Aerosol generation products with liquid transport sensor components

Abstract

This invention relates to an aerosol generation article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus. The article includes a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The article further includes a liquid delivery sensor assembly for conveying the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to a region outside the liquid reservoir and for inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field to generate an aerosol. The sensor assembly includes a bundle of multiple inductively heated wires. The bundle includes a first soaking section, a second soaking section, and an intermediate section between the first and second soaking sections. The first and second soaking sections are each at least partially arranged in the liquid reservoir, and the intermediate section is arranged in a region outside the liquid reservoir. The multiple wires are arranged parallel to each other along at least the intermediate section. The invention further relates to an aerosol generation system including this aerosol generation article and an aerosol generation apparatus for use with the article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article including a liquid transport sensor assembly. The invention further relates to an aerosol generating system including this aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating apparatus for use with the article. 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] A liquid delivery sensor or sensor assembly, together with a reservoir, may be part of an aerosol-generating article configured for use with an induction-heated aerosol-generating apparatus. The apparatus may include a receiving cavity for receiving the article, and a sensing source configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the sensor assembly when the article is received in the cavity, so as to cause the aerosol delivered by the sensor assembly to form a liquid evaporation.

[0004] Receptor components exist in various configurations, such as mesh structures. However, many of these configurations are complex and therefore difficult to manufacture. Moreover, many of these configurations have only limited wicking capacity.

[0005] Therefore, aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems including liquid delivery sensor components are desired, possessing the advantages of existing technological solutions while mitigating their limitations. In particular, aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems including liquid delivery sensor components that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and provide improved wicking capabilities are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating article is provided for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus. The article includes a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The article further includes a liquid delivery sensor assembly for conveying the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to a region outside the liquid reservoir and for inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field to generate an aerosol. The sensor assembly includes a bundle of multiple inductively heating wires. The bundle includes a first soaking section, a second soaking section, and an intermediate section between the first and second soaking sections. The first and second soaking sections are each at least partially arranged in the liquid reservoir, and the intermediate section is arranged in a region outside the liquid reservoir. The multiple wires are arranged parallel to each other along at least the intermediate section.

[0007] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to a consumable item used with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, particularly a single-use disposable consumable item. For example, the article may be a cylinder to be inserted into an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus. Preferably, the aerosol generating article comprises at least a first aerosol-forming liquid intended to be heated rather than burned and to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols upon heating.

[0008] According to the present invention, a sensor assembly comprising a filament bundle having a first soaking section and a second soaking section has been found to have enhanced liquid delivery capability because the two soaking sections can be arranged in a liquid reservoir to deliver aerosol-forming liquid from both sides toward the middle section, wherein the delivered liquid can evaporate and be exposed to an air path to be drawn out as an aerosol.

[0009] Furthermore, it has been found that it is easy and inexpensive to manufacture a bundle of filaments that arranges the filaments in a parallel order, at least in the intermediate section. Essentially, such a receptor assembly can be manufactured by taking multiple individual filaments aligned adjacent to each other in a substantially parallel order and then bundling the filaments together in a section (i.e., the intermediate section) to maintain that parallel order. Therefore, the intermediate section can also be referred to as a parallel bundle portion.

[0010] As used herein, the term "parallel" refers to a substantially parallel arrangement, including a small deviation of up to 5 degrees from a perfect parallel arrangement, particularly up to 2 degrees, preferably up to 1 degree, and more preferably up to 0.5 degrees. That is, in the intermediate section, the filaments may diverge from each other by up to 5 degrees, particularly up to 2 degrees, preferably up to 1 degree, and more preferably up to 0.5 degrees.

[0011] Filaments are particularly well-suited for transporting liquids because they inherently provide capillary action. Furthermore, in a filament bundle, the capillary action is further enhanced due to the narrow spaces formed between the multiple filaments when bundled. This is especially true in the middle section of the bundle, along which the capillary action is constant because the narrow spaces between the filaments do not vary along this section.

[0012] Because the filament is inductively heatable, the filament bundle can perform two functions: transporting and heating the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, this dual function allows for very low material consumption 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 filament) and the aerosol-forming liquid adhered to the filament. Unlike the case where a heater is in contact with a saturated wicking system, the direct contact between the filament and a small amount of liquid advantageously allows for rapid heating, that is, rapid initiation of evaporation.

[0013] As used herein, the term "inductively heated wire" refers to a wire comprising a sensor 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 hysteresis loss or eddy currents induced in the sensor material. In ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic sensor materials, hysteresis loss occurs due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents are induced in conductive sensor materials. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic sensor materials, heat is generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis loss.

[0014] The filament bundle may be an untwisted filament bundle. In an untwisted filament bundle, the filaments preferably extend adjacent to each other along the entire length of the bundle without crossing each other. In particular, in intermediate sections, the filaments extend parallel to each other without crossing each other. Similarly, the filament bundle may include twisted portions in which the filaments are twisted. The twisted portions may be a portion of at least one of a first soaking section or a second soaking section. The twisted portions can enhance the mechanical stability of the filament bundle.

[0015] Generally, the filament bundle can be a linear filament bundle, that is, a basically straight, non-curved, or non-bent filament bundle. This construction does not preclude minor curvature of the filament bundle, that is, a large radius of curvature extending along the length of the filament bundle. As used, a large radius of curvature may include a radius of curvature that is 10 times, particularly 20 times, 50 times, or particularly 100 times the total length of the filament bundle.

[0016] Preferably, the filament bundle is curved. In particular, the filament bundle may be curved such that it includes a apex in the intermediate section. The first and second soaking sections may extend substantially within a hemisphere around the apex, particularly within a semicircle around the apex, and preferably substantially in the same direction. As used herein, the term "substantially in the same direction" includes any configuration having a turning angle between the first and second soaking sections in the range of 0 degrees to less than 180 degrees, particularly in the range of 0 to 120 degrees, more particularly in the range of 0 to 90 degrees, preferably in the range of 0 to 60 degrees, more preferably in the range of 0 to 45 degrees, even more preferably in the range of 0 to 30 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 0 to 10 degrees.

[0017] In this construction, the radius of curvature of the filament bundle can be between 0.5 / Pi times and 10 times the total length of the bundle, particularly between 1 / Pi times and 5 times. Here, Pi represents Archimedes' constant, that is, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.

