Heating assembly for an aerosol generator system, cartridge for an aerosol generator system, and aerosol generator system.

Description

1 / 44 Heating assembly for an aerosol generator system, cartridge for an aerosol generator system, and aerosol generator system.

[001] The present invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generating system. The invention also relates to a cartridge comprising the heating assembly and an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge.

[002] Aerosol generating systems that heat a liquid aerosol generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user are known. In particular, electrically operated portable aerosol generating systems comprising a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion containing a supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate and an electrically operated heater configured to heat the liquid aerosol generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol are known. Such electrically operated portable aerosol generating systems generally also comprise a reusable aerosol generating device comprising a control circuit and a power source to supply power to the electrically operated heater.

[003] The electrically operated heater typically comprises a resistive heating element in the form of a coil of wire wound around an elongated wick, which carries the aerosol-generating liquid substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the coil of wire. During use, an electric current is passed through the coil of wire to heat the aerosol-generating liquid substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol that is drawn into a user's mouth via a mouthpiece.

[004] In other known electrically operated portable aerosol generating systems, the heater operated Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 54 / 107 2 / 44 electrically comprises a resistive heating element located on a heating surface of a porous body, which transports aerosol-generating liquid substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the resistive heating element.

[005] It has been found that electrically operated portable aerosol generating systems of the type described above have a number of disadvantages. One of these is dry heating or dry draft. To ensure that a satisfactory aerosol is produced, it is preferable to maintain a sufficient supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate to the heating element during operation to keep the heating element in a wet state. Dry heating arises where an electric current is passed through the heating element when insufficient liquid aerosol generating substrate is being supplied to the heating element. Dry heating can, for example, occur when the supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is exhausted. Dry heating can result in overheating of the heating element. This can lead to thermal decomposition of the liquid aerosol generating substrate.Thermal decomposition of the aerosol-generating liquid substrate can produce undesirable byproducts. Thermal decomposition of the aerosol-generating liquid substrate can result in the production of an unsatisfactory aerosol. Continuous operation of an aerosol-generating system when insufficient aerosol-generating liquid substrate is being supplied to the heating element can thus result in a poor user experience.

[006] In electrically operated portable aerosol generating systems of the type described above, the heating element Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 55 / 107 3 / 44 resistive elements are typically made of an electrically conductive material, such as an alloy. For example, resistive heating elements can be made of an iron alloy, such as an iron-silicon alloy.

[007] The chemical interaction between the liquid aerosol-generating substrate and the resistive heating element can produce undesirable byproducts. The chemical interaction between the liquid aerosol-generating substrate and the resistive heating element can damage or impair the function of the resistive heating element. This can negatively affect the consistency of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system.

[008] It would be desirable to provide a heating assembly comprising a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-generating substrate that would allow for more consistent aerosol generation and distribution to a user compared with known aerosol-generating systems.

[009] The invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generating system. The heating assembly may comprise a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The heating assembly may comprise a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistive heating element may be located on the heating surface of the porous body. The resistive heating element may comprise a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium. The silver-palladium alloy Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 56 / 107 4 / 44 may contain 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may contain impurities.

[0010] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The cartridge may comprise a heating assembly. The cartridge may comprise a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The heating assembly may comprise a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistive heating element may be located on the heating surface of the porous body. The resistive heating element may comprise a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium.The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise impurities. The liquid storage portion may be located near the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[0011] The invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may comprise a heating assembly. The cartridge may comprise a portion of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 57 / 107 5 / 44 Liquid storage for retaining an aerosol-generating liquid substrate. The heating assembly may comprise a porous body for transporting the aerosol-generating liquid substrate to the resistive heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistive heating element may be located on the heating surface of the porous body. The resistive heating element may comprise a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may comprise impurities.The liquid storage portion may be located near the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heating assembly. The aerosol generating device may comprise a power supply to provide power to the cartridge heating assembly. The aerosol generating device may comprise a control circuit to control the power supply from the power supply to the cartridge heating assembly. The cartridge may be removablely attachable to the aerosol generating device.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a heating assembly is provided for an aerosol generating system, the heating assembly comprising: a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate; and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element, the Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 58 / 107 6 / 44 porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistive heating element being located on the heating surface of the porous body, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a silver palladium alloy comprising 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, and 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the invention, a heating assembly is provided for an aerosol generating system, the heating assembly comprising: a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate; and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element, the porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistive heating element being located on the heating surface of the porous body, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a silver palladium alloy comprising 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen, and impurities.

[0014] According to the first aspect of the invention, a heating assembly is provided for an aerosol generating system, the heating assembly comprising: a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate; and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element, the porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistive heating element being located on the surface of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 59 / 107 7 / 44 heating of the porous body, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen, and impurities.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a cartridge is provided for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a heating assembly according to the first aspect of the invention; and a liquid storage portion for containing a liquid aerosol generating substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion is located close to the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heating assembly.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising: a cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention; and an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply to provide power to the cartridge heating assembly and a control circuit to control the power supply from the power supply to the cartridge heating assembly, wherein the cartridge is removable and attachable to the aerosol generating device.

[0017] The supply of a heating assembly comprising a resistive heating element located on a heating surface of a porous body, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen, and impurities may reduce or prevent chemical interaction. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 60 / 107 8 / 44 between the resistive heating element and a liquid aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously result in more consistent aerosol generation and distribution for a user.

[0018] As used in this document, the term heating element is used to describe a component that transfers thermal energy to the aerosol-generating liquid substrate.

