Liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-formed liquids

Abstract

This invention 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 an array of inductively heated longitudinal filaments arranged side-by-side. The sensor assembly further includes an array of transverse filaments arranged side-by-side and extending transversely to the length of the longitudinal filaments, intersecting the array of longitudinal filaments. The array of transverse filaments extends only along a length portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, such that the sensor assembly includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion. 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.

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] Various constructions exist for wicking elements, such as mesh structures. However, many of these constructions are quite complex and therefore laborious to manufacture. Furthermore, heating the aerosol to be evaporated into a liquid is typically inefficient. 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 including liquid transport sensor assemblies, and aerosol generating systems that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and provide improved heating efficiency 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 an array of inductively heatable longitudinal filaments arranged side-by-side. The sensor assembly further includes an array of transverse filaments arranged side-by-side and extending transversely to the length of the longitudinal filaments, intersecting the array of longitudinal filaments. The array of transverse filaments extends only along a length portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, such that the sensor assembly includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion.

[0006] According to the present invention, it has been found that the heating efficiency of many known sensor components is reduced because certain portions of the sensor component are only inductively heatable to a limited extent or not inductively heatable at all. Essentially, this is because eddy currents always flow in a closed loop within the conductor in a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. As a result, the space available for eddy currents to flow within certain portions of the sensor component can be limited, depending on the geometry of these portions and their orientation relative to the direction of the magnetic field passing through them. For example, wires arranged perpendicular to the magnetic field generally generate less heat than wires arranged parallel to the magnetic field. Consequently, portions of the sensor component that are almost non-heatable by magnetic induction only increase the inactive thermal mass of the sensor component, as these portions absorb heat energy from other portions of the sensor component rather than generate heat. Furthermore, the absorbed energy is initially bound and therefore cannot be used for the evaporation of the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0007] To remedy this situation, the present invention proposes a receptor assembly comprising two arrays of filaments that intersect each other only partially. This configuration results in a receptor assembly having at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion. That is, in the mesh portion, the arrays of transverse filaments and the arrays of longitudinal filaments intersect each other, while in the non-mesh portion, the receptor assembly comprises only longitudinal filaments and no transverse filaments. Due to the lack of transverse filaments, the non-mesh portion preferably comprises only those filaments that can be effectively heated by magnetic induction. Essentially, the non-mesh portion comprises only those filaments whose geometry and orientation are optimized relative to the orientation of the alternating magnetic field to be used to heat the receptor assembly. Preferably, the receptor assembly is configured such that the longitudinal filaments are arranged substantially parallel to the magnetic field to be used with the receptor assembly. Thus, the non-mesh portion or at least a portion thereof preferably serves as a heating section of the receptor assembly to be exposed to the alternating magnetic field to cause the aerosol-forming liquid to evaporate. Similarly, the mesh portion is preferably configured to be immersed in a liquid reservoir: thus, the mesh portion or at least a portion thereof can serve as an immersion section.

[0008] 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.

[0009] It was also found that the sensor assembly, which consists of two filament arrays that intersect each other only partially, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0010] Essentially, the array of transverse filaments is used to hold the array of longitudinal filaments together. As a result, the sensor assembly features good filament bonding and improved mechanical and dimensional stability.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been found that filaments are particularly well-suited for transporting liquids due to their inherent capillary action. Moreover, in a mesh structure, the aerosol-forming liquid to be transported and heated can form a meniscus in the gaps between the intersecting filaments due to the gaps (i.e., narrow spaces) between the transverse and longitudinal filaments, thus further enhancing the capillary action.

[0012] Since at least the longitudinal filaments are inductively heatable, the sensor assembly is able to perform two functions: transporting and heating the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, this dual function allows for significant material savings and a compact design of the sensor assembly without the need for separate devices for transport and heating. Furthermore, there is direct thermal contact between the heat source (i.e., the inductively heatable filaments) and the aerosol-forming liquid adhered to these filaments. Unlike the case where a heater is in contact with a saturated wicking, the direct contact between the filaments and a small amount of liquid advantageously allows for rapid heating, i.e., rapid initiation of evaporation. Preferably, the transverse filaments are also inductively heatable. It is also possible that the transverse filaments are non-inductively heatable, i.e., not inductively heatable. In this configuration, the transverse filaments can essentially be used to enhance the capillary action on the sensor assembly and stabilize the filament bonding as described above.

[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] As mentioned above, the mesh portion or at least a portion of the mesh portion of the receptor assembly can be configured to be immersed in a liquid reservoir: thus, this portion of the mesh portion for immersion in the liquid reservoir can be referred to as an immersion section. For this purpose, at least one mesh portion is preferably located at one of the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0015] Thus, the aerosol-forming liquid can be conveyed toward other longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments. 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 portion can be represented as a heating section of the receptor assembly. As further mentioned above, preferably, the non-mesh portion is configured to at least partially serve as a heating section, which is exposed to an alternating magnetic field to cause the aerosol-forming liquid to evaporate. Preferably, the heating section is located at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments opposite the soaking section (particularly opposite the mesh portion of the receptor assembly). Therefore, at least one non-mesh portion can be located at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, preferably at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments opposite the soaking section (particularly opposite the mesh portion of the receptor assembly). As used herein, a longitudinal end portion refers to the end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments as seen extending along the length of the longitudinal filaments.

[0016] Alternatively, at least one mesh portion may be located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments. In this configuration, the sensor assembly may include two non-mesh portions, one at each longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments. Specifically, the sensor assembly may include two heating sections, one at each longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments. In use, an aerosol-forming liquid may be conveyed from at least one mesh portion acting as an immersion section toward the non-mesh portion at the corresponding longitudinal end portion. There, the conveyed liquid can be evaporated by inductively heating the corresponding heating section at the longitudinal end portion. That is, the sensor assembly may include a mesh portion located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, and two non-mesh portions at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, one at each end.

