Aerosol delivery subsystem and method

Abstract

A replaceable cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator, the replaceable cartridge comprising: a housing comprising a cavity having a retention material for retaining a liquid aerosol-generating material; and a heater configured, in use, to heat the aerosol-generating material in the holding material to assist in release of the aerosol-generating material through the outlet in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems and subsystems, such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes). Background Art

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) typically include an aerosol generating material (such as a chamber of a source solid or source liquid), which may contain an active substance and / or a flavoring agent, and an aerosol or vapor is generated from the aerosol generating material, for example by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Therefore, the aerosol delivery system will typically include an aerosol generating region with an aerosol generator (e.g., a heating element), which is arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of the precursor material to produce a vapor or aerosol in the aerosol generating region. When the user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through the inlet hole and along the inlet air channel connected to the aerosol generating region, where the air mixes with the evaporated precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generation region to an outlet in the mouthpiece, and when the user inhales on the mouthpiece, the air drawn into the aerosol generation region continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet and carries the aerosol for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavor element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavor. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavor element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation region and the mouthpiece, so that the aerosol / condensed aerosol inhaled through the device passes through the portion of the tobacco before leaving the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0003] The user experience of electronic aerosol delivery systems is continually improving as such systems become more sophisticated in the properties of the vapor they provide for user inhalation (e.g., in terms of deep lung delivery, mouthfeel, and consistency of performance). However, there remains interest in means for further improving these aspects. In particular, it is of interest to develop improvements that increase efficiency and reduce waste. Various means are described herein that seek to help solve or at least mitigate at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0004] the term

[0005] Conveying system

[0006] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that, in use, delivers at least one substance to a user, and includes:

[0007] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or self-made cigarettes (based on or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable material);

[0008] non-flammable aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without burning the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials; and

[0009] An aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0010] Flammable Aerosol Supply System

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) burns or ignites during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0012] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead), or a paper (such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper, or a cigarette paper).

[0013] Non-flammable aerosol supply system

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0015] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor smoke device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosol generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0017] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured to be used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as products in the present disclosure.

[0018] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical source or an exothermic source. In some embodiments, the exothermic source includes a carbon matrix that may be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic source.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0020] Aerosol-free delivery system

[0021] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-aerosol delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another manner without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gum, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Either material can include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.

[0023] Active substances

[0024] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, the active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance physiological reactions. The active substance can be, for example, selected from a nutrient, a nootropic, a psychoactive substance. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0025] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0026] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound naturally present in a plant, which is obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0028] Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, Grass, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, basil plant, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, dammarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, damson, Guanna tea, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint cv, Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint cv, peppermint cv, spearmint, heart-leaf spearmint, long-leaf mint, pineapple mint, lip calyx mint, spearmint cv, and apple mint.

[0029] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from black leaf tea tree and fennel.

[0030] Flavoring

[0031] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes flavorings. As used herein, the terms "flavorings" and "flavors" refer to materials that can be used to produce tastes, aromas, or other physical sensations desired by adult consumers in products, where permitted by local regulations. It can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape , Durian, Pitaya, Cucumber, Blueberry, Mulberry, Citrus Fruit, Durian, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Mint, Lavender, Aloe, Cardamom, Celery, Sophora flavescens, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Arabic Tea, Sorghum, Betel Leaf, Coriander, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sage, Fennel , mustard, green pepper, ginger, cilantro, coffee, mint oil from any species of the mint family, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, mace, dami The invention relates to a composition comprising a flavor enhancer, a bitter taste receptor site blocker, a sensory receptor site activator or stimulator, a sugar and / or sugar substitute (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It may be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0032] In some embodiments, flavorings include menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, flavorings include eugenol. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0033] In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of aroma or taste nerves, flavoring agents may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatic sensations that are typically chemically induced and sensed by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0034] Aerosol Generating Materials

[0035] Aerosol generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "whole solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% amorphous solid to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% amorphous solid.

[0036] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0037] Aerosol former materials

[0038] The aerosol forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetyl glycerol, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0039] Functional Materials

[0040] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer and / or an antioxidant.

[0041] Matrix

[0042] The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0043] Consumables

[0044] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0045] Receptors

[0046] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by being penetrated with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor can be a conductive material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heated material. The heated material can be a magnetic material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field results in hysteresis heating of the heated material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this article, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0047] Aerosol modifiers

[0048] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region that are configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier may be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier may include one or more of a flavoring, a coloring agent, water, and a carbon adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier may be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, string, or particle form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.

[0049] Aerosol Generator

[0050] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0051] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system (which may also be referred to as a vapor delivery system), such as a nebulizer or an electronic cigarette. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. In addition, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "aerosolization" and "aerosolization" are often used interchangeably.

[0052] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically (although not always) include modular components, which include a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Typically, the replaceable cartridge part will include an aerosol generating material and a vaporizer (which can be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), and the reusable device part will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power supply) and a control circuit. It will be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on the function. For example, the reusable device part will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status features, and the replaceable cartridge device part includes a temperature sensor for helping to control the temperature in some cases. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically connected to the control unit for use, for example, using a thread, a bayonet, or a magnetic connection with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable part and the replacement cartridge is attached to its appropriate position. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-piece systems / devices.

