Evaporation system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to evaporation systems and interchangeable elements forming such systems. Specifically, a plurality of control devices can be interchangeably combined with one or more cartridges to provide an integral vaporization system that provides customizable vaporization features to consumers. The evaporation system may also include at least one external connection device for charging and / or data communication.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / IB2019 / 058666, international application date October 10, 2019, application number 201980082961.2 entering the Chinese national phase, and named “Evaporation System”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices that can use electrically generated heat to generate an aerosol (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). The smoking article can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can include a material that can be made or derived from tobacco or can otherwise include tobacco, which precursor can form an inhalable substance for human ingestion. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, many smoking devices have been proposed as improvements or substitutes for smoking products that need to burn tobacco. It is said that many of the above-mentioned devices have been designed to provide the sensation associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes, but do not deliver a large amount of incomplete combustion products and pyrolysis products produced due to the burning of tobacco. For this reason, it has been proposed to adopt electric energy to evaporate or heat volatile materials or to attempt to provide the sensation of smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes without burning tobacco to a significant degree of many cigarette products, flavor generators and medicated inhalers. For example, referring to the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heating sources described in the background technology described in the U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 of Robinson et al., the U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith Jr. et al. and the U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 of Sears et al., the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference. For example, see also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 170,838, filed by Bless et al. on Feb. 3, 2014, for various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat sources by reference to trade names and commercial sources, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a vaporizing system that provides consumers with increased customization capabilities. It would also be desirable to provide a vaporizing system that includes multiple interchangeable elements so that the consumer has a single system with interchangeable components that provide different vaporizing characteristics that may be desired by the consumer. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. The present disclosure may specifically relate to aerosol delivery systems formed by one or more cartridges that are interchangeably connected to one or more devices that are in turn connectable to external connectors (e.g., for charging and / or for data or information transmission).

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure may therefore provide an evaporation system. In an exemplary embodiment, such an evaporation system may include: a control device having: a device housing, the device housing defining a device outer wall, a device distal end, and a device proximal end, the device proximal end including an opening formed therein; a device chamber, the device chamber being defined by a device inner frame, the device inner frame having at least a chamber side wall and a chamber bottom wall, the opening in the device proximal end providing access to the device chamber; a device battery, the device battery being positioned within the device housing; a device printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the device PCBA being positioned within the device housing; device electrical connectors, the device electrical connectors being positioned in a first device chamber, The invention relates to a device for treating a liquid composition comprising: a tank defined by an outer tank wall, the tank including a proximal end and a closed distal end, the tank being configured to contain a liquid composition; a mouthpiece defined by an outer mouthpiece wall, the mouthpiece including a proximal end having an outlet port and a distal end mating with the proximal end of the tank; a heater; a liquid delivery element; and electrical contacts, which are not positioned on the closed distal end of the tank; wherein the cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device so that at least a portion of the cartridge's tank is received in the device chamber to functionally combine with the cartridge's electrical contacts of the electrical mating device electrical connector to form a vaporization system. In further embodiments, such a vaporization system may be defined with respect to one or more of the following statements, which may be combined in any number and order.

[0007] The evaporation system may include a first control device and a second control device, wherein the first control device and the second control device are interchangeably connectable to the cartridge such that at least a portion of the cartridge's reservoir can be individually accommodated within each of a first device chamber present in the first device and a second device chamber present in the second device to be functionally combined to form the evaporation system, and wherein the first control device is different from the second control device.

[0008] The first control device may be different from the second control device in one or more of the following aspects: the first device includes a first device housing, the second device includes a second device housing, and the first device housing and the second device housing are each formed of different materials; the first device includes a first device battery, the second device includes a second device battery, and the first device battery is different from the second device battery; the first device includes a first device PCBA, the second device includes a second device PCBA, and the first device PCBA is different from the second device PCBA; the first device includes a first device external connection element, the second device includes a second device external connection element, and the first device external connection element is different from the second device external connection element.

[0009] The first device battery can differ from the second device battery in one or more of the following: battery type; maximum voltage; and capacitance.

[0010] The first device PCBA may differ from the second device PCBA in one or more of the following aspects: memory; user programmability; heater control; and feedback functionality.

[0011] The control device may include a device window present in the device housing, the window positioned to provide visual access into the device chamber.

[0012] The control device may include a device light source and at least one opening through the device outer housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

[0013] The outer wall of the reservoir of the cartridge may be transparent or translucent.

[0014] The distal end of the mouthpiece of the cartridge may include a rim wall that is inserted from the mouthpiece wall and fits within the interior of the proximal end of the reservoir.

[0015] The mouthpiece may include an interior upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end, and further include an interior lower wall between the upper wall and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0016] The mouthpiece wall, the inner upper wall and the inner lower wall may define a evaporation chamber in which the heater is located.

[0017] The upper wall may include an opening through which vapor from the evaporation chamber travels towards the outlet port.

[0018] The lower wall may include an aperture through which the liquid delivery element extends between the heater and the tank.

[0019] The electrical contacts may be positioned in the mouthpiece wall.

[0020] The mouthpiece wall may include a flange positioned between its proximal and distal ends.

[0021] The electrical contacts may be positioned in the wall of the mouthpiece between the distal end of the mouthpiece and the flange.

[0022] The opening at the proximal end of the device may include a recess having an inwardly protruding lip.

[0023] The flange of the mouthpiece may be configured to be at least partially received within the recess so as to contact the inwardly protruding lip.

[0024] One or more of the following conditions may be met: the flange includes a magnetic component, and the inwardly protruding lip includes a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the inwardly protruding lip includes a magnetic component, and the flange includes a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the flange includes a magnetic component, and the inwardly protruding lip includes a magnetic component;

[0025] The cartridge may include an air inlet positioned in the outer mouthpiece wall.

[0026] The control device may include a pressure drop hole positioned in a frame within the device.

[0027] The system can include a first cartridge and a second cartridge different from the first cartridge.

[0028] The first cartridge may include a first heater, and the second cartridge may include a second heater different from the first heater.

[0029] The first cartridge may include a first reservoir having a first volume, and the second cartridge may include a second reservoir having a second volume different from the first volume of the first reservoir.

[0030] The first cartridge may include a first liquid delivery element and the second cartridge may include a second liquid delivery element different from the first liquid delivery element.

[0031] The evaporation system may further include an external connector configured to make electrical contact with the control device external connection element.

[0032] The present invention includes, without limitation, the following examples.

[0033] Embodiment 1: An evaporation system, comprising: a control device, the control device having: a device outer shell, the device outer shell defining a device outer wall, a device distal end and a device proximal end, the device proximal end including an opening formed therein; a device chamber, the device chamber being defined by a device inner frame, the device inner frame having at least a chamber side wall and a chamber bottom wall, the opening in the device proximal end providing access to the device chamber; a device battery, the device battery being positioned within the device outer shell; a device printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the device PCBA being positioned within the device outer shell; device electrical connectors, the device electrical connectors being positioned within a first device chamber so as not to positioned on the bottom wall of the chamber; and an external connection element of the device; a cartridge, the cartridge comprising: a tank defined by an outer tank wall, the tank comprising a proximal end and a closed distal end, the tank being configured to contain a liquid composition; a mouthpiece defined by an outer mouthpiece wall, the mouthpiece comprising a proximal end having an exit port and a distal end mating with the proximal end of the tank; a heater; a liquid delivery element; and electrical contacts, which are not positioned on the closed distal end of the tank; wherein the cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device so that at least a portion of the cartridge's tank is received in the device chamber to functionally combine with the electrical contacts of the cartridge's electrical mating device electrical connector to form a vaporization system.