[0018] Any of these configurations, including the vertices in the intermediate section, makes it easy to expose the vertices to an alternating magnetic field by inserting them into the induction coil, for example, by having the induction coil surround the vertices in the intermediate section. As a result, the vertices (that is, at least a portion of the intermediate section) can be used as heating sections, particularly as heating tips, for heating the aerosol-forming liquid transported from the first and second immersion sections to the intermediate section.

[0019] For example, the filament bundle can be substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped. In particular, the first soaking section and the second soaking section can each be at least partially formed with U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped arms. The intermediate section can be formed with U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped bases. Any of these shapes can be used to achieve the non-curved filament bundle as described above.

[0020] To achieve an equal supply of aerosol-forming liquid from the two immersion sections, the intermediate section can be symmetrically located between the first and second immersion sections. Alternatively, the intermediate section can be asymmetrically located between the first and second immersion sections. The latter configuration can be used to achieve an unequal supply of aerosol-forming liquid from the first and second immersion sections.

[0021] Preferably, the first soaking section may be located at least partially at the first end portion of the filament bundle. Similarly, the second soaking section may be located at least partially at the second end portion of the filament bundle. Since the first and second soaking sections are at least partially arranged at the respective end portions of the filament bundle, the respective soaking sections can be easily inserted into the liquid reservoir.

[0022] 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 liquid reservoir can be refilled with aerosol-forming liquid. In either case, the aerosol generating article may include the aerosol-forming liquid contained in the liquid reservoir.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The liquid reservoir may include a single compartment for storing the aerosol-forming liquid. This configuration may be preferred when the aerosol-generating article contains only a single aerosol-forming liquid.

[0025] Similarly, the article may contain or be configured to contain a variety of aerosol-forming liquids, such as a first aerosol-forming liquid and a second aerosol-forming liquid. In the latter configuration, the liquid reservoir includes a first compartment and a second compartment, each compartment configured to contain a corresponding aerosol-forming liquid. For example, the first aerosol-forming liquid may be a water-based aerosol-forming liquid, and the second aerosol-forming liquid may be an oil-based aerosol-forming liquid.

[0026] Advantageously, the filament bundle can be used to soak aerosol-forming liquids from the two compartments, and subsequently evaporate the aerosol-forming liquids from the two compartments in the intermediate section. For this purpose, the first soaking section can be arranged at least partially in the first compartment, and the second soaking section can be arranged at least partially in the second compartment.

[0027] Generally, the first compartments are in direct fluid communication with each other. This configuration can be considered when the first and second compartments contain the same aerosol-forming liquid. In this case, since the filament bundles are immersed in the first and second compartments respectively through the first and second immersion sections, this sensor assembly provides enhanced liquid delivery capability compared to a sensor assembly with only one immersion section.

[0028] In another configuration, the first compartment can be fluidly separated from the second compartment. This configuration allows the first compartment to be filled with a first aerosol-forming liquid, and the second compartment to be filled with a second aerosol-forming liquid, preferably different from the first aerosol-forming liquid. Thus, the sensor assembly can be used to simultaneously deliver and evaporate different types of aerosol-forming liquids. Even if the first and second aerosol-forming liquids are immiscible, they still evaporate simultaneously to form an aerosol composed of droplets combining the two liquids. Advantageously, this enhances the diversity of the user experience. It is also possible that the first and second aerosol-forming liquids are the same.

[0029] Therefore, the aerosol generating article may include a first aerosol generating liquid contained in a first compartment and a second aerosol generating liquid contained in a second compartment. As mentioned above, the aerosol generating article may be a single-use aerosol generating article or a multi-use aerosol generating article. In the latter case, the first compartment and the second compartment may each be configured to, for example, be refilled with a corresponding aerosol generating liquid, particularly the first aerosol generating liquid and the second aerosol generating liquid.

[0030] To hold the filaments together, at least a portion of the filament bundle may be bundled by a collar, sleeve, or wire harness. Specifically, at least a portion of one of the first and second soaking sections may be bundled by a collar, sleeve, or wire harness. Similarly, at least a portion of the intermediate section may be bundled by a collar, sleeve, or wire harness. The collar, sleeve, or wire harness may include a sheathing member. For example, the sleeve may be a partition wall separating the liquid reservoir from the evaporation zone. Similarly, at least a portion of the intermediate section may be bundled by a gasket or O-ring. The filaments may be held together by crimping or overmolding, that is, by crimping or overmolding members. It is also possible to hold the filaments together by welding them together at a location in the intermediate section, preferably in the middle of the intermediate soaking section. Similarly, the filaments may be held together by welding them together at the end of at least one of the first or second soaking sections. In these configurations, capillary action still occurs along the non-welded portion of the filament bundle.

[0031] To control the liquid delivery characteristics, particularly the liquid delivery capacity, the various sections of the filament bundle, especially the first and second soaking sections, can differ from each other in at least one characteristic. This allows for control over the amount of aerosol-forming liquid delivered from different compartments of the liquid reservoir, and thus the composition of the aerosol. Advantageously, this further enhances the diversity of the user experience.

[0032] For example, the number of fibers in the first soaking section may differ from the number of fibers in the second soaking section. Due to this difference in fiber count, the first and second soaking sections can have different liquid delivery capacities. This can result in different amounts of aerosol-formed liquid being delivered from the first and second soaking sections, respectively.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the surface properties of the filaments in the first soaking section may differ from those of the filaments in the second soaking section. For example, the liquid adhesive surface coating of the filaments in the first soaking section may differ from that of the filaments in the second soaking section. In particular, different liquid adhesive surface coatings can provide different adhesive strengths between the respective aerosol-forming liquid and the filaments in the respective soaking sections.

[0034] Alternatively, or otherwise, the length of the first soaking section may differ from the length of the second soaking section. Different lengths of the first and second soaking sections may also result in different liquid transport capacities for the respective soaking sections.

[0035] Generally, the length of the first soaking section can be up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle. Similarly, the length of the second soaking section can be up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle. These values ​​ensure that sufficient aerosol-forming liquid is fed into the intermediate sections.

[0036] Therefore, the length of the intermediate section can be up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0037] Conversely, the length of the intermediate section should be large enough to ensure that a sufficient portion of the filament bundle is heated, and thus ensures that a sufficient amount of aerosol forms and evaporates during use. Therefore, the length of the intermediate section can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0038] In the intermediate section, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent 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.