[0019] As used in this document, the term aerosol-generating substrate is used to describe a substrate comprising aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing, upon heating, volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

[0020] As used in this document, the term aerosol is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0021] As used in this document, the term porous body is used to describe a component comprising a plurality of interconnected pores. The porous body is configured to contain liquid within the plurality of pores.

[0022] As used in this document, the term heating surface is used to describe a surface of the porous body on which the resistive heating element is located.

[0023] As used in this document, the term "located in" is used to describe an arrangement in which the resistive heating element is in direct contact with the heating surface of the porous body and an arrangement in which another component Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 61 / 107 9 / 44 is positioned between the resistive heating element and the heating surface of the porous body.

[0024] As used in this document, the term liquid absorption surface is used to describe a surface of the porous body opposite the heating surface. In use, the liquid absorption surface may be arranged to receive an aerosol-generating liquid substrate.

[0025] As used in this document, the term longitudinal is used to describe the direction between the heating surface and the liquid absorption surface of the porous body. During use, the aerosol-generating liquid substrate is pulled through the porous body from the liquid absorption surface to the heating surface in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] As used in this document, the term transverse is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise indicated, references to the cross-section of the heater assembly or a component of the heater assembly refer to the cross-section.

[0027] As used in this document, the term aerosol generating device is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In particular, the term aerosol generating device is used to describe a device that heats an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0028] As used in this document, the terms proximal and distal are used to describe the relative positions of the components, or portions of components, of cartridges according to the second aspect of the invention and aerosol generating systems according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0029] Cartridges according to the second aspect of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 62 / 107 The invention comprises a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the cartridge. The cartridges according to the second aspect of the invention comprise a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cartridge may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. The distal end of the cartridge may also be called the upstream end.

[0030] Preferably, the silver-palladium alloy comprises 60 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight of silver.

[0031] Preferably, the silver-palladium alloy comprises 10 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight of palladium.

[0032] Preferably, the silver-palladium alloy comprises 1 percent by weight to 5 percent by weight of carbon.

[0033] Preferably, the silver-palladium alloy comprises 5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of oxygen.

[0034] Preferably, the silver-palladium alloy comprises less than 1 percent by weight of impurities.

[0035] The elemental composition of the silver-palladium alloy can be measured by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

[0036] The resistive heating element may have any suitable shape.

[0037] The resistive heating element can be a planar resistive heating element.

[0038] The resistive heating element may comprise a track. The track may define a path across the heating surface of the porous body. The track may define a curvilinear path across the heating surface of the porous body. The track may define a serpentine path across the heating surface of the porous body.

[0039] The resistive heating element may comprise Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 63 / 107 11 / 44 a plurality of tracks or track portions. The plurality of tracks or track portions can be arranged electrically in parallel.

[0040] The resistive heating element may have any suitable thickness. As used in this document, the term thickness is used to describe the maximum dimension of the resistive heating element in the longitudinal direction. That is, the maximum dimension of the resistive heating element in the direction between the heating surface and the liquid absorption surface of the porous body.

[0041] The resistive heating element may have a thickness greater than or equal to 2 micrometers. For example, the resistive heating element may have a thickness greater than or equal to 5 micrometers, greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, or greater than or equal to 15 micrometers.

[0042] The resistive heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 100 micrometers. For example, the resistive heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 50 micrometers, less than or equal to 30 micrometers, or less than or equal to 25 micrometers.

[0043] The resistive heating element may have a thickness between 2 micrometers and 100 micrometers, 2 micrometers and 50 micrometers, between 2 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 2 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0044] The resistive heating element may have a thickness between 5 micrometers and 100 micrometers, 5 micrometers and 50 micrometers, between 5 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0045] The resistive heating element may have a thickness between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers, 10 micrometers and Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 64 / 107 12 / 44 micrometers, between 10 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 10 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0046] The resistive heating element may have a thickness between 15 micrometers and 100 micrometers, 15 micrometers and 50 micrometers, between 15 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 15 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0047] The thickness of the resistive heating element can be substantially constant along the length of the resistive heating element.

[0048] The thickness of the resistive heating element may vary along the length of the resistive heating element.

[0049] The resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius greater than or equal to 0.8 Ohms, greater than or equal to 0.85 Ohms, or greater than or equal to 0.9 Ohms.

[0050] The resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius less than or equal to 1.1 Ohms, less than or equal to 1.05 Ohms, or less than or equal to 1 Ohm.

[0051] The resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius between 0.8 Ohms and 1.1 Ohms, between 0.8 Ohms and 1.05 Ohms, or between 0.8 Ohms and 1 Ohm.

[0052] The resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius between 0.85 Ohms and 1.1 Ohms, between 0.85 Ohms and 1.05 Ohms, or between 0.85 Ohms and 1 Ohm.

[0053] The resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius between 0.9 Ohms and 1.1 Ohms, between 0.9 Ohms and 1.05 Ohms, or between 0.9 Ohms and 1 Ohm.

[0054] For example, the resistive heating element may have a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.95 Ohms.

[0055] The resistive heating element may have a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) greater than or equal to Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 65 / 107 13 / 44 250 parts per million per degree Celsius or greater than or equal to 300 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0056] The resistive heating element may have a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) less than or equal to 450 parts per million per degree Celsius or less than or equal to 400 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0057] The resistive heating element may have a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) between 250 parts per million per degree Celsius and 450 parts per million per degree Celsius or between 250 parts per million per degree Celsius and 400 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0058] The resistive heating element may have a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) between 300 parts per million per degree Celsius and 450 parts per million per degree Celsius or between 300 parts per million per degree Celsius and 400 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0059] For example, the resistive heating element may have a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) of 350 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0060] The resistive heating element can be pre-formed as a solid component and then fixed or otherwise arranged on the heating surface of the porous body.

