Induction-based aerosol delivery device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device includes a substrate (610) configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition, and a resonant transformer (1202) including a transmitter coupling device (302) and a resonant receiver coupling device (602) proximate the substrate. The aerosol delivery device also includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter (1204) configured to drive the resonant transformer. The PWM inverter includes a bridge circuit (1206) coupled to the transmitter coupling device, and a PWM controller (1208) embodied as an integrated circuit and configured to output a PWM signal to the bridge circuit configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field. The alternating voltage induces the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780070293.2, filed November 15, 2017, entitled "Induction-based Aerosol Delivery Device," (PCT Application No. PCT / IB2017 / 057142), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 569, 1 10, filed October 2, 2017, entitled "Induction-based Aerosol Delivery Device," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more specifically to aerosol delivery devices that can utilize electrically generated heat to produce aerosols (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). The smoking articles can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can incorporate materials made of or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporating tobacco, that is capable of forming an inhalable substance for human consumption. BACKGROUND

[0003] Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon, or replacements for, smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. Many of these devices have been designed to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering considerable amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products found in mainstream cigarette smoke. To this end, a number of smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electric energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking to a great extent, without combusting tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat generating sources set forth in the background sections described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 222,615 to Watson et al., filed July 28, 2016, all incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, the various embodiments of products and heating configurations described in the background sections of U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al., and U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 to Robinson et al., incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Various embodiments of aerosol delivery devices employ an atomizer to generate an aerosol from an aerosol precursor composition. Such atomizers often employ direct resistive heating to generate heat. In this regard, the atomizer can include a heating element that includes a coil or other member that generates heat via electrical resistance associated with the material through which an electrical current is directed. The electrical current is typically directed through the heating element via a direct electrical connection, such as a wire or connector. However, forming such electrical connections can complicate assembly of the aerosol delivery device and increase potential points of failure. Further, in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can include a control body that can include a power source and a cartridge that can include an atomizer. In these embodiments, an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control body can be required, which can further complicate the design of the aerosol delivery device. Accordingly, advancements with respect to aerosol delivery devices can be desirable. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices configured to generate an aerosol, and in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery devices can be referred to as electronic cigarettes or heat-not-burn cigarettes. As described below, the aerosol delivery devices can include a resonant transformer that includes a transmitter coupling device (sometimes referred to as an inductive transmitter) and a resonant receiver coupling device (sometimes referred to as an inductive receiver). The transmitter coupling device can include a coil configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field that changes periodically over time) when an alternating current is directed therethrough. The resonant receiver coupling device can be at least partially received in the transmitter coupling device and can include an electrically conductive material. In this way, by directing an alternating current through the transmitter coupling device, an eddy current can be generated in the resonant receiver coupling device via induction. The eddy current flowing through the resistance of the material that defines the resonant receiver coupling device can heat it through Joule heating. In this way, the resonant receiver coupling device, which can define an atomizer, can be heated wirelessly to form an aerosol from an aerosol precursor composition proximate the resonant receiver coupling device. As used herein, wireless heating refers to heating that occurs via an atomizer that is not physically electrically connected to a source of (electrical) power. For more information, see Davis et al. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 934,763, filed November 6, 2015, and Sur et al. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 002,056, filed January 20, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0007] Example 1 : An aerosol delivery device comprising: a substrate configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition; a resonant transformer comprising a transmitter coupling device and a resonant receiver coupling device proximate the substrate; and a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter configured to drive the resonant transformer, the PWM inverter comprising: a bridge circuit coupled to the transmitter coupling device; and a PWM controller embodied as an integrated circuit and configured to output a PWM signal to the bridge circuit configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the resonant receiver coupling device when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage inducing the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

[0008] Example 2: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a power source comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid state battery, or a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and configured to supply power to the PWM inverter.

[0009] Example 3: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a constant voltage regulator between the power source and the PWM inverter, and configured to maintain a constant voltage level in the PWM inverter.

[0010] Example 4: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a power source comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, and configured to supply power to the PWM inverter.

[0011] Example 5: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the power source further comprises a terminal connectable to an energy source from which the rechargeable supercapacitor is chargeable.

[0012] Example 6: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the power source further comprises an energy source, and the energy source is or comprises a rechargeable solid state battery or a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

[0013] Example 7: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the bridge circuit is a half bridge circuit comprised of a pair of transistors and a pair of diodes.

[0014] Example 8: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a Hall effect current sensor located proximate the resonant receiver coupling device and configured to perform a measurement of alternating current induced therein; and a microprocessor configured to receive the measurement and control operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device in response to the measurement.

[0015] Example 9: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a high pass filter coupled to the resonant receiver coupling device and configured to filter any direct current voltage component from the alternating current voltage induced in the resonant receiver coupling device; and a non-inverting amplification circuit coupled to the high pass filter and configured to amplify the filtered alternating current voltage.

[0016] Example 10: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the transmitter coupling device is configured to at least partially surround the resonant receiver coupling device.

[0017] Example 11 : The aerosol delivery device of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the transmitter coupling device is defined in a tubular configuration or a coil configuration.

[0018] Example 12: A control body coupled with or couplable with a cartridge, the control body equipped with a resonant receiver coupling device located proximate a substrate, the resonant receiver coupling device configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition, the control body comprising: a transmitter coupling device forming a resonant transformer with the resonant receiver coupling device when the control body is coupled with the cartridge; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter configured to drive the resonant transformer, the PWM inverter comprising: a bridge circuit coupled to the transmitter coupling device; and a PWM controller embodied as an integrated circuit and configured to output a PWM signal to the bridge circuit, the PWM signal configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the resonant receiver coupling device when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage causing the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

[0019] Example 13: The control body of any preceding or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises a power source comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid state battery, or a rechargeable lithium ion battery and configured to supply power to the PWM inverter.

[0020] Example 14: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises a constant voltage regulator between the power source and the PWM inverter, and configured to maintain a constant voltage level in the PWM inverter.

[0021] Example 15: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control body further comprises a power source comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, and configured to power the PWM inverter.

[0022] Example 16: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the power source further comprises a terminal connectable to an energy source from which the rechargeable supercapacitor is chargeable.

[0023] Example 17: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the power source further comprises an energy source, and the energy source is or comprises a rechargeable solid-state battery or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

[0024] Example 18: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bridge circuit is a half-bridge circuit consisting of a pair of transistors and a pair of diodes.

[0025] Example 19: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the transmitter coupling device is configured to at least partially surround the resonant receiver coupling device.

[0026] Example 20: The control body of any preceding or any combination of the preceding embodiments, wherein the transmitter coupling device is defined as a tubular configuration or a coil configuration.