[0039] As further mentioned above, preferably, at least a portion of the intermediate section serves as a heating section that is inductively heated during use of the sensor assembly, so that the aerosol-forming liquid delivered from the first and second soaking sections to the intermediate section evaporates. In use, the heating section is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol-forming liquid to evaporate, while the soaking section is preferably maintained at a temperature far below the evaporation temperature to avoid boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid in the liquid reservoir. Therefore, in use, the tow comprises a temperature profile extending along its length with sections having higher and lower temperatures. In particular, the tow may include a temperature profile showing an increase in temperature from the first and second soaking sections to the intermediate section or the heating section (particularly from a temperature below the evaporation temperature to a temperature above the corresponding evaporation temperature).

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

[0041] In the use of the sensor assembly, the actual temperature distribution formed depends particularly on the thermal conductivity and length of the filament bundle. A sufficient temperature gradient between the soaking section and the intermediate section of the filament bundle requires a certain distance between them. In particular, if the soaking section is located at the opposite end portion of the filament bundle, and the intermediate section is arranged between them, a certain total length of filament bundle is required to keep the temperature in the first and second soaking sections below the evaporation temperature.

[0042] Therefore, the total length of the filament bundle can range from 5 mm to 70 mm, especially from 10 mm to 60 mm, and preferably from 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0043] The filament bundle may further include fan-out portions at at least one of a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the filaments diverge from each other. This fan-out portion can prove advantageous in facilitating the transport of aerosol-forming liquids. Advantageously, the filament bundle may include two fan-out portions, one at each end portion of the filament bundle.

[0044] Preferably, the heating section of the filament bundle is located at least partially at the fan-out portion, and in particular at least partially overlaps with the fan-out portion.

[0045] The length of the fanned portion can be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the total length of the filament bundle. Conversely, the length of the fanned portion can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0046] The filament bundle may further include an extension portion, in which the average center-to-center distance between the filaments is greater than the average center-to-center distance between the filaments in other portions of the bundle extending along its length. Specifically, the extension portion may be part of an intermediate section, or vice versa, the intermediate section may be part of the extension portion. The extension portion can prove advantageous in facilitating the exposure of evaporated aerosol-forming liquid to the air path, and thus the formation of an aerosol.

[0047] Generally, a filament bundle may include at least a plurality of first filaments, including first receptor material.

[0048] Preferably, the multiple first filaments are solid material filaments. Solid material filaments are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. In addition, solid material filaments provide good mechanical stability, thus making the filament bundle robust.

[0049] For the same reason, the plurality of first filaments are preferably monolithic material filaments. Therefore, the plurality of first filaments are preferably made of a first receptor material.

[0050] As further mentioned in this article, the term "receptor material" refers to a material that can convert 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Wadding, or capillary action, largely depends on the reduction of surface energy between two separate surfaces (the liquid surface and the solid surface of the filament). Wadding or capillary action involves effects dependent on the radii of curvature of both the liquid surface and the filament. Therefore, a large surface area and a small radius of curvature are often required, both achieved through the small diameter of the filament and the brush-like nature of the filament bundle. The radius of curvature of the filament is important when the liquid wets the filament.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Generally, the multiple first filaments can have any cross-sectional shape suitable for transporting aerosols to form a liquid when bundled. Therefore, at least one of the multiple first filaments, particularly each one, can have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, all the first filaments have the same cross-section. It is also possible that the cross-section of one or more of the multiple first filaments differs from the cross-section of one or more of the other multiple first filaments. Preferably, the multiple first filaments have a circular, elliptical, or oval cross-section. Advantageously, the latter cross-sectional shape ensures that the filaments in the bundle are in line contact with each other only, rather than regional contact. Due to the line contact, a narrow space is formed between the multiple filaments themselves, which facilitates the capillary action required for transporting aerosols to form a liquid.

[0059] Multiple first filaments can be surface-treated. Specifically, the multiple first filaments may at least partially include a surface coating, such as an aerosol-enhanced surface coating, a liquid-adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antimicrobial surface coating. An aerosol-enhanced 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.

[0060] Depending on the available space, the size of the filaments, and the amount of aerosol to be transported and heated to form a liquid, the multiple first filaments in the filament bundle may include 3 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 60 first filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments, such as 40 first filaments.

[0061] In addition to the multiple first filaments, the filament bundle may further include: multiple second filaments comprising second receptor material.

[0062] 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 be used as a temperature marker. For this purpose, the second sensor material preferably comprises a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic material. Specifically, the second sensor material can 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.

[0063] Preferably, the material of the first receptor is different from that of the second receptor.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In addition, the multiple second filaments may have the same or similar properties as described previously regarding the multiple first filaments.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Generally, multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments can have the same diameter. Therefore, capillary action and shear rate are consistent throughout the filament bundle. Conversely, it is also possible that multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments have different diameters. Different filament diameters can be used to alter the capillary action throughout the filament bundle.

[0072] The multiple second filaments in the filament bundle may include 1 to 100 second filaments, particularly 10 to 80 second filaments, preferably 20 to 60 second filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 second filaments, such as 40 second filaments.

[0073] Generally, the number of first filaments can be the same as the number of second filaments. However, it is also possible that the number of first filaments and second filaments are different. In particular, the number of first filaments can be greater than the number of second filaments, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the number of second filaments. This is especially suitable when the second filament is used as a temperature marker, in which case a small number of second filaments is sufficient.

[0074] The total number of filaments in the bundle can range from 3 to 100, especially from 10 to 80, preferably from 20 to 60, and more preferably from 30 to 50, for example, 40 filaments.

