Liquid delivery susceptor assembly for delivery and induction heating of an aerosol-forming liquid

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating an aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field. The sensor assembly includes a filament bundle, which in turn includes at least a plurality of first filaments comprising a first sensor material. The plurality of first filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle. The invention further relates to an induction heating assembly and an aerosol generating article, each comprising such a sensor assembly. The invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, an aerosol generating article for use with the apparatus, and an induction heating assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-forming liquid. The invention further relates to an induction heating assembly and an aerosol generating article, each comprising such a sensor assembly. The invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an induction-heated aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article for use with the device. Background Technology

[0002] Generating inhalable aerosols by heating an aerosol to form a liquid is generally known in the prior art. For this purpose, a liquid aerosol forming matrix can be transported from a liquid reservoir to a region outside the reservoir by a wicking element, where the liquid aerosol forming matrix can be evaporated by a heater and exposed to an air path to be subsequently drawn out as an aerosol. The heater can be an induction heater. In particular, the wicking element can be an inductively heated wicking element comprising a sensor material and thus capable of performing two functions: wicking and heating. Therefore, when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the wicking element heats up due to at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses, which are induced in the wicking element depending on its magnetic and electrical properties. Thus, such a wicking element can also be considered a liquid transport sensor or sensor assembly.

[0003] There are various constructions for lead-collecting elements, such as mesh structures. However, many of these constructions are complex and therefore laborious to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, liquid transport sensor assemblies, induction heating assemblies, aerosol generating articles, and aerosol generating systems that possess the advantages of existing technological solutions while mitigating their limitations are desired. In particular, liquid transport sensor assemblies, induction heating assemblies, aerosol generating articles, and aerosol generating systems that include liquid transport sensors that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture are desired.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a liquid transport sensor assembly is provided for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field. The sensor assembly includes a filament bundle, wherein the filament bundle includes at least a plurality of first filaments comprising a first sensor material. The plurality of first filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle.

[0006] According to the present invention, it has been found that, particularly compared to more complex receptor assembly structures (such as mesh structures), receptor assemblies comprising at least a portion of a bundle of filaments having parallel bundle portions extending along their length may be easier and cheaper to manufacture. Essentially, such receptor assemblies can be manufactured by bundling together multiple individual filaments arranged at least partially in a sequence parallel to the bundle and cutting the bundle to the desired length.

[0007] As used herein, the term "parallel" refers to a substantially parallel arrangement, including minor deviations from a perfect parallel arrangement of up to 5 degrees, particularly up to 2 degrees, preferably up to 1 degree, and more preferably up to 0.5 degrees. That is, in the parallel bundle portion, the filaments may diverge from each other by up to 5 degrees, particularly up to 2 degrees, preferably up to 1 degree, and more preferably up to 0.5 degrees.

[0008] Filaments are particularly suitable for transporting liquids due to their inherent capillary action. Furthermore, in a filament bundle, the capillary action is further enhanced by the narrow spaces formed between the multiple filaments when bundled. This is especially true for the parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle, along which the capillary action is constant because the narrow spaces between the filaments do not vary along this portion. Therefore, the parallel bundle portion is particularly suitable to be (at least partially) immersed in a liquid reservoir to draw aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir core to a region outside the reservoir. There, the transported liquid can evaporate and be exposed to an air path to be drawn out as an aerosol.

[0009] Preferably, the filament bundle is an untwisted filament bundle. In an untwisted filament bundle, the filaments preferably extend adjacent to each other along the entire length of the bundle without crossing each other. In particular, in the parallel bundle portion, the filaments extend parallel to each other without crossing each other. Similarly, the filament bundle may include a twisted portion in which the filaments are twisted together. The twisted portion can enhance the mechanical stability of the filament bundle.

[0010] Preferably, the multiple first filaments are solid material filaments. Solid material filaments are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. In addition, solid material filaments provide good mechanical stability, thus making the filament bundle robust.

[0011] For the same reason, the plurality of first filaments are preferably monolithic material filaments. Therefore, the plurality of first filaments are preferably made of a first receptor material.

[0012] Because the first filament comprises or is made of the first receptor material, the filament bundle is able to perform two functions: transporting and heating the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, this dual function allows for very economical material use and a compact design of the receptor assembly without the need for separate devices for transport and heating. Furthermore, there is direct thermal contact between the heat source (i.e., the filament) and the aerosol-forming liquid adhered to the filament. Unlike the case where a heater is in contact with a saturated wick, the direct contact between the filament and a small amount of liquid advantageously allows for rapid heating, that is, rapid initiation of evaporation.

[0013] As used herein, the term "receptor material" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. Depending on its electrical and magnetic properties, this can result in at least one of induced hysteresis losses or eddy currents in the receptor material. In ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic receptor materials, hysteresis losses occur due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents are induced in conductive receptor materials. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic receptor materials, heat is generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.

[0014] Therefore, the first receptor material can be formed from any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols from the aerosol-forming matrix. Thus, the first receptor material can include or be made of at least one of conductive and ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials. That is, the first receptor material can include or be made of one of ferrimagnetic, or ferromagnetic, or conductive, or conductive ferrimagnetic, or conductive ferromagnetic materials.

[0015] For example, the material of the first sensor may include or be made of one of the following: ferrite, aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, nickel alloy, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or austenitic stainless steel.

[0016] Wadding, or capillary action, largely depends on the reduction of surface energy between two separate surfaces (the liquid surface and the solid surface of the filament). Wadding or capillary action involves effects dependent on the radii of curvature of both the liquid surface and the filament. Therefore, a large surface area and a small radius of curvature are often required, both achieved through the small diameter of the filament and the brush-like nature of the filament bundle. The radius of curvature of the filament is important when the liquid wets the filament.

[0017] Therefore, the diameter of the multiple first filaments can be at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0018] Conversely, the diameter of the first filament preferably has a specific minimum value related to the so-called skin depth. Skin depth is a measure of how far conduction occurs in a conductive sensor material when inductively heated. Unlike DC current, AC current flows primarily in the "skin" of the conductor, between the outer surface and a level called the skin depth. The AC current density is highest near the surface of the conductor and decreases with increasing depth within the conductor. This phenomenon is called the skin effect, which is essentially caused by opposing eddy currents induced by an alternating magnetic field. Preferably, multiple first filaments have a diameter at least twice the skin depth to induce sufficient eddy currents and thus generate sufficient heat energy.

[0019] Generally, the skin depth is a function of the permeability and conductivity of the sensor material, as well as the frequency of the AC drive current or the frequency of the alternating magnetic field. Preferably, the sensor assembly operates in conjunction with a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. As mentioned herein, the high-frequency electromagnetic field can range from 500 kHz to 30 MHz, particularly from 5 MHz to 15 MHz, and preferably between 5 MHz and 10 MHz.

[0020] Depending on the material and frequency of the alternating magnetic field used, the diameter of the multiple first filaments can be at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm.

[0021] Generally, the multiple first filaments can have any cross-sectional shape suitable for transporting aerosols to form a liquid when bundled. Therefore, at least one of the multiple first filaments, particularly each one, can have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, all the first filaments have the same cross-section. It is also possible that the cross-section of one or more of the multiple first filaments differs from the cross-section of one or more of the other multiple first filaments. Preferably, the multiple first filaments have a circular, elliptical, or oval cross-section. Advantageously, the latter cross-sectional shape ensures that the filaments in the bundle are in line contact with each other only, rather than regional contact. Due to the line contact, a narrow space is formed between the multiple filaments themselves, which facilitates the capillary action required for transporting aerosols to form a liquid.

[0022] Multiple first filaments can be surface-treated. Specifically, the multiple first filaments may at least partially include a surface coating, such as an aerosol-enhancing surface coating, a liquid-adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antimicrobial surface coating. An aerosol-enhancing surface coating can advantageously enhance the diversity of the user experience. A liquid-adhesive surface coating can be advantageous in enhancing the capillary action of the filament bundle. An antimicrobial surface coating can be used to reduce bacterial contamination. A liquid-repellent coating, particularly at the ends of the filaments, can prevent liquid dripping.

