Non-combustible aerosol system and pre-aerosol formulation housing

Abstract

A cartridge for a non-combustible aerosol system includes a cartridge housing defining an opening to a chamber on at least one side of the cartridge housing, a heater configured to supply heat to the chamber in the cartridge housing, the heater extending laterally through an internal passage of the cartridge housing, and a cartridge housing defining an opening to the chamber in the cartridge housing. A pre-aerosol formulation housing configured to be inserted into the chamber, the pre-aerosol formulation housing including a first plate, a second plate opposite the first plate, an outer wall extending between the first plate and the second plate, and a plurality of internal structures extending from the first plate to the second plate, the heater is coupled to the pre-aerosol formulation housing and configured to conduct heat supplied by the heater and heat a solid substrate within the pre-aerosol formulation housing.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of application number 202080016061.0 (PCT / US2020 / 012458) filed on January 7, 2020, entitled "Non-combustion aerosol system and pre-aerosol preparation housing".

[0002] This application hereby claims priority to U.S. Application No. 16 / 251,452, filed on January 18, 2019, the entire contents of each application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] At least some example embodiments relate generally to non-combustion aerosol devices. Background Art

[0004] A non-burning aerosol device may have a heater that heats a solid substrate (eg, tobacco) without causing combustion of the solid substrate.

[0005] The non-combustion aerosol device includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, disposed in the device. The battery is electrically connected to a heater so that the heater heats the solid substrate. Summary of the invention

[0006] Some exemplary embodiments provide a non-burning aerosol system, comprising: a heater configured to supply heat to a heating chamber; and a housing configured to be inserted into the heating chamber, the housing defining an internal volume for accommodating a solid substrate.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the solid matrix is ​​a tobacco material, which can include the material from any member of the Nicotiana. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material includes the mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. The example of the tobacco material of operable suitable type includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, black tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Japanese tobacco, rare tobacco, special tobacco and mixture thereof etc. Tobacco material can provide in any suitable form, including but not limited to, tobacco sheet, processed tobacco material (for example volume expansion or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stem (for example cut roll or cut puffed stem), reconstituted tobacco material and mixture thereof etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is the form of dry tobacco block substantially.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is admixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, or a subcombination or combination thereof.

[0009] The shell includes a plurality of internal structures extending from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell, the plurality of internal structures extending through the internal volume, and the plurality of internal structures are configured to heat the solid substrate to generate an aerosol by conducting heat supplied by the heater to the internal volume.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing further includes a first plate defining a first end of the housing and a second plate defining a second end of the housing, the first end and the second end of the housing being opposite sides of the housing.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plate and the second plate are a first material and the plurality of internal structures are a second material, the first material and the second material being different.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plate, the second plate, and the plurality of internal structures are the same material.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing further includes an outer wall defining the inner volume, the outer wall being one of a solid body and a mesh.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer wall is a solid body, and the non-burning aerosol system includes a piercing element configured to pierce the housing and create an outlet for the aerosol.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer wall is a mesh and provides an outlet for the aerosol.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing further includes a first plate defining a first end of the housing and a second plate defining a second end of the housing, the first end and the second end of the housing being opposite sides of the housing, and the outer wall extends from the first plate to the second plate.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing is cylindrical.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-burning aerosol system is not configured to supply electrical current to the housing.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the solid substrate includes at least one of tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco rods, powdered tobacco, subcombinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-combustion further comprises a first outlet on a first side of the aerosol-forming device and a second outlet on a second side of the aerosol-forming device.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the second outlet is a one-way valve.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the multiple internal structures are different materials.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of internal structures extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the non-combustion further includes a first plate defining a first end of the shell and a second plate defining a second end of the shell, the first end and the second end of the shell being opposite sides of the shell, and the plurality of internal structures extending from the first plate to the second plate.

[0025] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a method of operating a non-burning aerosol system. The method includes: inserting a housing into a non-burning aerosol device, the housing defining an internal volume for accommodating a solid substrate, the housing including a plurality of internal structures extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, the plurality of internal structures extending through the internal volume, the plurality of internal structures being configured to heat the solid substrate to generate an aerosol by conducting heat supplied by a heater to the internal volume; and activating the non-burning aerosol device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] When reviewing the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may become more clear. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings are not to be considered to be drawn to scale. For clarity, the various dimensions of the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated.