[0027] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure encompasses any combination of two, three, four or more of the features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, whether or not such features or elements are explicitly combined or referenced in a particular embodiment described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read generically, such that any separable feature or element of the present disclosure in any one of its aspects and embodiments should be considered combinable with any other, unless the context of the present disclosure explicitly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some embodiments of the disclosure so as to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. The above- described embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, discloses various aspects of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Accordingly, having described the present disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its emitter coupling device is defined as a coil configuration;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a cartridge and a control body are coupled to each other;

[0032] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its emitter coupling device is defined as a coil configuration; Figure 1

[0033] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3

[0034] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its emitter coupling device is defined as a coil configuration; Figure 1

[0035] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its substrate extends into an internal compartment defined by a container; Figure 1

[0036] shows a cross-sectional view through a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its substrate extends into an internal compartment defined by a container;

[0037] Figure 8 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its substrate extends into an internal compartment defined by a container;

[0038] Figure 9 shows an exploded view of a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge comprising electronic control components; Figure 1

[0039] Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a cartridge of an aerosol delivery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge comprising electronic control components; Figure 1

[0040] Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a control body of an aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein its emitter coupling device is defined as a coil configuration; Figure 1 ​​​​​​​Exploded view of the aerosol delivery device, including Figure 6 The barrel and Figure 3 the controlling entity;

[0041] Figure 12 , 13 and 14 show circuits and other components of an aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 15 schematically illustrates a method for assembling an aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 16 A method for aerosolization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are described so that the present disclosure is thorough and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the implementation schemes set forth herein; on the contrary, these implementation schemes are provided so that the present disclosure will meet applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an", "the" and similar terms include multiple indicators. In addition, although reference may be made herein to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, etc., unless otherwise stated, any one or more (if not all) of these references may be absolute or approximate to illustrate acceptable variations that may occur, such as variations due to engineering tolerances, etc.

[0045] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent) to form an inhalable substance; and the components of such systems are in the form of an article of manufacture, most preferably a sufficiently compact form to be considered a handheld device. That is, the use of the components of the preferred aerosol delivery devices does not result in the production of smoke in the sense of an aerosol produced primarily as a by-product of tobacco combustion or pyrolysis, but rather, the use of those preferred systems results in the production of vapor due to the volatilization or evaporation of certain components incorporated therein. In some embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery devices may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and those electronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and / or components derived from tobacco, and thus deliver the components derived from tobacco in the form of an aerosol.

[0046] The aerosol-generating piece of certain preferred aerosol delivery devices can provide many of the sensations of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe used by drawing on an ignited and combusting tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) (e.g., the inhalation and exhalation ritual, the type of taste or flavor, the sensory effects, the physical sensations, the use ritual, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) without any substantial degree of combustion of any component thereof. For example, a user of an aerosol-generating piece of the present disclosure can hold and use the piece much like a smoker uses a conventional type of smoking article, drawing on one end of the piece to inhale aerosol generated by the piece, taking or drawing puffs at selected time intervals, etc.

[0047] While the systems described herein are generally associated with embodiments of aerosol delivery devices such as so-called "e-cigarettes," it should be understood that mechanisms, components, features, and methods can be implemented in different forms and in connection with a variety of articles. For example, the description provided herein can be employed in connection with the packaging of conventional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), heat-not-burn cigarettes, and any of the articles disclosed herein. As such, it should be understood that the description of mechanisms, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are discussed by way of example only in connection with embodiments related to aerosol delivery devices, and can be embodied and used in a variety of other products and methods.

[0048] Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure can also be characterized as vapor-producing articles or drug delivery articles. As such, such articles or devices can be adapted to provide one or more inhalable forms or states of a substance (e.g., a flavorant and / or a pharmaceutically active ingredient). For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., a substance in a gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term aerosol as used herein is intended to include vapors, gases, and aerosols of forms or types suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible and whether or not possibly considered to be in the form of a mist.

[0049] In use, aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure can be subject to many of the physical actions employed by individuals in using conventional types of smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or pipes employed by drawing on and inhaling tobacco). For example, a user of an aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can hold the article much like a conventional type of smoking article, draw on one end of the article for inhalation of aerosol generated by the article, take puffs at selected time intervals, etc.

[0050] Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure generally include several components provided within an outer body or housing (which can be referred to as a shell). The overall design of the outer body or shell can vary, and the version or configuration of the outer body that defines the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device can vary. Generally, an elongated body that resembles the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be formed from a single, unitary shell, or the elongated shell can be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device can include an elongated shell or body that can be substantially tubular in shape, and thus resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In one embodiment, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within one shell. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device can include two or more joined and separable shells. For example, the aerosol delivery device can have a control body at one end that includes a shell containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a power cell such as a rechargeable battery and / or a supercapacitor, and various electronics for controlling the operation of the article), and at the other end and having an outer body or housing containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge) that is removably coupled to the control body. More specific versions, configurations, and arrangements of the components within a single shell type unit or a multiple piece, separable shell type unit will be apparent in view of the further disclosure provided herein. Additionally, the design and component arrangement of various aerosol delivery devices can be appreciated when considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0051] Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferably include some combination of the following components: a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., a device for actuating, controlling, regulating, and stopping power for heat generation, such as by controlling current flow through the power source to other components of the article, e.g., a microprocessor either alone or as part of a microcontroller), a heater or heat generating member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or other component, which alone or in combination with one or more further elements can generally be referred to as an "atomizer"), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that is generally capable of producing an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as a composition commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouth end region or tip that allows for drawing on the aerosol delivery device to inhale an aerosol (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article so that generated aerosol can be drawn therefrom upon drawing).

[0052] The alignment of the components in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can vary. In a specific embodiment, the aerosol precursor composition can be located near the end of the aerosol delivery device, and the end of the aerosol delivery device can be configured to be positioned near the mouth of the user, so as to maximize the delivery of the aerosol to the user. However, other configurations are not excluded. Generally, the heating element can be positioned sufficiently close to the aerosol precursor composition so that the heat from the heating element can volatilize the aerosol precursor (and one or more spices, medicines, etc. that can be provided for delivery to the user) and form an aerosol to deliver to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, the aerosol is formed, released or generated in a physical form suitable for the consumer to inhale. It should be noted that the aforementioned terms mean that they can be interchangeable, so that reference to release (releasing, releasing, releasing, or released) includes form or generation (form or generate, forming or generating, forms or generate, and formed or generated). In particular, inhalable material is released in the form of vapor or aerosol or its mixture, wherein these terms also can be used interchangeably in this article, unless otherwise indicated.

[0053] As described above, the aerosol delivery device may include a battery or other electrical power source to provide current sufficient to provide various functions to the aerosol delivery device, such as powering a heater, powering a control system, powering an indicator, etc. The power supply may employ various embodiments. Preferably, the power supply is capable of delivering sufficient power to quickly heat the heating element to provide aerosol formation and power the aerosol delivery device for the desired duration of use. Preferably, the power supply is sized to fit conveniently within the aerosol delivery device so that the aerosol delivery device can be easily manipulated. Additionally, the preferred power supply is light enough to not detract from the desired smoking experience.

[0054] In view of the further disclosure provided below, more specific types, configurations, and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure will be apparent. In addition, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery device components can be understood when considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Further, the arrangement of components within the aerosol delivery device can also be appreciated when considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices, as described below. Aerosol delivery devices can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can comprise a heat-not-burn device and be configured to heat a solid aerosol precursor composition (extruded tobacco rod) or a semi-solid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., glycerin loaded tobacco paste). In another embodiment, the aerosol delivery device can be configured to heat and generate an aerosol from a fluid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid aerosol precursor composition). Such aerosol delivery devices can comprise so-called electronic cigarettes.