[0023] Depending on the available space, the size of the filaments, and the amount of aerosol to be transported and heated to form a liquid, the multiple first filaments in the filament bundle may include 3 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 60 first filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments, such as 40 first filaments.

[0024] In addition to the plurality of first filaments, the filament bundle may further include: a plurality of second filaments comprising a second sensor material, wherein the plurality of second filaments are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the plurality of first filaments along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle. The first sensor material of the plurality of first filaments can be optimized in terms of heat loss and thus heating efficiency, while the second sensor material can advantageously serve as a temperature marker. For this purpose, the second sensor material preferably comprises one of a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic material. In particular, the second sensor material may be selected to have a Curie temperature corresponding to a predetermined heating temperature of the sensor assembly. At its Curie temperature, the magnetic properties of the second sensor material change from ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic, accompanied by a temporary change in its resistance. Therefore, by monitoring the corresponding change in the current absorbed by the sensing source, it is possible to detect when the second sensor material reaches its Curie temperature, and thus when it reaches the predetermined heating temperature.

[0025] Preferably, the material of the first receptor is different from that of the second receptor.

[0026] The second receptor material preferably has a Curie temperature below 500 degrees Celsius. Specifically, the Curie temperature of the second receptor material can be below 350 degrees Celsius, preferably below 300 degrees Celsius, more preferably below 250 degrees Celsius, even more preferably below 200 degrees Celsius, and most preferably below 150 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the Curie temperature is selected so as to be below the boiling point of the liquid formed by the aerosol to be evaporated, in order to prevent the formation of hazardous components in the aerosol.

[0027] Suitable materials for the second sensor material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys. Similarly, the second sensor material may include one of a nickel-iron high-permeability alloy (mu-metal) or permalloy. In particular, for frequencies up to 50 kHz and temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius, the relative maximum permeability of the second sensor material may be at least 80 or at least 100, more particularly at least 1000, and preferably at least 10000.

[0028] In addition, the multiple second filaments may have the same or similar properties as previously described regarding the multiple first filaments.

[0029] Therefore, the multiple second filaments can be solid material filaments. Furthermore, the multiple second filaments can be monopolar material filaments. In particular, the multiple second filaments can be made of a second receptor material.

[0030] Similarly, the multiple second filaments can be surface-treated. In particular, the multiple second filaments may include surface coatings, such as aerosol-enhanced surface coatings, liquid-adhesive surface coatings, liquid-repellent surface coatings, or antimicrobial surface coatings.

[0031] Moreover, at least one of the multiple second filaments, and in particular each of them, may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0032] For the same reasons discussed above regarding the multiple first filaments, the diameter of the multiple second filaments may be at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm. Similarly, the diameter of the multiple second filaments may be at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0033] Generally, multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments can have the same diameter. Therefore, capillary action and shear rate are consistent throughout the filament bundle. Conversely, it is also possible that multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments have different diameters. Different filament diameters can be used to alter the capillary action throughout the filament bundle.

[0034] The multiple second filaments in the filament bundle may include 1 to 100 second filaments, particularly 10 to 80 second filaments, preferably 20 to 60 second filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 second filaments, such as 40 second filaments.

[0035] Generally, the number of first filaments can be the same as the number of second filaments. However, it is also possible that the number of first filaments and second filaments are different. In particular, the number of first filaments can be greater than the number of second filaments, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the number of second filaments. This is especially suitable when the second filament is used as a temperature marker, in which case a small number of second filaments is sufficient.

[0036] The total number of filaments in the bundle can range from 3 to 100, especially from 10 to 80, preferably from 20 to 60, and more preferably from 30 to 50, for example, 40 filaments.

[0037] Multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments can be distributed substantially equally throughout the filament bundle. Uniform distribution supports consistent capillary action throughout the bundle. Alternatively, it is also possible that the multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments are not distributed unequally throughout the filament bundle. For example, multiple second filaments can be arranged (only) within the central portion of the filament bundle surrounded by multiple first filaments. That is, multiple second filaments can form the core portion of the filament bundle, and multiple first filaments can form the sleeve portion of the filament bundle surrounding the core portion. This configuration may be advantageous when the transport and heating functions of the filament bundle are primarily provided by multiple first filaments, while multiple second filaments only serve as temperature markers. Conversely, multiple first filaments can be arranged (only) within the central portion of the filament bundle surrounded by multiple second filaments. That is, multiple first filaments can form the core portion of the filament bundle, and multiple second filaments can form the sleeve portion of the filament bundle surrounding the core portion. Similarly, multiple first filaments can be arranged in the first part, particularly in the first half of the filament bundle, while multiple second filaments can be arranged in the second part, particularly in the second half of the filament bundle that is laterally adjacent to the first part (especially the first half). This configuration is particularly easy to manufacture. Alternatively, the multiple second filaments can be randomly distributed throughout the filament bundle. Moreover, the multiple second filaments may have a length different from that of the multiple first filaments. In particular, the length of the multiple second filaments may be shorter than the length of the multiple first filaments. Conversely, the length of the multiple second filaments may be greater than the length of the multiple first filaments.

[0038] In the parallel bundle section, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent first filaments and, if present, second filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm. These values ​​of center-to-center distance are particularly suitable for ensuring sufficient capillary action.

[0039] As described above, a section of the filament bundle can be configured to be immersed in a liquid reservoir. This section can be referred to as an immersion section and can be arranged at one end portion of the filament bundle. From there, the aerosol-forming liquid is conveyed to another section of the filament bundle arranged outside the reservoir, particularly at the other end portion of the filament bundle. There, the conveyed liquid can be evaporated by induction heating and exposed to an air path to be drawn out as an aerosol. Therefore, this section can be referred to as a heating section. In use, the heating section is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol-forming liquid to evaporate, while the immersion section should preferably be maintained at a temperature much lower than the evaporation temperature to avoid boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid in the liquid reservoir. Therefore, in use, the filament bundle includes a temperature profile extending along its length with sections having higher and lower temperatures. In particular, the filament bundle can include a temperature profile showing an increase in temperature from the immersion section to the heating section (particularly from a temperature below the evaporation temperature to a temperature above the corresponding evaporation temperature).

[0040] As used herein, the term "heating section" refers to a section of a sensor assembly configured to be exposed to an alternating magnetic field to induce liquid evaporation of aerosols for inductive heating. Similarly, the term "immersion section" refers to a section of a sensor assembly configured to be immersed in a liquid reservoir.

[0041] In the use of the sensor assembly, the actual temperature distribution formed depends particularly on the thermal conductivity and length of the filament bundle. A sufficient temperature gradient between the soaking and heating sections of the filament bundle requires a certain distance between them. Therefore, a certain total length of filament bundle is needed to keep the temperature in the soaking section below the evaporation temperature.

[0042] Therefore, the total length of the filament bundle can range between 5 mm and 50 mm, especially between 10 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, and more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0043] The filament bundle may further include a fan-out portion at at least one end portion of the filament bundle, in which multiple first filaments and, if present, multiple second filaments diverge from each other. This fan-out portion can prove advantageous in facilitating the exposure of evaporated aerosol-forming liquid to the air path and thus facilitating aerosol formation. The filament bundle may include two fan-out portions, one at each end portion of the filament bundle.

[0044] At at least one end portion, the filament bundle may further include a tapered portion in which the length of the filaments gradually decreases from the center of the bundle to the outer portion. The tapered portion may have a sharpened pencil-like shape. The tapered portion may be achieved, for example, by cutting the filaments at at least one end portion of the filament bundle at an angle. The tip geometry of the tapered portion can help to remove evaporated aerosols to form a liquid. In addition, the tapered portion can actively facilitate liquid transport by aligning the external airflow at the tapered portion with the tip geometry in a manner that creates a pressure drop due to Bernoulli's principle.