[0027] Figure 1 is a side view of a non-combustion aerosol system according to some exemplary embodiments; Figure 2 shows a pre-aerosol formulation housing according to some exemplary embodiments; Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a non-combustion aerosol system; Figure 4 shows a pre-aerosol formulation housing according to some exemplary embodiments; Figure 5 The use of some exemplary embodiments is shown Figure 4 A side view of a non-combustion aerosol system of a pre-aerosol formulation housing; Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a non-combustion aerosol system; FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Some exemplary embodiments of pre-aerosol formulation housings are shown; Figure 8 is a side view of a non-combustion aerosol system according to some exemplary embodiments; Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8A cross-sectional view of a non-combustion aerosol device; and Fig.10 Methods of operating a non-combustion aerosol system according to some exemplary embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are only representative for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be considered to be limited to the exemplary embodiments listed here.

[0029] Therefore, although the exemplary embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the exemplary embodiments cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms thereof. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0030] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer", "connected to another element or layer", "coupled to another element or layer", "attached to another element or layer", "adjacent to another element or layer" or "covering another element or layer", the element or layer may be directly located on the other element or layer, directly connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to or covering the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly located on another element or layer", "directly connected to another element or layer", "directly coupled to another element or layer", there are no intermediate elements or layers. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations of one or more of the listed associated items.

[0031] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. used herein can describe different elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiment.

[0032] For ease of description, spatially related terms (e.g., "below," "below," "down," "above," "on," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in the drawings. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatially related terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, then the elements described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will be oriented to "above other elements or features." Therefore, the term "below" can include orientations above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0033] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing different exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an", and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include", "comprise", "include", "include" and / or "include" indicate the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0034] When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in connection with numerical values ​​in the present specification, unless explicitly defined otherwise, it is intended that the relevant numerical values ​​include a tolerance of ±10% around the numerical values.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should be further understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms (including those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0036] The hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems on a chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0037] Aerosol, vapor and dispersion are terms used interchangeably and are meant to cover any substance produced or output by the claimed apparatus and its equivalents. A pre-aerosol formulation may also be a pre-vapor formulation or a pre-dispersion formulation.

[0038] Figure 1 is a side view of a non-combustion aerosol system according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the non-combustion aerosol system 10 includes a non-combustion aerosol device 100 and a pre-aerosol preparation housing 200. The pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 may include a pre-aerosol preparation as a solid matrix (in an exemplary embodiment with tobacco, referred to as a tobacco housing).

[0039] The non-burning aerosol device 100 may include a power supply portion 105 and a heating portion 110. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the non-burning aerosol device 100 includes a housing 115. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing 115 may have a substantially square cross-section. In other exemplary embodiments, the housing 115 may have a substantially triangular or circular cross-section.

[0040] As shown, power supply section 105 and heating section 110 are integral parts of housing 115. However, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and power supply section 105 and heating section 110 can have a detachable housing that is separated. For example, heating section 110 can be a replaceable box, and power supply section 105 can be a reusable battery section. Power supply section 105 and heating section 110 can be coupled together by any type of connector, such as close to, bayonet, clip, bayonet and / or buckle.

[0041] The housing 115 extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end 130 and a second end 132 .

[0042] At least one air inlet 120 extends through a portion of the housing 115. In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one air inlet 120 can be formed in the housing 115 to control the resistance to draw (RTD) during use. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 120 can be machined into the housing 115 with precision tools so that during the manufacturing process, their diameter is strictly controlled and replicated from one non-burning aerosol device 100 to the next non-burning aerosol device.

[0043] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 120 may be sized and configured such that the non-burning aerosol device 100 has a desired resistance to draw (RTD) range of 20 to 150 mm water.

[0044] The non-burning aerosol device 100 includes a mouthpiece 125 located at a first end 130 of the non-burning aerosol device 100. Figure 1 As shown, the heating portion 110 is located at a proximal end 135 (relative to the mouthpiece 125 ) of the burn-free aerosol device 100 , and the power supply portion 105 is located at a distal end 134 (relative to the mouthpiece 125 ) of the burn-free aerosol device 100 .

