Evaporator device microfluidic system and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to a cartridge for an evaporator, the evaporator including means for microfluidic pressure balancing, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing including a storage chamber configured to hold an evaporable liquid; a first capillary channel fluidly coupled to a vent; a second capillary channel fluidly coupled to the storage chamber; a third contraction point fluidly coupled to the storage chamber; and a high-drive channel originating from the third contraction point and extending outward toward the first and second capillary channels, wherein the high-drive channel is configured to fluidly seal the first and second capillary channels after a pressure balancing event releases gas bubbles into the storage chamber.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application CN202080071518.8 (international application number PCT / US2020 / 055622), entitled "Evaporator Device Microfluidic System and Apparatus," filed on October 14, 2020. Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to PCT patent application No. PCT / US2019 / 056788 entitled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE", filed October 17, 2019, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 915,005 entitled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE", filed October 14, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed topics generally relate to the characteristics of a hopper for an evaporator, and in some examples to the management of the hopper to prevent leakage of liquid evaporable materials. Background Technology

[0004] Evaporator devices, generally referred to herein as evaporators, include those that heat evaporable materials (such as liquids, plant materials, other solids, waxes, etc.) to a level sufficient to release one or more compounds from the evaporable material into a form (such as gas, aerosol, etc.) that can be inhaled by the user of the evaporator. Some evaporators, such as those that release at least one of the compounds from the evaporable material being nicotine, can serve as an alternative to smoking combustible cigarettes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] For the purposes of overview, specific aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It should be understood that not all of these advantages can be achieved according to any particular implementation. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or implemented in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a set of advantages, without needing to achieve all the advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items described herein may be combined together or separately, unless it is not feasible based on the present disclosure and what a person skilled in the art understands therein.

[0006] In one aspect, the evaporator includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid evaporable material. The reservoir is at least partially defined by at least one wall and includes a storage chamber and an overflow volume. The evaporator also includes a collector disposed within the overflow volume. The collector includes a capillary structure configured to maintain a volume of liquid evaporable material in fluid communication with the storage chamber. The capillary structure includes microfluidic features configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during the filling and emptying of the collector.

[0007] In an interconnected aspect, it may include, within the evaporator of the preceding aspect, a microfluidic gate for controlling the flow of liquid evaporable material between a storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in the evaporator, comprising a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and a collector, and condensation points between the plurality of openings. The microfluidic gate includes a single capillary actuation channel. In other embodiments, the microfluidic gate includes multiple capillary actuation channels. Optionally, the microfluidic gate may include an edge of an orifice between the storage chamber and the collector, the edge being more rounded on a first side facing the storage chamber than on a second side facing the collector.

[0008] This microfluidic gate can provide pressure balance between the storage chamber and ambient conditions. The microfluidic gate includes a first capillary channel fluidly coupled to the vent, a second capillary channel fluidly coupled to the storage chamber, and a high-drive channel comprising an upper wall and a lower wall. The capillary drive channel originates from a third contraction point and branches outward between the upper and lower walls toward the first and second capillary channels.

[0009] In one embodiment, a cartridge for an evaporator is provided, the evaporator including means for microfluidic pressure equalization. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing comprising a storage chamber configured to hold an evaporable liquid, a first capillary channel fluidly coupled to a vent, and a second capillary channel fluidly coupled to the storage chamber. A third contraction point is fluidly coupled to the storage chamber and a high-drive channel. The high-drive channel originates from the third contraction point and extends outward toward the first and second capillary channels. The high-drive channel is configured to fluidly seal the first and second capillary channels after a pressure equalization event releases bubbles into the storage chamber.

[0010] In another interconnected aspect, which can be combined with other aspects, the collector configured to be inserted into the evaporator cartridge includes a capillary structure configured to retain a volume of liquid evaporable material in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the evaporator cartridge. This capillary structure includes microfluidic features configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during the filling and emptying of the collector.

[0011] In optional variations, one or more of the following features may also be included in any feasible combination. For example, a main passage may be included to provide a fluid connection between a storage chamber and an atomizer configured to convert a liquid evaporable material into a gaseous state. The main passage may be formed by the structure of a collector.

[0012] The main passage may include a first channel configured to allow liquid evaporable material to flow from a storage chamber to a wicking element in the atomizer. The first channel may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregular portion configured to allow liquid in the first channel to bypass air bubbles obstructing the remainder of the first channel. This cross-sectional shape may resemble a cross. The capillary structure may include a secondary passage containing microfluidic features configured to allow liquid evaporable material to move along a length of the secondary passage, where only along that length does a meniscus completely cover the cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary passage. The cross-sectional area may be small enough that the liquid evaporable material preferentially wets the entire periphery of the secondary passage for both the material forming the walls of the secondary passage and the composition of the liquid evaporable material.

[0013] The storage chamber and collector can be configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber, such that a decrease in pressure in the storage chamber relative to ambient pressure causes at least partially retraction of the continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector back into the storage chamber. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced-apart contractions, each contraction having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portion of the secondary passage between the contractions. The contractions may have a flatter surface oriented along the secondary passage toward the storage compartment and a more rounded surface oriented along the secondary passage away from the storage compartment.

[0014] A microfluidic gate can be positioned between the storage chambers of the collector and the evaporator cartridge. The microfluidic gate may include an edge of an orifice between the storage chamber and the collector, which is flatter on a first side facing the storage chamber than on a second, more rounded side facing the collector. The microfluidic gate may include multiple openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector, as well as condensation points between the multiple openings. The multiple openings may include a single highly capillary-driven channel. Due to the higher capillary drive in the first channel, the meniscus of the gas-liquid evaporable material reaching the condensation point can be guided to the secondary channel, thereby forming bubbles to escape into the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber.