[0053] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a generally elongated two-piece system using a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally applicable to different configurations, such as a one-piece system or a modular system including more than two components, a refillable device and single-use disposables, and other overall shapes, such as high-performance devices based on so-called box-shaped models that typically have a box shape. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on an aerosol delivery system that is operationally configured to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, and that the structural aspects of the system configured to provide functionality according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not primarily important. Summary of the invention

[0054] The present invention provides replaceable cartridges, aerosol delivery systems and methods as claimed. The present invention also provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0055] The claimed invention generally provides a subassembly or subsystem suitable for use or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The subsystem may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system, and in particular, may form part of a reusable device and / or a consumable cartridge.

[0056] In particular, the claimed invention facilitates the release of aerosol generating materials, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing waste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery subsystem according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 2c yes Figure 2a and Figure 2b A schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery subsystem;

[0061] Figure 2d shows an exemplary configuration of a mixing retention material within an aerosol delivery subsystem according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 3a and Figure 3bis a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery subsystem according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 3c yes Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery subsystem of ; and

[0064] Figure 4a , Figure 4b ; Figure 5a , Figure 5b ;as well as Figure 6a , Figure 6b is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol delivery subsystem according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any suitable conventional techniques.

[0066] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1, illustrating a two-piece aerosol delivery system, its components and their functions.

[0067] The aerosol delivery system 1 includes two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably connected together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 can be removed from the reusable part 2 and the replacement cartridge part 4 can be attached to the reusable part 2 in its appropriate position. The interface 6 provides a structural connection, an electrical connection, and an airflow path connection between the two parts 2 and 4, and the interface can be established according to conventional techniques, such as based on threaded, magnetic or bayonet fixings, using appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings to appropriately establish electrical connections and airflow paths between the two parts 2 and 4. The specific manner in which the cartridge part 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable part 2 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a specific example, it is assumed here that a magnetic connector ( Figure 1). It will also be understood that in some implementations, the interface 6 may not support electrical and / or airflow path connections between the respective parts 2, 4. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol generator may be disposed in the reusable part 2 instead of the cartridge part 4, or the power transmission from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), so that no electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is required. In addition, in some implementations, the airflow through the electronic cigarette may not pass through the reusable part 2, so that no airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is required. In some cases, when the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are connected together for use, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between a portion of the reusable part and a portion of the cartridge part.

[0068] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge / consumable portion 4 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the cartridge part 4 includes a cartridge housing 42 made of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 is connected to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of about 4 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm. However, it will be understood that the specific geometry (and more generally the overall shape) and the materials used may be different in different implementations.

[0069] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 containing an aerosol generating material. Figure 1 In the example schematically shown in the figure, the storage portion 44 stores the supplied liquid aerosol generating material 43. In this example, the liquid storage portion 44 has an annular shape and has an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall defining an airflow path 52 through the cartridge portion 4. The storage portion 44 is closed at both ends with end walls to accommodate the aerosol generating material 43. The storage portion 44 can be formed according to conventional techniques, for example, it can contain a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge housing 42. The chamber or storage portion 44 may include a retaining material 45 (liquid storage medium) for retaining the aerosol generating material 43. The retaining material 45 may include a fiber material including cotton, polyethylene and / or polyester. Advantageously, the retaining material 45 can more effectively retain the aerosol generating material 43, thereby providing a "liquid lock" to reduce leakage, but reducing the total volume available for storing liquid and reducing liquid conductivity (the rate at which fluid passes through the material). A mixture of retaining materials 45 having different properties (such as porosity) can be used to balance liquid lock and liquid conductivity.

[0070] Embodiments of the present disclosure include an extraction mechanism 110 configured to facilitate release of aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator 48. The extraction mechanism 110 will be further described later with reference to subsequent figures.

[0071] Figure 1 The cartridge / consumable portion 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48 located at the end of the storage portion 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in a device such as Figure 1 In the two-piece system shown, the aerosol generator 48 can be located in either the reusable portion 2 or the cartridge portion 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., a heater, which can be in the form of a core and coil arrangement as shown; a distiller, which can be made of a sintered metal fiber material or other porous conductive material; or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) can be included in the reusable portion 2 and is adjacent to a portion of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge portion 4 when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2. In this embodiment, the cartridge portion 4 can include a portion of the aerosol generating material, and when the cartridge portion 4 is engaged with the reusable portion 2, the aerosol generator 48 including the heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0072] exist Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the core 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52, and the end of the core extends into the storage portion 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through the opening in the inner wall of the storage portion 44. The size of the opening in the inner wall of the storage portion 44 is set to roughly match the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal without over-compressing the core 46, thereby preventing leakage from the liquid storage portion 44 into the cartridge airflow path, such excessive compression may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.

[0073] The core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 so that the area of ​​the cartridge airflow path 52 around the core 46 and the heater 48 actually defines the evaporation area of ​​the cartridge portion 4. The aerosol generating material in the storage portion 44 penetrates into the core 46 through the end of the core extending into the storage portion 44 and is drawn along the core by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking action). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 includes a resistive wire wound around the core 46. Figure 1In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the heater 48 comprises a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the core 46 comprises a glass fiber bundle, but it will be understood that the specific aerosol generator configuration is not important for the principles described herein. In use, power can be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to evaporate a certain amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn into the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 through the core 46. The evaporated aerosol generating material can then be entrained in the air drawn from the evaporation area toward the mouthpiece outlet 50 along the cartridge airflow path for inhalation by the user.

[0074] As described above, the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is vaporized by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus, power may be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge portion 4, and further, the rate at which aerosol is generated may be varied by varying the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example by pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0075] The reusable portion 2 includes: an outer shell 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette; a power source 26 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, such as a battery; a control circuit system / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette; a first user input button 14; a second user input button 16; and a visual display 24.