[0056] Regardless of the type of aerosol precursor composition being heated, the aerosol delivery device can comprise a heating element configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, the heating element can comprise an electrically resistive heating element. The electrically resistive heating element can be configured to generate heat when an electric current is directed therethrough. Such heating elements often comprise a metallic material and are configured to generate heat due to electrical resistance associated with passing an electric current therethrough. Such electrically resistive heating elements can be positioned in proximity to the aerosol precursor composition. For example, in some embodiments, the electrically resistive heating element can comprise one or more coils of wire wrapped around a liquid transport element (e.g., a wick, which can comprise porous ceramic, carbon, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, glass fiber, or porous sintered glass) configured to draw the aerosol precursor composition therethrough. Alternatively, the heating element can be positioned in contact with a solid or semi-solid aerosol precursor composition. Such a configuration can heat the aerosol precursor composition to generate an aerosol.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can comprise a control body and a cartridge. The control body can be reusable, while the cartridge can be configured for a limited number of uses and / or configured to be disposable. The cartridge can comprise the aerosol precursor composition. To heat the aerosol precursor composition, a heating element can also be positioned in the cartridge. The control body can comprise a power source, which can be rechargeable or replaceable, and from which the control body can be reused with multiple cartridges.

[0058] While the above-described aerosol delivery devices can be employed to heat an aerosol precursor composition to generate an aerosol, such configurations can suffer from one or more drawbacks. In this regard, the electrically resistive heating element can include a wire that defines one or more coils in contact with the aerosol precursor composition. For example, as described above, the coils can surround a liquid transport element (e.g., a wick) to heat and aerosolize an aerosol precursor composition directed through the liquid transport element to the heating element. However, as the coils define a relatively small surface area, some of the aerosol precursor composition can be heated to an unnecessarily high degree during aerosolization, wasting energy. Alternatively or additionally, some of the aerosol precursor composition that does not come into contact with the coils of the heating element can be heated to an insufficient degree for aerosolization. Accordingly, insufficient aerosolization can occur, or aerosolization can occur with energy waste.

[0059] Further, as described above, the electrically resistive heating element generates heat when an electrical current is directed therethrough. Accordingly, as the heating element is positioned in contact with the aerosol precursor composition, carbonization of the aerosol precursor composition can occur. Such carbonization can occur due to the heat generated by the heating element and / or due to the electricity traveling through the aerosol precursor composition at the heating element. Carbonization can result in a build-up of material on the heating element. Such build-up of material can negatively affect the taste of the aerosol generated from the aerosol precursor composition.

[0060] As further described above, the aerosol delivery device can include a control body including a power source and a cartridge including an electrically resistive heating element and an aerosol precursor composition. To direct an electrical current to the electrically resistive heating element, the control body and the cartridge can include electrical connectors configured to engage one another when the cartridge is engaged with the control body. However, the use of such electrical connectors can further complicate and increase the cost of such aerosol delivery devices. Moreover, in embodiments of the aerosol delivery device that include a fluid aerosol precursor composition, leakage thereof can occur at the terminals or other connectors within the cartridge.

[0061] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to aerosol delivery devices that can avoid some or all of the above-mentioned problems. In this regard, Figure 1 An aerosol delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The aerosol delivery device can include a cartridge 102 and a control body 104. The cartridge and control body can be permanently or detachably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Figure 1 The aerosol delivery device is illustrated in a coupled configuration, while Figure 2An aerosol delivery device in a decoupled configuration is illustrated. Various mechanisms can connect the cartridge to the control body to create a threaded engagement, a press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement, and the like. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular in shape, or substantially cylindrical in shape when the cartridge and control body are in an assembled configuration.

[0062] In particular embodiments, one or both of the cartridge 102 and the control body 104 can be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body can have replaceable or rechargeable batteries, solid state batteries, thin film solid state batteries, supercapacitors, and the like, and thus can be combined with any type of rechargeable technology including connection to a wall charger such as through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., a 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, or C-type USB cable or connector), to an automobile charger (i.e., a cigarette lighter outlet), and to a computer, or to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or solar panel of a solar cell, or a wireless radio frequency (RF) based charger. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cartridge 102 can include a single-use cartridge as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 3 An exploded view of the control body 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown. As shown, the control body can include an emitter coupling device 302, an outer body 304, a flow sensor 306 (e.g., a puff sensor or pressure switch), a control component 308 (e.g., a microprocessor, either alone or as part of a microcontroller), a spacer 310, a power source 312 (e.g., a battery (which can be rechargeable) and / or a supercapacitor), a circuit board with an indicator 314 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), a connector circuit 316, and an end cap 318. Examples of power sources are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 9,484,155 to Peckerar et al. and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 918,926 to Sur et al., filed October 21, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

[0063] With respect to the flow sensor 306, representative current regulating components and other current control components for various microcontrollers, sensors, and switches for aerosol delivery devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Reference is also made to the control scheme described in U.S. Patent No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0064] In one embodiment, the indicator 314 can include one or more light emitting diodes, quantum dot light emitting diodes, or the like. The indicator can be in communication with the control components 308 through the connector circuit 316 and illuminated, for example, during a user puff as detected by the flow sensor 306 coupled to the control body 104, such as the cartridge 102 of FIG. 1. Figure 2 The end cap 318 can be adapted such that the illumination provided thereunder by the indicator is visible. Accordingly, the indicator can be illuminated during use of the aerosol delivery device 100 to simulate a lit end of a smoking article. However, in other embodiments, the indicator can be provided in different numbers and can take on different shapes and can even be an opening in the outer body such as for the release of sound when such an indicator is present.

[0065] Yet further components can be utilized in the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al. discloses an indicator for a smoking article; U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses a piezoelectric sensor that can be associated with a mouth end of a device to detect user lip activity associated with a puff and then trigger heating of the device; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling the flow of energy into an array of heating loads in response to a pressure drop through a mouthpiece; U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses a socket in a smoking device that includes an identifier that detects an irregularity in infrared transmissivity of an inserted component and a controller that performs a detection routine when the component is inserted into the socket; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined performable power cycle with multiple microphased stages; U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses a photonic-optoelectronic component; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses a device for varying the resistance to draw through a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses a particular battery configuration for use in a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses a computer interface device for a smoking device to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Patent No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al. discloses an identification system for a smoking device; and WO 2010 / 003480 PCT to Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system to indicate a puff in an aerosol generating system; all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and further examples of materials or components that can be used in the present articles are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent Nos. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 2006 / 0196518 and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; WO 2010 / 091593 to Hon; and WO 2013 / 089551 to Foo, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 881,392 to Worm et al., filed October 13, 2015, discloses capsules that can be included in an aerosol delivery device and a fob-shape configuration for an aerosol delivery device, and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Various materials disclosed by the foregoing documents can be incorporated into the present device in various embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0066] Each of the components of the control body 104 can be at least partially received in the outer body 304. The outer body can extend from an engagement end 304' to an outer end 304". An end cap 318 can be positioned at and engaged with the outer end of the outer body. Thereby, the end cap, which can be translucent or transparent, can be illuminated by the indicator 314 to simulate a lit end of a smoking article or perform other functions as described above. The opposite engagement end of the outer body can be configured to engage the cartridge 102.