[0017] Conversely, the receptor assembly may include a non-mesh portion located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, and two mesh portions at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, one at each end.

[0018] In use, the heating section is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol to form a liquid evaporation, while the soaking section is preferably maintained at a temperature below the evaporation temperature to prevent the aerosol in the liquid reservoir from boiling. Therefore, in use, the sensor assembly comprises a temperature distribution extending along the length of an array of longitudinal filaments, particularly sections with higher and lower temperatures. Specifically, the filament bundle may include a temperature distribution showing a temperature increase from below the evaporation temperature at at least one soaking section to above the corresponding evaporation temperature at at least one heating section.

[0019] In the use of the sensor assembly, the actual temperature distribution formed depends particularly on the thermal conductivity and length of the array of longitudinal filaments. A sufficient temperature gradient between the immersion and heating sections requires a certain distance between them. Therefore, a certain length of the longitudinal filaments is needed to keep the temperature in the immersion section below the evaporation temperature.

[0020] Therefore, the length of the longitudinal filament can be 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.

[0021] As mentioned above, the larger the non-mesh portion, the better the heating efficiency. Therefore, to maximize the heating efficiency of the sensor assembly, the length of the non-mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the longitudinal filament length. This implies a maximum length dimension for the mesh portion. Therefore, the length of the mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament can be at most 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, or 20% of the longitudinal filament length.

[0022] Conversely, to ensure sufficient filament bonding and adequate mechanical and dimensional stability of the sensor assembly, the length of the non-mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the longitudinal filament length. Similarly, the length of the mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament can be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80% of the longitudinal filament length.

[0023] The receptor assembly may further include a fan-out portion at at least one longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, wherein the longitudinal filaments diverge from each other. Preferably, the fan-out portion is part of a non-mesh portion. Preferably, the heating section of the filament bundle is at least partially located at the fan-out portion, and particularly at least partially overlaps with the fan-out portion. 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. For this reason, the heating section of the receptor assembly is preferably at least partially located at the fan-out portion, and particularly at least partially overlaps with the fan-out portion.

[0024] It is possible that the receptor assembly may include two fan-out portions, one at each longitudinal end portion of the longitudinal filament region. This is particularly applicable to cases where the receptor assembly described above includes two non-mesh portions (one at each longitudinal end portion).

[0025] The length of the fan-out portion can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the length of the longitudinal filament. Conversely, the length of the fan-out portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0026] The array of transverse filaments can extend along the entire transverse dimension of the array of longitudinal filaments, which extends perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal filaments. This ensures sufficient filament bonding and adequate mechanical and dimensional stability of the receptor assembly. Preferably, the transverse filaments are arranged to extend perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal filaments, such that the mesh portion of the receptor assembly comprises a rectangular mesh pattern. Alternatively, the transverse filaments can be arranged to extend transversely to the length of the longitudinal filaments at angles other than 90 degrees (e.g., 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, 20 degrees, or 10 degrees).

[0027] An array of transverse filaments can be arranged on one of the bundle sides of an array of longitudinal filaments. In this configuration, the array of transverse filaments can be adhesively bonded to the array of longitudinal filaments, for example, by welding or gluing. Alternatively, the transverse filaments and longitudinal filaments can be interwoven. Advantageously, the interwoven configuration keeps the longitudinal filaments taut and in place. In the interwoven configuration, the array of transverse filaments can be additionally adhesively bonded to the array of longitudinal filaments, for example, by welding or gluing.

[0028] Generally, the sensor assembly can have any shape suitable for implementing an aerosol generation system, particularly in an aerosol generation article used with an induction heating aerosol generation device.

[0029] For example, the array of longitudinal filaments can have a generally cylindrical shape, particularly a hollow cylindrical shape. As another example, the array of longitudinal filaments can have a generally conical shape or a generally truncated conical shape, particularly a generally hollow conical shape or a generally hollow truncated conical shape. In any of these configurations, the longitudinal filaments respectively form a cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow conical shell surface. The length axis of the respective shape extends substantially along the length of the longitudinal filament. Advantageously, any of the aforementioned shapes provides inherent mechanical dimensional stability.

[0030] The array of transverse filaments preferably has a substantially annular shape in any of these configurations. That is, in the mesh portion of the receptor assembly, the transverse filaments may extend along the circumference of the cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical array of longitudinal filaments. The transverse filaments may extend along the inner circumference or the outer circumference of the cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical array of longitudinal filaments. That is, the transverse filaments may be arranged inside or outside the cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical array of longitudinal filaments. It is also possible that the transverse filaments are interwoven with the longitudinal filaments. Advantageously, the interwoven configuration keeps the longitudinal filaments taut and in place.

[0031] Overall, in any of the above configurations, the receptor assembly has a generally crown-shaped form.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of conical, truncated conical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical shapes, the longitudinal filaments diverge from each other toward the base of the corresponding shape. Therefore, the conical, truncated conical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical array of longitudinal filaments facilitates the provision of fan-out portions.

[0033] Conical, truncated conical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical shapes may include a non-curved (straight) shell surface extending along the length of a longitudinal filament. In this configuration, the longitudinal filament is substantially non-curved (straight, non-bent). This configuration does not preclude minor curvature of the longitudinal filament, that is, a large radius of curvature extending along the length of the longitudinal filament. As used herein, a large radius of curvature may include a radius of curvature 10 times larger than the total length of the longitudinal filament, particularly 20 times, 50 times, or particularly 100 times larger than the total length of the longitudinal filament. Conical, truncated conical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical shapes may also include a curved shell surface extending along the length of a longitudinal filament. In this configuration, the longitudinal filament is curved.

