Atomizer assembly with dry-up protection

Abstract

An atomizer assembly for a vapor supply system, comprising: a heating element for vaporizing an aerosol-generating substrate; a porous member for transporting the aerosol-generating substrate to the heating element; and a shape memory alloy component changeable from a first shape that maintains the heating element and the porous member in a first spatial relationship and a second shape that places the heating element and the porous member in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the porous member are in a first spatial relationship and a second spatial relationship, the heating element and the porous member have a greater spacing than in the first spatial relationship, and assume a second shape when the shape memory alloy component is heated to a threshold temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an atomizer assembly for a steam supply system with dry-out protection, and components and steam supply systems including such an atomizer assembly. Background Art

[0002] Many electronic vapor supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems that deliver nicotine via vaporized liquid, utilize atomizers to generate vapor. In some systems, the atomizer includes a heater in the form of one or more electric heating elements, which applies heat to an aerosolizable substrate material (usually in liquid form) to evaporate the liquid. The generated vapor is entrained in an air flow through the system, which is generated by the user sucking air into the system by inhalation to generate an aerosol for delivery to the user through an aerosol outlet at the mouthpiece (mouthpiece) of the system. The aerosolizable substrate material is stored in a reservoir and is delivered to the heater to be evaporated. The delivery can be achieved by a porous member, one or more parts of which extend into the reservoir, and one or more other parts are in contact with or close to the heater. The porous member draws the aerosolizable substrate material out of the reservoir, and the aerosolizable substrate material is transferred toward the heater by capillary action, where the aerosolizable substrate material absorbs the heat energy generated by the heater and is evaporated.

[0003] Under normal operation of the steam supply system, the porous member transfers the aerosolizable substrate material to the heater at an appropriate rate to replace the aerosolizable substrate material that has been removed by evaporation, and there is a balance. Depending on factors including the type of aerosolizable substrate material and the amount of steam desired by the user, an appropriate amount of power is applied to the heater to maintain the heater at the correct temperature for evaporation; and heat energy from the heater is transferred to the aerosolizable substrate material held in the porous member.

[0004] However, if the supply of aerosolizable substrate material to the atomizer is reduced or fails, the heater will overheat. When the reservoir becomes empty, or if there is a blockage or failure in the liquid path between the reservoir and the heater, or the user draws strongly or quickly so that the generation of steam exceeds the capillary supply of, for example, a new substrate, this situation will occur. When the aerosolizable substrate material present in the porous member is not enough to absorb the thermal energy output by the heater, the power supplied to the heater is changed to be only used to heat the heater, and the heater temperature will be increased to more than its normal operating temperature. The close proximity of the heater to the porous member means that the porous member that is now dried up due to the shortage of the substrate also becomes overheated, and can become scorched or burned. For porous members susceptible to excessive heat exposure, such porous members made of materials such as cotton, this is particularly a problem. Heat exposure can damage the porous member for subsequent use of the steam supply system, and may also cause the steam supply system to emit a burnt taste and / or a burnt smell, thereby bringing a poor experience to the user.

[0005] Existing solutions for protecting steam supply systems from this problem, known as "drying up," include monitoring the liquid level in the reservoir or the temperature at the heater, and disabling the heater (by preventing continued power supply) when it is detected that the reservoir is emptying or has become empty or the heater is overheating. However, this typically requires a dedicated sensor, uses more power, thus draining the steam supply system's battery, and can be prone to inaccuracies.

[0006] Therefore, alternative methods to protect the atomizer in case of dry-out are of interest. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided an atomizer assembly for a steam supply system, comprising: a heating element for evaporating an aerosol generating substrate; a porous member for delivering the aerosol generating substrate to the heating element; and a shape memory alloy component that can change from a first shape to a second shape, the first shape maintaining the heating element and the porous member in a first spatial relationship, the second shape placing the heating element and the porous member in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the porous member have a larger spacing than in the first spatial relationship, and the shape memory alloy component assumes the second shape when it is heated to a threshold temperature.

[0008] According to a second aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a component for a steam supply system, the component comprising an atomizer assembly according to the first aspect.

[0009] According to a third aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a steam supply system comprising the atomizer assembly according to the first aspect or the component according to the second aspect.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided an atomizer assembly for a steam supply system, comprising: a heating element for evaporating an aerosol generating substrate; a porous member for delivering the aerosol generating substrate to the heating element; and a shape memory polymer component that can change from a first shape to a second shape, the first shape maintaining the heating element and the porous member in a first spatial relationship, the second shape placing the heating element and the porous member in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the porous member have a larger spacing than in the first spatial relationship, and the shape memory polymer component assumes the second shape when heated to a threshold temperature.

[0011] These and other aspects of certain embodiments are set forth in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. It will be understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with each other, and that the features of the independent claims may be combined in combinations other than those explicitly set forth in the claims. In addition, the methods described herein are not limited to specific embodiments such as set forth below, but include and contemplate any appropriate combination of the features presented herein. For example, according to the methods described herein, an atomizer assembly and a component or steam supply system including an atomizer assembly may be provided that includes any one or more of the various features described appropriately below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-section of an example steam supply system in which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied;

[0014] Figure 2 shows a temperature scale indicative of temperature conditions suitable for implementation in an example of an atomizer assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3A showing a simplified schematic side view of a first example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure in a first spatial relationship;

[0016] Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D shows a second spatial relationship arranged according to a different alternative Figure 3A Atomizer assembly;

[0017] Figure 4A shows a simplified schematic side view of a second example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure including a substrate;

[0018] Figure 4B shows a simplified schematic side view of a third example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure including a substrate;

[0019] Figure 5 showing a simplified schematic side view of a fourth example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure in a second spatial relationship;

[0020] Figure 6 shows a simplified perspective view of a fifth example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D Simplified schematic side views of various examples of shape memory alloy components suitable for use in an atomizer assembly are shown, such as first through fifth examples of atomizer assemblies in a first shape and a second shape;

[0022] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B showing a simplified schematic side view of a sixth example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure in a first spatial relationship and a second spatial relationship;

[0023] Fig. 9 shows a simplified perspective view of a seventh example atomizer assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 shows the first spatial relationship and the second spatial relationship Fig. 9 a simplified end view of an atomizer assembly having a heating element constructed according to one example; and

[0025] Fig.11 is suitable for Fig.10 A perspective view of another example heating element used in an atomizer assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / 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 discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

[0027] As described above, the present disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol or vapor supply system, such as an electronic cigarette. In the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used; however, it will be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably with an aerosol (steam) supply system or device. The system is intended to generate an inhalable aerosol by evaporating an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a liquid or gel that may or may not contain nicotine. In addition, a hybrid system may include a liquid or gel substrate plus a solid substrate that is also heated. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. The term "aerosolizable substrate material" as used herein refers to a substrate material that can form an aerosol by applying heat or some other means. The term "aerosol" can be used interchangeably with "steam".