[0034] Embodiment 2: An evaporation system as described in any of the preceding embodiments, the evaporation system comprising a first control device and a second control device, wherein the first control device and the second control device are interchangeably connectable to a cartridge so that at least a portion of a storage tank of the cartridge can be separately accommodated in each of a first device chamber present in the first device and a second device chamber present in the second device to be functionally combined to form the evaporation system, and wherein the first control device is different from the second control device.

[0035] Embodiment 3: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first control device is different from the second control device in one or more of the following aspects:

[0036] The first device includes a first device housing, the second device includes a second device housing, and the first device housing and the second device housing are each formed of different materials; the first device includes a first device battery, the second device includes a second device battery, and the first device battery is different from the second device battery; the first device includes a first device PCBA, the second device includes a second device PCBA, and the first device PCBA is different from the second device PCBA; the first device includes a first device external connection element, the second device includes a second device external connection element, and the first device external connection element is different from the second device external connection element.

[0037] Embodiment 4: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first device battery differs from the second device battery in one or more of the following: battery type; maximum voltage; and capacitance.

[0038] Embodiment 5: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first device PCBA differs from the second device PCBA in one or more of the following aspects: memory; user programmability; heater control; and feedback functionality.

[0039] Embodiment 6: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device comprises a device window present in the device housing, the window positioned to provide visual access into the device chamber.

[0040] Embodiment 7: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device comprises a device light source and at least one opening through the device outer housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

[0041] Embodiment 8: The evaporation system as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer wall of the storage tank of the cartridge is transparent or translucent.

[0042] Embodiment 9: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece of the cartridge includes a rim wall that is inserted from the mouthpiece wall and engages the interior of the proximal end of the reservoir.

[0043] Embodiment 10: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece includes an interior upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end, and further includes an interior lower wall between the upper wall and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0044] Embodiment 11: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece wall, the interior upper wall, and the interior lower wall define an evaporation chamber in which the heater is positioned.

[0045] Embodiment 12: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the upper wall includes an opening through which vapor from the evaporation chamber travels toward the outlet port.

[0046] Embodiment 13: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lower wall includes a hole through which the liquid delivery element extends between the heater and the reservoir.

[0047] Embodiment 14: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the electrical contacts are positioned in the mouthpiece wall.

[0048] Embodiment 15: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece wall includes a flange positioned between its proximal and distal ends.

[0049] Embodiment 16 The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the electrical contact is positioned in the wall of the mouthpiece between the distal end of the mouthpiece and the flange.

[0050] Embodiment 17: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the opening at the proximal end of the device comprises a recess having an inwardly protruding lip.

[0051] Embodiment 18 The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the flange of the mouthpiece is configured to be at least partially received within the recess so as to contact the inwardly protruding lip.

[0052] Embodiment 19: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein one or more of the following conditions are met: the flange includes a magnetic component, and the inwardly protruding lip includes a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the inwardly protruding lip includes a magnetic component, and the flange includes a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the flange includes a magnetic component, and the inwardly protruding lip includes a magnetic component;

[0053] Embodiment 20 The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet positioned in a wall of the outer mouthpiece.

[0054] Embodiment 21: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device comprises a pressure drop hole positioned in a frame within the device.

[0055] Embodiment 22: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the system comprises a first cartridge and a second cartridge different from the first cartridge.

[0056] Embodiment 23: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge comprises a first heater and the second cartridge comprises a second heater different from the first heater.

[0057] Embodiment 24 The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge comprises a first reservoir having a first volume, and the second cartridge comprises a second reservoir having a second volume different from the first volume of the first reservoir.

[0058] Embodiment 25 The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge comprises a first liquid delivery element and the second cartridge comprises a second liquid delivery element different from the first liquid delivery element.

[0059] Embodiment 26: The evaporation system of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an external connector configured to make electrical contact with an external connection element of the control device.

[0060] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear by reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four or more of the above-mentioned embodiments set forth in the present disclosure and any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements, whether or not these features or elements are explicitly combined in the specific embodiment description herein. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the context, the present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, so that any separable features or elements of the present disclosure invention in any of its various aspects and embodiments should be regarded as intended to be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Having generally described the present disclosure in the foregoing, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the device shown;

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the device shown;

[0066] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the barrel shown;

[0069] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown; and

[0070] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an external connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are described so that the present disclosure will be detailed and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments described herein; on the contrary, these aspects are proposed so that the disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise clearly stated herein, the singular forms "a", "one / kind", and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims include indications of the plural.

[0072] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems or evaporation systems, which terms are used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat materials (preferably, without burning the materials to any significant extent and / or without significant chemical changes in the materials) to form inhalable substances; and the components of such systems are in the form of articles, most preferably, the manufactured products are compact enough to be considered as handheld devices. That is, the use of the components of the preferred aerosol delivery system does not result in the generation of smoke, i.e., the generation of smoke from byproducts of the combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, while the use of those preferred systems results in the generation of vapor, which is caused by the volatilization or evaporation of certain components therein. In various embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery system may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and those electronic cigarettes may contain tobacco and / or components derived from tobacco, and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in the form of aerosols.

[0073] Aerosol-generating members of certain embodiments can provide many of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the inhalation and exhalation habits, the types of flavors or aromas, the sensory effects, the physical sensations, the usage habits, the visual cues provided by the visible aerosol, etc.) without burning any of the components therein to a significant degree. For example, a user of the aerosol-generating member of the present disclosure can hold and use the article as a smoker would use a conventional type of smoking article, inhale on one end of the article to inhale the aerosol generated by the article, and take puffs or inhales at selected time intervals, etc.

[0074] Aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as steam generation article or medicament delivery article.Therefore, this article or device can be modified, thereby one or more substances (for example, flavoring agent and / or pharmaceutical active ingredient) are provided in a form or state that can be inhaled.For example, inhalable substance can be in the form of steam (that is, the material in gas phase at a temperature below the critical point).Alternately, inhalable substance can be in the form of aerosol (that is, fine solid particles or droplet suspension in gas).For the purpose of simplification, the term "aerosol" used herein is intended to include steam, gas or aerosol in a form or type suitable for human body inhalation, whether visible or not, whether or not it can be considered as a smoke-like form.

[0075] Most preferably, the aerosol delivery device of the present invention includes some combination of the following components: a power source (i.e., a power supply); at least one control component (e.g., a device for actuating, controlling, regulating and stopping the power used to generate heat, such as by controlling the current flowing from the power source to other components of the article, i.e., a microcontroller or microprocessor); a heater or heating component (e.g., a resistive heating element or other component, which element or component, alone or in combination with one or more additional components, is generally referred to as an "atomizer"); an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid such as ingredients generally referred to as "smoke juice", "electronic liquid" and "electronic juice" that are generally capable of generating an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied); and a mouthpiece or mouth end area that allows inhalation on the aerosol delivery device to inhale the aerosol (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article so that the generated aerosol can be drawn out of the airflow path during inhalation).