[0061] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body. As used in this document, the term deposited is used to describe the application. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 66 / 107 14 / 44 of a layer or coating by a physical or chemical process, for example, in the form of a liquid, plasma or vapor that subsequently condenses or aggregates to form the resistive heating element.

[0062] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by any suitable process.

[0063] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by a printing process. For example, the resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, or screen printing.

[0064] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by a vacuum deposition process.

[0065] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by physical vapor deposition. For example, the resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by evaporation or sputtering.

[0066] The resistive heating element can be deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by chemical vapor deposition.

[0067] The resistive heating element can be deposited directly on the heating surface of the porous body. In such embodiments, the resistive heating element is in direct contact with the heating surface of the porous body.

[0068] The heating assembly may also comprise one or more electrical contacts connected to the resistive heating element. The electrical contacts may be configured to be connected Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 67 / 107 15 / 44 to the control circuits to control the supply of electrical energy to the resistive heating element.

[0069] One or more electrical contacts may be located on the heating surface of the porous body.

[0070] One or more electrical contacts may be deposited directly on the heating surface of the porous body.

[0071] One or more electrical contacts may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, gold, silver, and zinc.

[0072] One or more electrical contacts may be more electrically conductive than the resistive heating element.

[0073] The heating assembly may comprise a pair of electrical contacts. The pair of electrical contacts may be located on opposite sides of the heating surface of the porous body. The resistive heating element may extend between the pair of electrical contacts.

[0074] The resistive heating element may be in direct contact with the heating surface of the porous body.

[0075] The resistive heating element can be connected to the heating surface of the porous body.

[0076] The heating assembly may comprise a thermally insulating layer disposed between the resistive heating element and the heating surface of the porous body. The thermally insulating layer may have a lower thermal conductivity than the porous body. The thermally insulating layer may be configured to reduce heat transfer from the resistive heating element to the porous body. The thermally insulating material may have a higher porosity than the porous body.

[0077] The thermally insulating layer can advantageously completely separate the resistive heating element and the Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 68 / 107 16 / 44 heating surface of the porous body so that there is no direct contact between the resistive heating element and the porous body.

[0078] The porous body comprises a plurality of interconnected pores. The interconnected pores provide a fluid pathway for the aerosol-generating liquid substrate through the porous body, from the liquid absorption surface to the heating surface.

[0079] During use, the aerosol-generating liquid substrate is pulled through the porous body from the liquid absorption surface to the heating surface in the longitudinal direction through the plurality of interconnected pores. The aerosol-generating liquid substrate can be transported through the pore by capillary action.

[0080] The porous body may have any suitable porosity. The porosity of the porous body may be measured by mercury porosimetry in accordance with ISO 15901-2:2022.

[0081] The porosity of the porous body may be greater than or equal to 30 percent, greater than or equal to 40 percent, or greater than or equal to 50 percent.

[0082] The porosity of the porous body may be less than or equal to 80 percent, less than or equal to 70 percent, or less than or equal to 60 percent.

[0083] The porosity of the porous body can be between 30 percent and 80 percent, between 30 percent and 70 percent, or between 30 percent and 60 percent.

[0084] The porosity of the porous body can be between 40 percent and 80 percent, between 40 percent and 70 percent, or between 40 percent and 60 percent.

[0085] The porosity of the porous body can be between 50 percent and 80 percent, between 50 percent and 70 percent, or between 50 percent and 60 percent. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 69 / 107 17 / 44

[0086] For example, the porous body may be a porous ceramic body with a porosity between 50 percent and 60 percent.

[0087] The porous body can have any median pore size. As used in this document, the term average pore size refers to the D50 size. The D50 size is the pore size that divides the distribution in half, where half of the pores are larger than the D50 size and half of the pores are smaller than the D50 size. The pore size distribution of the porous body can be measured by mercury porosimetry according to ISO 159012:2022.

[0088] The porous body may have an average pore size greater than or equal to 5 micrometers, greater than or equal to 10 micrometers, or greater than or equal to 15 micrometers.

[0089] The porous body may have an average pore size less than or equal to 35 micrometers, less than or equal to 30 micrometers, or less than or equal to 25 micrometers.

[0090] The porous body may have an average pore size between micrometers and 35 micrometers, between 5 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0091] The porous body may have an average pore size between micrometers and 35 micrometers, between 10 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 10 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0092] The porous body may have an average pore size between micrometers and 35 micrometers, between 15 micrometers and 30 micrometers, or between 15 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0093] For example, the porous body may be a porous ceramic body with a median pore size between 19 micrometers and 22 micrometers.

[0094] The porous body can have any suitable shape.

[0095] The porous body can have any suitable length. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 70 / 107 18 / 44 As used in this document, the term length is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body in the longitudinal direction. That is, the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction between the heating surface and the liquid absorption surface of the porous body.

[0096] The porous body can have a length greater than or equal to 0.5 millimeter. For example, the porous body can have a length greater than or equal to 1 millimeter, greater than or equal to 2 millimeters, greater than or equal to 3 millimeters, greater than or equal to 4 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 5 millimeters.