[0028] As used herein, the term "component" is used to refer to a portion, section, unit, module, assembly, etc. of an electronic cigarette or similar device, which is combined with several smaller parts or elements that may be located within a housing or outer wall. An electronic cigarette can be formed or constructed by one or more such components, and these components can be removably or detachably connected to each other, or can be permanently joined together during manufacturing to define the entire electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) the following system, which includes two components that are detachably connected to each other and are configured to, for example, hold a liquid or another aerosolizable substrate material that can be aerosolized substrate material-bearing component (a cartridge, atomizer cartridge, or consumable), and a control unit or device component, which has a battery for providing power to operate an element for generating steam from a substrate material. In order to provide a specific example, in the present disclosure, a cartridge or atomizer cartridge is described as an example of an aerosolizable substrate material carrying part or component, but the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect and can be applied to any construction of an aerosolizable substrate material-bearing part or component. Furthermore, such components may include more or fewer parts than those included in the examples.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to vapor supply systems and components thereof that utilize an aerosolizable substrate material in liquid or gel form maintained in a reservoir, tank, container, or other receptacle included in the system. Arrangements are included for delivering the substrate material from the reservoir to use it for vapor / aerosol generation purposes. The terms "liquid," "gel," "fluid," "source liquid," "source gel," "source fluid," and the like may be used interchangeably with "aerosolizable substrate material" and "substrate material" to refer to an aerosolizable substrate material in a form that can be stored and delivered according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1is a highly schematic illustration (not to scale) of a general example aerosol / vapor supply system such as an electronic cigarette 10, which is presented for the purpose of illustrating the relationship between the various parts of a typical system and explaining the general principles of operation. The electronic cigarette 10 in this example has a generally elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dotted line, and includes two main components, namely a control or power component, section or unit 20 and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (sometimes referred to as a cartomiser or clearomiser) that carries an aerosolizable substrate material and operates as a vapor generating component.

[0031] The atomizing cigarette cartridge 30 includes a reservoir 3 for accommodating a source liquid or other aerosolizable base material, which includes a preparation such as a liquid or gel containing nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated. As an example, the source liquid may include approximately 1% to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, and the remainder includes approximately equal amounts of water and propylene glycol, and may also include other ingredients, such as flavorings. Nicotine-free source liquids may also be used, such as for conveying flavorings. A solid substrate (not shown) may also be included, such as a part of tobacco or other flavor elements, through which the steam generated by the liquid passes. The reservoir 3 has the form of a storage tank as a container or a receptacle, in which the source liquid may be stored, so that the liquid moves freely and flows within the limits of the tank. For consumable atomizing cigarette cartridges, the reservoir 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacturing so that the source liquid may be discarded after being consumed, otherwise, it may have an inlet port or other opening, through which a user may add a new source liquid. The atomizing cartridge 30 also includes an electric heating element or heater 4 outside the reservoir tank 3 for generating an aerosol by evaporating the source liquid by heating. In connection with the present disclosure, a liquid transfer or delivery arrangement (liquid transport element) is provided, such as a core (wick, suction core) or other porous elements or members 6, to deliver the source liquid from the reservoir 3 to the heater 4. The core 6 may have one or more parts, which are located inside the reservoir 3 or otherwise communicated with the liquid fluid in the reservoir 3, so that the source liquid can be absorbed and the source liquid is transferred to other parts of the core 6 adjacent to or in contact with the heater 4 by wicking or capillary action. Thus, this liquid is heated and evaporated to be replaced by a new source liquid from the reservoir for transfer to the heater 4 by the core 6. The core can be considered as a bridge, path or conduit between the reservoir 3 and the heater 4 for delivering or transferring liquid from the reservoir to the heater. Terms including conduits, liquid conduits, liquid transfer paths, liquid delivery paths, liquid transfer mechanisms or elements, and liquid delivery mechanisms or elements may be used in this context, but in the context of the present disclosure, a porous member is used that is formed of a material susceptible to heat damage, of which cotton is an example (other materials are not excluded). For convenience, the term "core" herein may be used interchangeably with "porous member" or "porous element".

[0032] The heater and wick (or the like) combination is sometimes referred to as an atomizer or atomizer assembly, and the reservoir and its source liquid plus the atomizer may be collectively referred to as an aerosol source. Other terms may include a liquid delivery assembly or a liquid transfer assembly, where these terms may be used interchangeably in this context to refer to the vapor generating element (steam generator) plus a wick or similar component or structure (porous member) that delivers or transfers liquid obtained from the reservoir to the steam generator for vapor / aerosol generation. Various designs are possible, including those related to Figure 1 Compared with the highly schematic representation of, the parts can be arranged differently. Generally, an atomizer can be considered as one or more elements that realize the functions of a steam generating or evaporating element and a liquid transport or delivery element, which can generate steam from a source liquid delivered thereto, and the liquid transport or delivery element can deliver or transport liquid from a reservoir or similar liquid storage device to the steam generator by wicking / capillary force. However, in the context of the present invention, the atomizer includes a core 6, which is a unique part or structure different from a heater or heating element 4, and is arranged to contact or be adjacent to the heater 4. In an electrical or electronic device, the steam generating element can be an electric heating element operated by ohmic / resistance (joule) heating or by induction heating. The atomizer is usually but not necessarily contained in the atomizing cigarette cartridge component of the steam generating system. Embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to all and any such configurations consistent with the examples and descriptions herein.

[0033] Back to Figure 1 The atomizer cartridge 30 also includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion 35 having an opening or aerosol outlet, through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the atomizer 4.