[0045] At least one side of the housing 115 in the heating portion 110 defines an opening 140 of a passage space within the housing 115 in the non-combustion aerosol device 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the opening 140 may have the same shape as the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200. Although the opening 140 is shown as an ellipse, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the opening 140 may be circular, rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal.

[0046] The opening 140 may be configured to receive the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 into a passage space of the non-combustion aerosol device 100 .

[0047] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 is shown. The cross-sectional shape of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may have the same shape as the opening 140, and may have an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter 142 of the opening 140. Figure 2 As shown, the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is a packaged container and includes a first plate 205, a second plate 210 and a side outer wall 215. The outer wall 215, the first plate 205 and the second plate 210 form a packaged container. The pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 may be cylindrical, and the first plate 205 and the second plate 210 are respectively rounded ends of the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200. The wall 215 extends from the first plate 205 to the second plate 210 and defines an internal volume V having a diameter corresponding to (e.g., the same as) the diameter of the first plate 205 and the second plate 210. The outer wall 215 closes the internal volume V between the first plate 205 and the second plate 210 to prevent the pre-aerosol preparation from escaping from the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200.

[0048] A pliable material, such as a polymer, may be used on the panels 205 and 210 of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 and on the opening 140 , which forms a seal when the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 is inserted into the housing 115 .

[0049] A plurality of internal structures 220 extend from the first plate 205 to the second plate 210. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal structures 220 are elongated and have a longitudinal direction that is transverse to the direction of airflow when inserted into the housing 115. Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment shown, the internal structure 220 has a square cross-section. However, the internal structure 220 can be any cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, oval, and circular. In addition, each internal structure 220 can have a different cross-sectional shape.

[0050] The inner structure 220 is made of a material that conducts heat to heat the pre-aerosol formulation within the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 without combustion. Figure 3 The inner structure 220 forms more surface area in contact with the pre-aerosol formulation and improves the heating efficiency of the pre-aerosol formulation.

[0051] The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may be made of any material that conducts heat. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may be made of metal and may therefore be referred to as a metal housing. The internal structure 220 may be made of the same material as the first plate 205, the second plate 210, and the outer wall 215, or may be made of a different material. In addition, the internal structures 220 may all be made of the same material, or at least one of the internal structures 220 may be made of a different material than the remaining internal structures.

[0052] The internal structure 220 is attached to the first plate 205 and the second plate 210 by any means that allows the internal structure 220 to adequately conduct heat from the plates 205 , 210 , such as brazing, welding, or a male / female friction fit connection.

[0053] For example, the inner structure 220 may be made of pure metals, alloys, and / or polymers.

[0054] The diameter 225 of the plates 205, 210 may be 1-20 mm, and the width 227 of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may be 1-20 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the width 227 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the non-burning aerosol device 100. The width 227 may be the same as or less than the length of the chamber 144.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the outer wall 215 is a mesh, but is not limited thereto. When the outer wall 215 is a mesh, the generated aerosol can escape the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 through the holes in the mesh and flow to the mouthpiece 125.

[0056] The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may contain the pre-aerosol formulation, wherein the first plate 205 , the second plate 210 , and the outer wall 215 are configured to conduct heat from the heater 148 to heat the pre-aerosol formulation.

[0057] Figure 3 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a non-burning aerosol system 10 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 3 As shown, the opening 140 may be configured to receive the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 into the passage space of the non-combustion aerosol device 100. The pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 may have the same shape as the opening 140, and may have an outer diameter corresponding to the diameter 142 of the opening 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the outer diameter of the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is smaller than the diameter 142, so that the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 can be inserted into the opening 140. Although the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is shown as having an elliptical cross-section (cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200), exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, or another polygonal cross-section.

[0058] The opening 140 provides access to the chamber 144. In some exemplary embodiments, the chamber 144 has the same shape as the opening 140. The diameter of the chamber 144 can be the same as the diameter 142. Because the specific dimensions of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 and the chamber 144 provide a secure fit, a seal is formed between the housing 115 and the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200. The seal can also be formed by spring-loaded plates (not shown) at the front and back of the chamber 144, which provide pressure on the front and back of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 once the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 is inserted.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, once inserted into the non-burning aerosol device 100, the end of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 may be exposed to the ambient air. Alternatively, the non-burning aerosol device 100 may include a cover that covers the opening 140 once the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 is inserted into the non-burning aerosol device 100. The cover may be a hinged, slidable, spring-loaded or other type of cover.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 115 may include an opening on an opposite side to the side having the opening 140, the opening being opposite to the opening 140. In other exemplary embodiments, the opposite side to the side having the opening 140 does not have an opening.