[0075] Multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments can be distributed substantially equally throughout the filament bundle. Uniform distribution supports consistent capillary action throughout the bundle. Alternatively, it is also possible that the multiple first filaments and multiple second filaments are not distributed unequally throughout the filament bundle. For example, multiple second filaments can be arranged (only) within the central portion of the filament bundle surrounded by multiple first filaments. That is, multiple second filaments can form the core portion of the filament bundle, and multiple first filaments can form the sleeve portion of the filament bundle surrounding the core portion. This configuration may be advantageous when the transport and heating functions of the filament bundle are primarily provided by multiple first filaments, while multiple second filaments only serve as temperature markers. Conversely, multiple first filaments can be arranged (only) within the central portion of the filament bundle surrounded by multiple second filaments. That is, multiple first filaments can form the core portion of the filament bundle, and multiple second filaments can form the sleeve portion of the filament bundle surrounding the core portion. Similarly, multiple first filaments can be arranged in the first part, particularly in the first half of the filament bundle, while multiple second filaments can be arranged in the second part, particularly in the second half of the filament bundle that is laterally adjacent to the first part (especially the first half). This configuration is particularly easy to manufacture. Alternatively, the multiple second filaments can be randomly distributed throughout the filament bundle. Moreover, the multiple second filaments may have a length different from that of the multiple first filaments. In particular, the length of the multiple second filaments may be shorter than the length of the multiple first filaments. Conversely, the length of the multiple second filaments may be greater than the length of the multiple first filaments.

[0076] The filament bundle can be arranged eccentrically relative to the geometric center axis of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the filament bundle can be eccentrically arranged relative to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction-heated aerosol-generating device, into which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted for use in a heating sensor assembly. Advantageously, due to the eccentric arrangement, that is, the asymmetrical arrangement, the filament bundle is positioned in a region with a higher field density of the alternating magnetic field compared to a symmetrical central arrangement. As a result, heating efficiency is improved.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The article may have a simple design. The article may have a housing comprising a first liquid reservoir and, if present, a second liquid reservoir. The housing is preferably a rigid housing comprising a liquid-impermeable material. As used herein, "rigid housing" means a self-supporting housing. The housing may comprise or be made of one of PEEK (polyetherketone), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). PP, PE, and PET are particularly cost-effective and easy to mold, especially easy to extrude. The aerosol-forming matrix is ​​a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The housing may also include flexible or collapsible sections. The housing may further include at least one vent for volume compensation.

[0079] According to the present invention, an aerosol generation system is also provided, comprising an induction-heated aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to the present invention and as described herein. The article is configured for use with the aerosol generation device. The device includes a receiving cavity for removably receiving the aerosol generation article. The device further includes at least one induction source configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in a middle section of the filament bundle when the article is received in the receiving cavity.

[0080] 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.

[0081] To generate an alternating magnetic field, the induction source may include at least one sensor, preferably at least one induction coil arranged around the receiving cavity. Preferably, when the article is received in the receiving cavity, the induction coil is arranged at least around the middle section of the filament bundle.

[0082] 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.

[0083] At least one induction coil may be held within the body or housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0084] The dimensions of the induction coil, particularly its axial length, define the dimensions of the heating section (i.e., the portion of the middle section that is inductively heated when using the device). The dimensions of the induction coil, especially its axial length, can be selected to generate a desired amount of aerosol. The shorter the heating section, the less liquid evaporation occurs, and therefore the less aerosol is generated. Therefore, the dimensions of the induction coil, particularly its axial length, can be selected such that the length of the heating section of the filament bundle is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle. Similarly, the length of the heating section of the filament bundle can be at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0085] The aerosol-generating article can be configured such that, when the article is received in the receiving cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus, the filament bundle is arranged off-center relative to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction source. Advantageously, due to the off-center arrangement, that is, the asymmetrical arrangement, the filament bundle is arranged in a region with a higher field density of alternating magnetic field compared to a symmetrically centered arrangement. As a result, heating efficiency is improved.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a controller configured, preferably in a closed-loop configuration, to control the operation of the induction source for controlling the heating of the aerosol-forming liquid to a predetermined operating temperature. The operating temperature range for heating the aerosol-forming liquid is between 100°C and 300°C, particularly between 150°C and 250°C, for example, 230°C. These temperatures are typical operating temperatures for heating without burning the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0090] The controller may be the main controller of the aerosol generating apparatus or a part of the main controller of the aerosol generating apparatus. 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.

[0091] The aerosol generation device may include a power source, particularly a DC power source, configured to provide a DC power supply voltage and a DC power supply current to the induction source. Preferably, the power source is a battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging; that is, the power source may be rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more user experiences. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation in time intervals of approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of suctions or discontinuous activation of the induction source.

[0092] The aerosol generating apparatus 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 receiving cavity. Therefore, when the article is received in the receiving cavity, the alternating magnetic field is distorted toward the filament bundle, particularly toward the heated section of the filament bundle. Preferably, the flux concentrator comprises a flux concentrator foil, particularly a multilayer flux concentrator foil.

[0093] Other features and advantages of the aerosol generation system according to the invention have been described with respect to the aerosol generation article according to the invention, and are therefore equally applicable.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, the article comprising a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, and a liquid delivery sensor assembly for conveying the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to a region outside the liquid reservoir and for induction heating the aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field to generate an aerosol, the sensor assembly comprising a bundle of multiple filaments, the bundle comprising a first soaking section, a second soaking section, and an intermediate section between the first soaking section and the second soaking section, wherein the first soaking section and the second soaking section are each at least partially disposed in the liquid reservoir, and the intermediate section is disposed in a region outside the liquid reservoir, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least the intermediate section.

[0096] Example Ex2: The article according to Example Ex1, wherein the filament bundle is curved.

[0097] Example Ex3: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the filament bundle is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

[0098] Example Ex4: According to the article of Example Ex3, wherein the first soaking section and the second soaking section each at least partially form the arm of the U-shape, the C-shape, or the V-shape, and wherein the intermediate section forms the base of the U-shape, the C-shape, or the V-shape, respectively.

[0099] Example Ex5: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the intermediate section is symmetrically located between the first soaking section and the second soaking section.

[0100] Example Ex6: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the first soaking section is at least partially located at the first end portion of the filament bundle.

[0101] Example Ex7: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the second soaking section is at least partially located at the second end portion of the filament bundle.

[0102] Example Ex8: The article of any of the foregoing examples further includes an aerosol-forming liquid contained in the liquid reservoir.

[0103] Example Ex9: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a first compartment and a second compartment.

[0104] Example Ex10: The article according to Example Ex9, wherein the first soaking section is at least partially arranged in the first compartment, and the second soaking section is at least partially arranged in the second compartment.

[0105] Example Ex11: An article of any one of Examples Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the first compartment is fluidly separated from the second compartment.

[0106] Example Ex12: The article of any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex11 further includes a first aerosol-forming liquid contained in the first compartment and a second aerosol-forming liquid contained in the second compartment.