[0045] Preferably, the heating section of the filament bundle is located at least partially at the fan-out portion, and in particular at least partially overlaps with the fan-out portion.

[0046] The length of the fanned portion can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the total length of the filament bundle. Conversely, the length of the fanned portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0047] Similarly, the length of the parallel bundle portion can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle. Conversely, the length of the parallel bundle portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle. In the latter case, when the length of the parallel bundle portion is 100% of the total length of the filament bundle, the parallel bundle portion extends entirely along the filament bundle. Therefore, in this configuration, the filament bundle does not include the fan-out portion.

[0048] Preferably, the soaking section of the filament bundle is located at least partially at the parallel bundle portion, and in particular at least partially overlaps with the parallel bundle portion.

[0049] The parallel bundle portion may be located at least partially at one end of the filament bundle. In this configuration, the parallel bundle portion can be used to realize a soaking section at one end of the filament bundle.

[0050] Alternatively, the parallel bundle portion may be located between the two ends of the filament bundle, for example, between two fan-out portions. In particular, the parallel bundle portion may be symmetrically located between the two ends of the filament bundle, for example, between two fan-out portions. In this configuration, the filament bundle may have two fan-out portions, one at each end portion of the filament bundle. In particular, this configuration can be used to realize two heating sections or two soaking sections using each end portion of the filament bundle. Alternatively, in this configuration, one end portion may realize a soaking section, while the other end portion may realize a heating section. The parallel bundle portion may be located (particularly symmetrically located) between any of these sections.

[0051] To hold the filaments together in a parallel configuration, at least a portion of the parallel bundle can be bundled by a collar, sleeve, or wire harness. The collar, sleeve, or wire harness may include a sheathing member. For example, the sleeve may be a partition wall separating the liquid reservoir from the evaporation zone. Similarly, at least a portion of the parallel bundle can be bundled by gaskets or O-rings. The filaments can be held together by crimping or overmolding, that is, by crimping or overmolding members. Alternatively, the filaments can be held together by welding them together at one end of the bundle, preferably at the end of the soaking section. In this configuration, capillary action still occurs along the non-welded portion of the bundle.

[0052] Generally, the filament bundle can be a linear filament bundle, that is, a basically straight, non-curved, or non-bent filament bundle. This construction does not preclude minor curvature of the filament bundle, that is, a large radius of curvature extending along the length of the filament bundle. As used, a large radius of curvature may include a radius of curvature that is 10 times, particularly 20 times, 50 times, or particularly 100 times the total length of the filament bundle.

[0053] Alternatively, the filament bundle can be a curved bundle, meaning that the bundle can extend in a curve along its length. In this configuration, the radius of curvature of the filament bundle can range from 0.5 / Pi to 10 times the total length of the bundle, particularly from 1 / Pi to 5 times or 2 / Pi to 2 times. Here, Pi represents Archimedes' constant, that is, the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle.

[0054] Generally, as seen in a cross-section extending perpendicular to the length of the bundle, the bundle can have any cross-sectional shape. In particular, at least along the parallel bundle portion, the bundle can have circular, elliptical and oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-sections. Circular cross-sections are particularly easy to achieve. The cross-sectional shape, at least along the parallel bundle portion, can be easily achieved through corresponding orifices in the loops or sleeves used for bundling the fibers.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, an induction heating assembly for conveying and inductively heating aerosol-forming liquid is provided. The heating assembly includes at least one liquid conveying sensor assembly according to the invention and as described herein. The heating assembly further includes at least one sensing source configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the at least one liquid conveying sensor assembly, particularly in the heating section of the filament bundle.

[0056] To generate an alternating magnetic field, the induction source may include at least one sensor, preferably at least one induction coil. Preferably, the induction coil is arranged at least around the heating section of the liquid transport sensor assembly, particularly at least around the heating section of the filament bundle.

[0057] At least one induction coil can be a helical coil or a planar coil, particularly a disc coil or a curved planar coil. The use of a flat helical coil allows for robust and inexpensive manufacturing of compact designs. The use of a helical induction coil advantageously allows for the generation of a uniform alternating magnetic field. As used herein, a “flat helical coil” refers to a coil that is generally planar, wherein the winding axis of the coil is perpendicular to the surface on which the coil is situated. A flat helical induction coil can have any desired shape within the plane of the coil. For example, a flat helical coil can have a circular shape, or it can have a generally oblong or rectangular shape. However, when used herein, the term “flat helical coil” encompasses both planar coils and flat helical coils shaped to conform to a curved surface. For example, the induction coil can be a “curved” planar coil arranged around the circumference of a preferably cylindrical coil support (e.g., a ferrite core). Moreover, a flat helical coil can comprise, for example, two layers of four-turn flat helical coils or a single layer of four-turn flat helical coils.

[0058] At least one induction coil may be held within the housing of the heating component, or within the body or housing of an aerosol generating apparatus that includes the heating component.

[0059] As further described above regarding the sensor assembly, the heating section of the liquid transport sensor assembly (particularly the heating section of the filament bundle) may be located at one end portion of the filament bundle. This configuration advantageously prevents aerosol formation and boiling of the liquid when the filament bundle includes a soaking section at its opposite end portion.

[0060] The length of the heating section can be selected to generate the desired amount of aerosol. The shorter the heating section, the less liquid evaporation occurs during aerosol formation, and therefore the less aerosol is generated. Therefore, the length of the heating section of the filament bundle can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle. Similarly, the length of the heating section of the filament bundle can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0061] The filament bundle can be arranged eccentrically relative to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction source when using the heating assembly. Advantageously, due to the eccentric arrangement, that is, the asymmetrical arrangement, the filament bundle is arranged in a region with a higher field density of alternating magnetic field compared to a symmetrically centered arrangement. Therefore, heating efficiency is advantageously improved.

[0062] The induction source may include an alternating current (AC) generator. This AC generator may be powered by the power source of the aerosol generating device. The AC generator is operatively coupled to at least one induction coil. Specifically, the at least one induction coil may be an integral part of the AC generator. The AC generator is configured to generate a high-frequency oscillating current to pass through the at least one induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The AC current may be continuously supplied to the at least one induction coil after system activation, or it may be supplied intermittently, for example, on a per-port suction basis.

[0063] Preferably, the sensing source includes a DC / AC converter connected to a DC power supply comprising an LC network, wherein the LC network comprises a capacitor and an inductor connected in series.

[0064] The induction source is preferably configured to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. As mentioned herein, the high-frequency magnetic field can range from 500 kHz to 30 MHz, particularly from 5 MHz to 15 MHz, and preferably between 5 MHz and 10 MHz.

[0065] The heating assembly may further include a controller configured to control the operation of the heating assembly. Specifically, the controller may be configured, preferably in a closed-loop configuration, to control the operation of the induction source for controlling the heating of the aerosol-forming liquid to a predetermined operating temperature. The operating temperature range for heating the aerosol-forming liquid is between 100°C and 300°C, particularly between 150°C and 250°C, for example, 230°C. These temperatures are typical operating temperatures for heating without burning the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0066] The controller may include a microprocessor, such as a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The controller may include other electronic components, such as at least one DC / AC inverter and / or power amplifier, such as a Class C power amplifier, or a Class D power amplifier, or a Class E power amplifier. In particular, the sensing source may be part of the controller.

[0067] The controller may be a technology for an overall controller of the aerosol generating apparatus, and the heating component according to the invention is part of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0068] The heating assembly may include a power source, particularly a DC power source, configured to provide a DC power supply voltage and a DC power supply current to the induction source. Preferably, the power source is a battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging; that is, the power source may be rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more user experiences. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation in time intervals of approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of suctions or discontinuous activation of the induction source. The power source may be the overall power source for the aerosol generation apparatus, and the heating assembly according to the invention is part of that aerosol generation apparatus.