[0034] Alternatively, the array of longitudinal filaments may comprise multiple coaxial subarrays of longitudinal filaments, each of which has a cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical shape. That is, the subarrays form different layers of the cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical receptor assembly, wherein the layers are arranged coaxially with each other, one above or around another. In this configuration, one or more transverse filaments may extend along the circumference of each cylindrical, conical, truncated conical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical subarray. That is, in this configuration, the array of transverse filaments comprises multiple annular transverse filaments or multiple annular transverse filament subarrays, wherein the multiple annular transverse filaments or multiple annular transverse filament subarrays are arranged coaxially with each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the array of longitudinal filaments can be spirally wound upwards around an axis that extends substantially along (particularly parallel to) the length of the longitudinal filaments in order to form a coiled snail-shaped receptor assembly (similar to a roulade). In this construction, the array of transverse filaments also has a spiral shape, wherein the transverse filaments extend along the winding direction of the spiral shape.

[0036] As mentioned above, the array of transverse wires can be bonded to the array of longitudinal wires, for example, by welding or adhesive bonding. It is also possible that the array of transverse wires can be interwoven with the array of longitudinal wires.

[0037] The average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments can range from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Specifically, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal 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 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. It is also possible that the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments can be as high as 1 mm or even as high as 2 mm. The latter value can refer to those configurations of receptor assemblies with fan-out portions. In particular, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments can be different from, and particularly greater than, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent transverse filaments.

[0038] Similarly, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent transverse filaments can be in the range of 0.025 mm to 0.5 mm. Specifically, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent transverse 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 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. It is also possible that the average center-to-center distance between adjacent filaments can be as high as 1 mm or even as high as 2 mm.

[0039] As mentioned above, the longitudinal filaments are configured to be inductively heated. Therefore, the longitudinal filaments preferably include one or more first filaments comprising a first receptor material. Similarly, the transverse filaments may also include one or more first filaments comprising a first receptor material.

[0040] Preferably, the plurality of 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. For the same reason, the plurality of first filaments are preferably monolayer material filaments. Therefore, the plurality of first filaments are preferably made of a first receptor material.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 a material that is at least one of conductive and ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. That is, the first receptor material can include or be made of a ferrimagnetic material, or a ferromagnetic material, or a conductive material, or a conductive ferrimagnetic material, or a conductive ferromagnetic material.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Stibling, 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). Stibling 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 array-like nature of the receptor assembly. The radius of curvature of the filament is important when the liquid wets the filament.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Generally, the multiple first filaments can have any cross-sectional shape suitable for transporting aerosols to form a liquid, arranged in an array. Thus, 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 filaments. Preferably, the multiple first filaments have a circular, elliptical, or oval cross-section. Advantageously, the subsequent cross-sectional shape ensures that the filaments in the respective array (if any) are in line contact with each other only, rather than regional contact. This creates narrow spaces between the multiple filaments themselves, which facilitate the capillary action required for transporting aerosols to form a liquid.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Depending on the available space, the size of the filaments, and the amount of liquid to be transported and heated in the aerosol forming the liquid, the multiple first filaments in the filament bundle may include 2 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 80 first filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments, such as 40 first filaments.

[0052] Preferably, the number of longitudinal filaments is greater than the number of transverse filaments. Therefore, the array of longitudinal filaments may include more first filaments than the array of transverse filaments.

[0053] In addition to the multiple first filaments, at least one of the longitudinal and transverse filaments may further include multiple second filaments comprising a second sensor material. The first sensor material of the multiple 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 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.

[0054] Preferably, the material of the first receptor is different from that of the second receptor.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In addition, the multiple second filaments may have the same or similar properties as described previously regarding the multiple first filaments.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In either the longitudinal or transverse array of filaments, multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments can have the same diameter. As a result, capillary action and shear rate are consistent throughout the receptor assembly. Conversely, it is also possible for multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments to have different diameters. Different filament diameters can be used to alter capillary action throughout the receptor assembly.

[0063] At least one of the array of longitudinal filaments and the array of transverse filaments includes 1 to 100 second filaments, particularly 10 to 80 second filaments, preferably 20 to 60 second filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 second filaments, for example 40 second filaments. As discussed above, the number of longitudinal filaments is preferably greater than the number of transverse filaments. Therefore, the array of longitudinal filaments can include more second filaments than the array of transverse filaments.

[0064] Generally, the number of first filaments can be the same as the number of second filaments in either the longitudinal or transverse array of filaments. However, it is also possible that the number of first filaments differs from the number of second filaments. 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.

[0065] One or more first filaments and one or more second filaments are distributed substantially equally throughout at least one of the arrays of longitudinal and transverse filaments. This uniform distribution supports consistent capillary action throughout the receptor. Alternatively, it is also possible that one or more first filaments and one or more second filaments are distributed substantially unequally throughout at least one of the arrays of longitudinal and transverse filaments. For example, multiple second filaments may 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.

[0066] The array of transverse filaments may not include any second filament.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] At least one induction coil can be a helical coil or a planar coil, particularly a disc coil or a bent 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 bent surface. For example, the induction coil can be a “bent” 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] As further described above regarding the sensor assembly, the heating section of the liquid transport sensor assembly (particularly the heating section of the non-mesh portion) may be located at one of the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments. This configuration can advantageously prevent the boiling of the liquid from aerosol formation when the sensor assembly includes immersion sections at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments (particularly in the mesh portion).

[0072] 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 in the non-mesh portion can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length of the non-mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament. Similarly, the length of the heating section in the non-mesh portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the length of the non-mesh portion extending along the longitudinal filament.