[0076] The outer housing 12 may be made of, for example, a plastic or metal material and in this example has a circular cross-section that generally conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge portion 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two portions 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable portion 2 has a length of about 8 cm, so the total length of the electronic cigarette is about 12 cm when the cartridge portion 4 and the reusable portion 2 are coupled together. However, as already noted, it will be understood that the overall shape and size of the electronic cigarette implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is not important to the principles described herein.

[0077] The air inlet 28 is connected to an airflow path 51 through the reusable portion 2. When the reusable portion 2 and the cartridge portion 4 are connected together, the reusable portion airflow path 51 is further connected to the cartridge airflow path 52 through the interface 6. Therefore, when a user inhales at the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable portion airflow path 51, through the interface 6, through the aerosol generation region near the aerosol generator 48 (where the vaporized aerosol generating material is entrained in the airflow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for inhalation by the user.

[0078] In this example, the power source 26 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as that commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring the supply of relatively high currents in relatively short periods of time. The power source 26 can be recharged via a charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) in the housing 12 of the reusable portion.

[0079] A first user input button 14 and / or a second user input button 16 may be provided, which buttons in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example including a spring mounted component that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered as input means for detecting user input, and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not important. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as: switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings (such as the power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 from the power source 26). However, the inclusion of user input buttons is optional, and in some embodiments the buttons may not be included.

[0080] A display 24 may be provided to provide a user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, such as current power setting information, remaining power source power, and the like. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example, the display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen that can be driven according to conventional techniques to display the desired information. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators (e.g., LEDs) that are arranged to display the desired information, for example, by a specific color and / or flashing sequence. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and the manner in which the display is used to display information to the user is not important for the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other devices for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user, for example using an audio signal, or may not include any device for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user.

[0081] The controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, and to provide conventional operating functionality of the aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuit system) 22 can be viewed as logically comprising various subunits / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, the controller 22 includes: a power source control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input; a user programming circuit system 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input; and other functional units / circuitry associated with functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of the electronic cigarette, such as a display drive circuit system and a user input detection circuit system. It will be understood that the functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application specific integrated circuits / circuitry systems / chips / chip sets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0082] The functions of the controller 22 will be further described herein. For example, the controller 22 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a microcontroller for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or a microprocessor. The operation of the CPU and other electronic components is typically at least partially controlled by a software program running on the CPU (or other components). Such software programs may be stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM) that may be integrated into the microcontroller itself or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and implement a single software program when needed.

[0083] The reusable portion 2 includes an airflow sensor 30 electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a so-called "puff sensor" because the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user puffs on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch located in an electrical path that provides power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In this embodiment, the airflow sensor 30 typically includes a pressure sensor that is configured to close the switch when subjected to a specific range of pressures, so that when the pressure near the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold, current can flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. The threshold can be set to a value determined experimentally to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the start of a user's puffing. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 based on a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22. The specific manner in which the controller 22 uses the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include the capacitance, resistance or other characteristics of the airflow sensor measured by the controller 22) to control the power supply from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be implemented according to any method known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in , the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, but this is not required. The airflow sensor 30 may include any sensor configured to determine the characteristics of the airflow in the airflow path 51 arranged between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or transducer (e.g., a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (e.g., an electret microphone) that is sensitive to changes in air pressure (including sound signals). The airflow sensor 30 is located in a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which includes an internal space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 includes an area inside one or more chamber walls 34, and the airflow sensor 30 can be located in this area in whole or in part. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 includes a chamber wall of a plurality of chamber walls of a sensor housing, which includes the sensor chamber / cavity 32.

[0085] A deformable membrane is disposed over an opening communicating between sensor cavity 32 including sensor 30 and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening and is attached to one or more chamber walls according to means further described herein.

[0086] As further described herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes a communication circuit system that is configured to establish a connection with one or more other electronic devices (e.g., a storage / charging housing, and / or a refilling / charging docking station) to enable data transmission between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuit system is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately (including, for example, one or more separate dedicated integrated circuits / one or more circuit systems / one or more chips / one or more chipsets). For example, the communication circuit system may include an independent module connected to the controller 22, which provides a dedicated data transmission function for the aerosol delivery device when connected to the controller 22. In some embodiments, the communication circuit system is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more other electronic devices through a wireless interface. The communication circuit system can be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices, such as a housing, a docking station, a computing device (such as a smart phone or PC), a base station supporting cellular communication, a relay node providing a forward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device supporting wireless communication.

[0087] Wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices may be configured according to a data transmission protocol, such as ZigBee, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless and / or wired network protocol or interface. The communication circuit system may include any suitable interface for a wired data connection (such as USB-C, micro USB, or Thunderbolt interface), and may include a pin or contact pad arrangement configured to engage with mating pins or contact pads on a dock, housing, cable, or other external device that can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0088] The controller 22 and various subcomponents may include one or more processors, and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, with data being communicated via wired or wireless communications.

[0089] As outlined above, embodiments of the present disclosure include a system 1 or subsystem 100 that includes an extraction mechanism 110 configured to assist in the release of aerosol-generating material through an outlet to minimize residue that is typically not released and is therefore wasted. The subsystem 100 may generally include a (preferably replaceable / refillable) cartridge containing aerosol-generating material 43 and an internal extraction mechanism (within the cartridge), or the extraction mechanism 110 may be located outside the cartridge, such as may be part of the device 2 or part of a wider system 1.