[0076] The more specific forms, configurations and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure will be apparent from the further disclosure provided below. In addition, the selection and arrangement of the components of different aerosol delivery devices can be understood in view of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products cited in the background section of the present disclosure.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a vaporization system formed by a plurality of elements, which provides interchangeability of components to provide a combination of components defined by a consumer. For example, the vaporization system may include a single control device and at least two different cartridges that can be used interchangeably with at least one control device to provide different vaporization characteristics. As another example, the vaporization system may include at least two different control devices that can be used interchangeably with at least one cartridge to provide different vaporization characteristics. More preferably, as another example, the vaporization system may include at least two different control devices that can be used interchangeably with at least two different cartridges to provide different vaporization characteristics. The structural and functional elements that make two or more control devices different from each other are obvious from the further description of the vaporization system provided herein. Similarly, the structural and functional elements that make two or more cartridges different from each other are also obvious from the further description of the vaporization system provided herein. As long as certain standardized elements as further described herein are provided, there is no limit to the number of control devices and cartridges that can be used interchangeably in the vaporization system. In addition to the control device and the cartridge, the vaporization system also includes an external connector that can be used interchangeably with one or more control devices. The external connector can be characterized as a charging line, a communication line, etc., and is further described herein.

[0078] exist Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a first control device 100 for an evaporation system of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a second control device 200 for the evaporation system of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Since the evaporation system may include multiple control devices, both the first control device 100 and the second control device 200 are shown; however, it should be understood that in one or more embodiments, the evaporation system of the present disclosure may only require a single control device, such as when the evaporation system may include multiple different cartridges.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, the first control device 100 includes a first device outer housing 102 defining a first device outer wall 104, a first device distal end 106, and a first device proximal end 108. The first device proximal end 108 includes an opening 110 that provides access to a first device chamber 112 defined by a first device inner frame 114. In some embodiments, the first device inner frame 114 may include a pressure drop hole 115 configured to transmit a pressure difference through the pressure drop hole to a sensor 143 positioned within the device 100 when air is drawn into the first device chamber 112.

[0080] like Figure 2As shown, the second control device 200 includes a second device outer shell 202 defining a second device outer wall 204, a second device distal end 206, and a second device proximal end 208. The second device proximal end 208 includes an opening 210 that provides access to a second device chamber 212 defined by a second device inner frame 214. In some embodiments, the second device inner frame 214 may include a pressure drop hole 215 configured to transmit a pressure difference through the pressure drop hole to a sensor 243 positioned within the device 200 when air is drawn into the second device chamber 212.

[0081] When the evaporation system of the present disclosure includes two (or more) control devices, it should be understood that these control devices will differ from each other in one or more aspects. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , it is apparent that the size of the second device housing 202 is greater than the size of the first device housing 102. As discussed further herein, further differences may also exist between the respective control devices.

[0082] The characteristics of the control device are related to Figure 3 And more obviously, Figure 3A partial cross-sectional view of the first control device 100 is shown. As shown, the first control device 100 also includes a first device battery 116 located within the first device housing 102, and also includes a first device external connection element 118. Preferably, the first device external connection element 118 is positioned at the distal end 106 of the first device housing 102. The first device electrical connector 120 is positioned in the first device chamber 112, and as shown, is present in the side wall 114a of the first device internal frame 114, which defines the boundary of the first device chamber 112. However, it should be understood that the first device electrical connector 120 can be positioned in the bottom wall 114b of the first device internal frame 114. In addition, the first device electrical connector 120 can be present at any position on the side wall 114a or the bottom wall 114b of the first device internal frame 114. For example, the first device electrical connector 120 can be positioned at a point on the side wall 114a between the proximal end 108 of the first device housing 102 and the bottom wall 114b of the first device internal frame 114. Further, the first device electrical connector 120 may be positioned between the midpoint of the side wall 114a and the proximal end 108 of the first device outer shell 102 (i.e., in the upper half of the side wall). Alternatively, the first device electrical connector 120 may be positioned between the midpoint of the side wall 114a of the first device inner frame 114 and the bottom wall 114b (i.e., in the lower half of the side wall). In some embodiments, the first device electrical connector 120 is explicitly not present in or on the bottom wall 114b of the first device inner frame 114. In such embodiments, the first device electrical connector 120 specifically alternatively exists in or on the side wall 114b or exists at the proximal end 108 of the first device outer shell 102.

[0083] Although Figure 3 A first control device 100 is shown, but it should be understood that Figure 3 The elements described in may also be present in Figure 4200. Specifically, the second control device 200 may include a second device battery 216 located within the second device housing 202, and further include a second device external connection element 218. Preferably, the second device external connection element 218 is positioned at the distal end 206 of the second device housing 202. The second device electrical connector 220 is positioned in the second device chamber 212, and as shown in the figure, is present in the side wall 214a of the second device internal frame 214, which defines the boundary of the second device chamber 212. However, it should be understood that the second device electrical connector 220 may be positioned in the bottom wall 214b of the second device internal frame 214. In addition, the second device electrical connector 220 may be present at any position on the side wall 214a or the bottom wall 214b of the second device internal frame 214. For example, the second device electrical connector 220 may be positioned at a point on the side wall 214a between the proximal end 208 of the second device housing 202 and the bottom wall 214b of the second device internal frame 214. Further, the second device electrical connector 220 may be positioned between the midpoint of the side wall 214a and the proximal end 208 of the second device outer shell 202 (i.e., in the upper half of the side wall). Alternatively, the second device electrical connector 220 may be positioned between the midpoint of the side wall 214a and the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214 (i.e., in the lower half of the side wall). In some embodiments, the second device electrical connector 220 is explicitly not present in or on the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214. In such embodiments, the second device electrical connector 220 specifically alternatively exists in or on the side wall 214b or exists at the proximal end 208 of the second device outer shell 202.

[0084] The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure may be selected from components described in the prior art and commercially available components. Examples of batteries that may be used according to the present disclosure are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is obvious that the first device chamber 112 and the second device chamber 212 are elements separated from the first device outer shell 102 and the second device outer shell 202, respectively. In other words, the chamber is not just an internal space defined by the outer shell. On the contrary, the inner frame defining the chamber is independent of the outer shell and exists separately. The opening of the chamber can coincide with the opening at the proximal end of the outer shell. The inner frame can therefore be a completely different element attached to the outer shell. Alternatively, the inner frame and the outer shell can be formed continuously. However, in either case, the sidewalls forming the inner frame are present inside the outer shell and are separated from the outer shell.

[0086] The first device housing 102 and the second device housing 202 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or the like. Preferably, the first device inner frame 114 and the second device inner frame 214 are formed of the same material used to form the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 202; however, different materials may be used. As described above, the choice of material may also extend to the housing for any additional (one or more) control devices included in the evaporation system.

[0087] The systems disclosed herein may include a single control device (e.g., a first control device 100 or a second control device 200 or a similar additional control device). Such a single control device may be interchangeably connected to multiple cartridges to form multiple different evaporation systems. For example, a first control device may be interchangeably connected to a first cartridge to form a first functional evaporation system having a first set of features, and the first control device may be interchangeably connected to a second cartridge to form a second functional evaporation system having a different second set of features. Such an evaporation system may include two different cartridges, three different cartridges, or even a greater number of different cartridges, all of which may be interchangeable with the first control device.