[0034] The power component or control unit or simply the device or device component 20 includes a battery cell or battery 5 (hereinafter referred to as a battery, and which may be rechargeable) to provide power to the electrical components of the electronic cigarette 10, in particular to operate the heater 4. In addition, there is a controller 28 such as a printed circuit board and / or other electronic devices or circuits for controlling the electronic cigarette as a whole. When vapor is required, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 (during which air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the control unit 20), the control electronics / circuitry 28 uses power from the battery 5 to operate the heater 4. When the heating element 4 is operated, the heating element 4 vaporizes the source liquid delivered from the reservoir 3 by the liquid delivery element 6 to generate an aerosol, and this is then inhaled by the user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. When the user inhales on the mouthpiece 35, the aerosol is transported from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece 35 along one or more air flow channels (not shown) connecting the air inlet 26 to the aerosol source and the aerosol outlet. Since the air inlet 26 leading to the system is located in the device part 20 in this example, the atomizer cartridge 30 has its own air inlet in airflow communication with the device part 20, so that the air drawn through the device air inlet 26 can reach the interior of the atomizer cartridge 30 and the atomizer. In other designs, the air inlet can be located in the outer wall of the atomizer cartridge 30, so that the air enters the atomizer cartridge 30 directly, rather than reaching there via the device part 20.

[0035] In this example, the device component (control unit) 20 and the atomizer cartridge (cartridge assembly) 30 are separate connectable parts that can be connected by connecting them in parallel with each other. Figure 1 . The components 20 and 30 are separated and disengaged from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis shown by the solid arrow in the figure. When the device 10 is in use, the components 20 and 30 are joined together by cooperative engagement elements 21 and 31 (e.g., screws or bayonet joints), which provide mechanical connection and in some cases electrical connection between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30. If the heater 4 is operated by ohmic heating, an electrical connection is required so that the current can pass through the heater 4 when the heater 4 is connected to the battery 5. In a system using induction heating, if there is no part requiring electricity in the atomizer cartridge 30, the electrical connection can be omitted. The induction working coil can be accommodated in the power section 20 and supplied with electricity from the battery 5, and the atomizer cartridge 30 and the power section 20 are shaped so that when they are connected, the heater 4 is appropriately exposed to the flux generated by the coil for the purpose of generating current in the material of the heater. Moreover, an orifice for the airflow from the device component 20 to the atomizer cartridge 30 is included at the junction of the two components 20 and 30. Figure 1The design of is only an example arrangement, and various parts and features may be distributed differently between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly section 30, and may include other components and elements. The two sections may be arranged as follows Figure 1 The longitudinal configuration in the embodiment of the present invention is connected together end to end, or connected together with different configurations such as parallel, side by side. The system may or may not be roughly cylindrical and / or have a roughly longitudinal shape. Any one or both of these sections or components can be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (for example, the reservoir is empty or the battery is dead), or it is intended to be used multiple times by actions such as refilling the reservoir and recharging the battery. In other examples, the system 10 can be integral because the control unit 20 and the parts of the atomizer cartridge 30 are included in a single housing and cannot be separated. The embodiments and examples of the present disclosure can be applied to any of these configurations and other configurations that those skilled in the art will recognize.

[0036] In the case where the atomizer assembly of the steam supply system includes an electric heater or heating element and a porous member or wick, if the liquid in the aerosolizable base material or wick is exhausted, there is a risk of heater overheating. If the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the wick is reduced or interrupted due to an empty reservoir or blockage, or if the user draws very strongly or quickly on the steam supply system so that the rate at which new liquid is drawn into the wick is less than the rate at which the liquid evaporates from the wick, this situation will occur. In these cases, the wick becomes dry, there is a shortage of liquid to be evaporated, and the power supplied to operate the heater is consumed so that the heater temperature is increased to above its normal operating temperature, rather than evaporating the liquid. The overheated heater can then scorch, char or burn the wick, particularly if the wick includes a material that is susceptible to such thermal damage, such as cotton.

[0037] The present disclosure proposes to solve this problem by including a shape memory alloy (SMA) component in the atomizer assembly. The SMA component is formed by a shape memory alloy, and the shape memory alloy is configured to change its shape from a first shape when the SMA component is at a first lower temperature to a second shape when the SMA component is heated to a second higher temperature. The SMA component is arranged so that the shape change achieved by being raised to a higher temperature (which can be expressed as a threshold temperature) causes the rearrangement of the spatial configuration of the atomizer assembly. At a lower temperature, the first shape of the SMA component keeps the heating element and the core in a first spatial relationship, and when the SMA component reaches the threshold temperature, the second shape is changed to place the heating element and the core in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the core have a larger spacing from each other than in the first spatial relationship. The first spatial relationship can be an operating spatial relationship, wherein the heating element can evaporate the aerosolizable substrate material present in the porous member when it is operated at a normal operating temperature (or within an operating temperature range) for evaporating the aerosolizable substrate material. For example, the heating element contacts or is in close proximity to the porous member with the porous member. The second spatial relationship includes a spacing or increased spacing between the heating element and the porous member, so that the porous member is subjected to reduced exposure to the heat output by the heating element, and the risk of the overheated heating element burning the porous member is reduced or avoided. The threshold temperature is preferably higher than the operating temperature of the heating element, and the SMA component is positioned so that it is heated by the heat output from the heating element. If the heating element is overheated until a temperature exceeding its operating temperature, for example due to a shortage of aerosolizable substrate material in the porous element, some excess heat in the heating element is transferred to the SMA component. The temperature of the SMA component increases, and when the threshold temperature is reached, the SMA component is transformed into a second shape. This causes relative movement between the heating element and the porous member, which increases the spacing between them and protects the porous core from excessive heat exposure from the overheated heater. In addition to the overheating caused by the exhaustion of liquid, this can also protect the porous core in the case of an electrical fault or user error, which may increase the power supply to the heating element to a level required for safe operation, thereby causing overheating of the heating element.

[0038] The proposed use of SMA to protect the core from excessive heat exposure uses an effective automatic process that converts the thermal energy directly generated when the heating element overheats into mechanical energy for separating the core from the heating element. It does not rely on a dedicated power supply to operate the sensor or detector or to implement electronic processing, and therefore does not consume power from the steam supply system.

[0039] The appropriate spacing of the heating element and the porous member in the second spatial relationship can be selected according to the design of the atomizer assembly, the form and shape of the heating element and the porous member, the material of the porous member and its vulnerability to excessive heat exposure, and the possible temperature achieved by the heating element when overheating. For the design of many atomizer assemblies, a spacing of up to about 0.5mm may be sufficient. For example, a spacing within the range of 0.1-0.5mm may be suitable. If space permits, and for example if a suitable existing SMA component that will produce a larger spacing is available, a larger spacing can be achieved. For example, a spacing of up to 1mm can be arranged. However, smaller or larger spacings than these examples are not excluded. In the design of the heating element and / or the core and / or their relative positions in the second spatial relationship produce an uneven space between them when the two parts are separated, the numerical value of the spacing can be defined as the minimum spacing (the minimum distance between the heating element and the porous member) in the second spatial relationship. In other configurations, when separated in the second spatial relationship, the distance between the heating element and the porous member can be substantially the same at all points. The SMA member may be shaped, sized, designed, positioned and associated with the heating element and the porous member to produce a desired spacing or minimum spacing when it adopts its second shape.

