any of the valve mechanisms as described herein, when considering an embodiment wherein one or more valve means are present.

In Fig. 10b, walls of the outer housing of the device are shown in transparent for illustrative purposes, such that inner components of the device are made visible. The aerosol-generating device comprises a power source 250, preferably in form of a pouch battery. The aerosol-generating device comprises heating elements 36 configured for heating the respective aerosol-generating article 102, 104 received in the respective cavity via its cavity opening 72. The heating elements 36 are configured as flat or planar heating elements. The heating elements 36 may, for example be configured as resistive heating elements, or as inductive heating elements each comprising a planar inductor coil.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device having an overall resistance to draw (RTD) of an airflow path extending between at least one main air inlet at an upstream end of the airflow path and at least one main air outlet at a downstream end of the airflow path, the device comprising arranged in the airflow path a common airflow arrangement, a first airflow branch, and a second airflow branch, wherein the common airflow arrangement defines a common RTD; wherein the first airflow branch comprises a first upstream airflow channel, a first cavity located downstream of the first upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a first aerosol-generating article, and a first downstream airflow channel located downstream of the first cavity; wherein, the second airflow branch comprises a second upstream airflow channel, a second cavity located downstream of the second upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a second aerosol-generating article, and a second downstream airflow channel located downstream of the second cavity; wherein the first and second airflow branches are fluidically arranged in parallel to each other; wherein the first and second airflow branches are fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement, and wherein the common RTD formed by the common airflow arrangement amounts to between 80% and 99.9% of the overall RTD.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, comprising arranged in the airflow path a third airflow branch, wherein the third airflow branch comprises a third upstream airflow channel, a third cavity located downstream of the third upstream airflow channel and being configured to receive a third aerosol-generating article, and a third downstream airflow channel located downstream of the third cavity, wherein the third airflow branch is fluidically arranged in parallel to the first and second airflow branches; and wherein the third airflow branch is fluidically connected to the common airflow arrangement.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising arranged in the airflow path a merging chamber, wherein the merging chamber is arranged downstream of the airflow branches, and wherein the airflow branches are fluidically connected to the merging chamber.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the common airflow arrangement is fluidically arranged upstream of the airflow branches.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the common RTD formed by the common airflow arrangement amounts to between 85% and 99%, preferably between 90% and 99% of the overall RTD.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a flow restriction arrangement for defining the common RTD.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a heat exchanger or convectional heater for heating incoming air and for defining the common RTD, or wherein the common airflow arrangement includes a filter element for defining the common RTD.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each upstream airflow channel of the airflow branches comprises a heat exchanger or convectional heater, preferably wherein a straight portion of each upstream airflow channel comprising the heat exchanger or convectional heater extends parallel to a straight portion of the respective cavity and each upstream airflow channel describes a U-turn between the respective straight portions.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising for each cavity a heating element arranged to heat the respective aerosolgenerating article when located in the respective cavity.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the device is configured such that the heating elements are independently controllable, preferably wherein each heating element is a dielectric heating element.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each airflow branch comprises a branch valve means configured for manipulating an airflow through the respective airflow branch, and wherein each branch valve means is configured to substantially block or open an air passage for the respective one of the airflow branches.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the branch valve means are located upstream of the cavities.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the branch valve means are configured to be in a closed position by default.

14. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein the branch valve means are configured to move into the open position in response to an aerosolgenerating article being inserted into the respective cavity, preferably wherein the branch valve means are configured as pinch valves and wherein each airflow branch comprises a lever extending into the respective cavity and being mechanically coupled to the respective pinch valve, such that, on insertion of the aerosolgenerating article into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article moves the lever to open the pinch valve.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article is the first aerosol-generating article, and wherein the first airflow branch and the first aerosol-generating article are configured such that, when the first aerosol-generating article is inserted into the first cavity, an RTD of the first airflow branch is at least 5 times lower than the common RTD, preferably at least 7.5 times lower than the common RTD, more preferably at least 10 times lower than the common RTD.