[0088] The system disclosed herein may include multiple control devices (e.g., a first control device 100 or a second control device 200 and optionally a third control device or even a greater number of control devices). The multiple control devices can be interchangeably connected to at least one cartridge to form multiple different evaporation systems. For example, the first control device can be interchangeably connected to the first cartridge to form a first functional evaporation system having a first set of features, and the second control device can be interchangeably connected to the first cartridge to form a second functional evaporation system having a different second set of features.

[0089] There is no limit to the number of control devices and the number of cartridges that can be used for the evaporation system. A single control device can be individually and interchangeably combined with two, three, four, five or even more cartridges, each having different characteristics, to form a functional evaporation system consisting of multiple different systems (e.g., control device one and cartridge one, control device one and cartridge two, etc.). Similarly, a single cartridge can be individually and interchangeably combined with two, three, four, five or even more control devices, each having different characteristics, to form a functional evaporation system consisting of multiple different systems (e.g., control device one and cartridge one, control device two and cartridge one, etc.). Further, multiple control devices, each having different characteristics, can be individually and interchangeably combined with multiple cartridges, each having different characteristics, to form a functional evaporation system consisting of multiple different systems (e.g., control device one and cartridge one, control device one and cartridge two, control device two and cartridge one, control device two and cartridge two, etc.). Thus, the evaporation system of the present disclosure can be formed with any number of control devices and any number of cartridges, as long as the evaporation system includes at least two different versions of one of the components (i.e., at least two different control devices and / or at least two different cartridges). Also described herein are factors for determining what causes two control devices to be different and factors for determining what causes two cartridges to be different, and even further differentiation factors can be achieved based on the knowledge of the present disclosure.

[0090] exist Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a first cartridge 300 for an evaporation system of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figure 6 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a second cartridge 400 for the evaporation system of the present disclosure. Since the evaporation system may include multiple cartridges, both the first cartridge 300 and the second cartridge 400 are shown; however, it should be understood that in one or more embodiments, the evaporation system of the present disclosure may only require a single cartridge, such as when the evaporation system may include multiple different control devices.

[0091] like Figure 5As shown, the first cartridge 300 includes a tank 301, which is defined by an outer tank wall 303, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 305 and a distal end 307, and the distal end is closed. Therefore, the tank 301 may be characterized in that the tank wall 303 is a continuous side wall around the tank, and the distal end 307 is defined by a bottom wall. The distal end 307 of the tank 301 can also define the bottom end of the cartridge 300. The tank is configured to contain a liquid composition for evaporation, i.e., an electronic liquid or an aerosol precursor composition, which can be configured as other aspects described herein. The first cartridge 300 can also include a mouthpiece 309, which is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 311, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 313 and a distal end 317, the proximal end having an outlet port 315, and the distal end is fitted to the proximal end 305 of the tank 301. Although the mouthpiece 309 is described as a separate element from the tank 301, it should be understood that the tank wall 303 may extend a greater distance to form an integral mouthpiece. Thus, the mouthpiece may be attached to the tank, or the mouthpiece may be integrally formed with the tank.

[0092] Figure 7 300. As shown therein, the cartridge 300 also includes a heater 319 and a liquid delivery element 321, which extends between the heater and the liquid 323 contained in the storage tank 301. The heater 319 and the liquid delivery element 321 can be configured as a separate element connected to the fluid or can be configured as a combined element. In addition, the heater 319 and the liquid delivery element 321 can be formed by any configuration as described in other aspects herein. The first cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325, which are configured to electrically connect the heater 319 to a battery (116, 216) in the control device (100, 200).

[0093] Another barrel 400 in Figure 6 and Figure 8 400 because it differs from the first cartridge 300 in at least one aspect. Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the components of the first cartridge 300 can be characterized as a first storage tank 301, a first mouthpiece 309, a first heater 319, etc. Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the second cartridge 400 differs from the first cartridge 300 in cartridge size, i.e., the second reservoir 401 is larger than the first reservoir 301 in the first cartridge, and the second mouthpiece 409 is larger than the first mouthpiece 309 in the first cartridge. However, as further described herein, the two cartridges can differ in a variety of ways.

[0094] exist Figure 6 and Figure 8, the second cartridge 400 includes a second tank 401, which is defined by an outer tank wall 403, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 405 and a distal end 407, the distal end being closed. Therefore, the second tank 401 may be characterized in that the tank wall 403 is a continuous side wall around the tank, and the distal end 407 defines a bottom wall. The distal end 407 of the tank 401 may also define the bottom end of the cartridge 400. The second tank is configured to contain a liquid composition for evaporation, i.e., an electronic liquid or an aerosol precursor composition, which may be configured as other aspects described herein. The second cartridge 400 may also include a second mouthpiece 409, which is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 411, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 413 and a distal end 417, the proximal end having an outlet port 415, and the distal end is fitted to the proximal end 405 of the second tank 401.

[0095] like Figure 8 As shown, the second cartridge 400 also includes a second heater 419 and a second liquid delivery element 421, which extends between the second heater and the liquid 423 contained in the storage tank 401. The second heater 419 and the second liquid delivery element 421 can be configured as a separate element connected to the fluid or can be configured as a combined element. In addition, the second heater 419 and the second liquid delivery element 421 can be formed by any configuration as described in other aspects herein. The second cartridge 400 also includes one or more electrical contacts 425, which are configured to electrically connect the second heater 419 to a battery (116, 216) of one of the control devices (100, 200).

[0096] The liquid delivery element (321, 421) can be composed of one or more materials, and the liquid delivery element is configured to deliver liquid, for example, by capillary action. The liquid delivery element can be formed by the following materials: for example, fiber materials (such as organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramics, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Therefore, the liquid delivery element (321, 421) can be any material containing an open pore network (that is, a plurality of interconnected holes so that the fluid can flow from one hole to another hole in multiple directions through the element). As further discussed herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fiber delivery elements. Thus, fiber delivery elements can be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fiber delivery elements and non-fiber delivery elements can be used. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Pat. No. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2014 / 00597800 to Davis et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al.; the foregoing documents are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, various wicking materials, as well as the construction and operation of those wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al.; the document is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the liquid delivery element (321, 421) can be partially or completely formed of a porous monomer such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. Exemplary monomer materials suitable for use with embodiments according to the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109 filed January 5, 2016 and U.S. Patent No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The porous monomer may form a substantially solid core.