[0040] Shape memory alloys are alloy materials containing metals that can exist in two different phases, which are produced by three different crystal structures: twinned martensite, decrystalline martensite and austenite. For the purpose of this disclosure, these can be considered as two crystal structures: martensite and austenite. The shape memory property comes from the thermomechanical behavior controlled by the phase transformation between the martensite and austenite crystal structures. The orientation of the crystals in the two crystal structures is different, resulting in different external shapes of the material. The transition between the crystal structures can be achieved by applied stress (mechanical load) or temperature changes. Therefore, the temperature change across the relevant temperature boundary or threshold applied to the shape memory alloy component causes the component to change between the shape adopted by the martensite crystal structure and the shape adopted by the austenite crystal structure. The transition is not dependent on time, so the material is considered to have "shape memory", maintaining a shape at a constant temperature above or below the temperature boundary, and obtaining a different shape when its temperature crosses the boundary.

[0041] For the application currently proposed, the shape memory component is configured to have a first shape corresponding to a martensite crystal structure at or below a first lower temperature (martensite temperature, Mt), and a second shape corresponding to an austenite crystal structure at or above a second higher temperature (austenite temperature, At). Since these temperatures vary according to the type of SMA (metal in the alloy), the component is formed by SMA, for which the boundary between the first temperature and the second temperature corresponds to a temperature higher than the expected operating temperature of the heating element. For normal operation of the atomizer, the heater and the SMA will be at or below the martensite temperature and in its first shape. The SMA component is configured to be associated with the heating element and the porous member so that the first shape keeps the atomizer in a first spatial relationship for steam generation. When a situation occurs that causes the heating element to overheat and produces a temperature rise in the associated SMA component, the SMA component heats above the martensite temperature and begins to adopt its second shape, which is obtained when the temperature reaches the austenite temperature, and the SMA component transforms to the second shape. This changes the spatial configuration of the atomizer to a second spatial relationship, and the spacing of the heating element from the porous member is increased compared to the first spatial relationship.

[0042] To achieve this, the SMA component may be configured such that a change from a first shape to a second shape results in an increase in at least one outer dimension of the SMA component. With this increase, the SMA component acts on or within one or both of the heating element and the porous member to move one or both of the heating element and the porous member away from the other by positioning the SMA component within the atomizer such that the change in shape produces the desired movement.

[0043] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a suitable temperature condition for realizing an atomizer assembly according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. A temperature scale for the temperature T of a heating element and / or an SMA component is indicated. At the lower end of the scale, there is an operating temperature range ΔTo, in which the heating element heats and evaporates the aerosolizable substrate material from the porous element. As an example only, a typical range of operating temperatures for a heating element in an atomizer for a steam supply system may be 260°C-280°C. The steam supply system may be configured to allow a user to adjust the operating temperature (via the amount of power supplied) within the operating temperature range, and / or the system may experience normal fluctuations in operating temperature, such as caused by slight changes in the rate of liquid supply at the porous element. When the atomizer is operating within the operating temperature range, or when the steam supply system is not operating and the heating element is cold or cooled from the operating temperature, the SMA component will be in its first shape. When the SMA component will begin to transform or change shape to the second shape, the martensite temperature Mt is at (in this example) or slightly above (more generally) the highest temperature in the defined operating temperature range ΔTo. Therefore, if the heating element begins to overheat and exceeds its maximum expected operating temperature, the SMA component begins to change shape. The shape change of the SMA component continues as the temperature increases until the austenite temperature At is reached, at which the SMA assumes its second shape. The heating element and the porous member are now separated by a distance sufficient to protect the porous member by avoiding at least some thermal damage to the porous member caused by exposure to the overheated heating element. This reduced risk of thermal damage can be achieved over a protected temperature range ΔTp extending upward from the austenite temperature. Depending on the size of the protective separation gap between the heating element and the porous member and the material of the porous member, the temperature Tb may be above the upper limit of ΔTp, at which the separation is no longer large enough to provide useful protection for the porous element. Thus, usefully, the SMA components are configured to provide a sufficiently large spacing so that Tb is a higher temperature than the heating element can reach (e.g. due to power limitations of the battery, or failure of the heating element at elevated temperatures). Alternatively, the steam supply system may be configured to inhibit power to the heating element when it is detected that the heating element has overheated, so that Tb is not reached (e.g. by using a temperature sensor to monitor the heating element).

[0044] The austenite temperature At may be defined as the threshold temperature at which the SMA component assumes its second shape. The alloy used for the SMA component may be selected such that the austenite temperature corresponds to the temperature at which the porous element would begin to suffer thermal damage if not separated from the heating element. By way of example only, for a cotton porous element this temperature may be at or about 300°C. Thus, the SMA component will fully assume the second shape and, when the temperature at which such damage begins to occur, the porous element is placed in a position where the risk of thermal damage is reduced. A margin may be introduced by having the austenite temperature below this temperature at which thermal damage would otherwise occur. The shape transformation is not an instantaneous effect; rather, there is a temperature range between the martensite temperature Mt (below which the SMA component has the first shape) and the austenite temperature (above which the SMA component has the second shape) within which the shape change occurs. This is indicated by Figure 2 Indicated by the hashed area in . In other examples, when the SMA approaches its final second shape, the threshold temperature can be defined as being between the martensite temperature and the austenite temperature. Using the above values, and generalizing to a certain extent to accommodate different designs of steam supply systems and different types of aerosolizable substrate materials with different evaporation temperatures, the threshold temperature can be selected to be in the range of 260°C-300°C, which is only an example. For example, the threshold temperature can be at least 280°C. Also as an example, the temperature Tb can be about 350°C. However, other values ​​are not excluded, and these values ​​will be obvious to those skilled in the art, depending on the design of the atomizer. The goal is that the threshold temperature at which the SMA component assumes the second shape is the temperature reached when the heating element has been overheated and exceeds its normal operating temperature, and such a temperature is obtained, at or above this temperature, when the porous member is drying up or has dried up, it is susceptible to damage due to heat exposure.