[0107] Example Ex13: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein at least a portion of one of the intermediate section, the first soaking section and the second soaking section is bundled by a collar or sleeve or wire harness.

[0108] Example Ex14: An article of manufacture according to Example Ex13, wherein the ferrule or sleeve or wire harness includes a sheathing member.

[0109] Example Ex15: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the number of fibers in the first soaking section is different from the number of fibers in the second soaking section.

[0110] Example Ex16: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the surface characteristics of the filaments in the first soaking section are different from the surface characteristics of the filaments in the second soaking section.

[0111] Example Ex17: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the first soaking section is different from the length of the second soaking section.

[0112] Example Ex18: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the first soaking section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0113] Example Ex19: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the second soaking section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0114] Example Ex20: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the intermediate section is at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0115] Example Ex21: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the intermediate section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0116] Example Ex22: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein in the intermediate section, the average center-to-center distance between adjacent filaments is at most 0.025 mm, at most 0.05 mm, at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.15 mm, at most 0.2 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at most 0.3 mm, at most 0.35 mm, at most 0.4 mm, at most 0.45 mm, or at most 0.5 mm.

[0117] Example Ex23: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the total length of the filament bundle is between 5 mm and 70 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 60 mm, and preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm.

[0118] Example Ex24: An article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the filament bundle further includes a fan-out portion at at least one of a first end portion and a second end portion of the filament bundle, wherein the filaments diverge from each other.

[0119] Example Ex25: The article according to Example Ex24, wherein the length of the fan-out portion is at least 5%, 10%, 20% or 30% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0120] Example Ex26: An article according to any one of Examples Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the length of the fan-out portion is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the total length of the filament bundle.

[0121] Example Ex27: An article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the filament bundle includes an extension portion, wherein the average center-to-center distance between the filaments in the extension portion is greater than the average center-to-center distance between the filaments in other portions of the filament bundle extending along its length.

[0122] Example Ex28: According to the article of Example Ex27, the extended portion is part of the intermediate segment, or the intermediate portion is part of the extended portion.

[0123] Example Ex29: An article of any of the foregoing examples, wherein the filament bundle comprises: a plurality of first filaments including a first sensor material.

[0124] Example Ex30: The article according to Example Ex29, wherein the plurality of first filaments are solid material filaments.

[0125] Example Ex31: An article according to any one of Examples Ex29 or Ex30, wherein the plurality of first filaments are single-stage material filaments.

[0126] Example Ex32: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex31, wherein the plurality of first filaments are made of the first sensor material.

[0127] Example Ex33: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex32, wherein the first sensor 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.

[0128] Example Ex34: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex33, wherein the first sensor material comprises or is made of ferrite, aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, nickel alloy, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel.

[0129] Example Ex35: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex34, wherein the diameter of said 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.

[0130] Example Ex36: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex35, 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.

[0131] Example Ex37: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex36, wherein the plurality of first filaments have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section.

[0132] Example Ex38: An article according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex37, 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.

[0133] Example Ex39: An article according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex38, wherein the plurality of first filaments in the filament bundle comprises 3 to 100 first filaments, particularly 10 to 80 first filaments, preferably 20 to 60 first filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 first filaments, for example 40 first filaments.

[0134] Example Ex40: An article of any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex39, wherein the filament bundle further comprises: a plurality of second filaments including a second receptor material.

[0135] Example Ex41: According to the article of Example 40, the second sensor material comprises a subferromagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

[0136] Example Ex42: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex41, wherein the Curie temperature of the second sensor 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.

[0137] Example Ex43: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex42, wherein the second sensor material comprises one of nickel, nickel alloy, nickel-iron high-permeability magnetic alloy or permalloy.

[0138] Example Ex44: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex43, wherein the plurality of second filaments are solid material filaments.

[0139] Example Ex45: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex44, wherein the plurality of second filaments are single-stage material filaments.

[0140] Example Ex46: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex45, wherein the plurality of second filaments are made of the second receptor material.

[0141] Example Ex47: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex46, 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.

[0142] Example Ex48: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex47, wherein at least one of the plurality of second filaments, in particular each having a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal or polygonal cross-section.

[0143] Example Ex49: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex48, 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.

[0144] Example Ex50: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex49, 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.

[0145] Example Ex51: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex50, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have the same diameter.

[0146] Example Ex52: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex50, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments have different diameters.

[0147] Example Ex53: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex52, wherein the plurality of second filaments in the filament bundle comprises 1 to 100 second filaments, particularly 10 to 80 second filaments, preferably 20 to 60 second filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 second filaments, for example 40 second filaments.

[0148] Example Ex54: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex53, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments are distributed substantially equally throughout the filament bundle.

[0149] Example Ex55: An article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex53, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments are distributed substantially unequally throughout the filament bundle.

[0150] Example Ex56: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex55, wherein the length of the plurality of second filaments is different from the length of the plurality of first filaments.

[0151] Example Ex57: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex56, wherein the length of the plurality of second filaments is shorter than the length of the plurality of first filaments.

[0152] Example Ex58: An article of any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex56, wherein the length of the plurality of second filaments is greater than the length of the plurality of first filaments.

[0153] Example Ex59: An aerosol generation system includes an induction-heated aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol generation article according to any of the foregoing examples for use with said aerosol generation apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

[0154] - A receiving cavity for removably receiving the aerosol-generated article;

[0155] - At least one sensing source, the at least one sensing source being configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the middle section of the filament bundle when the article is received in the receiving cavity.

[0156] Example Ex60: An aerosol generation system according to Example Ex59, wherein the induction source includes an induction coil arranged around the receiving cavity, particularly around the middle section of the filament bundle when the article is received in the receiving cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0157] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0158] Figure 1A first exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generated article according to the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0159] Figure 2 It shows the path along line BB through according to Figure 1 The cross-section of the aerosol-generated product;

[0160] Figure 3 It shows the passage along line AA according to Figure 1 The cross-section of the sensor component of the aerosol-generating product;

[0161] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates an aerosol generating device and, according to... Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of the aerosol generation system according to the present invention for aerosol-generated articles;

[0162] Figure 5 It shows the use of according to Figure 4 The temperature distribution along the sensor component during aerosol generation system;

[0163] Figure 6 A second exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generated article according to the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0164] Figure 7 A third exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is schematically illustrated; and

[0165] Figure 8 A fourth exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generated article according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0166] Specific implementation methods

[0167] Figure 1 An aerosol generating article 40 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Reference will be made below. Figure 5 Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 40 is configured for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus. Article 40 includes a generally cylindrical article housing 43 made of a rigid, liquid-impermeable material such as PP (polypropylene). The article further includes a generally disc-shaped sleeve 44 disposed within the article housing 43 at approximately half the length of the article 40. The sleeve 44 divides the internal space of the article housing 43 into two parts: a liquid reservoir 41 containing the aerosol-forming liquid 51 and an evaporation chamber 45. Figure 1 As can be seen, the disc-shaped sleeve 44 includes two openings, each of which forms the outlet of the liquid reservoir 41.