[0097] Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied therethrough may be used to form the heater (319, 419). In some embodiments, the heater (319, 419) may be a wire coil. Exemplary materials from which the wire coil may be formed may include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, MoSi 2 ), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenum disilicide doped with aluminum (Mo(Si,Al) 2), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite and graphite-based materials. In other embodiments, the heater (319, 419) can be formed of conductive ink, boron-doped silica and / or ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters, such as laser diodes or micro heaters, can also be used. The laser diode can be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation at a specific wavelength or wavelength band that can be tuned for evaporation of an aerosol precursor composition and / or tuned for heating a liquid delivery element, via which an aerosol precursor composition can be provided for evaporation. The laser diode can be specifically positioned so that electromagnetic radiation is delivered within a chamber, and the chamber can be configured to be radiation-capturing (e.g., a black body or a white body). A suitable micro heater is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the micro-heater may include a substrate (e.g., quartz, silicon dioxide) having heater traces (e.g., resistive elements such as silver, palladium, titanium, platinum, platinum / titanium, boron-doped silicon, or other metal or metal alloy) thereon, which may be printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide) may be provided on the heater traces. Specifically, the heater (319, 419) may be configured to be substantially flat. Such a heater is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] The outer tank wall (303, 403) can be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid (323, 423) contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, the entire outer tank wall (303, 403) can be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, only a single side of the outer tank wall (303, 403) can be transparent or translucent, while the rest of the outer tank wall can be substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall (303, 403) can be substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., about 1 mm wide to about 20 mm wide or about 2 mm wide to about 18 mm wide or about 5 mm wide to about 15 mm wide) extending from the proximal end (305, 405) of the tank (301, 401) to the distal end (307, 407) of the tank can be transparent or translucent. In other embodiments, the outer tank wall (303, 403) can be colored. The color may be configured such that the liquid (323, 423) within the tank (301, 401) remains visible, or the color may be configured such that the outer tank wall (303, 403) is substantially opaque.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) of the cartridge (300, 400) may be configured to cooperate with the reservoir (301, 401). Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the distal end (317, 417) of the mouthpiece (309, 409) can include a rim wall (i.e., a first mouthpiece rim wall 330 and a second mouthpiece rim wall 430) at least partially inserted from the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411), and the rim wall can be configured to fit within the interior of the proximal end (305, 405) of the outer tank wall (303, 403). The rim wall (311, 411) can have a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. The rim wall (311, 411) can fit the outer tank wall (303, 403) only via a friction fit, or the rim wall can be substantially permanently attached to the outer tank wall, such as by welding or by gluing.

[0100] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) may define an interior space having only one opening through which formed vapor may combine with air to form an aerosol for output through an exit port (315, 415) of the mouthpiece. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) may include one or more additional interior walls that may be arranged within the mouthpiece to define one or more compartments. For example, the mouthpiece may include an interior upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece, and also include an interior lower wall between the interior upper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, the first mouthpiece 309 may include a first interior upper wall 332 between the first proximal end 313 and the first distal end 317. Figure 8 As shown, the second mouthpiece 409 may include a second inner upper wall 432 between the second proximal end 413 and the second distal end 417. Further, the first mouthpiece 309 may include a first inner lower wall 334 between the first inner upper wall 332 of the mouthpiece and the first distal end 317. Similarly, the second mouthpiece 409 may include a second inner lower wall 432 between the second inner upper wall 434 of the mouthpiece and the second distal end 417.

[0101] Two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to define a vaporization chamber in which the heater may be positioned. Figure 7 As shown, the first outer nozzle wall 311, the first inner upper wall 332 and the first inner lower wall 334 define a first evaporation chamber 342, and the first heater 319 is positioned in the first evaporation chamber. Figure 8As shown, the second outer nozzle wall 411, the second inner upper wall 432 and the second inner lower wall 434 define a second evaporation chamber 442, and the second heater 419 is positioned in the second evaporation chamber. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts (325, 425) can be positioned within the portion of the outer nozzle wall (311, 411) that defines the evaporation chamber (342, 442); however, it should be understood that one or more electrical leads can extend from the heater (319, 419) to one or more electrical contacts positioned at different portions of the outer nozzle wall or positioned in the outer tank wall (303, 403). For example, one or more electrical contacts (325, 425) can be positioned along one side of the outer tank wall (303, 403). If desired, the electrical contacts (325, 425) can be positioned on or at the distal end (307, 407) of the tank (301, 401). In certain embodiments, the electrical contacts (325, 425) may be explicitly excluded from being positioned on or at the distal ends (307, 407) of the tanks (301, 401), and therefore also excluded from being positioned on or at the bottom surface or bottom wall of the cartridges (300, 400). To this end, it should be understood that the bottom surface or bottom wall of the cartridges (300, 400) may correspond to the distal ends (307, 407) of the tanks (301, 401). Excluding the electrical contacts (325, 425) from being positioned at the distal ends (307, 407) of the tanks (301, 401) may be beneficial in improving the interchangeability of the various devices and cartridges described herein. It should also be understood that the location of the electrical contacts (325, 425) on the cartridge (300, 400) will substantially correspond to the location of the electrical connector (120, 220) in the chamber (112, 212) of the device (100, 200). The electrical contacts (325, 425) may be characterized as extending through the outer tank wall (303, 403) or through the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411). Similarly, the electrical contacts (325, 425) may be characterized as being positioned in the outer tank wall (303, 403) or in the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411) so as to be exposed and configured to contact the electrical connector (120, 220).

[0102] One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for passing one or more additional elements of the cartridge (300, 400) therethrough or for passing the formed vapor / aerosol therethrough. For example, the first inner upper wall 332 may include a first vapor opening 333 through which the vapor formed in the first evaporation chamber 342 may pass toward the first exit port 315. Similarly, the second inner upper wall 432 may include a second vapor opening 433 through which the vapor formed in the second evaporation chamber 442 may pass toward the second outlet port 415. The vapor openings (333, 433) in the inner upper wall (332, 432) may be substantially centrally located in the inner upper wall and may be substantially aligned with the heater (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (300, 400). As another example, the first inner lower wall 334 may include a first wicking hole 335 through which the first liquid transport element 321 (e.g., a wick) may pass between the first heater 319 and the liquid 324 in the first reservoir 301. Similarly, the second inner lower wall 434 may include a second wicking hole 435 through which the second liquid transport element 421 (e.g., a wick) may pass between the second heater 419 and the liquid 423 in the second reservoir 401. The wicking holes (335, 435) in the inner lower wall (334, 434) may be substantially centrally located in the inner lower wall and may be substantially aligned with the heater (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (300, 400).

[0103] Two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to define a cooling chamber in which the formed aerosol may be allowed to expand and / or cool before passing through the outlet port. Figure 7 As shown, the first outer mouthpiece wall 311 and the first inner upper wall 332 define a first cooling chamber 344, which receives the vapor / aerosol formed by the first heater 319, specifically, receives the vapor / aerosol formed from the first evaporation chamber 342. Thus, the formed vapor / aerosol passes through the first vapor opening 333 from the first evaporation chamber 342 and enters the first cooling chamber 344. Similarly, Figure 8 As shown, the second outer mouthpiece wall 411 and the second inner upper wall 432 define a second cooling chamber 444, which receives the vapor / aerosol formed by the second heater 419, specifically, receives the vapor / aerosol formed from the second evaporation chamber 442. Thus, the formed vapor / aerosol passes through the second vapor opening 433 from the second evaporation chamber 442 and enters the second cooling chamber 444.