[0061] The pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 can be inserted into the channel space defined by the chamber 144 via the opening 140, so that the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is exposed to the heat generated by the heater 148. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 does not contact the heat source, such as the heater 148 and / or the power source. Instead, the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is made of a material that conducts the heat generated from the heater 148 to heat the pre-aerosol preparation 202 (e.g., tobacco) in the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200, and therefore, electrical heating of the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 does not occur.

[0062] The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 can conduct heat generated by the heater 148 to the pre-aerosol formulation 202 to a certain extent, that is, the flavoring agent, nicotine and / or ingredients in the pre-aerosol formulation 202 are at least partially extracted (e.g., atomized) to generate a downstream aerosol 350b extracted from the pre-aerosol formulation 202 (and a bypass airflow 355 that can contain the aerosol). The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 heats the pre-aerosol formulation 202 to a certain extent, that is, the pre-aerosol formulation 202 and the flavoring agent, nicotine and / or the pre-aerosol formulation remain below the combustion temperature. That is, in some exemplary embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 does not burn any material in the pre-aerosol formulation 202, including the flavoring agent, nicotine and / or the pre-aerosol formulation.

[0063] As described, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 includes at least an outer wall 215 and an inner structure 220 that conducts heat to heat the pre-aerosol formulation 202. Although the inner structure 220 is shown as being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the non-burning aerosol device 100, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the inner structure 220 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the non-burning aerosol device 100.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the heater 148 contacts the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200. In other exemplary embodiments, the heater 148 is located at a distance from the heater 148 to produce a desired temperature.

[0065] The power supply portion 105 includes a power supply 152 and a circuit board 156 disposed in the non-burning aerosol device 100. The power supply 152 and the circuit board 156 may be mounted on a common support 160. The common support 160 is configured to fit within the housing 115 to eliminate / reduce movement of the power supply 152 and the circuit board 156 when the non-burning aerosol device 100 is used.

[0066] The power source 152 may be a lithium ion battery or a variant thereof, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source 152 may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium manganese battery, a lithium cobalt battery, a solar cell, or a fuel cell. The non-combustion aerosol device 100 may be used until the energy in the power source 152 is exhausted, or in the case of a lithium polymer battery, a minimum voltage cut-off level is reached.

[0067] The circuit board 156 may include at least a control circuit 162, an air flow sensor 164, and a memory 165. The circuit board 156 may include other circuits such as a communication circuit 166 (e.g., Bluetooth™) to wirelessly communicate with an external device such as a mobile phone. Figure 3 For example, the memory 165 (eg, a tangible storage medium) may be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory (eg, a USB flash drive, a memory card, a memory stick, etc.). The exemplary embodiments are not limited by these aspects of any given implementation.

[0068] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 4 may include at least one processor. In this example, the processor may be any known or to-be-developed processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored on the memory 165. The execution of the computer-readable instructions stored on the memory 165 converts at least one processor into a dedicated processor for performing the functions described herein. The memory 165 may be further configured to store various types of information about the non-combustion aerosol system 10 (e.g., as described above).

[0069] Although processors and memory are discussed in some cases, according to at least some example embodiments, the control circuit 162 (or control circuit or processing circuit) may be (or include) hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. For example, the control circuit 162 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other circuits configured as a dedicated machine to perform the functions of the control circuit 162.

[0070] The control circuit 162 is connected to the power supply 152 through the cathode connector 170a and the anode connector 170b. The control circuit 162 is configured to use the power supplied from the power supply 152 to power the electrical components of the non-burning aerosol device 100 (eg, the heater 148, the air flow sensor 164, and the memory 165).