[0067] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the transmitter coupling device 302 proximate to the engagement end 304' of the outer body 304 is schematically illustrated. As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device 302 can extend proximate to the engagement end of the outer body. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can define a tubular configuration. As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can include a coil support 402 and a coil 404. The coil support, which can define a tubular configuration, can be configured to support the coil such that the coil does not move into contact with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure and does not thereby short out with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure. The coil support can include a non-conductive material that can be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the coil. The coil can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the coil support. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil engages an inner surface of the coil support, thereby reducing any losses associated with transmitting an oscillating magnetic field to the resonant receiver coupling device. However, in other embodiments, the coil can be positioned at an outer surface of the coil support or be entirely embedded in the coil support. Further, in some embodiments, the coil can include electrical traces printed on or otherwise coupled to the coil support, or a wire. In either embodiment, the coil can define a spiral configuration. In alternative embodiments, as shown, the transmitter coupling device 302 can include a coil 404 without a coil support 402. In each embodiment, the transmitter coupling device can define an inner chamber 406 about which the transmitter coupling device extends. Figure 3 and 4 As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can define a tubular configuration. As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can include a coil support 402 and a coil 404. The coil support, which can define a tubular configuration, can be configured to support the coil such that the coil does not move into contact with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure and does not thereby short out with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure. The coil support can include a non-conductive material that can be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the coil. The coil can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the coil support. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil engages an inner surface of the coil support, thereby reducing any losses associated with transmitting an oscillating magnetic field to the resonant receiver coupling device. However, in other embodiments, the coil can be positioned at an outer surface of the coil support or be entirely embedded in the coil support. Further, in some embodiments, the coil can include electrical traces printed on or otherwise coupled to the coil support, or a wire. In either embodiment, the coil can define a spiral configuration. In alternative embodiments, as shown, the transmitter coupling device 302 can include a coil 404 without a coil support 402. In each embodiment, the transmitter coupling device can define an inner chamber 406 about which the transmitter coupling device extends. Figure 4 As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can define a tubular configuration. As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can include a coil support 402 and a coil 404. The coil support, which can define a tubular configuration, can be configured to support the coil such that the coil does not move into contact with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure and does not thereby short out with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure. The coil support can include a non-conductive material that can be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the coil. The coil can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the coil support. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil engages an inner surface of the coil support, thereby reducing any losses associated with transmitting an oscillating magnetic field to the resonant receiver coupling device. However, in other embodiments, the coil can be positioned at an outer surface of the coil support or be entirely embedded in the coil support. Further, in some embodiments, the coil can include electrical traces printed on or otherwise coupled to the coil support, or a wire. In either embodiment, the coil can define a spiral configuration. In alternative embodiments, as shown, the transmitter coupling device 302 can include a coil 404 without a coil support 402. In each embodiment, the transmitter coupling device can define an inner chamber 406 about which the transmitter coupling device extends. Figure 5 As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can define a tubular configuration. As illustrated, the transmitter coupling device can include a coil support 402 and a coil 404. The coil support, which can define a tubular configuration, can be configured to support the coil such that the coil does not move into contact with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure and does not thereby short out with the resonant receiver coupling device or other structure. The coil support can include a non-conductive material that can be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the coil. The coil can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the coil support. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil engages an inner surface of the coil support, thereby reducing any losses associated with transmitting an oscillating magnetic field to the resonant receiver coupling device. However, in other embodiments, the coil can be positioned at an outer surface of the coil support or be entirely embedded in the coil support. Further, in some embodiments, the coil can include electrical traces printed on or otherwise coupled to the coil support, or a wire. In either embodiment, the coil can define a spiral configuration. In alternative embodiments, as shown, the transmitter coupling device 302 can include a coil 404 without a coil support 402. In each embodiment, the transmitter coupling device can define an inner chamber 406 about which the transmitter coupling device extends.

[0068] As further illustrated in Figures 3-5 In some embodiments, the transmitter coupling device 302 can be coupled to a support member 320. The support member can be configured to engage and support the transmitter coupling device within the outer body 304. For example, the transmitter coupling device can be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the support member such that the transmitter coupling device is fixedly positioned within the outer body. As a further example, the transmitter coupling device can be injection molded into the support member.

[0069] The support member 320 can engage an inner surface of the outer body 304 to provide alignment of the support member relative to the outer body. As such, due to the fixed coupling between the support member and the transmitter coupling device 302, a longitudinal axis of the transmitter coupling device can extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. Accordingly, the transmitter coupling device can be positioned out of contact with the outer body in order to avoid the transmission of current from the transmitter coupling device to the outer body. However, in some embodiments, as Figure 5As shown, an optional insulator 502 can be positioned between the transmitter coupling device 302 and the outer body 304 to prevent contact therebetween. As can be appreciated, the insulator and support member can comprise any non-conductive material such as insulating polymers (e.g., plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, and porcelain. Alternatively, in embodiments where the outer body is formed of a non-conductive material such as plastic, glass, rubber, or porcelain, the transmitter coupling device can contact the outer body.

[0070] As described in detail below, the transmitter coupling device 302 can be configured to receive current from the power source 312 and wirelessly heat the cartridge 102 (see, e.g., Figure 2 ). Accordingly, as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the transmitter coupling device can include an electrical connector 408 configured to supply current thereto. For example, the electrical connector can connect the transmitter coupling device to the control component. Thereby, current from the power source can be selectively directed to the transmitter coupling device as controlled by the control component. For example, when a puff on the aerosol delivery device 100 is detected by the flow sensor 306, the control component 312 can direct current from the power source 312 (see, e.g., Figure 3 ) to the transmitter coupling device. As an example, the electrical connector can include terminals, wires, or any other embodiment of a connector configured to transmit current therethrough. Further, the electrical connector can include a negative electrical connector and a positive electrical connector.

[0071] In some embodiments, the power source 312 can include a battery and / or a supercapacitor that can supply direct current and / or that is rechargeable. As described elsewhere herein, operation of the aerosol delivery device can require directing alternating current to the transmitter coupling device 302 to generate an oscillating magnetic field in order to induce eddy currents in the resonant receiver coupling device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control component 308 of the control body 104 can include an inverter or inverter circuit configured to convert direct current provided by the power source into alternating current provided to the transmitter coupling device.

[0072] Figure 6 An exploded view of a cartridge 600 is shown, which in some examples can correspond to the cartridge 102 of Figure 1 . As illustrated, the cartridge 600 can include a resonant receiver coupling device 602, an outer body 604, a container 606, a sealing member 608, and a substrate 610. The outer body 604 can extend between a junction end 604' and an outer end 604". Some or all of the remaining components of the cartridge 600 can be positioned at least partially within the outer body 604.

[0073] The cartridge 600 can additionally include a mouthpiece 612. The mouthpiece 612 can be integral with the outer body 604 or the container 606 or a separate component. The mouthpiece 612 can be positioned at the outer end 604" of the outer body 604.

[0074] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view through the cartridge 600 in an assembled configuration is illustrated. As shown, the container 606 can be received within the outer body 604. Further, the sealing member 608 can be engaged with the container 606 to define the interior compartment 614. As Figure 7 Further illustrated in the middle, in some embodiments, the sealing member 608 can additionally engage the outer body 604.