[0168] According to the invention, article 40 further comprises a liquid transport sensor assembly 10 including a bent filament bundle 18. Generally, the sensor assembly 10 includes the filament bundle 18 capable of performing two functions: transporting and heating aerosols to form a liquid. For this purpose, the filament bundle 18 includes a plurality of first filaments 11 and a plurality of second filaments 12, wherein the plurality of first filaments 11 comprise a first sensor material, and the plurality of second filaments 12 comprise a second sensor material. Due to the sensitive nature of the filament material, the first filaments 11 and the second filaments 12 can be inductively heated in an alternating magnetic field, and thus heat the aerosol in thermal contact with the filaments to form a liquid. Moreover, due to the arrangement of the first filaments 11 and the second filaments 12 in the filament bundle 18, and due to the small diameter of the filaments 11, 12, the filament bundle 18 includes narrow channels formed between the filaments 11, 12 and extending along the length of the filament bundle 18 to provide capillary action.

[0169] In this embodiment, the filament bundle 18 is curved. More specifically, the filament bundle 18 is substantially U-shaped, having two arms and a base symmetrically arranged between the two arms. Each of the two arms of the U-shaped filament bundle 18 passes through one of the two openings in the sleeve 44 so as to be partially arranged in the liquid reservoir 41 and partially arranged in the evaporation chamber 45. Thus, the filament bundle 18 is able to convey the aerosol-forming liquid 51 from the liquid reservoir 41 through the outlet to the region outside the liquid reservoir 41, that is, to the evaporation chamber 45. Therefore, the portion of the filament bundle 18 arranged in the liquid reservoir 41, particularly immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid 51, serves as the first immersion section 13 and the second immersion section 14.

[0170] In contrast, the intermediate section 15 of the filament bundle 18 arranged outside the liquid reservoir 41 between the first soaking section 13 and the second soaking section 14 can at least partially serve as the heating section 16 for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid 51 by exposing this section to an alternating magnetic field to induce heating of the filaments 12, 13. Preferably, the base (i.e., the apex of the U-shaped filament bundle 18) serves as the heating section 16 for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid 51 conveyed from the two arms of the U-shaped filament bundle 18 toward the intermediate section 15. In the evaporation chamber 45, the evaporated aerosol-forming liquid can be exposed to an air path to be drawn out as an aerosol.

[0171] The lengths of the first soaking section 13 and the second soaking section 14 can advantageously be used to control the amount of aerosol-formed liquid impregnated and transported from the liquid reservoir 41 to the evaporation chamber 45. In this embodiment, the length of each soaking section 13, 14 is approximately 30% of the total length of the filament bundle 18.

[0172] Multiple filaments 11, 12 are arranged parallel to each other at least along the intermediate section 15. Thus, the intermediate section 15 is defined as the portion of the bundle 18 located outside the liquid reservoir 41 between the first soaking section 13 and the second soaking section 14, in which the multiple filaments 11, 12 are arranged parallel to each other. That is, the intermediate portion 15 of the bundle 18 is an untwisted bundle, in which the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 are neither twisted nor braided, and therefore do not cross each other. Preferably, the multiple filaments 11, 12 are also arranged parallel to each other in the first and second soaking sections. This parallel arrangement is particularly advantageous for providing sufficient and uniform capillary action along the entire length of the intermediate section 15. Moreover, the sensor assembly comprising parallel-arranged filaments is easy and cost-effective to manufacture. Essentially, the sensor assembly 10 can be manufactured by bundling multiple individual filaments arranged in a substantially parallel order along a section (i.e., the intermediate section) of a certain length and cutting the bundle to the desired length. Figure 1 In one embodiment, wires 11 and 12 are held together in a parallel configuration by passing through an opening in sleeve 44. Reference is shown along line BB by... Figure 1 The cross-section of the aerosol-generated product Figure 2 The opening of the sleeve 44 forms a clamp-shaped notch 49, which is open towards the inner surface of the cylindrical product shell 43, so that the wires 11 and 12 are bundled together by the clamp-shaped notch 49 and simultaneously clamped between the sleeve 44 and the inner surface of the cylindrical product shell 43.

[0173] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The line AA passes through the cross-section of the receptor assembly 10 in the filament bundle 18 (that is, through the intermediate segment 15). The plurality of first filaments 11 and the plurality of second filaments 12 are both solid material filaments with substantially circular cross-sections. Due to the circular cross-sections, the filaments 11 and 12 do not regionally contact each other, but only in line contact, thus forming capillary spaces between the filaments 11 and 12 themselves. Other cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of first filaments 11 and second filaments 12 are also possible, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, quadratic, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-sections.

[0174] To provide sufficient capillary action, the average center-to-center distance D between adjacent filaments 11, 12 in the filament bundle is at most 0.5 mm, particularly at most 0.25 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.05 mm, and even more preferably at most 0.025 mm.

[0175] Capillary action is also facilitated by a small radius of curvature, and therefore by the small diameters of the first filament 11 and the second filament 12. Thus, the diameters of the first and second filaments can be at most 0.025 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm. However, the diameters of the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 should still be greater than twice the skin depth so that sufficient eddy currents are induced when the filament bundle 18 is exposed to an alternating magnetic field, and thus sufficient heat energy is generated. Therefore, depending on the material and frequency of the alternating magnetic field used, the diameters of the first wire 11 and the second wire 12 can be at least 0.015 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.025 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.125 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first filament 11 and the second filament 12 include a liquid adhesive surface coating (not shown). The liquid adhesive surface coating further enhances the capillary effect of the filament bundle 18.