[0071] The power supply portion 105 can be separated from the heating portion 110 by a separator 172. The separator 172 can be a gasket (or seal) that provides a substantially tight seal with the inner surface of the housing 115. The separator 172 can include a channel 174 disposed between the power supply portion 105 and the heating portion 110 to allow negative pressure to be applied in the power supply portion 105 when air is pulled through the air inlet 120 (e.g., when air is pulled through the outlet 176 of the mouthpiece 125).

[0072] Separator 172 can also include holes 178a and 178b. The size of holes 178a and 178b is determined to fit wires 180a and 180b. In other exemplary embodiments, electrical contacts can be used instead of wires 180a and 180b. The size of holes 178a and 178b can be determined to make no air flow between power supply section 105 and heating section 110 through holes 178a and 178b. In other exemplary embodiments, seals can be located in holes 178a and 178b to prevent air from flowing between power supply section 105 and heating section 110.

[0073] The heater 148 can extend transversely through the interior passage 182 between opposing walls of the housing 115. In some exemplary embodiments, the heater 148 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the interior passage 182.

[0074] The power supply portion 105 can further include an end cap 151 at the second end 132. The end cap 151 can seal the second end 132. The end cap 151 can be attached to the housing 115 using a known connection system such as a threaded connector and / or a friction fit connection system. The end cap 151 can include electrical contacts 153a and 153b for charging the power supply 152.

[0075] In another exemplary embodiment, the end cap 151 may be an integral part of the housing 115 .

[0076] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the power source 152 is rechargeable. The power source portion 105 may include a circuit configured to allow the battery to be recharged by an external charging device. To charge the non-burning aerosol device 100, a USB charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used by connecting an external charger to the electrical contacts 153a and 153b. The control circuit 162 is connected to the electrical contacts 153a and 153b and controls the re-powering of the power source 152.

[0077] The heater 148 may be in the form of a coil, a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a resistive wire cage, or any other suitable form. The heater 148 may be any heater configured to heat the pre-aerosol formulation to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol.

[0078] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater can be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, the heater 148 can include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, or a subcombination or combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the heater 148 can be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In another exemplary embodiment, the heater 148 can be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0079] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater 148 can heat the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, the heat from the heater 148 can be conducted to the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 by a thermally conductive element, or the heater 148 can transfer heat to the incoming ambient air drawn through the non-combustion aerosol device 100 during use, which in turn heats the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 by convection.

[0080] The pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is located in or near the airflow path 350a defined by the non-combustion aerosol device 100. The airflow path 350a can be formed, for example, by the air inlet 120 and the outlet 176. The airflow path 350a can traverse the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 or pass directly through the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200. It should be understood that in the case where the non-combustion aerosol device 100 includes a bypass airflow 355, the bypass airflow 355 can include entrained aerosol, just as the downstream aerosol 350b (passing through the matrix pre-aerosol preparation housing 200) also includes aerosol, if the bypass airflow 355 traverses the exposed surface of the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation includes plant material. For example, the plant material may include tobacco material.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, tobacco material can include the material from any member of Nicotiana. In some exemplary embodiments, tobacco material includes the mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. The example of operable tobacco material of suitable type includes but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, black tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Japanese tobacco, rare tobacco, special tobacco and its mixture etc. Tobacco material can provide in any suitable form, including but not limited to, tobacco sheet, processed tobacco material (for example volume expansion or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stem (for example cut roll or cut puffed stem), reconstituted tobacco material and its mixture etc. In some exemplary embodiments, tobacco material is the form of dry tobacco block basically.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is admixed and / or combined with at least one of propylene glycol, glycerin, or a subcombination or combination thereof.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, flavoring agent, spices or flavor system are in pre-aerosol preparation, so that (including in some cases, when heating and / or when airflow passes through non-combustion aerosol device 100) release fragrance and / or taste in operation. In an exemplary embodiment, flavoring agent comprises volatile tobacco flavor compounds. Flavoring agent can also comprise the local flavor except tobacco, or the local flavor except tobacco flavoring agent. Flavoring agent can be at least one spice, and described spice is natural flavor or artificial flavor. For example, described at least one spice can comprise tobacco flavor, tobacco extract, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavor, fruit flavor, nut flavor, liquor flavor, baking, mint flavor, spicy flavor, cinnamon flavor, cloves and any other required local flavor and combination or sub-combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 comprising tobacco material is called tobacco element.