[0045] A variety of shape memory alloys with a range of properties are known. In particular, the properties that can vary between different SMAs are the value of the martensite temperature and the value of the austenite temperature. Therefore, the SMA used for the shape memory alloy component should be selected with reference to the expected operating temperature of the atomizer. The selection of the SMA should be such that the shape change from the first shape to the second shape begins at a temperature higher than the expected operating temperature or operating temperature range of the heating element, so that the first spatial relationship of the atomizer is maintained during normal operating conditions. However, the temperature of the shape change should be only a relatively small amount higher than the expected operating temperature or operating temperature range, so that the shape change is completed before the excess heat from the overheated heating element can cause undesirable damage to the porous member (the second spatial relationship of the atomizer is in place). Therefore, the martensite temperature is preferably at or only slightly higher than the maximum expected operating temperature of the heating element, and the austenite temperature is preferably not substantially higher than the martensite temperature. For example, an SMA having a difference of no more than 10°C, or no more than 15°C, or no more than 20°C, or no more than 25°C between the martensite temperature and the austenite temperature can be used.

[0046] The shape memory alloy can be a two-way effect shape memory alloy or a one-way effect shape memory alloy, and both types of SMAs can be used to implement the presently proposed concept. A two-way effect shape memory alloy is an SMA in which the shape change between the first shape and the second shape occurs in two directions. The shape change is reversible under heating and cooling. When the SMA component is below the martensite temperature, it maintains its first shape. Above the martensite temperature, the SMA component begins to change toward the second shape, and assumes the second shape when the SMA component reaches the austenite temperature. Above the austenite temperature, the second shape is maintained. If the SMA component cools below the austenite temperature, it begins to change back to the first shape, and assumes the first shape when the martensite temperature is reached. It should be noted that the rate of shape change during heating from the martensite temperature to the austenite temperature is different from the rate of shape change during cooling from the austenite temperature to the martensite temperature. The rate of change actually follows a hysteresis-like loop.

[0047] In the context of the present disclosure, the SMA component formed by the two-way effect shape memory alloy enables the atomizer to be reused after the overheating of the heating element has occurred. The overheating heats the SMA component that adopts its second shape and places the atomizer in a second spatial relationship to protect the porous element. Subsequently, when the heating element cools (for example, after the power supply of the heating element has been interrupted, or the user's suction rate is reduced), the SMA component also cools and restores its first shape, placing the atomizer back in the first spatial relationship. Evaporation can then be performed. For example, the atomizer can be protected from repeated dry-up damage during its service life, thereby allowing the reservoir to be refilled multiple times after the reservoir is emptied and the amount of aerosolizable base material in the porous member is reduced.

[0048] In contrast, a one-way effect shape memory alloy is an SMA in which the shape change from the first shape to the second shape occurs in only one direction and is irreversible under subsequent temperature changes. Like a two-way effect SMA, the SMA component maintains its first shape below the martensite temperature and begins to change toward the second shape when the martensite temperature is exceeded. When the austenite temperature is reached, the SMA component assumes its second shape. Above the austenite temperature, the second shape is maintained, but when the SMA component cools below the austenite temperature, the second shape is also maintained. It is not possible to return to the first shape even below the martensite temperature.

[0049] In the context of the present disclosure, the SMA component formed by the one-way effect shape memory alloy allows the atomizer to permanently fail when the overheating of the heating element has occurred. This may be useful in the case of a disposable cartridge or atomizing cartridge component (consumable component). The cartridge includes an atomizer and a reservoir, and the atomizer includes a one-way effect SMA component, and the reservoir is intended to be unable to be refilled once all the aerosolizable base materials inside it have been consumed. When the reservoir becomes empty, the supply of the aerosolizable base material to the heating element stops, the porous element becomes dry, the heating element overheats and exceeds its operating temperature, and the SMA component reconstructs the atomizer into a second spatial relationship. In the second spatial relationship, the atomizer is actually inoperable because the heating element is separated from the porous element by too large a distance so that any aerosolizable base material in the porous element cannot be effectively evaporated. Therefore, if the user wants to refill the reservoir so that the supply of the aerosol base material to the atomizer is restored, the cartridge cannot be used for further aerosol generation. This can be used to prevent reuse of disposable cartridges in order to protect, for example, unauthorized and potentially inappropriate use of aerosolizable substrate materials.

[0050] Examples of suitable shape memory alloys include CuZnAl (two-way effect SMA), NiTi (two-way effect SMA) and NiAl (one-way effect SMA). Other SMAs are not excluded and may be used as preferred. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the alloy formulation of the SMA may be modified, and components made from the SMA may be trained to achieve shape transformation at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range.

[0051] The atomizer may include one or more SMA components as deemed most convenient and effective for creating the desired increased spacing between the heating element (or multiple heating elements) and the porous member when the second spatial configuration is employed.

[0052] In some example configurations, the SMA component is different from the heating element and the porous member. In this example, the SMA component can be arranged between the heating element and the porous member, and is configured so that the second shape increases the size of the SMA component along the direction of the relative movement that causes the heating element and the porous member to move away from each other. In other words, the second shape pushes the heating element and the porous member to separate from each other. The SMA component can be directly installed between the heating element and the porous member. Alternatively, one of the heating element and the porous member can be supported on a substrate that also supports the SMA component, and the other of the heating element and the porous member can be installed on the SMA component. When in the first operating space relationship, the heating element and the porous member can be arranged to be substantially parallel to each other. The heating element and the porous member can have a generally elongated shape, and for example, are arranged to have their longitudinal axes parallel. In other examples, the heating element and the porous member can have a substantially planar shape (or the heating element can be a shaped wire or stamped metal heating element with various bends or curves in the same plane to provide an overall planar shape), and are arranged in parallel planes.

[0053] Figure 3A A simplified schematic diagram (side view) of a first example of an atomizer assembly configured to have two different SMA components is shown. The atomizer assembly includes a heating element 4 that is generally in elongated or planar form and a porous member 6 that is also generally in elongated or planar form. The heating element 4 and the porous member 6 are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other. Either or both of the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 can be installed on a supported substrate (not shown). Two SMA components 25 highly schematically shown in a generalized form are arranged between the heating element 4 and the porous member 6, one SMA component 25 toward one end or one side of the atomizer assembly, and another SMA component toward the opposite end or opposite side of the atomizer assembly. The atomizer assembly is shown as having a heating element 4 and a porous member 6 in a first spatial relationship, wherein the SMA components are in their first shape, and the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 are maintained at a first interval S1, and the first interval is small or can be zero, so that the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 are in contact with each other. The close proximity of the heating element 4 to the porous member 6 makes the atomizer assembly operable because the thermal energy from the heating element 4 is able to vaporize the aerosolizable substrate material absorbed in the porous member 6. It should be noted that the electrical contacts or electrical connections required to power the heating element in order to operate the atomizer assembly to generate vapor are omitted here and elsewhere for clarity, but should be assumed to be provided where not specifically noted.