[0090] The extraction mechanism 110 may be controlled by the controller 22 and may be configured to activate in response to detection (e.g., by a throughput sensor) of any throughput start or to activate only selectively, for example:

[0091] When the controller 22 estimates or detects that the aerosol generating material 43 is being consumed; and /

[0092] or

[0093] when the controller 22 estimates or detects that the aerosol generating material 43 is cooler than normal (where cooler temperatures may significantly increase the viscosity of the aerosol generating material 43, and therefore increase the residue in the cavity and / or retention material 45); and / or

[0094] when the controller 22 detects that the user's puffing time is longer than usual (and therefore the supply of aerosol generating material 43 to the aerosol generator may limit aerosol generation); and / or

[0095] • When activated by a user, for example via an input (eg via buttons 14, 16 or other UI).

[0096] Specifically, the controller 22 can activate the extraction mechanism 110 when the estimated / detected remaining amount of aerosol generating material 43 reaches or falls below a threshold value (such as 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5%) and / or when the ambient temperature reaches or falls below 10°C, 5°C, 0°C, -5°C or -10°C.

[0097] The consumption estimate of the controller 22 may be based on, for example:

[0098] Number of puffs taken - for example, if 2 ml of aerosol generating material provides 200 "standard" puffs, the controller 22 may estimate the percentage of aerosol generating material remaining based on the number of puffs taken as a percentage of the total throughput of the cartridge since installation; and / or

[0099] Total puff duration of all puffs taken with the cartridge - for example, compared to the full puff duration quantity (for example, compared to 200 1 s puffs); and / or

[0100] ·Power consumption or charge state of the power source 26 - for example, if a fully charged power source 26 provides enough power for 40 standard puffs, and the power source has been fully charged three times since the cartridge was installed when fully charged (so the power source 26 has been fully depleted three times for puffs) and currently has 50% of the remaining charge, it can be assumed that approximately 3.5×40 standard puffs have been performed and this can be compared to the full standard throughput of the cartridge.

[0101] The consumption detection of the controller 22 may be based on, for example:

[0102] Measuring the volume of aerosol-generating material remaining, for example by using a camera to observe the remaining amount;

[0103] and / or

[0104] Detecting that the aerosol generator 48 has reached a higher than normal operating temperature (indicating dryness, ie, an insufficient supply of aerosol generating material 43); and / or

[0105] Detecting the user shaking the cartridge / system (e.g., using accelerometer data); and / or

[0106] Detect users taking longer to puff (this may be because they are not receiving enough active ingredients).

[0107] Other techniques for estimating or detecting the amount of remaining aerosol generating material may be known in the art and are suitable for use herein.

[0108] In some embodiments, the controller 22 can change the level / degree of activation of the extraction mechanism 110 in response to one or more operating parameters or environmental parameters (such as the state of the system 1). For example, the controller 22 can be configured to activate the extraction mechanism 110 to different power levels and / or activate the extraction mechanism in different areas of the cavity, for example, based on the amount of aerosol generating material remaining or based on the ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the power supplied to the extraction mechanism 110 increases as the amount of aerosol generating material remaining decreases and / or as the ambient temperature decreases. Multiple thresholds can be used for such operating parameters to provide particle size control, and / or any control mechanism (such as proportional, inversely proportional, PWM methods) can be used.

[0109] Two core types of extraction mechanisms are described herein: pressure mechanisms and heat mechanisms. Features outlined for one mechanism can generally be applied to the other. However, one notable difference is that, once activated, a pressure mechanism can remain "active" even after throughput stops (e.g., once pressure increases due to the pressure extraction mechanism 110, the pressure remains at that level until the next throughput, as this can be the steady state for the pressure extraction mechanism 110, requiring no further input energy to maintain), whereas a heat extraction mechanism will generally be disabled when throughput stops to minimize power consumption.

[0110] Pressure extraction mechanism

[0111] Figure 2a to Figure 2c A first pressure extraction embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2a to Figure 2c The aerosol delivery subsystem 100 includes an elongated cylindrical housing 42 defining a cylindrical cavity for receiving an aerosol generating material 43 and having an outlet 47 for releasing the aerosol generating material 43, for example, to an aerosol generator. The outlet 47 may include a core 46 configured to deliver the aerosol generating material 43 to an aerosol generator 48.

[0112] The volume of the cavity is typically in the range of 1 ml to 5 ml (such as 1.5 ml to 4 ml or 2 ml to 3 ml), typically providing a capacity of about 100 throughputs per 1 ml. Figure 2a In the embodiment, the cavity is substantially filled with an optional retaining material 45 for retaining the liquid aerosol generating material 43. Figure 2b In the embodiment of the present invention, the cavity includes a relatively small volume of retention material 45 located at and near the outlet 47, which only occupies a portion of the volume area of ​​the cavity (about 33%). The remaining volume of the cavity is free to contain the aerosol generating material 43 (i.e. not in the retention material 45). The term "volume area" defines the volume of the area containing the retention material, effectively defining the volume of the retention material as if the retention material were solid. This is different from the absolute material "volume" because the retention material is porous and contains gaps / voids, so the absolute retention material "volume" is the non-porous / void-free portion of the "volume area".

[0113] Preferably, the one or more retention materials (collectively) occupy ≤25%, ≤20%, ≤15%, ≤10% or ≤5% of the volume area of ​​the cavity, which advantageously minimizes leakage at the outlet 47 (increasing local liquid lock at the outlet 47) without unduly compromising the total volume of the cavity for storing the aerosol generating material 43. Accordingly, this can minimize the size of the overall system without compromising the service life (throughput times) or risking leakage.