[0075] In some embodiments, the sealing member 608 can comprise an elastic material such as a rubber or silicone material. In these embodiments, the sealing material 608 can compress to form a tight seal with the container 606 and / or the outer body 604. An adhesive can be employed to further improve the seal between the sealing member 608 and the container 606 and / or the outer body 604. In another embodiment, the sealing member 608 can comprise a non-elastic material such as a plastic material or a metal material. In these embodiments, the sealing member 608 can be adhered or welded (e.g., via ultrasonic welding) to the container 606 and / or the outer body 604. Accordingly, via one or more of these mechanisms, the sealing member 608 can substantially seal the interior compartment 614 closed.

[0076] The resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be engaged with the sealing member 608. In one embodiment, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be partially embedded in the sealing member 608. For example, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be injection molded into the sealing member 608 such that a tight seal and connection is formed therebetween. Accordingly, the sealing member 608 can hold the resonant receiver coupling device in a desired position. For example, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the resonant receiver coupling device extends substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the outer body 604.

[0077] Further, the substrate 610 can engage the sealing member 608. In one embodiment, the substrate 610 can extend through the sealing member 608. In this regard, the sealing member 608 can define a hole 616 extending therethrough and receive the substrate 610 through the hole 616. In this way, the substrate 610 can extend into the interior compartment 614. For example, as Figure 7As illustrated, one end of the substrate 610 can be received in the pocket 618 defined by the container 606. Accordingly, the container 606 and the sealing member 608 can each engage the substrate 610 and cooperatively maintain the substrate at a desired location. For example, a longitudinal axis of the substrate 610 can be positioned substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the resonant receiver coupling device 602. Thus, as illustrated, in some embodiments, the substrate 610 can be positioned in close proximity to, but not in contact with, the resonant receiver coupling device 602. By avoiding direct contact between the substrate 610 and the resonant receiver coupling device 602, the induction coil can remain substantially free of in-use residue build-up, and thus the cartridge can optionally be refilled with aerosol precursor composition and / or a new substrate or otherwise reused. However, as discussed below, in some embodiments, direct contact between the substrate and the resonant receiver coupling device can be preferred.

[0078] The cartridge 610 can include an aerosol precursor composition. The aerosol precursor composition can include one or more of a solid tobacco material, a semi-solid tobacco material, and a liquid aerosol precursor composition. For example, solid and semi-solid tobacco materials can be employed in embodiments of the aerosol delivery device 100 defining so-called heat-not-burn cigarettes. Conversely, as a further example, a fluid (e.g., liquid) aerosol precursor composition can be employed in embodiments of the aerosol delivery device defining so-called electronic cigarettes.

[0079] Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also set forth and characterized in Robinson et al. U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320; Chong et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,254,002 and Zheng et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457; Lipowicz et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020823; Koller U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830; and Bowen et al. WO 2014 / 182736; and Collett et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 8,881,737, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that can be employed include those that have been included in the VUSE® product produced by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product produced by Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, the MISTIC MENTHOL product produced by Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPE product produced by CN Creative Limited. Also of interest are so-called "e-liquids" for electronic cigarettes that have been obtained from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Embodiments of foaming materials can be used with aerosol precursors, and are described by way of example in Hunt et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the use of foaming materials is described in, for example, Niazi et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,639,368; Wehling et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,178,878; Wehling et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,223,264; Pather et al. U.S. Patent No. 6,974,590; Bergquist et al. U.S. Patent No. 7,381,667; Crawford et al. U.S. Patent No. 8,424,541; and Strickland et al. U.S. Patent No. 8,627,828, and Sun et al. No. 9,307,787 and Brinkley et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0018539; and Johnson et al. PCT WO 97 / 06786, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] Representative types of solid and semisolid aerosol precursor compositions and formulations are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0083150 to Conner et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 755,205 filed on June 30, 2015 by Nordskog et al.

[0081] In embodiments of the cartridge 102 where the aerosol precursor composition comprises a liquid or other fluid, the substrate 610 can be configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition therein and release vapor therefrom when heat is applied thereto by the resonant receiver coupling device 602 in the manner described below. In some embodiments, the substrate 610 can retain a sufficient amount of the aerosol precursor composition to persist to the desired extent. In other embodiments, it may be preferred to provide the cartridge 102 with an increased capacity for the aerosol precursor composition. In embodiments where the substrate is configured to hold a fluid aerosol precursor composition, examples of materials that can be employed in the substrate 610 include porous ceramics, carbon, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, fiberglass, and porous sintered glass.

[0082] In this regard, if Figure 6 and Figure 7 As illustrated by way of example in FIG, in one embodiment, the container 606 can include a reservoir and the interior compartment 614 can be configured to receive a liquid aerosol precursor composition. In this embodiment, the substrate 610 can include a liquid delivery element (e.g., a wick) configured to receive the aerosol precursor composition from the interior compartment 614 and deliver the aerosol precursor composition thereto. Accordingly, the aerosol precursor composition can be delivered from the interior compartment 614 to a location along the longitudinal length of the substrate 610 around which the resonant receiver coupling device 602 extends.

[0083] As can be understood, Figure 7 The embodiment of the cartridge 600 illustrated in FIG is provided for illustrative purposes only. In this regard, various alternative embodiments of the cartridge 102 are provided herein as further examples. Note that, although the embodiments of the cartridge 102 are described separately herein, each of their various components and features may be combined in any manner except as otherwise noted herein.

[0084] Figure 8 Another cartridge 800 is shown, which in some examples may correspond to Figure 1cartridge 800, the sealing member 708 is positioned proximate the outer end 604" of the outer body 604, rather than at the engagement end 604'. In this embodiment, the container 806 can include a hole 816 extending therethrough, and the sealing member 808 can define a pocket 818 so as to support the substrate 610 in substantially the same manner as described above. Accordingly, the sealing member 608 can be positioned at the engagement end 604' of the container 606 (see Figure 7 ) or the sealing member 808 can be positioned at the outer end 604" of the container 806 (see Figure 8 ).

[0085] In some embodiments, the container can be sufficiently sealed such that leakage of the aerosol precursor composition is substantially avoided. However, as illustrated in Figure 8 some embodiments, the cartridge 800 can further include a reservoir substrate 820. As can be appreciated, the reservoir substrate 820 can be employed in any one or more of the cartridges disclosed herein that include an interior compartment 614.

[0086] In one embodiment, the reservoir substrate 820 can include a multi-layer nonwoven fiber formed in the shape of a substantially tube that completely or partially encircles the substrate 610 within the interior compartment 820. In other embodiments, the reservoir substrate 820 can include a porous ceramic, carbon, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, glass fiber, or porous sintered glass. As such, the liquid aerosol precursor composition can be adsorptively retained by the reservoir substrate 820. The reservoir substrate is in fluid communication with the substrate 610 due to contact between the reservoir substrate 820 and the reservoir. Accordingly, the substrate 610 can be configured to transport the liquid aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate 820 in the interior compartment 614 to a location along the longitudinal length of the substrate 610 and external to the interior compartment via capillary action or other liquid transport mechanism.