[0054] Figure 3B shows the second spatial relationship Figure 3AThe temperature of the heating element 4 has increased above its maximum expected operating temperature. The SMA member 25 is in contact with (or otherwise in heat transfer relationship with) the heating element 4 and has also increased in temperature such that when the temperature of the SMA member 25 reaches its threshold temperature, a shape change to its second shape has occurred. When in the second shape, the SMA member has a larger dimension along a direction orthogonal to the plane of the heating element 4 and the porous member 6, such that the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 have been pushed apart and now have a greater dimension than when in the second shape. Figure 3A The porous member 6 is now further away from the heating element 4 and is at a reduced risk of thermal damage. In this example, the heating element 4 remains fixed (by the design of the mounting or fixing of the cartridge of the atomizer assembly and the steam supply system), and the porous member 6 is not fixed except by its association with the SMA component 25. Therefore, the porous member 6 has been moved away from the heating element 4 by the shape change and corresponding size increase of the SMA component 25. This is indicated by the thick arrow.

[0055] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A An improvement of the atomizer assembly. Figure 3B , the atomizer assembly is shown with the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 in a second spatial relationship. However, in this case, the porous member 6 remains fixed, and the heating element 4 is not fixed except through its association with the SMA component 25. For example, the heating element 4 is mounted on the end of each SMA component 25 via a thermally conductive coupling so that heat is transferred from the heating element 6 to the SMA component 25. Thus, in this case, the heating element 4 has been moved away from the porous member 6 by the change in shape and corresponding increase in size of the SMA component 25. This is indicated by the thick arrow.

[0056] Figure 3D Shows Figure 3A Another improvement of the atomizer assembly. Figure 3B 2, the atomizer assembly is shown with the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 in a second spatial relationship. However, in this case, neither the porous member 6 or the heating element 4 is fixed except through its association with the SMA component 25. Therefore, in this case, the porous member 6 and the heating element 4 have been moved away from each other by the shape change and corresponding size increase of the SMA component 25 to increase their separation. This is indicated by the thick arrow.

[0057] Figure 4AA simplified schematic diagram (side view) of another example of an atomizer assembly configured to have two different SMA components is shown. In this example, the atomizer assembly further includes a substrate 26, on which the heating element 4 is mounted or otherwise supported. The substrate 26 has a substantially flat or planar upper (in the depicted orientation, it may not be the orientation of the atomizer assembly in the cigarette cartridge) surface (or other shapes suitable for the shape of the heating element 4), and the heating element 4 is received, placed or formed on the upper surface. The heating element 4 may or may not contact the substrate 26, and may or may not be fixed thereto via one or more mounting members or electrical contacts. The substrate 26 may be useful because the heating element 4 has a relatively fragile structure that is not well self-supporting, such as formed by a thin wire. In other examples, the heating element 4 may be printed on the surface of the substrate 26. The SMA component 25 is arranged on the upper surface of the heating element 4, in thermal contact with it. In other examples, the SMA component may be mounted on the upper surface or side surface of the substrate 26 outside the heating element 4. Heat conduction may be provided between the heating element 4 and the substrate 26 by an additional heat conducting element (not shown) or by contact of the SMA member with the edge of the heating element 4. A porous member 6 is mounted or otherwise coupled to the upper end or portion of the SMA member 26.

[0058] Figure 4B A simplified schematic diagram (side view) of another example of an atomizer assembly having a different SMA component and substrate is shown. In this example, the porous member 6 is mounted or otherwise held or supported on the upper surface of the substrate 26. Two SMA components 25 are provided, one facing each side of the upper surface of the substrate 26, and are directly disposed on the substrate outside the porous member 6 (on its upper surface or side surface), or coupled thereto. In other examples, the SMA component can be located on the upper surface of the porous member 6 (similar to how the SMA component is located on the upper surface of the porous member 6). Figure 4A The heating element 4 is mounted or otherwise coupled to the upper end or portion of the SMA component 25.

[0059] In the aforementioned example, a pair of SMA components are arranged at substantially opposite sides or ends of the atomizer assembly. If the SMA components have the same design as each other, so that they show the same size increase when changing to their second shape, then for the depicted parallel arrangement of the heating element and the porous member, the interval introduced in the second spatial relationship between the heating element and the porous member will be substantially uniform and have a constant depth. In this way, assuming that the heating element has a uniform configuration, and therefore has a uniform heat output (uniform heating distribution), all parts of the porous member are removed from the heating element by the same amount, and are provided with the same protection from thermal exposure. Additional SMA components can be added at other locations to help place the atomizer in the second spatial configuration.

[0060] In other designs, for example, if the heating element has a non-uniform heating distribution and / or the heating element and / or the porous member have a more complex shape, it may be appropriate or sufficient to achieve a non-constant depth of separation between the heating element and the porous member. This can be achieved, for example, by an irregular distribution of SMA components that move a portion of the porous member or the heating element more than other portions. This can be used to create an inclined position of one of the heating element or the porous member relative to the other, where the separation is greater near the SMA component.

[0061] Figure 5 A simplified schematic diagram (side view) of an example of an atomizer assembly configured for uneven spacing of a heating element and a porous member is shown. The atomizer assembly is shown in its second spatial relationship, and a single SMA component 25 is shown in its second shape. The SMA component 25 is arranged between the heating element 4 and the porous member 6, which are substantially parallel to each other in the first spatial relationship as described above, and are located at one end or one side of the atomizer assembly. Therefore, when the SMA component 25 adopts its second shape, the increase in its size only promotes one side or edge or corner of the porous member 6 (assuming a fixed heating element 4). The spacing with the heating element increases the maximum amount near the SMA component 25, and increases less away from the SMA component; thereby causing the porous member 6 to be tilted or angled relative to the heating element 4.

[0062] In another example (not shown), a single SMA component can be substantially centered between the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 such that the motion resulting from the shape change is imparted at or near the midpoint of one or both portions and produces a substantially uniform spacing in the second spatial relationship (assuming the heating element 4 and porous member 6 are parallel in the first spatial relationship).