[0114] Subsystem 100 also includes an extraction mechanism 110, which extracts Figure 2a to Figure 2c In the form of a pressure mechanism, the pressure mechanism includes a piston 115 and an actuator 120 (such as a motor) and is configured to displace the aerosol generating material 43 and / or the retaining material 45 in the cavity to assist the release of the aerosol generating material 43 through the outlet 47.

[0115] The pressure mechanism 110 is configured to apply pressure to the aerosol-generating material 43 to assist in releasing the aerosol-generating material from the housing 42. The applied pressure may be applied directly or indirectly (e.g., to the cavity, to the aerosol-generating material 43, and / or to the retaining material 45), preferably compressing the retaining material 45 (if used) to release the (residual) aerosol-generating material 43 stored therein.

[0116] In a simple embodiment (not shown), the extraction mechanism 110 includes a solenoid configured to depress the retained material 45 when activated.

[0117] Optimally, the direction of compression is at least generally towards the outlet 47. The pressure differential acting on the aerosol generating material may be, for example, > 25 kPa, > 50 kPa, > 100 kPa, > 200 kPa or > 250 kPa.

[0118] The aerosol generating material 43 may be pre-filled in the cavity of the housing 42 , or received in the housing 42 via an optional inlet (not shown), and the cavity may thus be refilled with the aerosol generating material 43 .

[0119] Figure 2a to Figure 2c The subsystem 100 is cylindrical, but can generally be of any shape. The cavity and / or the retaining material 45 therein can be shaped (e.g., tapered) to direct the aerosol-generating material toward the outlet 47 in use. Similarly, the extraction mechanism 110 can be shaped to substantially match the shape of the cavity and / or the retaining material 45. For example, the housing 42 defining the cavity can taper toward the outlet 47, and the piston 115 can taper with the same profile.

[0120] Preferably, the outlet 47 is located at the lowest point of the housing 42 when in use (e.g. in an aerosol generating system) so that the aerosol generating material 43 flows naturally (at least to some extent) under the influence of gravity to the outlet 47 when in use. If the outlet 47 is located substantially at the distal end of the cavity, the pressure mechanism 110 is preferably located substantially at the proximal end of the cavity away from the outlet 47 (preferably substantially opposite the outlet) so as to be most effective.

[0121] In another variation (not shown), the pressure mechanism may be configured to apply pressure in two or more perpendicular axes and / or shaped to surround the retention material 45. For example, the pressure mechanism may include two vertical pistons 115 configured to independently or cooperatively compress the retention material 45 in two perpendicular directions toward the outlet 47 (e.g., located in the side or corner of the housing).

[0122] As outlined above, a mixture of multiple retention materials 45 having different properties (eg, porosity) may be used to balance liquid lock and liquid conductivity. Figure 2d Some exemplary configurations of hybrid retention material 45 are shown, including (from top to bottom):

[0123] Adjacent segments;

[0124] Multiple alternating or layered segments (which may be of substantially similar or varying areas / volumes and in any orientation); and

[0125] Optionally concentric inner and outer segments.

[0126] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c Shows Figure 2a to Figure 2c A specific variation of the embodiment of wherein the extraction mechanism 110 comprises a threaded piston 115 driven by an electric motor 120. This threaded piston arrangement provides a variable pressure mechanism that can be precisely controlled, for example, with a stepper motor 120, thereby providing fine control of the pressure.

[0127] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Reflecting the above outline Figure 2a and Figure 2b The arrangement of the holding materials. Figure 3a As shown in FIG, the housing 42 includes complementary threads for the threaded piston 115 to travel axially to compress the retaining material 45. Figure 3b In some embodiments, the piston 115 compresses the fluid (air and / or aerosol generating material 43) within the cavity, and in other embodiments, the piston 115 can compress the retaining material 45 as it extends further into the cavity. Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c Other features of Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c same.

[0128] Figure 4a and Figure 4bAn alternative embodiment is shown in which the extraction mechanism 110 comprises a gas-driven extraction mechanism 110 including a flexible membrane 118 driven by an electric pump 120 . Figure 4a and Figure 4b Reflecting the above outline Figure 2a and Figure 2b Keep material arrangement.

[0129] The flexible membrane 118 is located in the cavity and is operable to increase the pressure on the aerosol-generating material 43, thereby assisting in the release of the aerosol-generating material from the housing 42. In these embodiments, the pump 120 is configured to pump a fluid (e.g., air or water) to increase the pressure on the membrane 118, which may operate as a one-way valve and allow the pumped fluid to pass therethrough, thereby increasing the pressure on the aerosol-generating material 43 contained in the retention material 45 and / or freely contained in the cavity. Alternatively, the membrane 118 may be deformed to apply pressure directly to the aerosol-generating material 43 contained in the retention material 45 and / or freely contained in the cavity.

[0130] The flexible membrane 118 may be shaped to direct the aerosol generating material 43 to the outlet 47. A safety valve (not shown) may be provided to release the pressure in the event of overpressure or simply restore the pressure to ambient pressure.

[0131] In yet another variation (not shown), the membrane 118 is omitted and the cavity is pressurized directly to displace the aerosol generating material 43. The pressure may be provided by, for example Figure 4a to Figure 4b The pressure may be increased by a pump 120 in the chamber, by releasing a compressed fluid (e.g., air) from the chamber, or by releasing a weight which is preferably shaped (e.g., tapered) to direct the aerosol generating material 43 to the outlet 47. These pressure mechanisms may be single use.