[0069] The heating assembly may further include a flux concentrator arranged around at least a portion of the induction coil and configured to twist the alternating magnetic field of at least one induction source toward the filament bundle, particularly toward the heated section of the filament bundle, when the heating assembly is used. Preferably, the flux concentrator comprises a flux concentrator foil, particularly a multilayer flux concentrator foil.

[0070] Other features and advantages of the heating assembly according to the invention have been described with respect to the sensor assembly of the invention, and are therefore equally applicable.

[0071] According to the present invention, an aerosol generation article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus is also provided. The article includes at least a first liquid reservoir for storing a first aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the first liquid reservoir includes an outlet. The article further includes at least a first liquid delivery sensor assembly according to the present invention and as described herein. The first liquid delivery sensor assembly includes a first filament for delivering the first aerosol-forming liquid from the first liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the first liquid reservoir.

[0072] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to a consumable item used with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, particularly a single-use disposable consumable item. For example, the article may be a cylinder to be inserted into an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus. Preferably, the aerosol generating article comprises at least a first aerosol-forming liquid intended to be heated rather than burned and to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols upon heating.

[0073] Preferably, the first filament bundle includes at least one soaking section arranged in the first liquid reservoir.

[0074] The length of the soaking section can be advantageously used to control the amount of aerosol forming liquid to be soaked and transported from the liquid reservoir. Therefore, the length of at least one soaking section of the first filament bundle can be at most 10%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 50%, or at most 60% of the total length of the first filament bundle. Conversely, the length of at least one soaking section of the first filament bundle can be at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the total length of the first filament bundle. Specifically, the length of at least one soaking section of the first filament bundle can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the first filament bundle.

[0075] As further described above regarding the sensor assembly, the soaking section of the first filament bundle may be located at one end portion of the first filament bundle. In this configuration, the first filament bundle may include heating sections at opposite end portions of the first filament bundle.

[0076] Similarly, the soaking section of the first filament bundle can be located between the two ends of the first filament bundle. In this configuration, the two end portions of the filament bundle can serve as heating sections. For example, the first filament bundle can be curved, particularly U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped, wherein the soaking section at least partially forms the base of the U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped filament bundle.

[0077] Alternatively, the first filament bundle may include two soaking sections, each arranged in the first liquid reservoir. Preferably, the two soaking sections may be arranged at the end portions of the first filament bundle, one at each end. In this configuration, the first filament bundle may also be curved, particularly U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped, wherein each of the two soaking sections at least partially forms an arm of the U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped first filament bundle.

[0078] The aerosol-generating article may further include at least a second liquid reservoir for storing a second aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the second liquid reservoir includes an outlet. Additionally, the aerosol-generating article may include at least a second liquid delivery sensor assembly according to the invention and as described herein, wherein the second liquid delivery sensor assembly includes a second filament for delivering the second aerosol-forming liquid from the second liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the second liquid reservoir. Having more than one liquid reservoir can enhance the diversity of the user experience in at least one aspect of flavor, duration of experience, and aerosol composition.

[0079] As previously described regarding the second filament bundle, the second filament bundle may further include at least one soaking section disposed in the second liquid reservoir. Furthermore, the length of at least one soaking section of the second filament bundle may be at most 10%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 50%, or at most 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle. Conversely, the length of at least one soaking section of the second filament bundle may be at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle. Specifically, the length of at least one soaking section of the second filament bundle may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle.

[0080] As previously described in further detail with respect to the first filament bundle, the soaking section of the second filament bundle may be located at one end portion of the second filament bundle. In this configuration, the second filament bundle may include a heating section at the opposite end of the first filament bundle.

[0081] Similarly, the soaking section of the second filament bundle can be located between the two ends of the second filament bundle. Therefore, the second filament bundle can be curved, particularly U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped, wherein the soaking section at least partially forms the base of the U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped filament bundle.

[0082] Alternatively, the second filament bundle may include two soaking sections, each arranged in the second liquid reservoir. Preferably, the two soaking sections may be arranged at the end portions of the second filament bundle, one at each end. In this configuration, the second filament bundle may also be curved, particularly U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped, wherein each of the two soaking sections at least partially forms an arm of the U-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped second filament bundle.

[0083] The aerosol generating article can be a single-use aerosol generating article or a multi-use aerosol generating article. In the latter case, the aerosol generating article can be refillable. That is, the first reservoir and, if present, the second reservoir can be refilled with the first aerosol-forming liquid and the second aerosol-forming liquid, respectively. In any configuration, the aerosol generating article may further include the first aerosol-forming liquid contained in the first liquid reservoir. Similarly, the aerosol generating article may further include the second aerosol-forming liquid contained in the second liquid reservoir.

[0084] To enhance the diversity of the user experience, the first aerosol-forming liquid can be different from the second aerosol-forming liquid. For example, the first aerosol-forming liquid can be a water-based aerosol-forming liquid, and the second aerosol-forming liquid can be an oil-based aerosol-forming liquid. Alternatively, the first and second aerosol-forming liquids can be the same. In this configuration, the first and second aerosol-forming liquids can evaporate sequentially to expand the user experience relative to a single aerosol-generating article.

[0085] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming liquid" refers to a liquid capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols when heated. An aerosol-forming liquid may contain both solid and liquid aerosol-forming materials or components. An aerosol-forming liquid may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the liquid upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, an aerosol-forming liquid may include non-tobacco materials. An aerosol-forming liquid may also include aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol. An aerosol-forming liquid may also include other additives and ingredients, such as nicotine or flavorings. In particular, an aerosol-forming liquid may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. An aerosol-forming liquid may be a water-based aerosol-forming liquid or an oil-based aerosol-forming liquid.

[0086] Additionally, the article may include a mouthpiece. As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to a portion of the article placed in a user's mouth for direct inhalation of the aerosol agent. Preferably, the mouthpiece includes a filter. The filter can be used to filter out undesirable components of the aerosol. The filter may also include additional materials, such as flavoring materials to be added to the aerosol.

[0087] The article may have a simple design. The article may have a housing comprising a first liquid reservoir and, if present, a second liquid reservoir. The housing is preferably a rigid housing comprising a liquid-impermeable material. As used herein, "rigid housing" means a self-supporting housing. The housing may comprise or be made of one of PEEK (polyetherketone), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). PP, PE, and PET are particularly cost-effective and easy to mold, especially easy to extrude. The aerosol-forming matrix is ​​a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The housing may also include flexible or collapsible sections. The housing may further include at least one vent for volume compensation.

[0088] Other features and advantages of the aerosol-generating articles according to the invention have been described with respect to the sensor assembly of the invention, and are therefore equally applicable.

[0089] According to the present invention, an aerosol generation system is also provided, comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, an aerosol generation article for use with the aerosol generation apparatus, and an induction heating assembly according to the present invention and as described herein. The sensing source of the heating assembly may be part of the induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, and the liquid transport sensor assembly of the heating assembly may be part of the aerosol generation article. In other words, an aerosol generation system is also provided, comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol generation article for use with the aerosol generation apparatus, wherein the article includes at least one liquid transport sensor assembly according to the present invention and as described herein, and wherein the apparatus includes at least one sensing source configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in a heating section of at least one liquid transport sensor assembly of the article, particularly in a heating section of a filament bundle, when the article is used with the apparatus. Specifically, the at least one sensing source may be a sensing source as described above with respect to the sensing source of the induction heating assembly according to the present invention. At least one sensing source of the aerosol generation apparatus and at least one liquid transport sensor assembly of the aerosol generation article may together form the induction heating assembly according to the present invention and as described herein. If present, the controller of the heating component may be part of the aerosol generating apparatus, particularly arranged within the aerosol generating apparatus. Preferably, the controller of the aerosol generating apparatus may include or may be the controller of the heating component. In particular, the aerosol generating apparatus may include the controller described above with respect to the induction source of the induction heating component according to the invention.