[0073] The sensor assembly can be arranged off-center 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 off-center arrangement, that is, the asymmetrical arrangement, the sensor assembly is positioned in a region with a higher field density of the alternating magnetic field compared to a symmetrically centered arrangement. Therefore, heating efficiency is advantageously improved.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 for heating the aerosol-forming liquid can be 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. The aerosol-forming liquid may be a water-based aerosol-forming liquid or an oil-based aerosol-forming liquid.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 instance, 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.

[0081] The heating assembly may further include a flux concentrator arranged around at least a portion of the induction coil and configured to distort the alternating magnetic field of at least one induction source toward the sensor assembly, particularly toward the heating section of the sensor assembly, when the heating assembly is used. Preferably, the flux concentrator comprises a flux concentrator foil, particularly a multilayer flux concentrator foil.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 one reservoir for storing aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the liquid reservoir includes an outlet. The article further includes at least one liquid delivery sensor assembly according to the present invention and as described herein, for delivering the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the liquid reservoir.

[0084] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to a consumable item used with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, particularly a disposable consumable item for single use. 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 one aerosol-forming liquid intended to be heated rather than burned and to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols upon heating.

[0085] Preferably, the sensor assembly includes at least one immersion section disposed in the liquid reservoir. As described above, the immersion section of the sensor assembly may be located at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments. In this configuration, the sensor assembly may include heating sections at opposite end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0086] Preferably, the soaking section is part of the grid portion, or vice versa, where the grid portion is preferably part of the soaking section.

[0087] The length of the soaking section can be advantageously used to control the amount of aerosol-formed liquid to be soaked and transported from the liquid reservoir. Therefore, the length of the soaking section of the grid portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the grid portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament. Conversely, the length of at least one soaking section of the grid portion can be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the grid portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament. Specifically, the length of at least one soaking section of the grid portion can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the grid portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0088] Similarly, the soaking section of the receptor assembly may be located between the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments. In this configuration, both longitudinal end portions of the receptor assembly can serve as heating sections. In particular, the receptor assembly may include a non-mesh portion located between the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, and two mesh portions at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, one at each end.

[0089] Alternatively, the sensor assembly may include two soaking sections, each arranged in a liquid reservoir. Preferably, the two soaking sections may be arranged at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, one at each end. In this configuration, the portion between the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments can serve as a heating section. In particular, the sensor assembly may include a mesh portion located between the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, and two non-mesh portions at the longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, one at each end.

[0090] 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 reservoir can be refilled with aerosol-forming liquid. In any construction, the aerosol generating article may further include aerosol-forming liquid contained in a liquid reservoir.

[0091] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming liquid" refers to a liquid capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols when heated. Aerosol-forming liquids may contain both solid and liquid aerosol-forming materials or components. Aerosol-forming liquids may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the liquid upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, aerosol-forming liquids may include non-tobacco materials. Aerosol-forming liquids may also include aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol. Aerosol-forming liquids may also include other additives and ingredients, such as nicotine or flavorings. In particular, aerosol-forming liquids may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. Aerosol-forming liquids may be water-based or oil-based.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The article may have a simple design. The article may have a housing comprising a liquid reservoir and (if present) a second liquid reservoir. The housing is preferably a rigid housing comprising a liquid-impermeable material. 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. As used herein, "rigid housing" means a self-supporting housing. 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 delivery sensor assembly of the heating assembly may be part of the aerosol generation article.

[0096] If present, the controller for the heating component may be part of the aerosol generating apparatus, particularly arranged within it. Preferably, the controller for the aerosol generating apparatus may include or may be the controller for the heating component.

[0097] Similarly, if present, the power supply for the heating component can 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a receiving cavity for removably receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generated article.

[0100] 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 sensor assembly of the aerosol generating article, especially the heating section of the non-mesh portion.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Example Ex1: A liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field, the sensor assembly comprising an array of inductively heated longitudinal filaments arranged side-by-side, and an array of transverse filaments arranged side-by-side and extending transversely to the length of the longitudinal filaments and intersecting the array of longitudinal filaments, wherein the array of transverse filaments extends only along a length portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, such that the sensor assembly includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion.

[0105] Example Ex2: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex1, wherein at least one mesh portion is located at one of the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0106] Example Ex3: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex1, wherein at least one mesh portion is located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0107] Example Ex4: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one non-mesh portion is located at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0108] Example Ex5: A receptor assembly according to either Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the at least one non-mesh portion is located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0109] Example Ex6: A sensor assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the length of the longitudinal filament 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.

[0110] Example Ex7: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0111] Example Ex8: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0112] Example Ex9: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length dimension of the mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at most 90%, at most 80%, at most 75%, at most 70%, at most 60%, at most 50%, at most 40%, at most 30%, at most 25%, or at most 20% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0113] Example Ex10: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length dimension of the mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0114] Example Ex11: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the array of transverse filaments extends along the entire transverse dimension of the array of longitudinal filaments that extends perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal filaments.

[0115] Example Ex12: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the transverse filament is arranged to extend perpendicular to the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0116] Example Ex13: A sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the array of longitudinal filaments has a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0117] Example Ex14: The sensor assembly according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the array of longitudinal filaments has a substantially conical or substantially truncated conical shape, particularly a substantially hollow conical or substantially hollow truncated conical shape.

[0118] Example Ex15: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the array of transverse filaments has a substantially annular shape.

[0119] Example Ex16: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments ranges from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0120] Example Ex17: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the average center-to-center distance between adjacent transverse filaments ranges from 0.025 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0121] Example Ex18: The sensor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the transverse filament is inductively heated.

[0122] Example Ex19: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the longitudinal filament and the transverse filament comprises: one or more first filaments including a first receptor material.

[0123] Example Ex20: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex19, wherein one or more first filaments are solid material filaments.

[0124] Example Ex21: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 or Ex20, wherein the one or more first filaments are monolithic material filaments.

[0125] Example Ex22: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex21, wherein one or more first filaments are made of the first receptor material.