[0097] The porous body may have a length less than or equal to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length less than or equal to 10 millimeters, less than or equal to 9 millimeters, less than or equal to 8 millimeters, less than or equal to 7 millimeters, or less than or equal to 6 millimeters.

[0098] The porous body can have a length between 0.5 millimeters and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 0.5 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 9 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters, or between 0.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[0099] The porous body can have a length between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters, between 1 millimeter and 9 millimeters, between 1 millimeter and 8 millimeters, between 1 millimeter and 7 millimeters, or between 1 millimeter and 6 millimeters.

[00100] The porous body can have a length between 2 millimeters and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 9 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 7 millimeters, or between 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 71 / 107 19 / 44

[00101] The porous body can have a length between 3 millimeters and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 3 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 3 millimeters and 9 millimeters, between 3 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 3 millimeters and 7 millimeters, or between 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[00102] The porous body can have a length between 4 millimeters and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 4 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 9 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 7 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[00103] The porous body can have a length between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body can have a length between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 9 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 7 millimeters, or between 5 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[00104] For example, the porous body can have a length of 5 millimeters.

[00105] A liquid-impermeable coating may be provided on a longitudinal surface of the porous body extending between the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body and the heating surface of the porous body.

[00106] The porous body can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the porous body can be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[00107] The cross-sectional area of ​​the porous body may be substantially constant along the length of the porous body. The surface area of ​​the liquid absorption surface of the porous body may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous body. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 72 / 107 20 / 44

[00108] For example, the porous body may be substantially cylindrical and the liquid absorption surface of the porous body and the heating surface of the porous body may be substantially circular, or the porous body may be substantially cuboid and the liquid absorption surface of the porous body and the heating surface of the porous body may be substantially square.

[00109] The cross-sectional area of ​​the porous body may vary along the length of the porous body. The surface area of ​​the liquid absorption surface of the porous body may be different from the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous body. The surface area of ​​the liquid absorption surface of the porous body may be larger than the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous body.

[00110] The porous body can be substantially incompressible.

[00111] The porous body may comprise any suitable material.

[00112] The porous body may comprise a heat-resistant material.

[00113] The porous body may comprise a material that does not chemically interact with the aerosol-generating liquid substrate.

[00114] The porous body can be a porous ceramic body. As used in this document, the term porous ceramic body is used to describe a porous body comprising a ceramic.

[00115] The porous ceramic body may comprise a sintered ceramic.

[00116] The porous ceramic body may comprise any suitable ceramic.

[00117] The porous ceramic body may comprise one or more of the following: a ceramic carbide, a ceramic nitride, an oxide Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 73 / 107 21 / 44 ceramic and a ceramic silicate.

[00118] Examples of suitable ceramics include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxides, aluminosilicates, calcium phosphates, calcium silicates, silicon carbides, silicon nitrides, silicon oxides, and zirconium oxides.

[00119] The porous ceramic body may comprise one or more of the following: alumina (AEO3), an aluminosilicate, a boride, silica (SiO2), a silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia (ZrO2).

[00120] The porous ceramic body may comprise one or more of the following: alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2) and zirconia (ZrO2).

[00121] The porous ceramic body may comprise silica (SiO2).

[00122] The porous ceramic body may comprise silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3).

[00123] The porous ceramic body may comprise silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO).

[00124] According to a second aspect of the invention, a cartridge is provided for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a heating assembly according to the first aspect of the invention; and a liquid storage portion for containing a liquid aerosol generating substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion is located close to the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heating assembly.

[00125] The cartridge may have any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical.

[00126] The cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge may be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[00127] The cartridge can be any suitable size. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 74 / 107 22 / 44

[00128] The cartridge may comprise a cartridge housing.

[00129] The cartridge housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of suitable materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and copolymers such as Tritan™, which is made from three monomers: dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), cyclohexaneimethanol (CHDM) and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO).

[00130] The cartridge housing can be formed from a durable material. The cartridge housing can be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The cartridge housing can be formed from a moldable plastic material.

[00131] The cartridge housing may be formed by any suitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, bubble forming, blow molding, extrusion, die casting and injection molding.

[00132] The cartridge may comprise a nozzle at the proximal end of the cartridge.

[00133] The cartridge may comprise a connection end at the distal end of the cartridge. The connection end may be configured to couple the cartridge to an aerosol generating device.

[00134] The cartridge may comprise one or more air inlets through which, in use, air may be drawn into the cartridge. One or more air inlets may be provided in the cartridge housing.

[00135] The cartridge may comprise one or more aerosol outlets through which, in use, the aerosol may be drawn into Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 75 / 107 23 / 44 outside the cartridge. Where the cartridge comprises a nozzle, the nozzle may comprise one or more aerosol outlets through which, when in use, the aerosol may be drawn out of the nozzle. The one or more aerosol outlets may be provided in the cartridge housing.

[00136] One or more air inlets may be in fluid communication with one or more aerosol outlets to define an airflow path through the cartridge.

[00137] The cartridge may comprise a closed airflow passage extending from one or more air inlets to one or more aerosol outlets. The closed airflow passage may extend from one or more air inlets, through the heater assembly, to one or more aerosol outlets. The closed airflow passage may pass around an external surface of the liquid storage portion. The closed airflow passage may pass through the liquid storage portion. For example, the liquid storage portion may have an annular cross-section defining an internal passage, and the closed airflow passage may extend through the internal passage.