[0090] Similarly, if present, the power supply for the heating component may be part of the aerosol generating apparatus, particularly arranged within it. Preferably, the power supply for the aerosol generating apparatus may include or may be the power supply for the heating component. In particular, the aerosol generating apparatus may include the power supply described above with respect to the induction source of the induction heating component according to the invention.

[0091] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" describes an electrically operated apparatus capable of interacting with at least one aerosol generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming liquid to generate an aerosol by inductively heating a sensor assembly and thus the aerosol-forming liquid within the article. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a suction device for generating an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user through the user's mouth. In particular, the aerosol generating device is a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0092] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a receiving cavity for removably receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generated article.

[0093] When the aerosol generating article is received in the receiving cavity, the induction coil of the induction source can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the receiving cavity, particularly to surround at least a portion of the filament bundle of the aerosol generating article, especially the heating section of the filament bundle.

[0094] Apart from the specific construction of the sensor assembly of the heating component, the aerosol generating article of the aerosol generating system may be an aerosol generating article according to the present invention and as described above.

[0095] Other features and advantages of the aerosol generation system according to the invention have been described with respect to the sensor assembly, aerosol generation article and heating assembly according to the invention, and are therefore equally applicable.

[0096] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0097] Example Ex1: A liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-formed liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field, the sensor assembly comprising a filament bundle including at least a plurality of first filaments comprising a first sensor material, wherein the plurality of first filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle.

[0098] Example Ex2: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex1, wherein the filament bundle is an untwisted filament bundle.

[0099] Example Ex3: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of first filaments are solid material filaments.

[0100] Example Ex4: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of first filaments are monolithic material filaments.

[0101] Example Ex5: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of first filaments are made of the first receptor material.

[0102] Example Ex6: According to any of the preceding examples, the first sensor material comprises or is made of one of the following: a ferrimagnetic material, a ferromagnetic material, a conductive material, a conductive ferrimagnetic material, or a conductive ferromagnetic material.

[0103] Example Ex7: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first receptor material comprises or may be made of ferrite, aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, nickel alloy, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel.

[0104] Example Ex8: The receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diameter of the plurality of first filaments is at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm.

[0105] Example Ex9: The receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diameter of the plurality of first filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0106] Example Ex10: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the plurality of first filaments, particularly each of them, has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0107] Example Ex11: A receptor assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the plurality of first filaments are surface-treated, particularly including a surface coating, such as an aerosol-enhancing surface coating, a liquid-adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antimicrobial surface coating.

[0108] Example Ex12: According to any of the preceding examples, the multiple first filaments in the filament bundle include 3 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 60 first filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments, such as 40 first filaments.

[0109] Example Ex13: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the filament bundle further comprises: a plurality of second filaments comprising a second receptor material, wherein the plurality of second filaments are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the plurality of first filaments along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle.

[0110] Example Ex14: According to the receptor assembly of Example Ex13, the second receptor material includes either a ferrimagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

[0111] Example Ex15: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the Curie temperature of the second receptor material is below 500 degrees Celsius, particularly below 350 degrees Celsius, preferably below 300 degrees Celsius, more preferably below 250 degrees Celsius, even more preferably below 200 degrees Celsius, and most preferably below 150 degrees Celsius.

[0112] Example Ex16: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex15, wherein the second sensor material comprises one of nickel, nickel alloy, nickel-iron high-permeability magnetic alloy or permalloy.

[0113] Example Ex17: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex16, wherein the plurality of second filaments are solid material filaments.

[0114] Example Ex18: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex17, wherein the plurality of second filaments are mono-stage material filaments.

[0115] Example Ex19: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex18, wherein the plurality of second filaments are made of the second receptor material.

[0116] Example Ex20: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex19, wherein the plurality of second filaments are surface-treated, particularly including a surface coating, such as an aerosol-enhancing surface coating, a liquid-adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antimicrobial surface coating.

[0117] Example Ex21: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex20, wherein at least one of the plurality of second filaments, particularly each of them, has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0118] Example Ex22: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex21, wherein the diameter of the plurality of second filaments is at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm.

[0119] Example Ex23: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex22, wherein the diameter of the plurality of second filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0120] Example Ex24: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex23, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have the same diameter.

[0121] Example Ex25: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex23, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have different diameters.

[0122] Example Ex26: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex25, wherein the plurality of second filaments in the filament bundle comprises 1 to 100 second filaments, particularly 10 to 80 second filaments, preferably 20 to 60 second filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 second filaments, such as 40 second filaments.

[0123] Example Ex27: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples 13 to 26, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments are distributed substantially equally throughout the filament bundle.

[0124] Example Ex28: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples 13 to 26, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments are unequally distributed throughout the filament bundle.

[0125] Example Ex29: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein in the parallel bundle portion, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent first filaments and, if present, second filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0126] Example Ex30: A sensor assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the total length of the filament bundle is between 5 mm and 50 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, and more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0127] Example Ex31: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the filament bundle includes a fan-out portion at at least one end portion of the filament bundle, in which the plurality of first filaments and, if present, the plurality of second filaments diverge from each other.

[0128] Example Ex32: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex31, wherein the length of the fan-out portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0129] Example Ex33: According to the sensor assembly of Example Ex31 or Example Ex32, the length of the fan-out portion is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0130] Example Ex34: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the parallel bundle portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0131] Example Ex35: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the parallel bundle portion is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0132] Example Ex36: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the parallel bundle portion is located at one end portion of the filament bundle.

[0133] Example Ex37: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the parallel bundle portion is located, in particular symmetrically, between the two ends of the filament bundle.

[0134] Example Ex38: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least a portion of the parallel bundle portion is bundled by a collar, a sleeve, or a wire harness.

[0135] Example Ex39: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex38, wherein the ferrule or the sleeve or the wire harness includes a sheath member.

[0136] Example Ex40: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the filament bundle is a linear [non-curved, non-bent] filament bundle.

[0137] Example Ex41: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least along the parallel bundle portion, the filament bundle has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0138] Example Ex42: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the lengths of the plurality of second filaments are different from the lengths of the plurality of first filaments.

[0139] Example Ex43: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the length of the plurality of second filaments is shorter than the length of the plurality of first filaments.

[0140] Example Ex44: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the length of the plurality of second filaments is greater than the length of the plurality of first filaments.

[0141] Example Ex45: An induction heating assembly for conveying and inductively heating an aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the heating assembly includes:

[0142] - At least one liquid delivery sensor component according to any of the foregoing examples;

[0143] - At least one sensing source, the at least one sensing source being configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the at least one liquid delivery sensor assembly, particularly in the heating section of the filament bundle.

[0144] Example Ex46: A heating assembly according to Example Ex45, wherein the sensing source includes an induction coil arranged at least around a heating section of the liquid delivery sensor assembly, particularly at least around a heating section of the filament bundle.

[0145] Example Ex47: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the heating section of the liquid delivery sensor assembly, in particular the heating section of the filament bundle, is located at one end portion of the filament bundle.

[0146] Example Ex48: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex47, wherein the length of the heating section of the filament bundle is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0147] Example Ex49: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex48, wherein the length of the heating section of the filament bundle is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0148] Example Ex50: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex49, wherein the filament bundle is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction source when using the heating assembly.

[0149] Example Ex51: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex50, wherein the heating assembly further includes a flux concentrator arranged around at least a portion of the induction coil and configured to twist the alternating magnetic field of the at least one induction source toward the filament bundle, particularly toward the heating section of the filament bundle, when the heating assembly is used.