[0132] Heat extraction mechanism

[0133] Reference now Figure 5a , Figure 5b as well as Figure 6a , Figure 6b To describe heat-based extraction mechanisms, they show internal, integral and external heating arrangements. The main differences from the pressure-based extraction mechanisms described above are outlined here - unless otherwise stated, features of a pressure-based mechanism may apply to a heat-based mechanism and vice versa.

[0134] The heat-based extraction mechanism depicted herein includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating material to assist release of the aerosol-generating material through an outlet 47 in the housing 42 for delivery to an aerosol generator, for example, via a core 46. The heater is distinct from the aerosol generator, and the heater may form a (preferably replaceable) portion of a cartridge that does not include an aerosol generator 48, for use in an aerosol delivery system 1 that includes a separate aerosol generator 48.

[0135] The heat-based extraction mechanism is particularly beneficial when used with a retention material 45 and a liquid aerosol-generating material 43 because it reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material 43 to aid in the release of the aerosol-generating material through the outlet 47. Heating the aerosol-generating material 43 may also improve the flavor and reduce the subsequent heating required by the aerosol generator 48, thereby reducing the aerosol generation time and providing more consistent aerosol generation.

[0136] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The aerosol delivery subsystem 100 comprises a cylindrical elongated housing 42 defining a cylindrical cavity for receiving an aerosol generating material 43 and having a central outlet 47 at a distal end for releasing the aerosol generating material 43 to, for example, an aerosol generator.

[0137] exist Figure 5a In the embodiment, the cavity is substantially filled with an optional retaining material 45 for retaining the liquid aerosol generating material 43. Figure 5b In the embodiment of the present invention, the cavity includes a small volume of cylindrical retaining material 45 located at and near the distal outlet 47 (located in the corner of the housing 42). The retaining material 45 only occupies a partial volume area of ​​the cavity (about 60%). The remaining volume of the cavity is free to accommodate the aerosol generating material 43.

[0138] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5bIn both, the heater 110 includes a cylindrical coil heater element 125, which has a terminal extending out of the housing 42 at the proximal end for connecting to a power source. The element 125 is internal, located in the cavity of the housing 42, and is integrated in the retaining material 45, extending substantially around the inner periphery of the cavity. Therefore, this arrangement positions the element 125 in the retaining element 45 and close to the inner wall of the cavity, which also retains the aerosol generating material 43 residue, which can be released by heating. As shown, the heater element 125 can be shaped to at least partially surround the retaining material 45, or (at least partially) integrated therein. In other embodiments, the element 125 can be any suitable shape (e.g., a shape substantially the same as the cavity or the retaining material 45), shaped to substantially surround the retaining material 45, or simply protrude into the cavity and / or the retaining material 45.

[0139] The heater element 125 can be configured to apply heat in a single axis (e.g., using an elongated wire that extends substantially only in one axis) or in multiple perpendicular axes (e.g., using wires that extend in multiple axes, or 2D elements).

[0140] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the embodiment of the present invention, the element 125 extends from the proximal end of the housing 42 to the opposite distal end of the housing 42, where the outlet 47 is located, and the element 125 is capable of heating substantially the entire cavity. In other embodiments, the heater may be operable to heat only a portion of the cavity. Preferably, the heater is configured to heat at least the aerosol generating material located away from the outlet 47 when the outlet 47 is located substantially at the distal end of the cavity 47 away from the heater 110, for example by having the heater substantially at the proximal end of the cavity, to help the aerosol generating material 43 move towards the outlet 47 under the action of gravity.

[0141] The heater may provide substantially uniform heating, or may be configured to provide variable heating, such as varying with distance from the outlet 47. For example, the element 125 may have a varying thickness, providing a higher resistance configured for heating the aerosol-generating material 43 away from the outlet 47, and a lower resistance for heating the aerosol-generating material 43 closer to the outlet 47.

[0142] In embodiments that include a mixture of freely stored and one or more retention materials 45 for retaining aerosol-generating material 43, the heater element 125 may include different properties for heating the different materials. For example, the heater element 125 may have varying thicknesses, thereby providing a lower resistance for heating the freely stored aerosol-generating material 43, an intermediate resistance for heating the aerosol-generating material 43 stored in a first retention material, and a higher resistance for heating the aerosol-generating material 43 stored in a second retention material, for example, to account for different thermal conductivities (preferably providing a higher resistance for areas with lower thermal conductivity).

[0143] Figure 6a and Figure 6b 4 shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Here, the heater 110 is located outside the housing 42 instead of inside (in the cavity). Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown in , the heater element 125 may be in the form of an annular sheath surrounding at least a portion of the housing 42 and thus configured to heat the aerosol generating material 43 within the cavity. Figure 6a In the embodiment, the cavity is substantially filled with an optional retaining material 45 for retaining the liquid aerosol generating material 43. Figure 6b In the embodiment, the cavity includes a small volume of retaining material 45 located at the distal outlet 47 (located in the corner of the housing 42) and occupying only a partial volume area (about 60%) of the cavity. The remaining volume of the cavity is free to accommodate the aerosol generating material 43.

[0144] exist Figure 6a and Figure 6b In the embodiment, the annular sheath heater element 125 surrounds a large portion of the entire housing 42, wherein Figure 6a The sheath is centrally located but does not extend completely to the top or bottom of the housing 42. Figure 6b In the embodiment shown, the sheath is positioned closer to the top of the housing and covers approximately half (the upper half) of the retaining material 45, does not surround the lower half of the retaining material 45, and thus surrounds only a portion (about 75%) of the cavity away from the outlet 47. In other embodiments, the element 125 may surround a different portion of the cavity.