[0085] In operation, when the non-burning aerosol device 100 is in the assembled configuration, negative pressure may be applied to the mouthpiece 125. For example, negative pressure may be drawn onto the mouthpiece 125. The negative pressure may cause an internal pressure drop within the non-burning aerosol device 100, which may cause an intake airflow to enter the non-burning aerosol device 100 via the air inlet 120. The internal pressure drop may also cause an internal pressure drop within the heating portion 110 when air is drawn through the air inlet 120 (via the airflow path of the flow-through portion 110).

[0086] The air flow sensor 164 may be exposed to the passage 174. In an exemplary embodiment, the air flow sensor 164 generates an output signal indicating the magnitude and direction of the air flow 350a through the internal passage 182, wherein the control circuit 162 receives the output signal of the air flow sensor 164 and determines whether the following internal conditions exist: (1) the direction of the air flow 350a indicates suction on the mouthpiece 125 (relative to blowing air through the mouthpiece 125), and / or (2) the magnitude of the air flow 350a exceeds a threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, only one condition may be sufficient to activate the heater 148, while in other examples, both conditions or all conditions may have to be met before the heater is activated. If these internal conditions of the non-burning aerosol device 100 are met, the control circuit 162 electrically closes the circuit to connect the power supply 152 to the heater 148, thereby activating the heater 148 by sending current to the heater 148. In an exemplary embodiment, the air flow sensor 164 generates a variable output signal that is at least partially related to the magnitude of the pressure drop sensed by the sensor 106.

[0087] The air flow sensor 164 may be a sensor as disclosed in U.S. Application No. 14 / 793,453, filed on July 7, 2015, "Electronic Smoke Apparatus," or in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321, issued on July 7, 2015, "Electronic Smoke," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other types of sensors may be used to detect airflow.

[0088] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the non-burning aerosol device 100 can include a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the heater 148 and feeding the sensed temperature back to the control circuit 162. The control circuit 162 can control the power supplied to the heater 148 using the sensed temperature and / or the sensed voltage drop.

[0089] The wires 180a and 180b deliver current to the heater 148 to energize the heater 148. The energized heater 148 in turn heats the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200. The first plate 205, the second plate 210, the outer wall 215, and the inner structure 220 conduct the heat from the heater 148 to heat the flavor material within the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200. The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 conducts the heat from the heater 148 to heat the flavor material to a temperature (e.g., 100° C. to 300° C.) sufficient to generate an aerosol without burning the flavor material.

[0090] In another exemplary embodiment, the burn-free aerosol device 100 may include a button to operate the burn-free aerosol device 100 and cause the power source 152 and the control circuit 162 to supply power to the heater 148 .

[0091] The aerosol may elute nicotine and / or tobacco elements into the airflow. There may also be some thermal reaction between the aerosol and the tobacco elements.

[0092] Figure 4 A pre-aerosol formulation housing according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a includes an outer wall 215a that is a solid material.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment including a pre-aerosol preparation housing 200a, the non-burn aerosol device 100 includes a piercing mechanism to pierce at least one of the outer wall 215a, the first plate 205, and the second plate 210 when the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200a is inserted into the non-burn aerosol device 100. When the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 is heated to an aerosol generating temperature (e.g., 100 to 350 degrees Celsius), the piercing creates an outlet for an aerosol generated with the flavor material within the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200a.

[0094] Figure 5 The use of some exemplary embodiments is shown Figure 4 A side view of a pre-aerosol formulation housing for a burn-free aerosol system.

[0095] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a non-combustion aerosol system.

[0096] Figure 5 The illustrated burn-free aerosol system 10a is identical to the burn-free aerosol system 10, except that the burn-free aerosol device 100a includes a button 605 located at the first end 130 to actuate the piercing structure.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, button 605 actuates piercing structure 610 to pierce pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a. In an exemplary embodiment, piercing structure 610 includes first piercing element 615 (eg, blade), second piercing element 620 (eg, blade), rods 625a-625c, first link 630, and second link 635.