[00138] The cartridge may comprise a first airflow path extending from one or more air inlets toward the resistive heating assembly in a first direction. The cartridge may comprise a second airflow path extending beyond the resistive heating element. The cartridge may comprise a third airflow path extending from the resistive heating assembly to one or more aerosol outlets in a second direction. The second direction may oppose the first direction. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first airflow path and the third airflow path.

[00139] The cartridge can be configured so that the airflow Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 76 / 107 24 / 44 in addition to the heating assembly, drag the vaporized aerosol generating substrate.

[00140] The cartridge housing can define the liquid storage portion.

[00141] The cartridge housing and liquid storage portion can be formed integrally.

[00142] The liquid storage portion can be formed separately from the cartridge housing and disposed within the cartridge housing.

[00143] The liquid storage portion is located close to the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[00144] The liquid storage portion can be called a reservoir.

[00145] The liquid storage portion may contain an aerosol-generating liquid substrate.

[00146] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine.

[00147] As used in this document, the term nicotine is used to describe nicotine, a nicotine base, or a nicotine salt.

[00148] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine.

[00149] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise synthetic nicotine.

[00150] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former.

[00151] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine and an aerosol former.

[00152] The aerosol former can be any compound Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 77 / 107 25 / 44 known suitable or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically reached during the use of an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge.

[00153] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[00154] Advantageously, the aerosol former may comprise one or more polyhydric alcohols.

[00155] More advantageously, the aerosol former comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin.

[00156] The aerosol former may comprise one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[00157] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise water.

[00158] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more flavorings.

[00159] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more natural flavorings.

[00160] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more synthetic flavorings. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 78 / 107 26 / 44

[00161] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5 percent by weight or more, 1 percent by weight or more, or 1.5 percent by weight or more.

[00162] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content of less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, less than or equal to 5 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 3 percent by weight.

[00163] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 0.5 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 0.5 percent by weight and 5 percent by weight or between 0.5 percent by weight and 3 percent by weight.

[00164] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 1 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 1 percent by weight and 5 percent by weight or between 1 percent by weight and 3 percent by weight.

[00165] The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 1.5 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content between 1.5 percent by weight and 5 percent by weight or between 1.5 percent by weight and 3 percent by weight.

[00166] For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 percent by weight.

[00167] The cartridge can be designed to be discarded once the aerosol-generating liquid substrate contained in the liquid storage portion is exhausted.

[00168] The cartridge can be designed to be refillable.

[00169] According to the third aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising: a cartridge of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 79 / 107 27 / 44 in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply to provide energy to the cartridge heating assembly and a control circuit to control the power supply from the power supply to the cartridge heating assembly, wherein the cartridge is removable and attachable to the aerosol generating device.

[00170] The aerosol generating system may comprise one or more air inlets. The one or more air inlets may be arranged at an interface between the cartridge and the aerosol generating device.

[00171] The aerosol generating system may comprise a closed airflow passage extending from one or more air inlets to one or more aerosol outlets. The closed airflow passage may extend from one or more air inlets, through the heating assembly, to one or more aerosol outlets.

[00172] The aerosol generating system may comprise a first airflow path extending from one or more air inlets toward the heater assembly in a first direction. The aerosol generating system may comprise a second airflow path extending beyond the resistive heating element. The aerosol generating system may comprise a third airflow path extending from the heater assembly to one or more aerosol outlets in a second direction. The second direction may oppose the first direction. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first airflow path and the third airflow path.

[00173] The aerosol generating system can be configured so that the airflow beyond the heater assembly carries the vaporized liquid aerosol generating substrate through the element of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 80 / 107 28 / 44 resistive heating.

[00174] The aerosol generating device may comprise a device compartment.

[00175] The device housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of suitable materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, alloys, metals and plastics, such as, for example, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP).

[00176] The device housing may define a cavity to receive at least a portion of the cartridge.

[00177] The aerosol generating device may have a connection end configured to removablely connect the aerosol generating device to the cartridge.

[00178] The power supply can be any suitable power source. The power supply can be a DC power supply. The power supply can be a battery. The power supply can be a lithium-based battery. For example, the power supply can be a lithium-ion battery, such as a lithium cobalt oxide (CBO) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a lithium titanate (LTO) battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply can be a nickel battery. For example, the battery can be a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery or a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery. The power supply can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply can be rechargeable. The power supply can be configured for many charge and discharge cycles.The power supply may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more user experiences of the aerosol generator system. For example, the power supply. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 81 / 107 29 / 44 may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for a period of approximately six minutes, corresponding to the typical time spent smoking a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. The power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the aerosol generator system.

[00179] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electrical connector configured to connect the aerosol generating device to an electrical connector of an external power supply, for charging the power supply of the aerosol generating device.

[00180] The control circuit may be configured to supply power to the resistive heating element continuously after activation of the aerosol generating device. The control circuit may be configured to supply power to the resistive heating element intermittently after activation of the aerosol generating device, for example, puff by puff. Power may be supplied to the resistive heating element in the form of electrical current pulses, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM).

[00181] The control circuit may comprise any suitable electronic components. The control circuit may comprise a memory. The control circuit may comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control.

[00182] The control circuit may include other electronic components. For example, the control circuit may Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 82 / 107 30 / 44 comprise one or more sensors, switches and display elements.

[00183] The aerosol generating system may comprise an inhale detector. The inhale detector may be configured to detect when a user inhales into the aerosol generating system. The inhale detector may be any suitable sensor capable of detecting when a user inhales into the aerosol generating device. For example, the inhale detector may be an airflow sensor. The control circuits may be configured to supply power to the resistive heating element when the inhale detector detects a user inhaling into the aerosol generating system.