[0126] Example Ex23: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex22, wherein the first receptor material comprises or is made of a ferrimagnetic material, or a ferromagnetic material, or a conductive material, or a conductive ferrimagnetic material, or a conductive ferromagnetic material.

[0127] Example Ex24: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex23, wherein the first sensor material comprises or is made of one 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.

[0128] Example Ex25: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex24, 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.

[0129] Example Ex26: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex25, 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.

[0130] Example Ex27: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex26, wherein the plurality of first filaments have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0131] Example Ex28: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex27, 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.

[0132] Example Ex29: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex28, wherein at least one of the array of longitudinal filaments and the array of transverse filaments comprises 2 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 80 first filaments, and more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments.

[0133] Example Ex30: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex29, wherein at least one of the longitudinal filament and the transverse filament comprises: one or more second filaments including a second receptor material.

[0134] Example Ex31: The receptor assembly according to Example Ex30, wherein the second receptor material comprises a subferromagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

[0135] Example Ex32: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 or Ex31, 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.

[0136] Example Ex33: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex32, wherein the second sensor material comprises one of nickel, nickel alloy, nickel-iron high-permeability magnetic alloy or permalloy.

[0137] Example Ex34: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex33, wherein the plurality of second filaments are solid material filaments.

[0138] Example Ex35: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex34, wherein the plurality of second filaments are monolithic material filaments.

[0139] Example Ex36: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex35, wherein the plurality of second filaments are made of the second receptor material.

[0140] Example Ex37: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex36, 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.

[0141] Example Ex38: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex37, 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.

[0142] Example Ex39: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex38, 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.

[0143] Example Ex40: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex39, 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.

[0144] Example Ex41: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex40, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have the same diameter.

[0145] Example Ex42: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex40, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have different diameters.

[0146] Example Ex43: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex42, wherein at least one of the array of longitudinal filaments and the array of transverse filaments 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, for example 40 second filaments.

[0147] Example Ex44: A receptor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex43, wherein the one or more first filaments and the one or more second filaments are distributed substantially equally at at least one of the array of longitudinal filaments and the array of transverse filaments.

[0148] Example Ex45: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex43, wherein the one or more first filaments and the one or more second filaments are substantially unequally distributed at at least one of the array of longitudinal filaments and the array of transverse filaments.

[0149] Example Ex46: The receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the average distance between adjacent longitudinal 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.

[0150] Example Ex47: The receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the average distance between adjacent transverse 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.

[0151] Example Ex48: A receptor assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the receptor assembly includes a fan-out portion at at least one longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, wherein the longitudinal filaments diverge from each other.

[0152] Example Ex49: The sensor assembly according to Example Ex48, wherein the length of the fan-out portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0153] Example Ex50: A sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex48 or Ex49, wherein the length of the fan-out portion is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

[0154] Example Ex51: An induction heating assembly for conveying and inductively heating aerosol-formed liquid, wherein the heating assembly includes:

[0155] - At least one liquid delivery sensor component according to any of the foregoing examples;

[0156] - 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 non-mesh portion.

[0157] Example Ex52: A heating assembly according to Example Ex51, 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 non-mesh portion.

[0158] Example Ex53: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex51 or Ex52, wherein the heating section of the liquid delivery sensor assembly, in particular the heating section of the non-mesh portion, is located at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0159] Example Ex54: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex51 or Ex53, wherein the length of the heating section of the non-mesh portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0160] Example Ex55: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex54, wherein the length of the heating section of the non-mesh portion is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0161] Example Ex56: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex55, wherein the sensor assembly is eccentrically arranged relative to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the sensing source when using the heating assembly.

[0162] Example Ex57: An aerosol generating article for use with an induction heating aerosol generating apparatus, the article comprising:

[0163] - At least one reservoir for storing aerosol-formed liquid, wherein the liquid reservoir includes an outlet;

[0164] - At least one liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex50, for delivering aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the liquid reservoir.

[0165] Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex57, wherein the sensor assembly includes at least one immersion section arranged in the liquid reservoir.

[0166] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex57 or Ex58, wherein the immersion section of the receptor assembly is located at the longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments.

[0167] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex59, wherein the soaking section is part of the grid portion or wherein the grid portion is part of the soaking section.

[0168] Example Ex61: An aerosol-generated article according to Example Ex60, wherein the length of the soaking section of the mesh portion is at most 10%, at most 20%, at most 30%, at most 40%, at most 50%, or at most 60% of the length dimension of the mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0169] Example Ex62: An aerosol-generated article according to any one of Examples Ex60 or 61, wherein the length of at least one soaking section of the mesh portion may be at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

[0170] Example Ex63: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex62, further comprising an aerosol generating liquid contained in the liquid reservoir.

[0171] Example Ex64: An aerosol generation system includes an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, an aerosol generation article for use with the aerosol generation apparatus, and an induction heating assembly according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex56, wherein the sensing source of the heating assembly is part of the induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, and wherein the liquid delivery sensor assembly is part of the aerosol generation article. Attached Figure Description

[0172] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0173] Figure 1 An inductive heating assembly including a sensor assembly is schematically shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0174] Figure 2 It shows that AA passes through according to Figure 1 The cross-section of the receptor component;

[0175] Figure 3 It shows the route BB passes through according to Figure 1 The cross-section of the receptor component;

[0176] Figure 4 A receptor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0177] Figure 5 A receptor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0178] Figure 6 A receptor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0179] Figure 7 A receptor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0180] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is schematically illustrated; and

[0181] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0182] Figure 1 An induction heating assembly 1 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 two filament arrays 20, 30 that intersect each other only partially, such that the sensor assembly 10 includes a mesh portion 11 and a non-mesh portion 12, in which the two filament arrays 20, 30 intersect each other, and in the non-mesh portion, the two filament arrays 20, 30 do not intersect each other.