[0087] As described above, in some embodiments of the cartridges 600, 800, the substrate 610 can be positioned in proximity to, but not in contact with, the resonant receiver coupling device 602. Due to the lack of direct contact therebetween, such a configuration can avoid the accumulation of residue on the resonant receiver coupling device. However, in other embodiments, the substrate 610 can contact the resonant receiver coupling device. In this regard, Figure 9 another cartridge 900 is illustrated, which in some examples, can correspond to Figure 11 and 2. The cartridge 102 is similar to cartridges 600 and 800, but in cartridge 900, substrate 910 can contact resonant receiver coupling device 602. Use of this configuration can allow for relatively larger substrates 910 that can contain relatively larger amounts of aerosol precursor composition without necessarily increasing the size of resonant receiver coupling device 602. Further, direct contact between the resonant receiver coupling device and the substrate can facilitate heat transfer from the resonant receiver coupling device to the substrate via convection, which can be significantly more efficient than radiative heating employed in embodiments where there is no direct contact therebetween.

[0088] Accordingly, it should be understood that each of the embodiments of the cartridge disclosed herein can include direct contact between the resonant receiver coupling device and the substrate and / or aerosol precursor composition.

[0089] As an example, providing direct contact between the substrate 910 and the resonant receiver coupling device 602 may be employed in embodiments where the aerosol precursor composition includes a solid tobacco material or a semi-solid tobacco material, which may be less likely to cause residue accumulation on the resonant receiver coupling device than a liquid aerosol precursor composition.

[0090] exist Figures 6-8 In the embodiment of the cartridges 600, 800 illustrated in FIG, the substrate 610 extends into the interior compartment 614. However, in other embodiments, the cartridge may not define an interior compartment. For example, Figure 9 The cartridge 900 illustrated in FIG may not include an internal compartment. In this regard, the substrate 910 may include a sufficient amount of aerosol precursor composition such that, in some embodiments, the use of an internal compartment may not be required. Thus, for example, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 and the substrate 910 may be generally coextensive such that their longitudinal ends terminate at generally the same point. In this regard, the substrate resonant receiver coupling device 602 and / or the substrate 910 may be received in a pocket 922 defined by the outer body 904 or otherwise engaged (e.g., directly engaged) with the outer body. Thus, in some embodiments, the cartridge 900 may define a relatively simple configuration that may not include a container, a sealing member, or an internal compartment. Such a configuration may reduce the complexity and / or cost of the cartridge 900.

[0091] As described above, in some embodiments, the substrate 910 may not extend into the interior compartment and may instead terminate, for example, near the outer body 904. Figure 9 As further described, in one embodiment, the cartridge 900 may not include a container or internal compartment. However, in another embodiment, the cartridge may include a container defining an internal compartment, without the substrate extending into the compartment. Figure 10Another still cartridge 1000 of the cartridge 104 is shown in FIG. 10, which shows that the cartridge 1000 can correspond to Figure 1 the cartridge 600. As shown, when the control body 104 is engaged with the cartridge 600, the transmitter coupling device 302 can at least partially surround, preferably substantially surround, and more preferably completely surround the resonant receiver coupling device 602 (e.g., by extending around its perimeter). Further, the transmitter coupling device 302 can extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device 602, and preferably along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device, and most preferably along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device. Figure 10

[0092] By configuring the cartridge 1000 such that the substrate 1010 does not extend into the interior compartment 614, the compartment can be employed for purposes other than a reservoir of aerosol precursor composition. For example, as Figure 10 illustrated in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the cartridge 1000 can include electronic control components 1024. As described below, the electronic control components 1024 can be employed for authentication of the cartridge 1000 or for other purposes.

[0093] As described above, each of the cartridges 102 of the present disclosure are configured to operate in conjunction with the control body 104 to generate an aerosol. As an example, Figure 11 FIG. 10 illustrates a cartridge 1000 engaged with the control body 104. As shown, when the control body 104 is engaged with the cartridge 1000, the transmitter coupling device 302 can at least partially surround, preferably substantially surround, and more preferably completely surround the resonant receiver coupling device 602 (e.g., by extending around its perimeter). Further, the transmitter coupling device 302 can extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device 602, and preferably along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device, and most preferably along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the resonant receiver coupling device.

[0094] Accordingly, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be positioned inside the interior chamber 406 around which the transmitter coupling device 302 extends. Accordingly, when a user draws on the mouthpiece 612 of the cartridge 1000, the pressure sensor 306 can detect the draw. From this, the control components 308 can direct current from the power source 312 (see Figure 3 ) to the transmitter coupling device 302. The transmitter coupling device 302 can thereby generate an oscillating magnetic field. As the resonant receiver coupling device 602 is received in the interior chamber 406, the resonant receiver coupling device can be exposed to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the transmitter coupling device 302.

[0095] ​In particular, the transmitter coupled device 302 and the resonant receiver coupled device 602 can form an electrical transformer. In some examples, the resonant transformer and associated circuitry including a PWM inverter can be configured to operate in accordance with a suitable wireless power transfer standard such as the Qi wireless interface standard promulgated by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) interface standard developed by PMA, the Rezence interface standard developed by the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), or the like.

[0096] According to embodiments, variations in the current in the transmitter coupled device 302 as directed thereto by the control component 308 from the power source 312 (see, e.g., Figure 3 ) can produce an alternating electromagnetic field that passes through the resonant receiver coupled device 602, thereby generating electrical eddy currents within the resonant receiver coupled device. The alternating electromagnetic field can be produced by directing alternating current to the transmitter coupled device 302. As noted above, in some embodiments, the control component 308 can include an inverter or inverter circuit configured to convert direct current provided by the power source 312 to alternating current provided to the transmitter coupled device 302.

[0097] Eddy currents flowing through the material that defines the resonant receiver coupled device 602 can heat the resonant receiver coupled device through the Joule effect, where the heat generated is proportional to the square of the current times the resistivity of the material of the resonant receiver coupled device. In embodiments of the resonant receiver coupled device 602 that include magnetic materials, heat can also be generated by hysteresis losses. Several factors contribute to the temperature rise of the resonant receiver coupled device 602, including but not limited to proximity to the transmitter coupled device 302, distribution of the magnetic field, resistivity of the material of the resonant receiver coupled device, saturation flux density of the material, skin effect or depth, hysteresis losses, magnetic permeability, magnetic susceptibility, and dipole moment.

[0098] In this regard, both the resonant receiver coupled device 602 and the transmitter coupled device 302 can include electrically conductive materials. As an example, the transmitter coupled device 302 and / or the resonant receiver coupled device 602 can include various electrically conductive materials, including metals such as copper and aluminum, alloys of electrically conductive materials (e.g., diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic materials), or other materials such as ceramics or glasses having one or more electrically conductive materials embedded therein. In another embodiment, the resonant receiver coupled device can include electrically conductive particles or objects of any of a variety of sizes received in a reservoir filled with an aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, the resonant receiver coupled device can be coated with or otherwise include a thermally conductive passivation layer (e.g., a thin glass layer) to prevent direct contact with the aerosol precursor composition.

[0099] Accordingly, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can be heated. The heat generated by the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can heat the substrate 610 including the aerosol precursor composition, such that the aerosol 1102 is generated. Accordingly, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can comprise an atomizer. By positioning the resonant receiver coupling device 602 around the substrate 610 at a generally uniform distance from the substrate (e.g., by aligning the longitudinal axis of the substrate and the resonant receiver coupling device), the substrate and aerosol precursor composition can be heated generally uniformly.