[00184] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive, non-limiting list of examples is provided below. 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 in this document.

[00185] Example Ex1: A heating assembly for an aerosol generating system, the heating assembly comprising: a resistive heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate; and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element, the porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistive heating element located on the heating surface of the porous ceramic body, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a silver palladium alloy comprising 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, and 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 83 / 107 31 / 44

[00186] Example Ex2: A heating assembly, according to example Ex1, where the silver-palladium alloy comprises impurities.

[00187] Example Ex3: A heating assembly, according to example Ex1 or example Ex2, in which the silver-palladium alloy consists of 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen and impurities.

[00188] Example Ex4: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises 60 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight of silver.

[00189] Example Ex5: A heater assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises 10 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight of palladium.

[00190] Example Ex6: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises 1 percent by weight to 5 percent by weight of carbon.

[00191] Example Ex7: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises 5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of oxygen.

[00192] Example Ex8: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the silver-palladium alloy consists of 60 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight of silver, 10 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 5 percent by weight of carbon, 5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of oxygen and impurities. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 84 / 107 32 / 44

[00193] Example Ex9: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex2 to Ex8, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises less than 1 percent by weight of impurities.

[00194] Example Ex10: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex9, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius greater than or equal to 0.8 Ohms.

[00195] Example Ex11: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex10, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius greater than or equal to 0.85 Ohms.

[00196] Example Ex12: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex11, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius greater than or equal to 0.9 Ohms.

[00197] Example Ex13: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex12, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius less than or equal to 1.1 Ohms.

[00198] Example Ex14: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex13, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius less than or equal to 1.1 Ohms.

[00199] Example Ex15: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex14, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius less than or equal to 1.05 Ohms.

[00200] Example Ex16: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex15, where the resistive heating element has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius less than Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 85 / 107 33 / 44 which is equal to 1 Ohm.

[00201] Example Ex17: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex16, where the resistive heating element has a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) greater than or equal to 250 parts per million per degree Celsius.

[00202] Example Ex18: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex17, where the resistive heating element has a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) greater than or equal to 300 parts per million per degree Celsius.

[00203] Example Ex19: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex18, where the resistive heating element has a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) less than or equal to 450 parts per million per degree Celsius.

[00204] Example Ex20: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex19, where the resistive heating element has a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) less than or equal to 400 parts per million per degree Celsius.

[00205] Example Ex21: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex20, in which the resistive heating element has a thickness greater than or equal to 2 micrometers.

[00206] Example Ex22: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex21, in which the resistive heating element has a thickness greater than or equal to 5 micrometers.

[00207] Example Ex23: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex22, in which the resistive heating element has a thickness greater than or equal to 10 micrometers.

[00208] Example Ex24: A heating assembly, according to Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 86 / 107 34 / 44 any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex23, where the resistive heating element has a thickness greater than or equal to 15 micrometers.

[00209] Example Ex25: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[00210] Example Ex26: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex25, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness less than or equal to 50 micrometers.

[00211] Example Ex27: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex26, in which the resistive heating element has a thickness less than or equal to 30 micrometers.

[00212] Example Ex28: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex27, in which the resistive heating element has a thickness less than or equal to 25 micrometers.

[00213] Example Ex29: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the resistive heating element is deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by a vacuum deposition process.

[00214] Example Ex30: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex29, where the resistive heating element is deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by physical vapor deposition.

[00215] Example Ex31: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex29, where the resistive heating element is deposited on the heating surface of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 87 / 107 35 / 44 porous body formed by chemical vapor deposition.

[00216] Example Ex32: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex31, where the resistive heating element is a flat resistive heating element.

[00217] Example Ex33: A heating assembly according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex32, where the resistive heating element comprises a track.

[00218] Example Ex34: A heating assembly, according to example Ex33, where the strip defines a path through the heating surface of the porous body.

[00219] Example Ex35: A heating assembly, according to example Ex34, where the strip defines a curvilinear path through the heating surface of the porous body.

[00220] Example Ex36: A heating assembly, according to example Ex34, where the strip defines a serpentine path through the heating surface of the porous body.

[00221] Example Ex37: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex36, where the porous body has a porosity greater than or equal to 30 percent.

[00222] Example Ex38: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex37, where the porous body has a porosity greater than or equal to 40 percent.

[00223] Example Ex39: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex38, where the porous body has a porosity greater than or equal to 50 percent.

[00224] Example Ex40: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex39, where the porous body has a porosity less than or equal to 80 percent.

[00225] Example Ex41: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex40, where the porous body has Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 88 / 107 36 / 44 a porosity less than or equal to 70 percent.

[00226] Example Ex42: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex41, where the porous body has a porosity less than or equal to 60 percent.

[00227] Example Ex43: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the porous body has a median pore size greater than or equal to 5 micrometers.

[00228] Example Ex44: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex43, wherein the porous body has a median pore size greater than or equal to 10 micrometers.

[00229] Example Ex45: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex44, wherein the porous body has a median pore size greater than or equal to 15 micrometers.

[00230] Example Ex46: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex45, wherein the porous body has a median pore size less than or equal to 35 micrometers.

[00231] Example Ex47: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex46, wherein the porous body has a median pore size less than or equal to 30 micrometers.