[0177] The first sensor material of the multiple first filaments 11 is optimized for heat generation. For example, the first sensor material can be ferromagnetic stainless steel, allowing the multiple first filaments 11 to be inductively heated by eddy currents and by hysteresis losses. The Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic first sensor material is chosen to be much higher than the evaporation temperature, preferably above 300 degrees Celsius. In contrast, as further described above, the multiple second filaments 12 primarily function as temperature markers. For this purpose, the second sensor material can be ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, preferably having a Curie temperature approximately at the predetermined operating temperature of the sensor assembly 10. Therefore, when the sensor assembly 10 reaches the Curie temperature of the second sensor material, the magnetic properties of the second sensor material change from ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic, accompanied by a temporary change in its resistance. Thus, by monitoring the corresponding change in the current absorbed by the induction source 30 used to generate the alternating magnetic field, it is possible to detect when the second sensor material reaches its Curie temperature, and therefore when it reaches the predetermined operating temperature. Suitable materials for the second sensor material can be nickel, nickel alloys, nickel-iron high-permeability alloys, or permalloy. To adequately serve as a temperature marker, only a few second filaments are needed. Therefore, the number of first filaments 11 can be greater than the number of second filaments 12, specifically two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the number of second filaments. In this embodiment, the filament bundle 18 exemplary comprises forty first filaments 11 and five second filaments 12.

[0178] like Figure 3It can also be seen that multiple second filaments 12 are randomly distributed throughout the filament bundle 18. Advantageously, this random distribution requires very little work during the manufacturing process of the filament bundle 18. Figure 3 As can be seen further, the filament bundle 18 has a generally circular cross-section that is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0179] Refer again Figure 1 The article 40 includes an air inlet 46 that enters the evaporation chamber 45 through the article housing 43, allowing air to enter the evaporation chamber 45. The air inlet 46 may be configured to provide airflow at or around the heating section 16 of the tow 18. The air inlet 46 may be an orifice through the reservoir body. Similarly, the air inlet 46 may be a nozzle configured to direct airflow to a specific target location on the tow 18. Additionally, the article 40 includes a mouthpiece 47 forming the proximal portion of the evaporation chamber 45. The mouthpiece 47 has a tapered shape and includes an air outlet 48 at its extreme end, thus allowing the user to inhale aerosol directly from the article. Preferably, the mouthpiece includes a filter (not shown). Therefore, 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 the air inlet 46 to form an aerosol, which can be drawn out through the air outlet 48 in the mouthpiece 47.

[0180] 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.

[0181] Figure 4 An aerosol generation system 80 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. System 80 includes, as shown in the example below... Figure 1 The aerosol generating article 40 shown is accompanied by an electrically operated aerosol generating apparatus 60 capable of interacting with the article 40 to generate an aerosol. For this purpose, the aerosol generating apparatus 60 includes a receiving cavity 62 formed within an apparatus housing 61 at a proximal end of the apparatus 60. The receiving cavity 62 is configured to removably receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 40. The aerosol generating apparatus is further configured to inductively heat a heating sensor assembly 10 in a heating section 16 of the filament 18 to cause the aerosol forming liquid 51, delivered from a first soaking section 13 and a second soaking section 14 to a middle portion 15 of the filament 18, to evaporate.

[0182] To heat the sensor assembly 10, the aerosol generating device 60 includes a sensing source comprising an induction coil 32. In this embodiment, the induction coil 32 is a single helical coil arranged and configured to generate a substantially uniform alternating magnetic field within the receiving cavity 62. Figure 4As can be seen, the induction coil 32 is arranged around the proximal portion of the receiving cavity 62 so that it only surrounds the base portion of the U-shaped filament bundle 18 when the aerosol-forming article 40 is received in the receiving cavity 62. Therefore, when the device 60 is used, the induction coil 32 generates an alternating magnetic field that penetrates only at least partially the intermediate section 15, that is, the heating section 16 in the evaporation cavity 45 of the article 40. In contrast, due to localized heating, the first and second immersion sections 16 of the filament bundle 18 are maintained at a temperature below the evaporation temperature. Therefore, boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid 51 within the liquid reservoir 41 is prevented.

[0183] As a result, Figure 5 As shown, in use, the sensor assembly 10 includes a temperature distribution extending along the length of the article, comprising sections with higher and lower temperatures. More specifically, the temperature distribution shows a temperature rise from below the aerosol-forming liquid evaporation temperature T_vap at the first soaking section 13 and the second soaking section 14 to above the corresponding evaporation temperature in the heated section 16 at the base portion of the filament bundle 18.

[0184] The actual temperature distribution formed when using the sensor assembly 10 depends on the thermal conductivity and length of the filament bundle 18. Therefore, a certain total length of filament bundle is required to achieve a sufficient temperature gradient between the soaking sections 13, 14 and the heating section. In this embodiment, the total length of the U-shaped filament bundle 18 from the extremes of the arms 13, 14 to the extremes at the base of the U-shaped filament bundle 18 can range from 5 mm to 50 mm, particularly from 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably from 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0185] The sensing source of the aerosol generating device 60 and the sensor assembly 10 of the aerosol generating product 44 together form an induction heating assembly.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] Both the controller 64 and the power supply 63 are located in the distal part of the aerosol generating device 60.

[0189] Figure 6 A second exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 140 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. Generally, according to Figure 6 Aerosol-generating products 140 and Figure 1 and 4 The aerosol-generating article 40 shown is very similar. Therefore, identical or similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 100. Figure 1 and 4 Compared to the first embodiment shown, according to Figure 6 The sensor assembly 110 of the aerosol generating article 140 includes a fan-out portion 190 at each end of the immersion sections 113, 114. In the fan-out portion 190, a first filament 111 and a second filament 112 diverge from each other to facilitate the delivery of the aerosol forming liquid.

[0190] Additionally, the filament bundle 118 includes an extension portion 120, in which the average center-to-center distance between filaments 111 and 112 is greater than the average center-to-center distance in other portions of the filament bundle 118. Specifically, the extension portion is part of the intermediate section 115 to facilitate the exposure of evaporated aerosol-forming liquid to the air path, and thus facilitates aerosol formation.