[0150] Example Ex52: The heating assembly according to Example Ex51, wherein the flux concentrator includes a flux concentrator foil, particularly a multilayer flux concentrator foil.

[0151] Example Ex53: An aerosol generating article for use with an induction heating aerosol generating apparatus, the article comprising:

[0152] - At least a first liquid reservoir for storing a first aerosol-formed liquid, wherein the first liquid reservoir includes an outlet;

[0153] - At least a first liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, the first liquid delivery sensor assembly including a first filament for delivering the first aerosol forming liquid from the first liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the first liquid reservoir.

[0154] Example Ex54: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex53, wherein the first filament includes at least one soaking section arranged in the first liquid reservoir.

[0155] Example Ex55: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex54, wherein the length of at least one soaking section of the first filament bundle is at most 10%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 50%, or at most 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle.

[0156] Example Ex56: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex54, wherein the length of at least one soaking section of the first filament bundle may be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or 60% of the total length of the first filament bundle.

[0157] Example Ex57: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex54 to Ex56, wherein the soaking section of the first filament is located at an end portion of the first filament.

[0158] Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex54 to Ex56, wherein the soaking section of the first filament is located between the two ends of the first filament.

[0159] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex53 to Ex58, wherein the first filament includes two soaking sections, each soaking section being arranged in the first liquid reservoir.

[0160] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex53 to Ex59, further comprising:

[0161] - At least a second liquid reservoir for storing a second aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the second liquid reservoir includes an outlet;

[0162] - At least a second liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, the second liquid delivery sensor assembly including a second filament for delivering the second aerosol forming liquid from the second liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the second liquid reservoir.

[0163] Example Ex61: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex60, wherein the second filament includes at least one soaking section arranged in the second liquid reservoir.

[0164] Example Ex62: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex61, wherein the length of at least one soaking section of the second filament bundle is at most 10%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 50% or at most 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle.

[0165] Example Ex63: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex61, wherein the length of at least one soaking section of the second filament bundle is at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the total length of the second filament bundle.

[0166] Example Ex64: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex63, wherein the soaking section of the second filament is located at one end portion of the second filament.

[0167] Example Ex65: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex63, wherein the soaking section of the second filament is located between the two ends of the second filament.

[0168] Example Ex66: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex60 to Ex65, wherein the second filament includes two soaking sections, each soaking section being arranged in the second liquid reservoir.

[0169] Example Ex67: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples Ex60 to Ex66, further comprising a first aerosol generating liquid contained in the first liquid reservoir.

[0170] Example Ex68: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples Ex60 to Ex67 further includes a second aerosol generating liquid contained in the second liquid reservoir.

[0171] Example Ex69: An aerosol-forming article according to Example Ex68, wherein the first aerosol-forming liquid is different from the second aerosol-forming liquid.

[0172] Example Ex70: An aerosol generation system comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, an aerosol generation article for use with said aerosol generation apparatus, and an induction heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex52, wherein the sensing source of said heating assembly is part of said induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, and wherein the liquid delivery sensor assembly of said heating assembly is part of said aerosol generation article.

[0173] Example Ex71: An aerosol generation system includes an induction-heated aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article for use with said aerosol generation device, wherein said article includes at least one liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex45, and wherein said device includes at least one sensing source configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in a heating section of at least one liquid delivery sensor assembly of said article, particularly in a heating section of said filament, when said article is used with said device. Attached Figure Description

[0174] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0175] Figure 1 An inductive heating assembly including a sensor assembly is schematically shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0176] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 The cross-section of the sensor component of the heating component;

[0177] Figure 3A receptor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0178] Figure 4 A receptor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0179] Figure 5 The illustration shows, including, according to Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generation article according to the invention, comprising a sensor component;

[0180] Figure 6 The illustration shows, including, according to Figure 1 A second exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention, comprising two receptor components; and

[0181] Figure 7 The illustration shows, including, according to Figure 5 Exemplary embodiments of the aerosol generation system according to the present invention, including aerosol generation apparatus and aerosol generation articles. Detailed Implementation

[0182] Figure 1 An induction heating assembly 20 including a liquid transport sensor assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Generally, the sensor assembly 10 includes a bundle of filaments 18 capable of performing two functions: transporting and heating aerosols to form a liquid. For this purpose, the bundle of filaments 18 includes a plurality of first filaments 11 and a plurality of second filaments 12, wherein the plurality of first filaments 11 comprise a first sensor material, and the plurality of second filaments 12 comprise a second sensor material. Due to the sensitive nature of the filament materials, the first filaments 11 and the second filaments 12 can be inductively heated in an alternating magnetic field, and thus heat the aerosols to form a liquid in thermal contact with the filaments. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the first filaments 11 and the second filaments 12 in the bundle of filaments 18, and due to the small diameter of the filaments 11 and 12, a narrow channel is formed between the filaments 11 and 12, which provides capillary action along the longitudinal direction X of the bundle of filaments 18. Therefore, for example, if one end portion 13 of the filament bundle 18 is immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid can be delivered to the opposite end portion 14 of the filament bundle 18, where the delivered liquid can evaporate and be exposed to the air path to be drawn out as an aerosol.

[0183] To facilitate liquid evaporation, the heating assembly 20 further includes an induction source 30, which comprises an induction coil 32. In this embodiment, the induction coil 32 is a double-layered helical coil, each layer having six windings, capable of generating a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field. Figure 1As can be seen, the induction coil 32 is arranged around the end portion 14 of the filament bundle 18 to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the filament bundle 18 only locally at its end portion 14. Therefore, the filament bundle 18 is locally heated in the heating section 17 at the end portion 14. The field strength is chosen such that the heating section 17 is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol transported through the filament bundle 18 to evaporate into a liquid. In contrast, due to the localized heating, the remaining sections of the filament bundle 18, particularly the end portion 13, remain at a temperature below the evaporation temperature. Therefore, when using the heating assembly 20, the sensor assembly 10 includes a temperature distribution along its length direction X, which has such... Figure 1 The lower portion shows the higher and lower temperature sections. More specifically, the temperature distribution shows a temperature rise from below the evaporation temperature T_ap of the aerosol-forming liquid to above the corresponding evaporation temperature T_vap in the heated section 17 from end portion 13 to the opposite end portion 14. Advantageously, keeping the evaporation temperature below T_vap in the remaining sections prevents boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid within said portion of the tow 18. Even when the remaining section 16 or at least a portion thereof is used as the soaking section 16 for immersion in the liquid reservoir, boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid within the reservoir is also prevented.

[0184] The actual temperature distribution formed when using the sensor assembly 10 depends on the thermal conductivity and length of the filament bundle 18. Therefore, in order to have a sufficient temperature gradient between end portions 13 and 14, the filament bundle 18 requires a certain total length. In this embodiment, the total length of the filament bundle 18 can range from 5 mm to 50 mm, particularly from 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably from 10 mm to 20 mm. This applies to each filament type, that is, multiple first filaments 11 and multiple second filaments 12.

[0185] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 The wire AA passes through the cross-section of the receptor assembly 10 of the filament bundle 18. The plurality of first filaments 11 and the plurality of second filaments 12 are both solid material filaments with substantially circular cross-sections. Due to the circular cross-sections, the filaments 11 and 12 do not regionally contact each other, but only in line contact, thus forming capillary spaces between the filaments 11 and 12 themselves. Other cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of first filaments 11 and second filaments 12 are also possible, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-sections.

[0186] To provide sufficient capillary action, the average center-to-center distance D between adjacent filaments 11, 12 in the filament bundle is at most 0.5 mm, particularly at most 0.25 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.05 mm, and even more preferably at most 0.025 mm.