[0145] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the heater element 125 may be at least partially integrated into the housing 42, such as within a wall of the housing 42. Any combination of internal, integrated, and / or external heater elements 125 may be used.

[0146] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid understanding and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any function of a processor (e.g., a controller) may be shared between processors on various devices / systems in a wider system and / or remote server. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0147] In addition to those embodiments specifically described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, modes, etc. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more publications cited herein in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0148] Reference numerals index

[0149] 1 Aerosol delivery system

[0150] 2 Reusable parts

[0151] 4. Cartridge part

[0152] 6 Interface between the reusable part and the cartridge part

[0153] 12 Reusable part housing

[0154] 14.16 User input button

[0155] 20 User Programmable Circuitry

[0156] 22 Controller

[0157] 24 Display

[0158] 26 Power Source

[0159] 28 Air Inlet

[0160] 30 Air flow sensor

[0161] 31. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0162] 32 sensor cavity or chamber

[0163] 34 chamber wall

[0164] 42 Cartridge Shell

[0165] 43 Aerosol Generating Materials

[0166] 44 Chamber or storage

[0167] 45 Keep material

[0168] 46 Core

[0169] 47 Exit

[0170] 48 Aerosol Generator

[0171] 50 Mouthpiece outlet

[0172] 51 Airflow path through reusable part

[0173] 52 Airflow path through the cartridge

[0174] 100 Aerosol Delivery Subsystem

[0175] 110 Extraction Agency

[0176] 115 Piston

[0177] 118 Flexible membrane

[0178] 120 Actuator

[0179] 125 Heater element

[0180] Specific features are set out below, and may be combined in any arrangement with any one or more of the features disclosed in the text and / or drawings.

[0181] Specific feature 1

[0182] 1. An aerosol delivery subsystem, comprising:

[0183] a. a housing comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating material; and

[0184] b. A pressure mechanism configured to, in use, displace the aerosol generating material in the cavity to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet in the housing.

[0185] 2. A subsystem according to clause 1, wherein the pressure mechanism is configured to apply pressure to the aerosol generating material in use to assist the release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet.

[0186] 3. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outlet is located substantially at a distal end of the cavity and the pressure mechanism is located substantially at a proximal end of the cavity away from the outlet.

[0187] 4. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein:

[0188] a. the cavity is shaped to direct the aerosol-generating material towards the outlet in use; and / or

[0189] b. The pressure mechanism is shaped to substantially match the shape of the cavity.

[0190] 5. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a retaining material located within the cavity for retaining liquid aerosol generating material.

[0191] 6. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a plurality of retention materials for retaining liquid aerosol generating material within the cavity, the plurality of retention materials having different porosities.

[0192] 7. The subsystem of any of clauses 5 to 6, wherein the retention material occupies ≤ 25%, ≤ 20%, ≤ 15%, ≤ 10% or ≤ 5% of the volumetric area of ​​the cavity.

[0193] 8. A subsystem according to any of clauses 5 to 7, wherein the retention material is located only in a volume region of the cavity proximal to the outlet.

[0194] 9. A subsystem according to any one of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the pressure mechanism is configured to compress the retaining material to assist in releasing the retained aerosol generating material.

[0195] 10. A subsystem according to any one of clauses 5 to 9, wherein:

[0196] a. the pressure mechanism is configured to compress the retaining material toward the outlet in use; and / or

[0197] b. the pressure mechanism is shaped to substantially match the shape of the retaining material; and / or

[0198] c. The pressure mechanism is formed to substantially surround the retaining material.

[0199] 11. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure mechanism is configured to apply pressure in two or more perpendicular axes.

[0200] 12. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure mechanism comprises one or more of the following: a piston, a pump, a weight, a flexible membrane, and a chamber for compressing a fluid.

[0201] 13. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure mechanism comprises a motor driven threaded piston.

[0202] 14. A subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises an inlet for receiving the aerosol generating material.

[0203] 15. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system, comprising a subsystem according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0204] 16. A subsystem or cartridge according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0205] 17. An aerosol delivery system comprising a subsystem or a cartridge according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0206] 18. A cartridge according to clause 15 or 16 or an aerosol delivery system according to clause 17, wherein the cartridge is replaceable.

[0207] 19. The aerosol delivery system according to clause 18, further comprising an aerosol generator separate from the cartridge.

[0208] 20. A method of extracting an aerosol generating material from an aerosol delivery subsystem, the aerosol delivery subsystem comprising:

[0209] a. a housing having a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating material and having an outlet for releasing the aerosol-generating material; and

[0210] b. a pressure mechanism configured to displace the aerosol generating material in the cavity in use, the method comprising:

[0211] i. applying pressure to the aerosol generating material using the pressure mechanism to assist in the release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet.

[0212] Specific feature 2

[0213] 1. A replaceable cigarette cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator, the replaceable cigarette cartridge comprising:

[0214] a. a housing comprising a cavity having a retaining material for retaining a liquid aerosol generating material; and

[0215] b. A heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material in the retaining material in use to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet in the housing.

[0216] 2. The cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the cartridge does not include an aerosol generator.

[0217] 3. An aerosol delivery system comprising a replaceable cartridge according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0218] 4. The aerosol delivery system according to clause 3 further comprises an aerosol generator separate from the cigarette cartridge.

[0219] 5. An aerosol delivery system comprising:

[0220] a housing comprising a cavity, the cavity having a holding material for holding a liquid aerosol generating material;

[0221] b. an aerosol generator; and

[0222] c. A heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material in the retaining material in use to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet in the housing.