[0104] The evaporation chamber (342, 442) and the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be configured to have a defined relative volume ratio. Specifically, the volume ratio of the evaporation chamber (342, 442) to the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

[0105] If desired, the mouthpiece (309, 409) may include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid therefrom. For example, in some embodiments, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) and / or the interior upper wall (332, 432) defining the cooling chamber (344, 444) may be formed of, or include, an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to retain liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) and / or the interior upper wall (332, 432) defining the cooling chamber (344, 444) may be configured to direct liquid back to the atomization chamber (342, 442), such as by adding microchannels or the like.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge (300, 400) can be configured such that the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) includes a flange positioned between its proximal end (313, 413) and distal end (317, 417). Figure 5 and Figure 7, there may be a flange 350 that can extend from the mouthpiece wall 311 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 309 circumferentially. The distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 311 can be substantially uniform around the entire periphery of the mouthpiece 309. In some embodiments, the distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 311 can vary at one or more points around the periphery of the mouthpiece 309. The overall barrel 300 or the mouthpiece 309 can be defined with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis, respectively. The entire barrel 300 and / or the mouthpiece 309 can therefore be defined with respect to the total length along the longitudinal axis (L), the total width along the first transverse axis (T1), and the total depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length can be greater than the width, and the width can be greater than the depth. The distance that the flange 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 311 along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in some alternative embodiments, the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); or the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In a specific embodiment, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 311 and the outer edge of the flange 350 measured along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance (d1) between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the flange measured along the first transverse axis (T1). The distances (d1, d2) may specifically be measured at approximately the midpoint of each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

[0107] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 , there may be a flange 450 that can extend from the mouthpiece wall 411 around substantially the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 409. The distance that the flange 450 extends from the mouthpiece wall 411 can be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 409. In some embodiments, the distance that the flange 450 extends from the mouthpiece wall 411 can vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 409. The integral barrel 400 or the mouthpiece 409 can be defined respectively relative to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. In addition, the above description of Figure 5 and Figure 6 The measurements described for cartridge 300 in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to cartridge 400 .

[0108] In various embodiments, when present in the mouthpiece wall (311, 411), the electrical contact (325, 425) can be preferably positioned longitudinally between the flange (350, 450) and the distal end (317, 417) of the mouthpiece (309, 409). Further, in some embodiments, the flange (350, 450) can be substantially aligned with the inner upper wall (332, 432). Thus, the flange (350, 450) can be substantially parallel to the inner upper wall (332, 432) and / or can be substantially in the same horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the flange (350, 450) can be positioned above the evaporation chamber (342, 442) and above the heater (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the mouthpiece (309, 409).

[0109] The flange (350, 450) can interact with a corresponding lip on the control device (100, 200) to ensure proper connection of the cartridge (300, 400) to the control device. Figure 1 , the first device 100 can be configured such that the opening 110 at the first device proximal end 108 thereof includes a recess having an inwardly protruding first lip 121. Thus, the recess can include a first edge wall 122 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 100. The first edge wall 122 extends downwardly from the proximal end 108 for a short distance that can substantially correspond to the thickness of the flange (350, 450) of the cartridge (300, 400) and / or the thickness of additional elements that may be present near the flange. For example, the first edge wall 122 that forms the downwardly extending recess can have a height of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm (i.e., measured from the top surface of the inwardly protruding lip 121 to the first device proximal end 108). The inwardly protruding first lip 121 can have a width of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm (i.e., the distance that the lip extends inwardly from the edge wall 122 to the end). The inwardly protruding first lip 121 may have a substantially constant width around the entire perimeter of the opening 110. In some embodiments, the inwardly extending first lip 121 may be discontinuous and thus may be formed by one or more inwardly extending lips spaced apart around the opening 110.

[0110] Reference Figure 2, the second device 200 can also be configured such that the opening 210 at the second device proximal end 208 includes a recess having an inwardly protruding second lip 221. Thus, the recess can include a second edge wall 222 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second device 200. The second edge wall 222 extends downwardly from the second proximal end 208 a short distance that can substantially correspond to the thickness of the flange (350, 450) of the cartridge (300, 400) and / or the thickness of additional elements that may be present near the flange. For example, the second edge wall 222 forming the downwardly extending recess can have a height of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 m, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm (i.e., measured from the top surface of the inwardly protruding lip 121 to the first device proximal end 108). The inwardly protruding second lip 121 may have a width (i.e., the distance the lip extends inwardly from the edge wall 122 to the end) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The inwardly protruding second lip 121 may have a substantially constant width around the entire perimeter of the opening 110. In some embodiments, the inwardly extending second lip 121 may be discontinuous and thus may be formed by one or more inwardly extending lips spaced apart around the opening 110.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the flange (350, 450) of the mouthpiece (309, 409) is configured to be at least partially received in a recess formed by the rim wall (122, 222) to contact the inwardly protruding lip (121, 221). Thus, the bottom surface of the flange (350, 450) can substantially contact the inwardly protruding lip (121, 221), and the outer edge of the flange can be substantially adjacent to the rim wall (122, 222).

[0112] The flange (350, 450) and / or the inwardly protruding lip (121, 221) may be configured to bias the cartridge (300, 400) into connection with the device (100, 200). For example, a magnetic connection may be used. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the first cartridge 300 may include a first magnet 352 positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the first flange 350, and the second cartridge 400 may include a second magnet 452 positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the second flange 450. The magnets (352, 452) may extend substantially completely around the periphery of the mouthpiece (309, 409), or may be discontinuous so as to be configured as one or more discrete magnets. The magnets (352, 452) may be adhered to the mouthpiece wall (311, 411), may be adhered to the flange (350, 450), or may be adhered to both the mouthpiece wall and the flange. The inwardly protruding lip (121, 221) may be formed of metal or other material, and the magnets (352, 452) will be attracted thereto by magnetic force. In other embodiments, the magnets (352, 452) may be positioned on the first device 100 or the second device 200. Specifically, the magnets (352, 452) may be adhered to the inwardly extending lip (121, 221). In such an embodiment, the flange (350, 450) may be formed of metal or other material, and the magnets (352, 452) will be magnetically attracted thereto. In other embodiments, the magnets (352, 452) may be present on the cartridge (300, 400) and the device (100, 200). Thus, a magnet adjacent to the lower surface of the flange (350, 450) present on the cartridge (300, 400) may be magnetically attracted to a magnet adjacent to the upper surface of the inwardly protruding lip (121, 221) present on the device (100, 200). When a magnet (352, 452) is present on the mouthpiece (309, 409), preferably, the combined thickness of the magnet and flange (350, 450) is substantially the same as the height of the edge wall (122, 222) on the device (100, 200) so that when the cartridge and device are mated, the upper surface of the flange is substantially flush with the proximal end (108, 208) of the device.

[0113] As described above, one or both of the first device 100 and the second device 200 (or even more devices) can be configured to be interchangeably connected to one or both of the first cartridge 300 and the second cartridge 400 (or even more cartridges), so that at least a portion of the storage tank (301, 401) can be separately received in the chamber (112, 212) of the device (100, 200) to form a functionally combined evaporation system. The evaporation system can be configured so that different combinations of devices (100, 200) and cartridges (300, 400) produce systems with one or more different functions. Thus, two or more cartridges that can be combined with a single device can exhibit one or more different structures and / or functions. Similarly, two or more devices that can be combined with a single cartridge can exhibit one or more different structures and / or functions.

[0114] In some embodiments, an evaporation system including at least two devices and at least one cartridge can be configured so that at least two devices are different from each other in one or more aspects. For example, the first control device differs from the second control device in that the first device housing and the second device housing are each formed of different materials. As another example, the outer wall of the first device and the outer wall of the second device can each have a different surface finish. In yet another example, the battery in the first device can be different from the battery in the second device (e.g., one or more of the battery type, maximum voltage, and capacitance are different). In yet another example, the PCBA in the first device can be different from the PCBA in the second device (e.g., the PCBA can be different in one or more aspects of memory, user programmability, heater control capability, and feedback function). In yet another example, the external connection element of the first device can be different from the external connection element on the second device.