[0187] Capillary action is also facilitated by a small radius of curvature, and therefore by the small diameters of the first filament 11 and the second filament 12. Thus, the diameters of the first and second filaments can be at most 0.025 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm. However, the diameters of the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 should still be greater than twice the skin depth so that sufficient eddy currents are induced when the filament bundle 18 is exposed to an alternating magnetic field, and thus sufficient heat energy is generated. Therefore, depending on the material and frequency of the alternating magnetic field used, the diameters of the first wire 11 and the second wire 12 can be at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm.

[0188] In this embodiment, the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 may include a liquid-adhesive surface coating (not shown). The liquid-adhesive surface coating further enhances the capillary effect of the filament bundle 18.

[0189] The first sensor material of the multiple first filaments 11 is optimized for heat generation. For example, the first sensor material can be ferromagnetic stainless steel, allowing the multiple first filaments 11 to be inductively heated by eddy currents and by hysteresis losses. The Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic first sensor material is chosen to be much higher than the evaporation temperature, preferably above 300 degrees Celsius. In contrast, as further described above, the multiple second filaments 12 primarily function as temperature markers. For this purpose, the second sensor material can be ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, preferably having a Curie temperature approximately at the predetermined operating temperature of the sensor assembly 10. Therefore, when the sensor assembly 10 reaches the Curie temperature of the second sensor material, the magnetic properties of the second sensor material change from ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic, accompanied by a temporary change in its resistance. Thus, by monitoring the corresponding change in the current absorbed by the induction source 30 used to generate the alternating magnetic field, it is possible to detect when the second sensor material reaches its Curie temperature, and therefore when it reaches the predetermined operating temperature. Suitable materials for the second sensor material can be nickel, nickel alloys, nickel-iron high-permeability alloys, or permalloy. To adequately serve as a temperature marker, only a few second filaments are needed. Therefore, the number of first filaments 11 can be greater than the number of second filaments 12, specifically two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the number of second filaments. In this embodiment, the filament bundle 18 exemplary comprises forty first filaments 11 and five second filaments 12.

[0190] like Figure 2 It can also be seen that multiple second filaments 12 are randomly distributed throughout the filament bundle 18. Advantageously, this random distribution requires very little work during the manufacturing process of the filament bundle 18. Figure 2 As can be seen further, the filament bundle 18 has a generally circular cross-section that is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0191] Refer again Figure 1 The first filament 11 and the second filament 12 are arranged parallel to each other so as to form a parallel bundle portion 15 extending along the entire length of the filament bundle 18. That is, the filament bundle 18 of the receptor assembly 10 is an untwisted filament bundle, wherein the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 are neither twisted nor braided, and therefore do not cross each other. The parallel bundle portion 15 is particularly advantageous in providing sufficient capillary action as it extends along the entire length of the filament bundle 18. Moreover, the manufacture of a receptor assembly including parallelly arranged filaments is easy and cost-effective. Basically, the receptor assembly 10 can be manufactured by bundling multiple individual filaments arranged in a substantially parallel order and cutting the filament bundle to the desired length.

[0192] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the receptor assembly 110 according to the invention is shown. Generally, according to Figure 3 The receptor component is similar to Figure 1 and 2 The receptor component 10 is shown. Therefore, the same or similar features are represented by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 100. Figure 1 and 2 Compared to the first embodiment shown, according to Figure 3 The receptor assembly 110 includes a fan-out portion 119 at the end portion 114 of the filament bundle 118, in which the first filament 111 and the second filament 112 diverge from each other. Therefore, the parallel bundle portion 115 does not extend along the entire length of the filament bundle 118. In this embodiment, the parallel bundle portion 150 is located at the opposite end portion 113 of the filament bundle 118 and extends along approximately one-third of the total length of the filament bundle 118. Therefore, the fan-out portion extends along approximately two-thirds of the total length of the filament bundle 118. The fan-out portion facilitates the exposure of the evaporated aerosol-forming liquid to the air path and thus facilitates aerosol formation. Similarly, the fan-out portion can at least partially serve as an immersion section for immersion in the aerosol-forming liquid. To hold the filaments 111, 112 together in a parallel configuration, at least a portion of the parallel bundle portion 115 of the filament bundle 118 is bundled by a collar 190 or a wire harness. In this embodiment, the collar is arranged at the end portion 113.

[0193] Figure 4 It shows something similar to Figure 3The third embodiment of the receptor assembly 210 shown in the second embodiment. Therefore, the same or similar features are again indicated by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 100. Figure 3 Compared to the second embodiment shown, according to Figure 4 The receptor assembly 210 includes two fan-out portions 219, one at each end portion 213, 214 of the filament bundle 218. Therefore, a parallel bundle portion 215 is located between the two fan-out portions 219. In this embodiment, the filament bundle 118 is asymmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry extending perpendicular to the length of the filament bundle and passing through its center of mass. The length of each of the two fan-out portions 219 is approximately 40% of the total length of the filament bundle 218, while the length of the parallel bundle portion 215 is approximately 20% of the total length of the filament bundle 218. Similar to... Figure 3 The embodiments shown are based on Figure 4 The first filament 211 and the second filament 212 of the filament bundle 218 are bundled by a collar 290, which is arranged around a parallel bundle portion 215 approximately at the middle of the length of the filament bundle 218. According to Figure 4 The configuration can be used to achieve two heating sections or two immersion sections at each end of the bundle. Alternatively, in this configuration, one fan-out portion 219 can realize the immersion section, while the other fan-out portion 219 can realize the heating section.

[0194] Figure 5 A first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 40 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Reference will be made below. Figure 7 Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 40 is configured for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus. Article 40 includes a rigid article housing 43 made of a liquid-impermeable material. The article housing 43, together with a sleeve 44, forms a liquid reservoir 41 containing an aerosol-forming liquid 51. The sleeve 44 includes an opening forming an outlet for the liquid reservoir 41. Article 40 further includes components corresponding to… Figure 1The sensor assembly 10 shown is a liquid delivery sensor assembly 10. The filament 18 of the sensor assembly 10 passes through an opening in the sleeve 44 to be partially arranged in the liquid reservoir 41 and partially arranged in the evaporation chamber 45 formed by the article housing 43 and the sleeve 44 adjacent to the liquid reservoir 41. Thus, the filament 18 can deliver aerosol-forming liquid 51 from the liquid reservoir 41 through an outlet to a region outside the liquid reservoir 41, that is, to the evaporation chamber 45. There, the delivered liquid 51 can be evaporated by induction heating of the portion of the filament 18 arranged in the evaporation chamber 45. Therefore, this portion of the filament 18 arranged in the liquid reservoir 41, particularly immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid 51, serves as an immersion section 16. The length of the immersion section 16 can advantageously be used to control the amount of aerosol-forming liquid that is immersed and delivered from the liquid reservoir 41 to the evaporation chamber 45. In this embodiment, the length of the soaking section 16 is approximately 60% of the total length of the filament bundle 18.

[0195] Similarly, as previously discussed... Figure 1 When exposed to an alternating magnetic field, this portion of the filament bundle 18 arranged in the evaporation chamber 45 at least partially serves as the heating section 17.

[0196] like Figure 5 As can be further seen, article 40 includes an air inlet 46 that enters the evaporation chamber 45 through article housing 43, allowing air to enter the evaporation chamber 45. Air inlet 46 may be configured to provide airflow at or around the heating section 17 of the tow 18. Air inlet 46 may be an orifice through the reservoir body. Similarly, air inlet 46 may be a nozzle configured to direct airflow to a specific target location on the tow 18. Additionally, article 41 includes a mouthpiece 47 forming the proximal portion of the evaporation chamber 45. Mouthpiece 47 has a tapered shape and includes an air outlet 48 at its extreme, thus allowing the user to directly inhale aerosol from the article. Preferably, the mouthpiece includes a filter (not shown). Thus, when the user inhales, the aerosol forming liquid evaporated from the heating section 17 is exposed to the airflow that has entered the evaporation chamber 45 through air inlet 46 to form an aerosol, which can be drawn out through the air outlet 48 in mouthpiece 47.