[0223] 6. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, wherein the heater is configured to reduce the viscosity of the aerosol generating material in use to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet.

[0224] 7. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heater is configured to heat aerosol generating material located away from the outlet in use to help the aerosol generating material move towards the outlet under the action of gravity.

[0225] 8. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing is elongated and the outlet is located substantially at one end of the elongated housing.

[0226] 9. A cartridge or system according to clause 8, wherein the heater is located substantially at an opposite end of the elongated housing.

[0227] 10. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heater:

[0228] a. configured to heat substantially the entire cavity; or

[0229] b. substantially at the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the outlet is substantially at the distal end of the housing, away from the heater.

[0230] 11. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heater:

[0231] a. at least partially located within the cavity; and / or

[0232] b. at least partially integrated into the wall of the housing; and / or

[0233] c. at least partially integrated within the retaining material; and / or

[0234] d. surround at least a portion of the housing.

[0235] 12. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein:

[0236] a. the cavity is shaped to direct the aerosol-generating material towards the outlet in use; and / or

[0237] b. The heater is shaped to substantially match the shape of the cavity.

[0238] 13. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the retaining material comprises cotton.

[0239] 14. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, comprising a plurality of retention materials within the cavity for retaining liquid aerosol generating material, the plurality of retention materials having different porosities.

[0240] 15. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention material occupies ≤ 25%, ≤ 20%, ≤ 15%, ≤ 10% or ≤ 5% of the volumetric area of ​​the cavity.

[0241] 16. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, wherein the retention material is located only in a volumetric region of the cavity proximal to the outlet.

[0242] 17. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, wherein the heater is configured to heat the retention material to assist in releasing the retained aerosol generating material.

[0243] 18. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein:

[0244] a. the heater is shaped to substantially match the shape of the retaining material; and / or

[0245] b. the heater is formed to substantially surround the retaining material; and / or

[0246] c. The heater is shaped to substantially surround the retention material and surround at least a portion of the cavity that does not include the retention material.

[0247] 19. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the heater is configured to apply heat in two or more perpendicular axes.

[0248] 20. A cartridge or system according to any preceding clause, wherein the housing comprises an inlet for receiving the aerosol generating material.

[0249] 21. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising the aerosol generating material.

[0250] 22. A method of extracting an aerosol generating material from a retaining material located in a cavity of a housing, the method comprising:

[0251] The aerosol-generating material is heated to assist release of the aerosol-generating material through the outlet in the housing.

[0252] 23. The method according to clause 22, further comprising:

[0253] The aerosol-generating material is delivered to an aerosol generator.

Claims

1. A replaceable cigarette cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol generator, the replaceable cigarette cartridge comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, the cavity having a holding material for holding a liquid aerosol generating material; as well as b. A heater configured to, in use, heat the aerosol generating material in the retaining material to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet in the housing.

2. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The cigarette cartridge does not include an aerosol generator.

3. An aerosol delivery system comprising a replaceable cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims.

4. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 3, further comprising an aerosol generator separate from the cigarette cartridge.

5. An aerosol delivery system comprising: a housing comprising a cavity, the cavity having a holding material for holding a liquid aerosol generating material; b. Aerosol generator; as well as c. A heater configured to, in use, heat the aerosol generating material in the retaining material to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet in the housing.

6. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater is configured to, in use, reduce the viscosity of the aerosol generating material to assist release of the aerosol generating material through the outlet.

7. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater is configured to, in use, heat aerosol-generating material located remotely from the outlet to assist the aerosol-generating material to move towards the outlet under the influence of gravity.

8. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing is elongated and the outlet is located substantially at one end of the elongated housing.

9. The cartridge or system according to claim 8, wherein: The heater is located substantially at an opposite end of the elongated housing.

10. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater: a. configured to heat substantially the entire cavity; or b. substantially at the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the outlet is substantially at the distal end of the housing, away from the heater.

11. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater: a. at least partially located within the cavity; and / or b. at least partially integrated into the wall of the housing; and / or c. at least partially integrated within the retaining material; and / or d. surround at least a portion of the housing.

12. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: a. the cavity is shaped to direct the aerosol-generating material towards the outlet in use; and / or b. The heater is shaped to substantially match the shape of the cavity.

13. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining material includes cotton.

14. A cartridge or system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of retention materials for retaining liquid aerosol generating material within the cavity, the plurality of retention materials having different porosities.

15. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retention material occupies ≤ 25%, ≤ 20%, ≤ 15%, ≤ 10% or ≤ 5% of the volume area of ​​the cavity.

16. A cartridge or system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The retaining material is located only in a volume region of the cavity close to the outlet.

17. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater is configured to heat the retention material to assist in releasing the retained aerosol generating material.

18. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: a. the heater is shaped to substantially match the shape of the retaining material; and / or b. the heater is formed to substantially surround the retaining material; and / or c. The heater is shaped to substantially surround the retention material and surround at least a portion of the cavity that does not include the retention material.

19. A cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heater is configured to apply heat in two or more perpendicular axes.

20. A cartridge or system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The housing includes an inlet for receiving the aerosol-generating material.

21. The cartridge or system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the aerosol generating material.

22. A method of extracting an aerosol generating material from a retaining material located in a cavity of a housing, comprising: The aerosol-generating material is heated to assist release of the aerosol-generating material through the outlet in the housing.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: The aerosol-generating material is delivered to an aerosol generator.

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