[0115] In other embodiments, an evaporation system including at least two cartridges and at least one device can be configured such that at least two cartridges differ from each other in one or more aspects. For example, a first cartridge can include a first heater, and a second cartridge can include a second heater different from the first heater. As another example, a first cartridge can include a first tank having a first volume, and a second cartridge can include a second tank having a second volume different from the first volume of the first tank. In yet another example, a first cartridge can include a first liquid delivery element, and a second cartridge can include a second liquid delivery element different from the first liquid delivery element.

[0116] In some embodiments, the control device (100, 200) can be configured such that at least a portion of the tank (300, 400) is visible when the cartridge (301, 401) is mated with the device. As described above, at least a portion of the tank wall (303, 403) can be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid (323, 423) contained therein is visible from the outside. Therefore, the outer wall (104, 204) of the device (100, 200) can be configured to include a window through which the outer tank wall (303, 403) and optionally any liquid (323, 423) present in the tank (301, 401) is visible when the cartridge (300, 400) is mated with the device (100, 200). Figure 1As shown, the first window 135 is configured as a cutout in the outer wall 104 of the device 100, which is positioned near the proximal end 108 of the device. The window is preferably positioned to provide a visual path into the first device chamber 112. As shown, the cutout is substantially oval; however, it should be understood that any shape is included herein. In some embodiments, the window 135 may be configured as a notch extending a distance from the proximal end 108 of the outer wall 104 of the device 100 toward the distal end 106 of the device. In other embodiments, the window 135 may be configured to have no boundaries of any opening and thus may explicitly exclude the notch configuration as described above. In certain embodiments, the window 135 may be explicitly excluded from the device 100. In addition, the window 135 may be completely open, or the window may have a transparent member (e.g., glass or plastic) that is positioned in the opening defined by the window or covers the window on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 104 of the device 100.

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown, the second window 235 is configured as a cutout in the outer wall 204 of the device 200, which is positioned near the proximal end 208 of the device. The window is preferably positioned to provide a visual path into the second device chamber 212. As shown, the cutout is substantially elliptical; however, it should be understood that any shape is included herein. In some embodiments, the window 235 may be configured as a notch extending a distance from the proximal end 208 of the outer wall 204 of the device 200 toward the distal end 206 of the device. In other embodiments, the window 235 may be configured to have no boundaries of any opening and thus may explicitly exclude the notch configuration as described above. In certain embodiments, the window 235 may be explicitly excluded from the device 200. In addition, the window 235 may be completely open, or the window may have a transparent member (e.g., glass or plastic) that is positioned in the opening defined by the window or covers the window on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the device 200.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the first device 100 may include a first light source 139 and at least one opening 137 through the outer wall 104 of the first device through which light from the first light source can be seen. The first light source 139 may include, for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of providing illumination of one or more colors. Figure 3As shown, the first light source 139 can be positioned directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 141, on which additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components) may be included. The opening 137 can be configured in any desired shape and can be specifically positioned near the distal end 106 of the first device 100. The opening 137 can be completely open or can be filled with a light-conducting material, or can be covered with a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 104 of the device 100. Similarly, the second device 200 may include a second light source 239 and at least one opening 237 through the outer wall 204 of the second device, through which light from the second light source can be seen. The second light source 239 may include, for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of providing illumination of one or more colors. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the second light source 239 can be positioned directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 241, on which additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components) can be included. The opening 237 can be configured in any desired shape and can be specifically positioned near the distal end 206 of the second device 200. The opening 237 can be completely open or can be filled with a light-conducting material, or can be covered with a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the device 200. The aerosol delivery device most preferably includes a control mechanism for controlling the amount of electrical power to the heating element during inhalation. Representative electronic components, their structures and constructions, their features, and general descriptions of their methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0230117 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collet et al. and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0270727 to Ampolini et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0257445 to Henry et al.; the foregoing documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] Air flow sensors, pressure sensors or the like may be included in the device. Figure 3As shown, the first device 100 may include a sensor 143 on the PCB 141. For example, the construction of the printed circuit board and the pressure sensor is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 143 can be positioned anywhere within the first device 100 so as to be affected by airflow and / or pressure changes, which can signal an inhalation on the device and thereby cause the battery 116 to deliver power to the heater (319, 419) in the cartridge (300, 400). For example, the sensor 143 may be positioned in the region of the proximal end 108 of the device 100, such as at or near the side wall 114a or bottom wall 114b of the first device chamber 112. Similarly, as Figure 4 As shown, the second device 200 may include a sensor 243 on the PCB 241; however, the sensor may be located anywhere within the second device 200, such as described immediately above. Alternatively, in the absence of an airflow sensor, the heater (319, 419) may be manually activated, such as by a button. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structures and constructions, their components, and general descriptions of their methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; and PCT WO 2010 / 003480 to Flick, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0120] In use, when the cartridge (300, 400) is inserted into the device chamber (112, 212), the fit can allow air to pass between the outer surface of the reservoir wall (303, 403) and the inner surface of the device inner frame (112, 212). Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece (309, 409), air can pass between the outer surface of the reservoir wall (303, 403) and the inner surface of the device inner frame (112, 212), through the air inlet (320, 420) in the cartridge (300, 400), through the evaporation chamber (342, 442) to mix with the formed vapor, through the cooling chamber (344, 444), and finally through the outlet port (315, 415). The air inlet (320, 420) can be specifically located in the mouthpiece wall (311, 411). Alternatively, the air inlet (320, 420) may be positioned in the tank wall (303, 403). The air passage as defined above may be effective to cause a pressure drop in the device (100, 200), which may be sensed by the sensor (143, 243) through the pressure drop hole (115, 215).

[0121] An input element may be included in the aerosol delivery device (and may replace or supplement an airflow sensor or pressure sensor). An input portion may be included to allow a user to control various functions of the device and / or output information to the user. Any component or combination of components may be used as an input for controlling the functions of the device (100, 200). For example, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., one or more buttons may be used, which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 643,626 filed on March 10, 2015 by Sears et al., a touch screen may be used, which is incorporated herein by reference. As a further example, a component suitable for gesture recognition based on a specified movement of the aerosol delivery device may be used as an input portion. See U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] In some embodiments, the input unit may include a computer or computing device such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device may be connected to a computer or other device such as by using a USB line or similar protocol wiring. The aerosol delivery device can also communicate with a computer or other device used as an input via wireless communication. For example, see the system and method for controlling the device via a read request as described in the U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0007561 of Ampolini et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In such an embodiment, an application or other computer program can be used in combination with a computer or other computing device to input a control instruction to the aerosol delivery device, and this control instruction includes, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a specific composition by selecting the content of nicotine content and / or the content of flavors included in addition, selecting the total particulate matter (TPM) provided by each suction, selecting a specific heating curve to be implemented, selecting a modifiable inhalation resistance, etc.