[0183] In this embodiment, one of the two arrays 20 and 30 is formed by an array 20 of inductively heated longitudinal filaments 21 and 22 arranged side-by-side in a hollow cylindrical structure, the longitudinal filaments 21 and 22 extending substantially along the cylindrical axis to form the walls of the hollow cylindrical structure. The other array is formed by an array 30 of transverse filaments 31 and 32 arranged side-by-side in the form of a plurality of circular rings circumferentially surrounding the hollow cylindrical structure of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21 and 22, such that the transverse extensions of the length of the longitudinal filaments 21 and 22 intersect the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21 and 22. According to the invention, as described above, the array 30 of transverse filaments 31 and 32 extends only along a length portion of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21 and 22, such that the sensor assembly 10 includes a mesh portion 11 and a non-mesh portion 12.

[0184] The receptor assembly 10 is capable of performing two functions: transporting and heating aerosols to form a liquid. For this purpose, array 20 includes multiple first filaments 21 and multiple second filaments 22, wherein the multiple first filaments 21 comprise a first receptor material and the multiple second filaments 22 comprise a second receptor material. Similarly, array 30 includes multiple first filaments 31 and multiple second filaments 32, wherein the multiple first filaments 32 comprise a first receptor material and the multiple second filaments 32 comprise a second receptor material. Preferably, the first and second receptor materials of the filaments 21, 22, 31, and 32 of both arrays 20 and 30 are the same. Due to the sensitive nature of the filament materials, the first filaments 21, 32 and the second filaments 22, 32 can be inductively heated in an alternating magnetic field, and thus heat the aerosol in thermal contact with the filaments to form a liquid. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, 32 and the receptor assembly 10, and due to the small diameter of the filaments 21, 22, 31, 32, a narrow space is formed between the filaments 21, 22, 31, 32, which provides a capillary effect in both sections (in the mesh section 11 and the non-mesh section 12), particularly along the longitudinal direction X of the receptor assembly 10. Thus, for example, if one longitudinal end portion 23 of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22 is immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid can be transported to the opposite longitudinal end portion 24 of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22, where the transported liquid can evaporate and be exposed to the air path to be drawn in as an aerosol.

[0185] To facilitate liquid evaporation, the heating assembly 1 further includes an induction source 3, which comprises an induction coil 4. In this embodiment, the induction coil 4 is a double-layered helical coil, each layer having six windings, capable of generating a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field. Figure 1 As can be seen, the induction coil 4 is arranged around the end portion 24 of the filament bundle 18 to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the sensor assembly only locally at the longitudinal end portion 24. As a result, the sensor assembly 10 is locally heated in the heating section 17 at the longitudinal end portion 24. Due to the lack of transverse filaments, the non-mesh portion 11 only includes those filaments 21, 22 whose geometry and orientation are optimized relative to the orientation of the alternating magnetic field used to heat the sensor assembly. In particular, the longitudinal filaments 21, 22 are arranged at the longitudinal end portion 24 to be substantially parallel to the magnetic field penetrating the sensor assembly 10.

[0186] In contrast, the array 30 of transverse filaments 31, 32 is primarily used only to hold the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22 in order to provide good filament bonding and improved mechanical and dimensional stability of the sensor assembly 10.

[0187] The strength of the magnetic field is chosen such that the heating section 17 is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol transported through the sensor assembly 10 to form a liquid and evaporate. In contrast, due to the single localized heating, the remaining sections 16 of the sensor assembly 10, particularly the longitudinal end portion 23, remain below the evaporation temperature. Therefore, when using the heating assembly 1, the sensor assembly 10 includes a temperature distribution along its length direction X, which has the following characteristics: 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 heating section 17 from the longitudinal end portion 23 to the opposite longitudinal end portion 24. Advantageously, keeping the remaining section 16 below the evaporation temperature T_vap prevents boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid within said portion of the sensor assembly 10. 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. Figure 1 As can be seen, the heating section 17 is part of the non-mesh section 12, while the mesh section 12 is part of the remaining section 16 that can be used as the soaking section 16.

[0188] The actual temperature distribution formed when using the sensor assembly 10 depends on the thermal conductivity and length of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22. Therefore, in order to have a sufficient temperature gradient between the longitudinal end portions 23 and 24, the longitudinal filaments 21, 22 require a certain total length. In this embodiment, the length of the longitudinal filaments 21, 22 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 21 and multiple second filaments 22.

[0189] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 The line AA passes through the cross-section of the receptor assembly 10 (that is, through the non-mesh portion 12). Similarly, Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The line BB in the array passes through the cross-section of the receptor assembly 10 (that is, through the grid portion 11). The multiple first filaments 21, 31 and multiple second filaments 22 in each array 20, 30 are solid material filaments with a generally circular cross-section. Due to the specific filament arrangement, capillary spaces are formed between the multiple filaments 21, 22, 31, 32. Other cross-sectional shapes of the multiple first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, 32 are also possible, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-sections.

[0190] To provide sufficient capillary action, the average center-to-center distance D20 between adjacent longitudinal filaments 21 and 22 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Similarly, as Figure 1 As indicated, the average center-to-center distance D30 between adjacent transverse wires 31 and 32 is at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm.

[0191] Capillary action is also facilitated by a small radius of curvature, and thus by the small diameters of the first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, 32. Therefore, the diameters of the first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, 32 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. However, the diameters of the first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, 32 should still be greater than twice the skin depth so that sufficient eddy currents are induced when the receptor assembly 10 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.

[0192] In this embodiment, the first and second filaments 21, 22, 31, and 32 in the two regions 20 and 30 include a liquid-adhesive surface coating (not shown). The liquid-adhesive surface coating further enhances the capillary action of the receptor assembly 10.