[0098] The rod 625a extends on the longitudinal axis of the non-burning aerosol device 100a and connects the button 605 and the first piercing element 615. The first connecting rod 630 connects the rod 625a to the first end 625b1 of the rod 625b. The first connecting rod 630 can be a pin extending through the rod 625a and the rod 625b to allow the rod 625b to rotate along the axis of the first connecting rod 630. The axis of the first connecting rod 630 around which the rod 625b can rotate can be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the non-burning aerosol device 100a. In other exemplary embodiments, the first connecting rod 630 can maintain the positional relationship between the rod 625a and the rod 625b.

[0099] Rod 625b extends from a first end 625b1 to a second end 625b2 above chamber 144a. Chamber 144a may differ from chamber 144 in that chamber 144a includes two semicircular portions 632a and 632b. Semicircular portions 632a and 632b define openings 635a and 635b between semicircular portions 632a and 632b in at least a portion of chamber 144a along the longitudinal axis of chamber 144a.

[0100] Similar to rod 625b, rod 625c extends from a first end 625c1 to a second end 625c2 above chamber 144a.

[0101] The second link 635 couples the second end 625b2 of the rod 625b to the second end 625c2 of the rod 625c. The second link 635 may be a pin (eg, spring loaded) that allows the two rods 625b to rotate around the second link 635. Figure 6 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of , the second piercing element 620 is integral with the rod 625c. The first end 625c1 is angled toward the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a so that the second piercing element 620 faces the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0102] When the adult aerosol consumer pushes the button 605 toward the internal passage 182, the force applied by the adult aerosol consumer causes the rod 625a (more specifically, the first piercing element 615) to travel toward the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a and pierce the wall 215a of the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a. The second connecting rod 635 allows the rod 625b to rotate in the direction 640. The force applied by the first piercing element 615 on the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a causes the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a to move in the same direction or a substantially similar direction to the longitudinal axis of the non-combustion aerosol device 100a. The pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a moves to the second piercing element 620, which pierces the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a when the adult aerosol consumer applies force to the button 605. The piercing by the first piercing element 615 and the second piercing element 620 creates an airflow path 650 through the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200a to the outlet 176 .

[0103] Although Figure 6 A button-activated piercing structure is shown, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a piercing structure that uses a rod and a release spring to pierce the pre-aerosol formulation housing may be used.

[0104] Fig. 7A An exemplary embodiment of a pre-aerosol formulation housing is shown. Fig. 7AAs shown, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200b is the same as the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200, except that the plates 205a and 210 are meshes rather than solid bodies. The mesh can be a screen-type material made of pure metal, metal alloy or polymer. The size of the holes ranges from 0.001 to 0.1 inches. Fig. 7A , wall 215 is omitted for clarity.

[0105] Figure 7B An exemplary embodiment of a pre-aerosol formulation housing is shown. Figure 7B As shown, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200c is identical to the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200, except that the inner structure 220a has a circular cross-section rather than a square cross-section. For clarity, the wall 215 is omitted.

[0106] Figure 7C An exemplary embodiment of a pre-aerosol formulation housing is shown. Figure 7C As shown, the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200d is the same as the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200, except that the panels 205a and 210 are square instead of circular. For clarity, the wall 215 is omitted. The wall 215 extends around each of the four edges of each panel 205c and 210c. The height 225c of the panels 205c and 210c can be between 1-20 mm.

[0107] Figure 8 is a side view of a burn-free aerosol system according to at least another exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of a non-burning aerosol device.

[0108] Figure 8 The illustrated burn-free aerosol system 100 b is identical to the burn-free aerosol system 10 , except that the heating portion 110 a of the burn-free aerosol device 100 b includes an olfactory port 305 .

[0109] like Fig. 9 As shown, the olfactory port 305 is located above the chamber 144 and the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 (when the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 is inserted into the chamber 144). The olfactory port 305 extends from the heating portion 110 at an angle α. The angle α can be greater than zero degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, so that adult aerosol consumers can smell the aerosol generated by the non-burning aerosol device 100b. As indicated by the airflow 310, the olfactory port 305 allows a portion of the air exposed to the fragrance in the pre-aerosol formulation housing 200 to flow out of the olfactory port 305.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the olfactory port 305 is integral with the housing 115a and is made of the same material as the housing 115a.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the olfactory port 305 is a one-way valve so as not to affect the RTD. In addition, the olfactory port 305 can be opened and closed according to the needs of the adult consumer. For example, a user interface such as a needle valve or a slide can be attached to the housing 115a to enable the adult consumer to control the olfactory port 305.