[0100] The aerosol 1102 can travel around or through the resonant receiver coupling device 602 and the transmitter coupling device 302. For example, as illustrated, in one embodiment, the resonant receiver coupling device 602 can comprise a mesh, screen, spiral, braid, or other porous structure defining a plurality of pores extending therethrough. In other embodiments, the resonant receiver coupling device can comprise a rod embedded in the substrate or otherwise in contact with the aerosol precursor composition, a plurality of beads or particles embedded in the substrate or otherwise in contact with the aerosol precursor composition, or a sintered structure. In each of these embodiments, the aerosol 1102 can be free to pass through the resonant receiver coupling device 602 and / or the substrate to allow the aerosol to travel through the mouthpiece to the user.

[0101] The aerosol 1102 can mix with air 1104 entering through the inlet 410 (see, e.g., Figure 4 ) which can be defined in the control body 104 (e.g., in the outer body 304). Accordingly, the intermixed air and aerosol 1106 can be directed to the user. For example, the intermixed air and aerosol 1106 can be directed to the user through one or more through-holes 626 defined in the outer body 604 of the cartridge 600. In some embodiments, the sealing member 608 can additionally comprise a through-hole 628 extending therethrough, which can be aligned with the through-holes 626 defined through the outer body 604. However, as can be appreciated, the flow pattern through the aerosol delivery device 100 can vary in any of a variety of ways from the particular configuration described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] As further noted above, in some embodiments, the cartridge 102 can further comprise a second electronic control component. For example, Figure 10 The cartridge 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 comprises a second electronic control component 1024. The second electronic control component 1024 can be configured to allow authentication of the cartridge 1000. In this regard, in some embodiments, the second electronic control component 1024 can be configured to communicate with the (first) control component 308 (see, e.g.,Figure 3 ) can be analyzed. Thereby, for example, the control component 308 can direct current to the transmitter coupling device 302 only if the cartridge 1000 is verified as authentic. In some embodiments, the second control component can include a terminal that connects to the control body. More preferably, the second control component 1024 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip configured to transmit a code or other information wirelessly to the control body 104. Thereby, the aerosol delivery device 100 can be used without requiring engagement of an electrical connector between the cartridge and the control body. Further, various examples of control components and functions performed thereby are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0103] As described above, in some embodiments, the control component 308 of the control body 104 can include an inverter or inverter circuit configured to convert direct current provided by the power source 312 to alternating current provided to the transmitter coupling device 302. Figure 12 FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a circuit 1200 and other components of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the aerosol delivery device includes a substrate 610 configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition, and a circuit including a resonant transformer 1202 including a transmitter coupling device 302 and a resonant receiver coupling device 602 proximate the substrate. The control component 308 of the aerosol delivery device includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter 1204 configured to drive the resonant transformer.

[0104] As shown, the PWM inverter 1204 includes a bridge circuit 1206 coupled to the transmitter coupling device 302, and, in some examples, the half-bridge current is comprised of a pair of transistors such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and a pair of diodes. The PWM inverter also includes a PWM controller 1208 coupled to the half-bridge circuit. According to some examples, the PWM controller is embodied as an integrated circuit and is configured to output a PWM signal to the half-bridge circuit, thereby configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field. The alternating voltage induces the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. Examples of suitable PWM controllers include the bq500210 and bq500212A controllers produced by Texas Instruments, the STWBC series of controllers produced by STMicroelectronics, and the like.

[0105] As further shown in some examples, the aerosol delivery device further includes a power source 312, such as a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid state battery, or a rechargeable lithium ion battery, configured to supply power to the PWM inverter 1204. Further, the aerosol delivery device further includes a constant voltage regulator 1210 between the power source and the PWM inverter, and which is configured to maintain a constant voltage level in the PWM inverter. Suitable voltage regulators include switching regulators, such as linear regulators of low dropout regulators (LDOs), and the like.

[0106] Figure 13 The power source 1300 is shown to correspond to the power source 312 in some examples. As shown, in some examples, the power source includes a rechargeable supercapacitor 1302 configured to supply power to the PWM inverter 1204. Further, the power source further includes a terminal 1304 connected to an energy source 1306 from which the rechargeable supercapacitor can be charged. As previously described, the control body 104 can be combined with any type of rechargeable technology (e.g., wall charger, car charger, computer, photovoltaic cell, solar panel of solar cells, wireless RF-based charger), for example. And in another example, the power source further includes an energy source that is or includes a rechargeable solid state battery or a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

[0107] Returning to Figure 12 In some examples, the aerosol delivery device can further prevent the temperature of the resonant receiver coupling device 602 from reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature. In these examples, the control component 308 includes a microprocessor 1212 configured to receive a measurement of an alternating current induced in the resonant receiver coupling device 602 by a Hall effect current sensor 1214 located proximate to the resonant receiver coupling device 602, for example. The Hall effect current sensor can be part of the cartridge 102, or in some examples, the control body 104. The microprocessor can control operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device in response to the measurement, such as to reduce the temperature of the resonant receiver coupling device 602 if the measurement indicates that the temperature is at or above the threshold temperature. One way to reduce the temperature can be to include an additional air outlet in the aerosol delivery device 100 that can be controlled to expel air out of the aerosol delivery device 100. Some examples of suitable aerosol delivery devices equipped with a Hall effect current sensor are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 993,762 to Sur, filed January 12, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0108] As Figure 14As shown, in some examples, the aerosol delivery device further includes a high pass filter 1402 and a non-inverting amplification circuit 1404 coupled to the high pass filter. In these examples, the high pass filter is coupled to the resonant receiver coupling device 602 and is configured to filter a direct current voltage component from an alternating current voltage induced by the resonant receiver coupling device. The non-inverting amplification circuit is configured to amplify the filtered alternating current voltage.

[0109] As noted above, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices that include a control body that includes a wireless power transmitter configured to receive electrical current from a power source and wirelessly heat an atomizer. As can be appreciated, various wireless heating techniques can be employed to heat an aerosol precursor composition, which can be contained in a reservoir and / or in contact with a substrate. In some embodiments, the atomizer can be wirelessly heated without the need to transmit electrical current to the atomizer.

[0110] In the embodiments described above, the wireless power transmitter can include a transmitter coupling device and the atomizer can include a resonant receiver coupling device. Thereby, an eddy current can be induced at the resonant receiver coupling device in order to generate heat. As further noted above, the transmitter coupling device can be configured to at least partially surround the resonant receiver coupling device. As a further example, in other embodiments, radiative heating, sonic heating, photonic heating (e.g., via a laser), and / or microwave heating can be used to wirelessly heat the atomizer.