[0193] The first sensor material of the multiple first filaments 21, 31 is optimized for heat generation. For example, the first sensor material can be ferromagnetic stainless steel, allowing the multiple first filaments 21, 31 to be inductively heated by eddy currents and by hysteresis losses. The Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic first sensor material is selected such that it is above the evaporation temperature, preferably above 300 degrees Celsius. In contrast, as further described above, the multiple second filaments 22, 32 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 3 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 may be nickel-iron high-permeability alloys or permalloy. Only a few second wires 22, 32 are needed to serve as temperature markers. Therefore, the number of first wires 21 can be greater than the number of second wires 12, specifically two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the number of second wires. In this embodiment, the array 20 of longitudinal wires 21, 22 exemplaryly includes fifteen first wires 21 and four second wires 12. Similarly, the array 30 of transverse wires 31, 32 exemplaryly includes six first wires 31 and one second wire 32. However, since the grid portion 11 is not expected to be heated, the array 30 of transverse wires does not necessarily need to include any second wires 32. Furthermore, the array 30 of transverse wires does not necessarily need to include any inductively heated wires.

[0194] like Figure 2 It can also be seen that multiple second filaments 22 are randomly distributed throughout the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22. Advantageously, this random distribution requires very little work during the fabrication of the sensor assembly 10. Figure 2 As can be further seen, the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22 has a substantially circular, and particularly easy-to-manufacture, annular cross-section.

[0195] Refer again Figure 1The first filament 21 and the second filament 22 are arranged parallel to each other so as to form a parallel bundle portion extending along the entire length of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22. That is, the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22 is untwisted, wherein the first filament 21 and the second filament 22 are neither twisted nor braided, and therefore do not cross each other. Parallel bundling is particularly advantageous for providing sufficient capillary action extending along the entire length of the array 20 of longitudinal filaments 21, 22. Moreover, such a receptor assembly 10 is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0196] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the receptor assembly 110 according to the invention is shown. Generally, according to Figure 4 The receptor component 110 is similar to Figure 1-3 The receptor component 10 is shown. Therefore, identical or similar features are represented by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 100. Figure 1-3 Compared to the first embodiment shown, according to Figure 4 The array 130 of transverse filaments 131 of the receptor assembly 110 is divided into several portions. This configuration results in a receptor assembly comprising: a non-mesh portion 112 located between two longitudinal end portions 123, 124 of the array 120 of longitudinal filaments 121, 122, and two mesh portions 111 at the longitudinal end portions of the longitudinal filaments 123, 124, one at each end. Advantageously, the two mesh portions 111 at each longitudinal end portion 123, 124 can be used as immersion sections for delivery as a liquid from both sides toward the non-mesh portion 112, in which aerosol-forming liquid can evaporate. Thus, the liquid delivery capability of the receptor assembly 110 is improved. Furthermore, according to... Figure 1-3 Compared to the sensor assembly 10, the array 130 of transverse filaments 131 includes only one type of filament, which does not necessarily have to be inductively heated.

[0197] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the receptor assembly 210 according to the present invention is shown. Generally, according to Figure 5 The receptor component 210 is similar to Figure 1-3 The receptor component 10 is shown. Therefore, identical or similar features are represented by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 200. Figure 1-3 Compared to the first embodiment shown, Figure 5 The recorded receptor assembly 210 has a substantially truncated conical shape, particularly a substantially hollow truncated conical shape. In this configuration, the length axis of the truncated cone extends substantially along the length of the longitudinal filaments. However, the array 220 of the longitudinal filaments 221, 222 forms the shell surface of the truncated cone shape.

[0198] Figure 6A fourth embodiment of the receptor assembly 310 according to the invention is shown, which is similar to that according to... Figure 5 The receptor component 210. Therefore, identical or similar features are represented by the same reference numeral, only incremented by 100. With Figure 5 Compared to the third embodiment shown, according to Figure 6 The receptor assembly 310 has a generally conical shape, particularly a hollow conical shape, wherein longitudinal filaments 321, 322 converge at one of the longitudinal end portions 323 of the array 320 of longitudinal filaments 321, 322.

[0199] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the two embodiments shown, the conical or truncated conical shape provides inherent mechanical dimensional stability. Furthermore, the longitudinal filaments 321, 322, 421, 422 diverge from each other toward the base of the conical or truncated conical shape. Therefore, the conical or truncated conical array of longitudinal filaments facilitates providing a fan-out portion at one longitudinal end portion 224, 324 of the array 320 of longitudinal filaments 321, 322.

[0200] Figure 7 A fifth embodiment of the receptor assembly 410 according to the invention is shown, which is similar to that according to... Figure 5 The receptor component 210. Therefore, identical or similar features are represented by the same reference numeral, only incremented by 200. With Figure 5 Compared to the third embodiment shown, according to Figure 6 The receptor assembly 310 has a substantially cylindrical, particularly substantially hollow cylindrical, shape along the mesh portion 411 at the longitudinal end portion 423 of the array 420 of longitudinal filaments 421, 422. In contrast, in the mesh portion 412, the longitudinal filaments 421, 422 are curved so that they diverge from each other toward the opposing longitudinal end portions 423 of the array 420 of longitudinal filaments 421, 422. As a result, with Figure 5 The receptor assembly 220 shown is the same, according to Figure 7 The receptor assembly 410 also includes a fan-out portion at the longitudinal end portion 424 of the array 420 of longitudinal filaments 421, 322. In this regard, according to Figure 7 The receptor assembly 410 can also be considered to have a truncated conical shape, which includes a shell surface that is curved along the length of longitudinal filaments 421, 422.