[0191] Figure 7 A third exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 240 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Again, according to Figure 6 Aerosol-generating products 240 and Figure 1 and Figure 4 The aerosol-generating article 40 shown is very similar. Therefore, identical or similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 200. Figure 1 and 4 Compared to the first embodiment shown, according to Figure 7 The sensor assembly 110 of the aerosol-generating article 240 includes a partition wall 250 that divides the liquid reservoir 241 into a first compartment 253 and a second compartment 254. The partition wall 250 is arranged and configured such that the first compartment 253 and the second compartment 254 are fluidly separated. This allows the respective aerosol-forming liquids to be stored separately in each compartment without mixing with each other. In this embodiment, the article 240 includes a first aerosol-forming liquid 251 contained in the first compartment 253 and a second aerosol-forming liquid 252 contained in the second compartment 254. Preferably, the first aerosol-forming liquid and the second aerosol-forming liquid are different. Since both the first soaking section and the second soaking section deliver the respective aerosol-forming liquid to the middle portion of the tow, it is advantageous to use the sensor assembly to simultaneously deliver and evaporate different types of aerosol-forming liquids. Advantageously, this enhances the diversity of the user experience. It is also possible that the first aerosol-forming liquid and the second aerosol-forming liquid are the same.

[0192] The diversity of the user experience can be further enhanced when the first soaking section 13 and the second soaking section 14 differ from each other in at least one characteristic. This allows for control over the amount of aerosol-forming liquid delivered from the first compartment 253 and the second compartment 254, and thus control over the composition of the aerosol.

[0193] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the length of the first soaking section 213 may be different from (and shorter than) the length of the second soaking section 214, causing different amounts of the first aerosol forming liquid 251 and the second aerosol forming liquid 252 to be transported from the first compartment 253 and the second compartment 254 to the intermediate section 215.

[0194] like Figure 7 As can be further seen, the number of fibers in the first soaking section 213 is different from (and greater than) the number of fibers in the second soaking section 214. Due to the difference in the number of fibers, the first and second soaking sections have different liquid transport capabilities, which also results in different amounts of aerosol forming liquids 251 and 252 being transported from the first compartment 253 and the second compartment 254 to the intermediate section 215.

[0195] Alternatively or additionally, the surface properties of the filaments in the first soaking section 213 may differ from those of the filaments in the second soaking section 214 (not shown). For example, the filaments in the first soaking section 213 may include a liquid adhesive surface coating that differs from the liquid adhesive surface coating of the filaments in the second soaking section 214, resulting in different adhesive strengths between the respective aerosol forming liquids 251, 252 and the filaments in the respective soaking sections 213, 214.

[0196] and, Figure 7 The fiber bundling in the left arm of the U-shaped filament bundle 218, which includes the first soaking section 213, may differ from the fiber bundling in the right arm of the U-shaped filament bundle 218, which includes the second soaking section 214. Different bundling can result in different bundling strengths, and thus different center-to-center distances between the fibers, which can also contribute to the difference in liquid delivery capacity between the right and left arms of the U-shaped filament bundle 218.

[0197] Figure 8 A fourth exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 340 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 8 Aerosol-generating products 340 and Figure 7 The aerosol-generating article 240 shown is very similar. Therefore, identical or similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals, only incremented by 100. Figure 7 Compared to the third embodiment shown, according to Figure 8The U-shaped filament bundle 318 of the aerosol-generating article 340 is not held between the inner surface of the sleeve and the article shell. Each arm of the U-shaped filament bundle 318 instead passes through a corresponding orifice (opening) in the sleeve 344. Therefore, the first soaking section 313 and the second soaking section 314 extend substantially centrally into the first compartment 353 and the second compartment 354, respectively. As a result, the immersion of the first soaking section 313 and the second soaking section 314 in the first aerosol-forming liquid 351 and the second aerosol-forming liquid 352 is improved.

[0198] In addition, according to Figure 8 The construction allows the filament bundle 318 to be pre-installed into the sleeve 344, both of which can then be inserted into the article housing 343. Different diameters of the corresponding orifices (openings) can be used to achieve different processing lines for the two arms of the U-shaped filament bundle 318, and thus to achieve different liquid delivery capacities between the two arms.

[0199] 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. An aerosol generating article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating article comprising a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, and a liquid transport sensor assembly for transporting the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to a region outside the liquid reservoir and for induction heating the aerosol-forming liquid under the influence of an alternating magnetic field to generate an aerosol, the liquid transport sensor assembly comprising a bundle of multiple induction-heatable filaments, the bundle comprising a first soaking section, a second soaking section, and an intermediate section between the first soaking section and the second soaking section, wherein the first soaking section and the second soaking section are each at least partially arranged in the liquid reservoir, and the intermediate section is arranged in a region outside the liquid reservoir, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged parallel to each other along at least the intermediate section, and wherein the first soaking section and the second soaking section differ from each other in at least one of the number of fibers in the respective soaking section, the surface characteristics of the filaments in the respective soaking section, or the length of the respective soaking section.

2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the filament bundle is substantially U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein the first soaking section and the second soaking section each at least partially form the arm of the U-shape, the C-shape, or the V-shape, and wherein the intermediate section forms the base of the U-shape, the C-shape, or the V-shape.

4. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first soaking section is at least partially located at a first end portion of the filament bundle, and wherein the second soaking section is at least partially located at a second end portion of the filament bundle.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the first soaking section is at least partially disposed in the first compartment, and the second soaking section is at least partially disposed in the second compartment.

6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the first compartment is fluidly separated from the second compartment.

7. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the first soaking section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle, and wherein the length of the second soaking section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% of the total length of the filament bundle.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the intermediate section is at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the total length of the filament bundle.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filament bundle includes an extension portion, wherein the average center-to-center distance between the filaments in the extension portion is greater than the average center-to-center distance between the filaments in other portions of the filament bundle extending along the length of the filament bundle.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filament comprises: The device comprises multiple first filaments of a first receptor material and multiple second filaments of a second receptor material, wherein the second receptor material comprises a subferromagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

11. An aerosol generation system, comprising an induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for use with said aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the induction-heated aerosol generating apparatus comprises: - A receiving cavity for removably receiving the aerosol-generated article; - At least one sensing source, the at least one sensing source being configured and arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the middle section of the filament bundle when the aerosol generating article is received in the receiving cavity.

12. The aerosol generation system of claim 11, wherein the sensing source comprises an induction coil arranged around the receiving cavity.

13. The aerosol generation system of claim 12, wherein the induction coil is arranged around the middle section of the filament bundle when the aerosol generation article is received in the receiving cavity.

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