[0197] Generally, the aerosol generating article 40 can be a single-use aerosol generating article or a multi-use aerosol generating article. In the latter case, the aerosol generating article 40 can be refillable. That is, the liquid reservoir 41 can be refilled with aerosol-generated liquid 51 after it is depleted.

[0198] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 340 according to the present invention is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 5Features similar or identical to those of the aerosol-generating article 40 shown are denoted by the same reference signs but incremented by 300. Compared with the article 40 according to Figure 5 , the aerosol-generating article 340 according to Figure 6 comprises two liquid reservoirs, namely a first liquid reservoir 341 containing a first aerosol-forming liquid 351 and a second liquid reservoir 342 containing a second aerosol-forming liquid 352. For each of the reservoirs 341, 342, the article 340 includes a separate susceptor assembly 310, 410 for delivering the aerosol-forming liquid from the respective reservoir 341, 342 to a common evaporation chamber 345. Thus the first susceptor assembly 310, which includes a first tow 318, passes from the first liquid reservoir 341 through a corresponding opening in the sleeve 344 into the evaporation chamber 345. Similarly, the second susceptor assembly 410 comprising a second tow418 passes from the second liquid reservoir 342 through a corresponding opening in the sleeve 344 into the evaporation chamber 345.

[0199] The two susceptor assemblies \alpha10, 410 are preferably heated simultaneously when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Thus the first and second aerosol-forming liquids are evaporated simultaneously and then mixed in order to form a composite aerosol which may contain various substances and flavours. In particular, this applies when the first and second aerosol-forming liquids are different from each other. Thus, the aerosol-generating article according to Figure 6 advantageously enhances the diversity of the user experience in terms of flavour and aerosol composition.

[0200] <00> Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 80 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. The system 80 includes an inductively heated aerosol-generating device 60 and an aerosol-generating article 40 for use with the device 60. In the present embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 40 corresponds to the article shown in Figure 5 . In particular, the article 40 includes a susceptor assembly 10 for delivering and heating an aerosol-forming liquid 51 contained in the article 40. The aerosol-generating device 60 is an electrically operated device which is capable of interacting with the article 40 in order to generate an aerosol by inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid via the susceptor assembly 10. For this purpose, the aerosol-generating device 60 includes a receiving cavity 62 formed within a device housing 61 in a proximal portion of the device 60. The receiving cavity 62 is configured to removably receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 40. In order to heat the susceptor assembly 10, the aerosol-generating device 60 includes an induction source which includes an induction coil 32. In the present embodiment, the induction coil 32 is a single helical coil which is arranged and configured to generate a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field, as shown in Figure 1As can be seen, the induction coil 32 is arranged around the proximal portion of the receiving cavity 62 so as to surround a portion of the filament bundle 18 when the aerosol generating article 40 is received in the receiving cavity 62. Specifically, the induction coil 32 is arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field that partially penetrates the filament bundle 18 only in the heating section 17. In contrast, due to localized heating, the immersion section 16 of the filament bundle 18 is maintained at a temperature below the evaporation temperature. Therefore, boiling of the aerosol forming liquid 51 within the liquid reservoir 41 is prevented.

[0201] The sensing source of the aerosol generating device 60 and the sensor assembly 10 of the aerosol generating article 44 together form the induction heating assembly according to the present invention.

[0202] The aerosol generating apparatus 60 further includes a controller 64 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating system 80, particularly for controlling the heating operation.

[0203] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 60 includes a power source 63, which provides electricity for generating the alternating magnetic field. Preferably, the power source 63 is a battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power source 63 may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more user experiences.

[0204] Both the controller 64 and the power supply 63 are located in the distal part of the aerosol generating device 60.

[0205] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the numeral A is understood to be A ± 5% A. In this context, the numeral A can be considered as including a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the numeral A. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the numeral A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not significantly affect the fundamental and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosols to form liquids under the influence of an alternating magnetic field, the liquid transport sensor assembly comprising a filament bundle, the filament bundle comprising: The device comprises at least a plurality of first filaments of a first receptor material, wherein the plurality of first filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least a parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle, wherein the filament bundle includes a fan-out portion at at least one end portion of the filament bundle, in which the plurality of first filaments diverge from each other to facilitate the exposure of evaporated aerosols to an air path to form a liquid.

2. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the filament bundle further comprises: The device includes a plurality of second filaments comprising a second receptor material, wherein the plurality of second filaments are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the plurality of first filaments along at least the parallel bundle portion of the filament bundle, wherein the first receptor material is different from the second receptor material.

3. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the plurality of first filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

4. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first filaments are surface-treated.

5. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first filaments in the filament bundle comprises 3 to 100 first filaments, 10 to 80 first filaments, 20 to 60 first filaments, 30 to 50 first filaments, or 40 first filaments.

6. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the parallel bundle portion, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent first filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

7. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of second filaments in the fan-out portion diverge from each other.

8. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the parallel bundle portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle.

9. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parallel bundle portion is located at one end portion of the filament bundle.

10. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the parallel bundle portion is bundled from a collar, a sleeve, or a wire harness.

11. The liquid transport sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the second sensor material comprises a ferromagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

12. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the diameter of the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

13. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments are surface-treated.

14. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 4, wherein the plurality of first filaments comprises a surface coating.

15. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments comprise a surface coating.

16. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the surface coating is an aerosol-enhanced surface coating, a liquid-adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antimicrobial surface coating.

17. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of first filaments in the filament bundle comprises 3 to 100 first filaments, 10 to 80 first filaments, 20 to 60 first filaments, 30 to 50 first filaments, or 40 first filaments, and wherein the plurality of second filaments in the filament bundle comprises 1 to 100 second filaments, 10 to 80 second filaments, 20 to 60 second filaments, 30 to 50 second filaments, or 40 second filaments.

18. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 2, wherein in the parallel bundle portion, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent first and second filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at most 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

19. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the parallel bundle portion is located between the two ends of the filament bundle.

20. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 19, wherein the parallel bundle portion is symmetrically located between the two ends of the filament bundle.

21. An induction heating assembly for conveying and inductively heating an aerosol-formed liquid, wherein the induction heating assembly comprises: - At least one liquid delivery sensor assembly, said liquid delivery sensor assembly being the liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20; - At least one sensing source, the at least one sensing source being configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the at least one liquid delivery sensor assembly.

22. The induction heating assembly of claim 21, wherein the filament bundle is eccentrically arranged relative to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction source when using the induction heating assembly.

23. The induction heating assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one induction source is configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the filament bundle.

24. An aerosol generating article for use with an induction heating aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating article comprising: - At least a first liquid reservoir for storing a first aerosol-formed liquid, wherein the first liquid reservoir includes an outlet; - At least a first liquid delivery sensor assembly, the first liquid delivery sensor assembly being a liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the first liquid delivery sensor assembly comprising a first filament for delivering the first aerosol forming liquid from the first liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the first liquid reservoir.

25. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 24, further comprising: - At least a second liquid reservoir for storing a second aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the second liquid reservoir includes an outlet; - At least a second liquid delivery sensor assembly, the second liquid delivery sensor assembly being a liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the second liquid delivery sensor assembly comprising a second filament for delivering the second aerosol forming liquid from the second liquid reservoir through the outlet of the second liquid reservoir to a region outside the second liquid reservoir.

26. An aerosol generation system comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article for use with said aerosol generation device, wherein said aerosol generation article includes at least one liquid transport sensor assembly, said liquid transport sensor assembly being the liquid transport sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and wherein said aerosol generation device includes at least one sensing source, said at least one sensing source being configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in a heating section of said at least one liquid transport sensor assembly of said aerosol generation article when used with said aerosol generation device.

27. The aerosol generation system of claim 26, wherein the at least one sensing source is configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the filament when the aerosol generation article is used in conjunction with the aerosol generation apparatus.

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