[0063] Figure 6A simplified perspective view of an example atomizer assembly with a substrate is shown. The substrate 26 is planar, and the heating element 4 is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate. The heating element 4 is a linear element having a zigzag or serpentine shape, formed by a wire or stamped metal, or printed on the substrate 26. The porous member 6 is planar and arranged above the heating element 4, parallel to the plane of the heating element 4 and the upper surface of the substrate 26. Two SMA components 25 are located between the heating element 4 and the porous member, toward the opposite end of the heating element 4, and directly above the heating element 4, so as to be in thermal contact with the heating element 4. The porous member 6 is supported on the upper end of the SMA component 25. In other examples, more or fewer SMA components 25 may be included. Moreover, the SMA component 25 can be positioned away from the heating element 4, but still provided with a thermal connection to the heating element 4, such as by connecting the SMA component 25 to a heat conductive trace of the heating element 4, or by the heat conductive substrate itself.

[0064] The heating element may have any shape and is not limited to Figure 6 Examples shown. The linear heating element may have other curved or curvilinear shapes in two or three dimensions, or may be straight. The heating element may have the form of a plane or block, rather than a linear or curved two-dimensional shape. The heating element may be formed of a mesh or grid of conductive fibers or wires, such as metal fibers or wires. The heating element is provided with suitable electrical contacts or electrical connections for receiving power from a battery of the steam supply system.

[0065] In the example where the components are different from the heating element and the porous member, one or more SMA components can be configured to have any first shape and second shape that corresponds to the appropriate size increase of the SMA component along the direction in which the heating element and the porous member need to be separated. Depending on the configuration selected for the SMA component, the size increase in other directions may also occur. Some examples will now be described. However, these are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other first shapes and second shapes can be easily adopted that will produce the desired movement of the heating element and the porous member to increase the spacing.

[0066] Fig. 7A A schematic side view of a first example of a suitable SMA component is shown. In this example, the SMA component 25 has the form of a coil spring or helical spring. In the first shape, the coil spring has its turns wound at a first smaller pitch, which first smaller pitch corresponds to a shorter length or height S1 of the coil spring. When the coil spring is heated, it transforms to its second shape indicated by the arrows. The coil spring now has its turns wound at a second larger pitch, giving the spring a larger length or height S2. Coil springs formed from shape memory alloys are readily available and can therefore be conveniently selected for the shape currently proposed.

[0067] In other examples, the SMA member may have a simpler bend or flexure that increases its size in the second shape by reducing the amount of bend or flexure. Here are some possibilities.

[0068] Figure 7B A schematic side view of a second example of a suitable SMA component is shown. The SMA component 25 includes two straight arm portions connected at an angled joint having an angle magnitude θ. In a first shape, the angle θ is small, so that the arms are close together, and the SMA component 25 has a small height S1. When heated, the transition to the second shape opens the angled joint to a larger value of θ, so the arms pivot further away from each other, and the SMA component assumes a larger height S2.

[0069] Figure 7C A schematic side view of a third example of a suitable SMA component is shown. The SMA component 25 is similar to Figure 7B However, in this case the two arm portions are curved or arcuate rather than straight, but are again connected at an angled joint with an angle of magnitude θ. The SMA member 25 thus has a form similar to that of a leaf spring. Figure 7B As in the example of , in the first shape, the angle θ is small, the arms are close together and the height S1 is small. The transition to the second shape increases the angle θ of the joint to give the SMA member 25 a large height S2.

[0070] Fig.7D A schematic side view of a fourth example of a suitable SMA component is shown. In this example, the SMA component 25 in its first shape has the form of a bent bar or rod, with a corresponding height S1 given by the spacing of its two ends. When heated, the change to the second shape reduces the curvature of the rod until the rod is straight, now with a correspondingly larger height S2, because the ends of the rod are now separated by the entire length of the rod. Other second shapes in which the rod is only partially straightened are further alternatives.

[0071] In other examples, one or more SMA components are integrated with the heating element. The shape memory alloy may form at least a portion of the heating element, such as one portion or several portions, or the entirety of the heating element may be formed by the shape memory alloy. Therefore, in these examples, all or part of the heating element provides an SMA component. This is feasible because the shape memory alloy is a metallic material and is therefore conductive, so that it can be formed and operated as an electric heating element in the same manner as an electric heating element formed by other metals. The shape memory alloy is integrated into one or more portions of the heater so that when the SMA component changes to its second shape, the heating element as a whole changes its shape to a configuration that places it at a greater distance or interval from the porous member. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the heating element can be constructed in various shapes and designs that can be operated in this manner, and the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect. Some examples will be described, but other examples can be easily envisioned.

[0072] Fig. 8A A simplified schematic diagram of a first example of an atomizer assembly is shown, in which an SMA component is integrated with a heating element. The atomizer assembly includes a substrate 26 supporting a porous member 6. The heating element 4 is configured to have a shape of a bridge across the porous member 6, crossing the porous member 6 with a small gap spacing or a zero gap spacing S1 in the first spatial relationship depicted. The heating element 4 includes a leg or support portion at each end, which is mounted on the substrate 26 to hold the heating element 4 in a suitable position above the porous member 6. The leg is formed of a shape memory alloy, and in fact the entire heating element 4 can be formed of a shape memory alloy, so that the leg provides an SMA component 25 of the atomizer assembly. The leg is provided with an electrical connection or electrical contact 27, through which an electric current is supplied through the heating element 4 to operate the atomizer, so that the leg formed by the shape memory alloy is a part of the heating element. The SMA component 25 is formed to have a curved or folded configuration in its first shape, which holds the rest of the heating element 4 in a close proximity position above the porous member 6.

[0073] Figure 8B shows the Fig. 8A Atomizer assembly of the invention, wherein it is assumed that after overheating of the heating element 4, the SMA component 25 is in its second shape. The second shape is a straight shape in which the curved configuration of the first shape is straightened. In this way, the height of the legs of the heating element 4 is increased, and the heating element 4 is raised higher above the porous member 6. The spacing of the heating element 4 from the porous member 6 is thereby increased to a larger spacing S2.