[0112] Fig.10 A method of operating a non-burning aerosol system according to at least one exemplary embodiment is shown. The non-burning aerosol system may include Figures 1 to 9 A system as described in any one of the Figures.

[0113] In step S1005, the adult aerosol consumer inserts the pre-aerosol preparation housing into the non-burning aerosol device. The pre-aerosol preparation housing defines an internal volume for accommodating the pre-aerosol preparation, and includes a plurality of internal structures extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing. The plurality of internal structures extend through the internal volume and are configured to heat the pre-aerosol preparation to generate an aerosol by conducting heat supplied by the heater to the internal volume. For example, the adult aerosol consumer can insert the pre-aerosol preparation housing 200 into the non-burning aerosol device 100.

[0114] In step S1010, an adult aerosol consumer activates the non-burning aerosol device by applying negative pressure at the mouthpiece. The negative pressure causes the sensor to send a signal to the control circuit indicating the pressure in the non-burning aerosol device. Based on the signal, the control circuit activates the heater. The pre-aerosol formulation housing can conduct heat generated by the heater to the pre-aerosol formulation to a certain extent, that is, the flavor, nicotine and / or ingredients in the pre-aerosol formulation are at least partially extracted (e.g., atomized) to generate a downstream aerosol extracted from the pre-aerosol formulation.

[0115] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A box for a non-combustion aerosol system, comprising: a cartridge housing defining an opening to the chamber on at least one side of the cartridge housing, a heater configured to supply heat to a chamber in the cartridge housing, the heater extending transversely through an interior passage of the cartridge housing; a pre-aerosol formulation housing configured to be inserted into the chamber, the pre-aerosol formulation housing comprising: First board, a second plate opposite to the first plate, an outer wall extending between the first plate and the second plate, and A plurality of internal structures extend from the first plate to the second plate and are configured to conduct heat supplied by the heater and heat a solid substrate within the pre-aerosol formulation housing.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein The first plate and the second plate are a first material and the plurality of internal structures are a second material, the first material and the second material being different.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein The first plate, the second plate, and the plurality of internal structures are of the same material.

4. The box according to claim 1, wherein The outer wall includes one of a solid body and a mesh.

5. The box according to claim 4, wherein The outer wall is a solid body, and the box housing comprises, A piercing element is configured to pierce the pre-aerosol formulation housing and create an outlet for the aerosol.

6. The box according to claim 4, wherein The outer wall is a mesh and provides an outlet for the aerosol.

7. The box according to claim 1, wherein The housing is cylindrical.

8. The box according to claim 1, wherein The first plate and the second plate include a square shape or a rectangular shape.

9. The box according to claim 1, wherein The non-burning aerosol system is not configured to supply electrical current to the pre-aerosol formulation housing.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The solid substrate comprises at least one of tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, compressed tobacco rods, powdered tobacco, subcombinations thereof, or combinations thereof.

11. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of internal structures are made of different materials.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of internal structures extend in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge housing.

13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of internal structures include a circular cross-section.

14. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of internal structures include a square cross-section.

15. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: The cartridge housing is configured to be removably coupled to a power section housing.

16. The box of claim 15, wherein the power supply portion housing comprises: a sensor configured to detect airflow in the chamber; as well as A controller is configured to provide power to the heater based on the detected airflow.

17. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising: a first piercing element configured to pierce a first side of the pre-aerosol formulation housing; as well as A second piercing element, disposed opposite the first piercing element, is configured to pierce a second side of the pre-aerosol formulation housing.

18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein: The first piercing element and the second piercing element are configured to create an airflow path through the pre-aerosol formulation housing to an opening in the cartridge housing.

19. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein: The first end of the cartridge housing includes a button configured to move the first piercing element into a first side of the pre-aerosol formulation housing and toward the second piercing element in response to a force applied to the button.

20. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising an outlet located on a side of the cartridge housing.

21. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein: The outlet is a one-way valve.

22. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein: The outlet is an olfactory port adjacent to the chamber through which air exposed to the fragrance in the pre-aerosol formulation housing flows.

23. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein: The outlet extends at an angle from the cartridge housing.

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