[0123] In addition to or as an alternative to the LED, additional indicators (e.g., tactile feedback components, audio feedback components, etc.) may be included. Additional representative types of components or indicators that produce visual cues, such as light emitting diode (LED) components, and their construction and uses are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; U.S. Pat. No. 2015 / 0020825 to Galloway et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 2015 / 0216233 to Sears et al.; the above documents are incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that not all of the elements shown are required. For example, the LED may not exist, or may be replaced by other indicators such as a vibration indicator. Similarly, the flow sensor can also be replaced by a manual actuator such as a button.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the evaporation system formed by any combination of one or more devices and one or more cartridges may further include an external connector 500 configured to electrically contact each of the device external connection elements (e.g., the first device external connection element 118 and the second device external connection element 218). The external connector 500 may include a first connector end 503 and a second connector end 505 interconnected by a joint 507, which may be, for example, a rope of variable length. The first connector end 503 may be configured to electrically connect to the device (100, 200) and optionally mechanically connect. Specifically, the first connector end 503 may include an insertion wall 503a that may be received in a well portion (e.g., a first well portion 106a at the distal end 106 of the first device 100 or a second well portion 206b at the distal end 206 of the second device 200), the well portion being present at the distal end (106, 206) of the device (100, 200). The external connector 500 may include a plurality of electrical pins 511 inside the insertion wall 503a, which are configured to be connected to the device external connection element (118, 218) for charging and / or information transmission. In some embodiments, the control device (100, 200) may include a mechanical connector (e.g., a first mechanical connector 119 and a second mechanical connector 219) adjacent to the device external connection element (118, 218). The mechanical connector (119, 219) may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) suitable for magnetic attraction to a magnet. Then, the first connector end 503 may also include a mechanical connection element 513, which is positioned between the insertion wall 503a and the electrical pins 511. The mechanical connection element 513 may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) suitable for magnetic attraction to a magnet. The second connector end 505 may be configured to be connected to a computer or similar electronic device or to a power source. As shown, the second connector end 505 has a universal serial bus (USB) connection; however, a different connection may also be provided and / or an adapter (e.g., a USB / AC adapter) may also be included. For example, an adapter including a USB connector at one end and a power unit connector at an opposite end is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] For the aerosol delivery system characterized as an electronic cigarette, the aerosol precursor composition is most preferably combined with tobacco or a component derived from tobacco. On the one hand, tobacco can be provided as several parts or several pieces of tobacco, such as finely ground, ground or powdered tobacco flakes. It can include tobacco beads, pellets or other solid forms such as described in the U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0335070 of Sears et al., and its disclosure is generally incorporated herein by reference. On the other hand, tobacco can be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract, and the extract contains many water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extract can have the form of an extract with a relatively high nicotine content, and the extract also contains a small amount of components from other extracts of tobacco. On the other hand, components derived from tobacco can be provided in relatively pure form, such as some flavorings derived from tobacco. On the one hand, the component derived from tobacco and can be used in a highly purified or substantially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine). In certain embodiments, an aerosol precursor composition may include nicotine in free alkali form and / or protonated form. Protonation can be achieved by including one or more acids in the aerosol precursor composition. For example, organic acids such as levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid and pyruvic acid can be included in the aerosol precursor together with nicotine in an amount (based on the total organic acid content) that is equimolar to nicotine. Any combination of organic acids can be suitable. For example, the aerosol precursor can include any one or more of the above-mentioned organic acids of about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles per 1 mole of nicotine, until the total amount of organic acids present therein is equimolar to the total amount of nicotine present in the aerosol precursor composition.

[0126] Aerosol precursor compositions, also referred to as vapor precursor compositions, may include a variety of components, including, for example, polyols (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extracts, and / or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and compositions are also described and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 to Chong et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0030823 to Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, and WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include those contained in the following products: products; BLU™ products of Lorillard Technologies; MISTIC MENTHOL products of Mistic Ecigs; and VYPE products of CN Creative Co., Ltd. Also contemplated are so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson Creek Co., Ltd. Additional exemplary aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the following trade names: BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, DR. CRIMMY' SV-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOODLIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[0127] The amount of aerosol precursor incorporated in the aerosol delivery system enables the aerosol generating member to provide acceptable sensory and desired performance characteristics. For example, preferably a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming materials such as glycerol and / or propylene glycol can be used to ensure that a visible mainstream aerosol similar to the appearance of tobacco smoke is generated in many aspects. The amount of aerosol precursor in the aerosol generating system can depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired for each aerosol generating member. In one or more embodiments, an aerosol precursor composition of about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more can be included.

[0128] Nos. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; 5,934,289 to Watkins et al.; 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; 8,365,742 to Hon; 8,402,976 to Fernando et al.; 2010 / 0163063 to Fernando et al.; and 2011 / 0163064 to Tucker et al. No. 13 / 0192623; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 to Kim et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 to DePiano et al. describe other features, controllers or components that may be incorporated into the aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure, and the above documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0129] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and various modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. An evaporation system comprising: A control device, comprising: an outer shell defining an outer wall, a distal end, and a proximal end, the proximal end including an opening; a chamber having a passageway disposed into the chamber through an opening at the proximal end; a groove defined by an opening in the outer wall at a proximal end of the outer wall; Batteries; and Installing printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs); A first cartridge, the first cartridge comprising: a first tank defined by a first outer tank wall, the first outer tank wall comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the first tank being configured to contain a liquid composition; a first mouthpiece, the first mouthpiece being matched with the first storage tank; a first atomizer; and a first flange extending a distance from the first mouthpiece; wherein the first cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device such that at least a portion of the first reservoir of the first cartridge is received within a chamber of the control device and such that the first flange is at least partially received within the recess of an outer housing of the control device; and A second cartridge, the second cartridge comprising: a second tank defined by a second outer tank wall, the second outer tank wall comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the second tank being configured to contain a liquid composition; a second mouthpiece, the second mouthpiece being matched with the second storage tank; a second atomizer; and a second flange, the second flange extending a distance from the second mouthpiece; wherein the second cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device such that at least a portion of the second reservoir of the second cartridge is received within a chamber of the control device and such that the second flange is at least partially received within the recess of the control device outer housing; and The second cartridge is different from the first cartridge in one or more components or features, so that a system formed by a combination of the first cartridge and the control device is different from a system formed by a combination of the second cartridge and the second control device.

2. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device includes a device light source and at least one opening through the device housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

3. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heater of the first cartridge is different from the second heater of the second cartridge.

4. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first reservoir of the first cartridge has a first volume, and the second reservoir of the second cartridge has a second volume different from the first volume.

5. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cartridge includes a first liquid delivery element, and the second cartridge includes a second liquid delivery element different from the first liquid delivery element.

6. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first flange extends a different distance from the first mouthpiece than the second flange extends a different distance from the second mouthpiece.

7. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cartridge cooperates with the control device to define a first configuration, and the second cartridge cooperates with the control device to define a second configuration, the first configuration being different from the second configuration.

8. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first tank of the first cartridge has a first distal end, the second tank of the second cartridge has a second distal end, the first cartridge exhibits a first distance between the first flange and the first distal end, the second cartridge exhibits a second distance between the second flange and the second distal end, and the first distance is different from the second distance.

9. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cartridge further includes a first evaporation chamber, the second cartridge further includes a second evaporation chamber, the first flange of the first cartridge is positioned above the first evaporation chamber, and the second flange of the second cartridge is positioned above the second evaporation chamber.

10. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first flange of the first cartridge is positioned above the first atomizer, and the second flange of the second cartridge is positioned above the second atomizer.

11. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device also includes a device electrical connector disposed within the chamber.

12. The evaporation system according to claim 11, characterized in that The first cartridge also includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, and the second cartridge also includes a plurality of second electrical contacts. The first cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device so that the plurality of first electrical contacts are electrically engaged with the device electrical connector, and the second cartridge is configured to cooperate with the control device so that the plurality of second electrical contacts are electrically engaged with the device electrical connector.

13. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first cartridge and the second cartridge each include an air inlet.

14. The evaporation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device includes a pressure drop orifice within the chamber.

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