[0201] exist Figure 4-7In any of the configurations shown, the array of transverse filaments preferably has a substantially annular shape. That is, in the grid portions 111, 211, 311, 411 of the receptor assemblies 110, 210, 310, 410, the transverse filaments extend around the circumference of the cylindrical, conical, or truncated conical (especially hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow truncated conical) array of longitudinal filaments.

[0202] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 40 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Reference will be made below. Figure 9 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 annular opening forming an outlet for the liquid reservoir 41. Article 40 further includes substantially corresponding to... Figure 1-3 The sensor assembly 10 shown is a liquid delivery sensor assembly 10. The hollow cylindrical sensor assembly 10 passes through an annular 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 sensor assembly 10 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 a portion of the filament 18 arranged in the evaporation chamber 45. Therefore, this portion of the filament 18, including the mesh portion 11 and arranged in the liquid reservoir 41, so as to be 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 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.

[0203] Similarly, as previously discussed... Figure 1 When exposed to an alternating magnetic field, this portion of the receptor assembly, which is part of the non-grid portion 12 and arranged in the evaporation chamber 45, at least partially serves as the heating section 17.

[0204] like Figure 8As 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 16 of the sensor assembly 10. 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 at the sensor assembly 10. 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 a 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.

[0205] 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-formed liquid 51 after it is depleted.

[0206] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generation system 80 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. The system 80 includes an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus 60 and an aerosol generation article 40 for use with the apparatus 60. In this embodiment, the aerosol generation article 40 corresponds to... Figure 8 The article shown. Specifically, article 40 includes a sensor assembly 10 for conveying and heating the aerosol-forming liquid 51 contained within article 40. Aerosol generating device 60 is an electrically operated device capable of interacting with article 40 to generate an aerosol by inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid via the sensor assembly 10. For this purpose, aerosol generating device 60 includes a receiving cavity 62 formed within a device housing 61 in a proximal portion of device 60. Receiving cavity 62 is configured to removably receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 40. To heat the sensor assembly 10, aerosol generating device 60 includes an induction source comprising an induction coil 4. In this embodiment, induction coil 4 is a single helical coil arranged and configured to generate a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field. Figure 1As can be seen, the induction coil 4 is arranged around the proximal portion of the receiving cavity 62 so as to surround a portion of the non-mesh portion of the sensor assembly 10 when the aerosol generating article 40 is received in the receiving cavity 62. Specifically, the induction coil 4 is arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field that partially penetrates the sensor assembly (particularly heating only the non-mesh portion in section 17). In contrast, due to localized heating, the immersion section 16 of the filament bundle 18 remains at a temperature below the evaporation temperature. Therefore, boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid 51 within the liquid reservoir 41 is prevented.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] Both the controller 64 and the power supply 63 are located in the distal part of the aerosol generating device 60.

[0211] 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 therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5% A. In this context, the number A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number 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 therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting and inductively heating aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field, the liquid transport sensor assembly comprising an array of inductively heated longitudinal filaments arranged side-by-side, and an array of transverse filaments arranged side-by-side and extending transversely to the length of the longitudinal filaments and intersecting the array of longitudinal filaments, wherein the array of transverse filaments extends only along a length portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, such that the liquid transport sensor assembly includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion, wherein in the mesh portion, the array of transverse filaments and the array of longitudinal filaments intersect each other, and in the non-mesh portion, the liquid transport sensor assembly includes only longitudinal filaments and no transverse filaments, and wherein the length dimension of the at least one non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filaments is at least 20% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filaments.

2. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mesh portion is located at one of the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments, or wherein the at least one mesh portion is located between the two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

3. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one non-mesh portion is located at a longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, or wherein the at least one non-mesh portion is located between two longitudinal end portions of the array of longitudinal filaments.

4. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

5. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length dimension of the mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament is at most 80%, at most 75%, at most 70%, at most 60%, at most 50%, at most 40%, at most 30%, at most 25%, or at most 20% of the length dimension of the longitudinal filament.

6. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of longitudinal filaments has a cylindrical shape, or a hollow cylindrical shape, or a conical shape, or a truncated conical shape, or a hollow conical shape, or a hollow truncated conical shape.

7. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of transverse filaments has an annular shape.

8. The liquid delivery sensor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments ranges from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and wherein the average center-to-center distance between adjacent transverse filaments ranges from 0.025 mm to 0.5 mm.

9. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 8, wherein the average center-to-center distance between adjacent longitudinal filaments ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

10. The liquid delivery sensor assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the longitudinal filament and the transverse filament comprises: The device includes one or more first filaments comprising a first receptor material and multiple second filaments comprising a second receptor material, wherein the second receptor material comprises a subferromagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

11. The liquid transport sensor assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid transport sensor assembly includes a fan-out portion at at least one longitudinal end portion of the array of longitudinal filaments, wherein the longitudinal filaments diverge from each other.

12. 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 according to any one of the preceding claims; - 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.

13. The induction heating assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one induction source is configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the heating section of the non-mesh portion.

14. The induction heating assembly of claim 12, wherein the length of the heating section of the non-mesh portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the length dimension of the non-mesh portion extending along the length of the longitudinal filament.

15. An aerosol generating article for use with an induction heating aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating article comprising: - At least one liquid reservoir for storing liquid formed from aerosols, wherein the liquid reservoir includes an outlet; - At least one liquid delivery sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the liquid delivery sensor assembly being used to deliver aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir through the outlet to a region outside the liquid reservoir.

16. The aerosol generating article of claim 15, wherein the liquid delivery sensor assembly includes at least one immersion section disposed in the liquid reservoir, and wherein the immersion section is part of the mesh portion, or wherein the mesh portion is part of the immersion section.

17. An aerosol generation system comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, an aerosol generation article for use with the induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, and an induction heating assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the sensing source of the induction heating assembly is part of the induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus, and wherein the liquid delivery sensor assembly is part of the aerosol generation article.

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