[0111] However, various other techniques and mechanisms can be employed in other embodiments to wirelessly heat the atomizer. For example, electrical current can be wirelessly transmitted to the atomizer, and such wireless power transmission techniques can be employed with any embodiment of an atomizer, such as a coil resistance heating element. Embodiments of wireless power transmission methods and mechanisms are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 814,866 to Sur et al., filed July 31, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0112] It is noted that while the present disclosure generally describes heating a substrate comprising aerosol precursor composition positioned proximate to a resonant receiver coupling device to generate an aerosol, in other embodiments, the resonant receiver coupling device can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition directed (e.g., dispensed) thereon. For example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 2015 / 0117824; 2015 / 0114409; and 2015 / 0117841 to Brammer et al. disclose fluid aerosol precursor composition delivery mechanisms and methods, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such fluid aerosol precursor composition delivery mechanisms and methods can be employed to direct an aerosol precursor composition from a reservoir to a resonant receiver coupling device to generate an aerosol. In further embodiments, the resonant receiver coupling device can comprise a hollow needle connected to a reservoir, where capillary action directs aerosol precursor composition into the needle to refill the needle as the aerosol precursor composition is evaporated by the needle. It is further noted that while example shapes and configurations of resonant receiver coupling devices and transmitter coupling devices are described herein, various other configurations and shapes can be employed.

[0113] Figure 15 Various operations in a method 1500 for assembling an aerosol delivery device according to some embodiments are illustrated. As Figure 15 The method can include, as illustrated, providing a substrate comprising an aerosol precursor composition at operation 1502. The method can further include providing a resonant receiver coupling device at operation 1504. Additionally, the method can include positioning the substrate proximate to the resonant receiver coupling device at operation 1506. The resonant receiver coupling device can be configured to generate heat when exposed to an oscillating magnetic field and heat the aerosol precursor composition to generate an aerosol.

[0114] In some embodiments, positioning the substrate proximate to the resonant receiver coupling device at operation 1506 can include positioning the substrate in direct contact with the resonant receiver coupling device. In some embodiments, positioning the substrate proximate to the resonant receiver coupling device at operation 1506 can include positioning the substrate in direct contact with the resonant receiver coupling device. The method can additionally include filling the substrate with the aerosol precursor composition. The aerosol precursor composition can comprise a liquid aerosol precursor composition.

[0115] The method can additionally include providing a transmitter coupling device and positioning the transmitter coupling device such that the transmitter coupling device at least partially surrounds the resonant receiver coupling device. Positioning the transmitter coupling device can include positioning the transmitter coupling device not in direct contact with the resonant receiver coupling device.

[0116] The method can additionally include forming a cartridge including a substrate and a resonant receiver coupling device. Further, the method can include forming a control body including a transmitter coupling device. Positioning the transmitter coupling device such that the transmitter coupling device at least partially surrounds the resonant receiver coupling device can include coupling the cartridge to the control body. Additionally, forming the control body can include coupling a power source to the transmitter coupling device.

[0117] Figure 16 Various operations in a method 1600 for aerosolization are illustrated in accordance with some embodiments. As Figure 16 As illustrated, the method can include providing a cartridge at operation 1602. The cartridge can include an aerosol precursor composition and an atomizer. The method can additionally include providing a control body at operation 1604. The control body can include a power source and a wireless power transmitter. The method can further include directing current from the power source to the wireless power transmitter at operation 1606. Additionally, the method can include wirelessly heating the atomizer with the wireless power transmitter to heat the aerosol precursor composition to produce an aerosol at operation 1608.

[0118] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a pouch configured to receive at least one end of a substrate configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition; a resonant transformer comprising a transmitter coupling device and a resonant receiver coupling device, the resonant receiver coupling device being positioned proximate to the substrate when the substrate is received in the pocket, the transmitter coupling device at least partially surrounding but not in direct contact with the resonant receiver coupling device, at least the resonant receiver coupling device and the pocket configured to receive an end of the substrate each having a substantially coaxial longitudinal axis; as well as a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter configured to drive the resonant transformer, the PWM inverter configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the resonant receiver coupling device when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage causing the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

2. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein Also included is a power supply comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery, or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and configured to supply power to the PWM inverter.

3. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 2, wherein Also included is a constant voltage regulator between the power supply and the PWM inverter and configured to maintain a constant voltage level in the PWM inverter.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein: The power supply also includes terminals connectable to an energy source, from which the rechargeable supercapacitor can be charged.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein: The power supply also includes the energy source, and the energy source is or includes a rechargeable solid-state battery or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: The PWM inverter comprises: a bridge circuit coupled to the transmitter coupling device; and A PWM controller is configured to output a PWM signal to the bridge circuit, the PWM signal being configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate the oscillating magnetic field.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein: The bridge circuit is a half-bridge circuit composed of a pair of transistors and a pair of diodes.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein Also includes: a Hall effect current sensor positioned proximate the resonant receiver coupling device and configured to perform a measurement of an alternating current induced therein; as well as A microprocessor is configured to receive the measurement and to control the operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device in response to the measurement.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a high pass filter coupled to the resonant receiver coupling device and configured to filter out any DC voltage component from the AC voltage induced in the resonant receiver coupling device; as well as A non-inverting amplifier circuit is coupled to the high-pass filter and configured to amplify the filtered AC voltage.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein The resonant receiver coupling device is configured not to be in direct contact with the substrate.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein: The transmitter coupling device is defined as a tubular configuration or a coil configuration.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein The resonant receiver coupling device is porous.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein The aerosol precursor composition comprises a solid tobacco material or a semi-solid tobacco material.

14. A control body coupled to or capable of being coupled to a cartridge, the control body being equipped with a resonant receiver coupling device positioned proximate a substrate, the resonant receiver coupling device being configured to carry an aerosol precursor composition, the control body comprising: a bag configured to receive at least one end of the substrate; a transmitter coupling device that forms a resonant transformer with the resonant receiver coupling device when the control body is coupled to the cartridge, the transmitter coupling device at least partially surrounding but not in direct contact with the resonant receiver coupling device, at least the resonant receiver coupling device and the pocket configured to receive one end of the substrate each having a substantially coaxial longitudinal axis; as well as a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter configured to drive the resonant transformer, the PWM inverter configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the resonant receiver coupling device when the resonant receiver coupling device is exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage causing the resonant receiver coupling device to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

15. The control subject according to claim 14, characterized in that: Also included is a power supply comprising a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery, or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and configured to supply power to the PWM inverter.

16. The control subject according to claim 15, characterized in that: Also included is a constant voltage regulator between the power supply and the PWM inverter and configured to maintain a constant voltage level in the PWM inverter.

17. The control subject according to claim 15, characterized in that: The power supply also includes terminals connectable to an energy source, from which the rechargeable supercapacitor can be charged.

18. The control subject according to claim 17, wherein: The power supply also includes the energy source, and the energy source is or includes a rechargeable solid-state battery or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

19. The control subject according to claim 14, wherein: The PWM inverter comprises: a bridge circuit coupled to the transmitter coupling device; and A PWM controller is configured to output a PWM signal to the bridge circuit, the PWM signal being configured to drive the transmitter coupling device to generate the oscillating magnetic field.

20. The control subject according to claim 19, wherein: The bridge circuit is a half-bridge circuit composed of a pair of transistors and a pair of diodes.

21. The control subject according to claim 14, wherein: The resonant receiver coupling device is configured not to be in direct contact with the substrate.

22. The control subject according to claim 21, characterized in that: The transmitter coupling device is defined as a tubular configuration or a coil configuration.

23. The control subject according to claim 14, characterized in that: Also included is an outer body, a flow sensor, and an indicator.

24. The control subject according to claim 14, characterized in that: The resonant receiver coupling device is porous.

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