[0074] Fig. 9A simplified perspective view of another example of an atomizer assembly is shown, in which an SMA component is integrated with a heating element. In this example, a heating element 4 has a generally tubular shape and surrounds a porous member 6, which has a generally elongated shape arranged along the longitudinal axis of a hollow tubular heating element 4. The heating element 4 is only schematically shown, but can take any of several forms, such as a series of rings, turns or coils around a porous member, a tube of a conductive (metal) mesh material, or a tube of a metal sheet. The cross section of the heating element 4 can be a circle as shown or some other shapes. The heating element 4 is configured to include one or more parts formed by shape memory, to provide one or more SMA components (not indicated here). When the SMA component is in its first shape, the tubular heating element has a relatively small first periphery or circumference, so that the tube is narrow and the surface of the heating element 4 and the porous member 6 is closely spaced or contacted for evaporation operation. This is the first spatial relationship of the atomizer assembly. When the SMA member is in its second shape, the perimeter or circumference of the tube expands so that the tube is wider and the heating element 4 is further spaced apart from the porous member 6 at some points around its perimeter. This is the second spatial relationship of the atomizer assembly.

[0075] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A simplified schematic end view of an atomizer assembly of the type shown. As can be seen, a porous member 6 is centrally disposed in the center of a hollow tubular heating element 4. The heating element includes two arcuate portions (which may or may not be formed by a shape memory alloy), which are joined to each other along adjacent edges by providing a connecting portion of a shape memory alloy of an SMA component 25. In a first spatial relationship, each of the SMA components has a folded first shape, and the two ends of the folded shape are joined to the arcuate portion of the heating element. The fold has a small angle so that the ends of the SMA component 25 are close together. Therefore, the arcuate portion of the heating element 4 is also close together, and the heating element 4 has a small perimeter, which makes the heating element have a small interval S1 with the porous member 6 at its center. When heated, the SMA component presents its second shape, which is indicated by an arrow. In the second shape, the SMA component 25 is unfolded and straightened (or straighter). Therefore, the ends are further removed, and the arcuate portions of the heating element are pushed away from each other. The circumference of the heating element 4 is thus increased, and its spacing from the porous member 6 is also increased to S2. This is the second spatial relationship of the atomizer. The SMA member 25 can be considered as a fold in the heating element 4, which can be folded and unfolded to move the heating element 4 away from or closer to the porous member 6. Fig.10 The two folds shown have more folds.

[0076] Folded, bent or curved sections may otherwise be incorporated into the tubular heating element such that unfolding or straightening or an overall increase in the bend angle or curvature results in an expansion or increase in the circumference of the heating element.

[0077] Fig.11 A perspective view of an example heating element constructed in this manner is shown, which may be formed entirely of a shape memory alloy. Multiple curves or bends are formed in a continuous sequence as a strip or thin section of the shape memory alloy that join to form a complete circle or other tubular shape. As previously described, the openings of the curves or bends increase the circumference of the tubular heating element.

[0078] While various shapes and configurations of SMA components have been described herein, alternative ways of performing the same function will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are not excluded.

[0079] In addition to shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers (SMPs) are also known. Currently known SMPs typically transform at temperatures below the evaporation temperature of currently used aerosol generating substrates, but in the event that higher temperature SMPs and / or lower temperature aerosol generating substrates become readily available, it will also be possible to implement the currently proposed concepts with components formed from SMPs rather than SMAs. Therefore, atomizer assembly designs with SMP components are also included within the scope of the present disclosure, wherein the various features described in the context of SMA components also apply to SMP components.

[0080] In short, in order to solve various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure shows various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced by way of illustration. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are only representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is only used to help understand and teach the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the present disclosure defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments may appropriately include, contain or substantially contain various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An atomizer assembly for a steam supply system, comprising: a heating element for vaporizing the aerosol generating substrate; a porous member for delivering an aerosol-generating substrate to the heating element; as well as A shape memory alloy component capable of changing from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the first shape maintains the heating element and the porous member in a first spatial relationship, the second shape places the heating element and the porous member in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the porous member have a larger separation than in the first spatial relationship, and the shape memory alloy component assumes the second shape when heated to a threshold temperature.

2. The atomizer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first spatial relationship enables the heating element to vaporize an aerosol-generating substrate in the porous member when heated to an operating temperature.

3. The atomizer assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The threshold temperature is above an operating temperature of the heating element during evaporation of the aerosol-generating substrate.

4. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The threshold temperature is in the range of 260°C to 300°C.

5. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The threshold temperature is at least 280°C.

6. An atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: In the second spatial relationship, the heating element and the porous member have a separation in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

7. An atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is formed of CuZnAl, NiTi or NiAl.

8. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is formed of a two-way effect shape memory alloy configured to recover the first shape from the second shape when the shape memory alloy component is cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature.

9. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is formed of a one-way effect shape memory alloy configured to maintain the second shape when the shape memory alloy component is cooled below the threshold temperature.

10. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is distinct from the heating element and the porous member.

11. The atomizer assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is disposed between the heating element and the porous member, or between the heating element or the porous member and a substrate supporting the other of the heating element or the porous member.

12. An atomizer assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The porous member is stationary, and the change of the shape memory alloy component to the second shape moves the heating element away from the porous member.

13. The atomizer assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The heating element is stationary, and the change of the shape memory alloy component to the second shape moves the porous member away from the heating element.

14. The atomizer assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The change of the shape memory alloy component to the second shape moves both the porous member and the heating element to increase their separation.

15. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The shape memory alloy component is formed as a spring.

16. A nebulizer assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The heating element and / or the porous member has a planar shape.

17. The atomizer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The shape memory alloy component forms at least a portion of the heating element.

18. The atomizer assembly of claim 17, wherein: The heating element has a generally tubular shape and is disposed around the porous member.

19. The atomizer assembly of claim 18, wherein: The change of the shape memory alloy component to the second shape causes the circumference of the heating element to increase, thereby moving the heating element outward from the porous member.

20. An atomizer assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more additional shape memory components.

21. A nebulizer assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The heating element has a mesh structure.

22. An atomizer assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The porous member includes cotton.

23. A component for a steam supply system, the component comprising an atomiser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A steam supply system comprising an atomiser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or a component according to claim 23.

25. An atomizer assembly for a steam supply system, comprising: a heating element for vaporizing the aerosol generating substrate; a porous member for delivering an aerosol-generating substrate to the heating element; as well as A shape memory polymer component capable of changing from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the first shape maintains the heating element and the porous member in a first spatial relationship, and the second shape places the heating element and the porous member in a second spatial relationship, in which the heating element and the porous member have a larger separation than in the first spatial relationship, and the shape memory polymer component assumes the second shape when heated to a threshold temperature.

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