[00232] Example Ex48: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex47, wherein the porous body has a median pore size less than or equal to 25 micrometers.

[00233] Example Ex49: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex48, where the porous body is a porous ceramic body.

[00234] Example Ex50: A heating assembly, according to example Ex49, where the porous body comprises a sintered ceramic.

[00235] Example Ex51: A heating assembly, according to example Ex49 or example Ex50, wherein the porous body comprises Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 89 / 107 37 / 44 one or more of a ceramic carbide, a ceramic nitride, a ceramic oxide and a ceramic silicate.

[00236] Example Ex52: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex51, wherein the porous body comprises one or more of alumina, an aluminosilicate, a boride, silica, a silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride and zirconia.

[00237] Example Ex53: A heater assembly according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex52, wherein the porous body comprises silica.

[00238] Example Ex54: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex53, wherein the porous body comprises silica and alumina.

[00239] Example Ex55: A heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex54, wherein the porous body comprises silica, alumina and calcium oxide.

[00240] Example Ex56: A cartridge for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a heating assembly, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex 55, and a liquid storage portion for retaining the aerosol-generating liquid substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion is located close to the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heating assembly.

[00241] Example Ex57: A cartridge, according to example Ex56, in which the liquid storage portion contains an aerosol-generating liquid substrate.

[00242] Example Ex58: A cartridge according to example Ex57, wherein the aerosol-generating liquid substrate comprises Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 90 / 107 38 / 44 nicotine.

[00243] Example Ex59: A cartridge according to example Ex57 or example Ex58, wherein the liquid aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol former.

[00244] Example Ex60: An aerosol generating system comprising: a cartridge, according to any of the examples from Ex56 to Ex58; and an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply for providing power to the cartridge heater assembly and a control circuit for controlling the power supply from the power supply to the cartridge heater assembly, wherein the cartridge is removablely attachable to the aerosol generating device.

[00245] The invention will be further described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, comprising the heating assembly of Figure 1.

[00246] It will be appreciated that Figures 1 and 2 are schematic and have been simplified for clarity. Consequently, some features may have been omitted and the features shown are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[00247] References to orientations such as vertical, horizontal, above, below, top and bottom, etc. when describing features shown in Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 91 / 107 Figures 39 / 44 are not intended to imply any limitation on the orientation of these features, but are merely intended to show the relative spatial arrangement of the features. It will be appreciated that the features may have different orientations in use.

[00248] Figure 1 shows a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The heating assembly 100 comprises a resistive heating element 102 for vaporizing an aerosol-generating liquid substrate and a porous body 104 for transporting the aerosol-generating liquid substrate to the resistive heating element 102. The porous body 104 has a liquid absorption surface 104a and a heating surface 104b. The resistive heating element 102 is located on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 102.

[00249] The porous body 104 is an open-cell porous ceramic body. The porous body is formed from a suitable ceramic material, such as alumina. The porous body 104 includes a network of interconnected pores extending between the liquid absorption surface 104a and the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the porous body 104 is substantially cylindrical. The liquid absorption surface 104a and the heating surface 104b are end faces of the porous body 104. The porous body 104 has a curved surface 104c extending between the liquid absorption surface 104a and the heating surface 104b. A liquid-impermeable coating is provided on the curved surface 104c of the porous body 104.

[00250] The resistive heating element 102 comprises a strip arranged in a serpentine manner on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. The serpentine arrangement of the strip allows fluid to pass between portions Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 92 / 107 40 / 44 adjacent to the resistive heating element 102. The resistive heating element 102 comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 60 to 70 to 20 to 1 ...The electrical contacts are arranged to be connected to the control circuits to control the supply of electrical energy to the resistive heating element 102. The electrical contacts are formed from a suitable material that is more electrically conductive than the resistive heating element, such as copper, gold, silver, or zinc.

[00252] In Figure 1, the liquid absorption surface 104a is shown as the lower surface of the porous body 102 in Figure 3, and the heating surface 104b is shown as the upper surface of the porous body 104. However, it will be appreciated that the orientation of these surfaces may differ in the use of the heating assembly 102 in an aerosol generating system. As described further below, in use, the aerosol generating liquid substrate in contact with the liquid absorption surface 104a of the porous body 104 is transported through the network of interconnected pores of the porous body 104 to the heating surface 104b of the body. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 93 / 107 41 / 44 porous 104. The resistive heating element 102 located on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 heats the aerosol-generating liquid substrate transported to the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. The aerosol-generating substrate vaporized by the resistive heating element 102 can pass between adjacent portions of the resistive heating element 102 and be emitted from the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104.

[00253] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 200 according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention. The aerosol generating system comprises two main components, a cartridge 300 and an aerosol generating device 400. The aerosol generating system 200 is portable and has a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The cartridge has a distal end 300a and a proximal end 300b. The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 is removablely coupled to the aerosol generating device 400. A nozzle is disposed at a proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300.

[00254] The cartridge 300 comprises a cartridge housing 302 containing the heater assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 and a liquid storage portion 304 for retaining an aerosol-generating liquid substrate 30. In Figure 2, the orientation of the heater assembly 100 is reversed compared to Figure 1 so that the liquid absorption surface 104a of the porous body 104 faces upwards and is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion 304, and the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 in which the resistive heating element 102 is located faces downwards. The aerosol-generating liquid substrate is transported down the absorption surface of Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 94 / 107 42 / 44 liquid 104a passes through the porous body 104 to the resistive heating element 102 and the vaporized aerosol generating substrate is emitted from the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 when electrical energy is supplied to the resistive heating element 102.

[00255] The cartridge 300 comprises one or more air inlets 306 formed in the cartridge housing 302 at a location along the length of the cartridge 300. An aerosol outlet 308 is located at the nozzle at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300. The one or more air inlets 306 are in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet 308 to define an airflow path through the cartridge 300 of the aerosol generator system 200. The airflow path flows from one or more air inlets 306 to the heater assembly 100 in an airflow channel 310. The heater assembly 100 is arranged in fluid communication with the airflow path in the airflow channel 310. Air enters one or more air inlets 306 and flows through the airflow channel past the heater assembly 100 in a medium airflow direction.

[00256] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the liquid storage portion 304 is annular in cross-section and is arranged around a central sealed aerosol channel 312. Once the airflow path reaches the heater assembly 100, it is diverted upwards around the sides of the heater assembly 100 and flows through the aerosol channel 312 to the aerosol outlet 308.

[00257] The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 is removablely coupled to a connection end 400a of the aerosol generator device 400. The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 and the connection end 400a of the aerosol generator device 400 each have electrical contacts or connections (not shown) that are arranged to cooperate to provide an electrical connection. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 95 / 107 43 / 44 between cartridge 300 and aerosol generator device 400.

[00258] The aerosol generating device 400 comprises a device compartment 402 containing a power source 404, which in the embodiment shown is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and the control circuit 406.

[00259] The aerosol generator system 200 is configured so that a user can inhale or pull on the mouthpiece at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300 to draw the aerosol into their mouth through the aerosol outlet 312. In operation, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece, air is drawn in through one or more air inlets 306, along the airflow path through the airflow channel 310, passing through and around the heater assembly 100 and along the airflow path through the aerosol channel 312 to the aerosol outlet 308. The control circuit 406 controls the supply of electrical power from the power source 404 to the cartridge 300 when the aerosol generator system 200 is activated. This, in turn, controls the quantity and properties of the vapor produced by the heater assembly 100.The control circuit 406 may include an airflow sensor (not shown), and the control circuit 406 may supply electrical power to the heater assembly 100 when the user's puffs are detected by the airflow sensor. This type of control arrangement is well established in aerosol-generating systems such as inhalers and electronic cigarettes. When a user puffs on the mouthpiece at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 202, the heater assembly 100 is activated and generates a vapor that is drawn into the inhaled air along the airflow path through the airflow channel 310. The vapor cools to form an aerosol, which is then inhaled into the user's mouth through the aerosol outlet 308.

[00260] For the purposes of this description and the claims Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 96 / 107 44 / 44 appendices, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing values, quantities, percentages, and so forth shall be understood as being modified in all cases by the term approximately. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges in this document, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. In this context, a number A may be considered as including numerical values ​​that are within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, pp. 97 / 107

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Heating assembly (100) for an aerosol generating system, characterized in that it comprises: a resistive heating element (102) for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate; and a porous body (104) for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistive heating element (102), the porous body (104) having a liquid absorption surface (104a) and a heating surface (104b), the resistive heating element (102) is located on the heating surface (104b) of the porous body (104), wherein the resistive heating element (102) comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 percent by weight to 73 percent by weight of silver, 7 percent by weight to 23 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 7 percent by weight of carbon, 3 percent by weight to 17 percent by weight of oxygen and impurities.

2. Heating assembly (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the silver and palladium alloy consists of 60 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight of silver, 10 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight of palladium, 1 percent by weight to 5 percent by weight of carbon, 5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of oxygen and impurities.

3. Heating assembly (100), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the silver-palladium alloy comprises less than 1 percent by weight of impurities.

4. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resistive heating element (102) has a resistance at 25 degrees Celsius between 0.8 Ohm and 1.1 Ohm.

5. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the resistive heating element (102) has a temperature resistance coefficient (TCR) between 250 parts per million per degree Celsius and 450 parts per million per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

6. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the resistive heating element (102) is deposited on the heating surface (104b) of the porous body (104) by physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition.

7. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the resistive heating element (102) has a thickness between 5 micrometers and 50 micrometers.

8. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the resistive heating element (102) comprises a strip that defines a path through the heating surface (104b) of the porous body (104).

9. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the porous body (104) has a porosity between 40 percent and 70 percent.

10. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the porous body (104) has a median pore size between 10 micrometers and 30 micrometers.

11. Heating assembly (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the porous body (104) is a porous ceramic body.

12. Heating assembly (100), according to any Petition 870260036097, dated 04 / 17 / 2026, page 99 / 107 3 / 3 one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the porous body (104) comprises one or more of alumina, an aluminosilicate, a boride, silica, a silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride and zirconia.

13. Cartridge (300) for an aerosol generating system (200), characterized in that it comprises: a heating assembly (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12; and a liquid storage portion (304) for retaining the aerosol generating liquid substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion (304) is located near the liquid absorption surface (104a) of the porous body (104) of the heating assembly (100).

14. Aerosol generating system (200), characterized in that it comprises: a cartridge (300), as defined in claim 13; and an aerosol generating device (400) comprising a power supply (404) for supplying power to the heating assembly (100) of the cartridge (300) and a control circuit (406) for controlling the power supply from the power supply (404) to the heating assembly (100) of the cartridge (300), wherein the cartridge (300) is removablely attachable to the aerosol generating device (400). Petition 870260036097, dated 17 / 04 / 2026, pp. 100 / 107

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