[0015] Liquid evaporable materials may include one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. Liquid evaporable materials may also include nicotine or its salts.

[0016] The collector may include a main passage providing a fluid connection between a reservoir and an atomizer configured to convert a liquid evaporable material into a gaseous state, wherein the main passage is formed by the structure of the collector. In an alternative variation, the capillary structure may include a secondary passage comprising a microfluidic feature, and the microfluidic feature may be configured to allow the liquid evaporable material to move along a length of the secondary passage, where only for that length does the meniscus completely cover the cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary passage. This cross-sectional area may be small enough that the liquid evaporable material preferentially wets the entire periphery of the secondary passage for both the material forming the walls of the secondary passage and the composition of the liquid evaporable material. The reservoir and collector may be configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the reservoir, such that a pressure drop in the reservoir relative to ambient pressure causes at least partially the continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector to be drawn back into the reservoir. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced-apart contractions having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portion of the secondary passage between the contractions. The contraction point may have a flatter surface oriented toward the storage chamber along the secondary path and a more rounded surface oriented away from the storage chamber along the secondary path.

[0017] In another related aspect, the evaporator cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a storage chamber disposed within the cartridge housing and configured to contain liquid evaporable material, an inlet configured to allow air to enter the internal airflow path within the cartridge housing, an atomizer configured to convert at least some of the liquid evaporable material into an inhalable state, and a collector as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0018] In alternative variations, such an evaporator cartridge may include one or more features described herein, such as, for example, a wicking element positioned within an internal airflow path and in fluid communication with a reservoir. The wicking element may be configured to draw liquid evaporable material from the reservoir chamber by capillary action. A heating element may be positioned to heat the wicking element to convert at least some of the liquid evaporable material drawn from the reservoir chamber into a gaseous state. The drawable state may include a mist formed by the condensation of at least some of the gaseous liquid evaporable material. The cartridge housing may include an integral hollow structure having a first, open end and a second end opposite to the first end. A collector may be insertably received within the first end of the integral hollow structure.

[0019] In another related aspect, a reservoir is provided for a cassette that can be used with an evaporator apparatus. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes a storage chamber (e.g., a reservoir) for storing evaporable material, and an overflow volume that is separable from the storage chamber and communicates with the storage chamber via a vent leading to the overflow volume.

[0020] The passageway in the overflow volume can lead to a port connected to ambient air. The storage chamber or reservoir may also include a first wick supply section and an optional second wick supply section, the first and second wick supply sections respectively implemented as a first chamber and a second chamber of a collector placed within a hopper. The collector may include one or more support structures that form the passageway in the overflow volume. The first and second chambers can control the orientation of the evaporable material towards the wick housing configured to receive the wicking element.

[0021] The wicking element, positioned within the core housing or wicking element housing, can be configured to absorb evaporable material traveling through the first and second core supply sections. Under the thermal action with the atomizer, the evaporable material absorbed in the wicking element is converted into at least one of vapor or aerosol, and flows through an outlet tunnel structure formed by a collector and a storage chamber to an opening in the nozzle. The nozzle may be formed close to the storage chamber.

[0022] The collector may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be coupled to an opening in the nozzle, and the second end opposite to the first end may be configured to receive a wick or wicking element. According to a particular embodiment, the wick housing may include a set of protruding tips from the second end to at least partially receive the wicking element, and one or more compression ribs located near the first or second wick supply and extending from the second end of the collector to compress the wicking element.

[0023] In another related aspect, a vent can be provided to maintain a balanced pressure state in the cartridge storage chamber and prevent the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point where the evaporable material would submerge the core housing. This balanced pressure state can be maintained by establishing a liquid seal at the opening of the vent, which is positioned where the storage chamber communicates with the passageway in the overflow volume of the cartridge. A liquid seal is established and maintained at the vent by maintaining sufficient capillary pressure to form a meniscus of the evaporable material at the portion of the ventway leading to the overflow volume.

[0024] In embodiments with multiple capillary-driven channels, the capillary pressure on the meniscus of the evaporable material can be controlled, for example, by a venting structure forming main and secondary channels, which effectively creates a fluid valve to control at least one condensation point at one of the main or secondary channels. According to embodiments, the main and secondary channels can have a narrowing geometry such that, as the meniscus continues to recede, the capillary-driven descent rate of the main channel is greater than that of the secondary channels. The gradual reduction in capillary drive in the main and secondary channels reduces the partial top space vacuum maintained in the storage chamber.

[0025] In embodiments with a single capillary-driven channel, the capillary pressure of the meniscus of the evaporable material can be controlled, for example, by a vent in fluid communication with the single channel, which effectively constitutes a microfluidic gate to control at least one condensation point at one end of the single channel. According to embodiments, the single channel may have a narrowing geometry, such that as the meniscus continues to recede, the capillary drive of the main channel decreases at a greater rate than that of the secondary channel. The gradual reduction in capillary drive in both the main and secondary channels reduces the partial top space vacuum maintained in the storage chamber.

[0026] In another related aspect, as the capillary drive between the main and secondary channels gradually decreases relative to each other, the discharge pressure of the main channel drops below that of the secondary channel. When the discharge pressure of the main channel changes, the meniscus in the main channel continues to discharge, while the meniscus in the secondary channel remains stationary. The discharge pressure involving the retreat of the main channel contact angle may drop below the flooding pressure involving the advance of the secondary channel contact angle, causing both the main and secondary channels to fill with evaporable material.

[0027] Therefore, in response to the increased pressure within the storage chamber, the evaporable material flows through a vent into the collector passage (i.e., the overflow volume), wherein the vent is configured to maintain a liquid seal at the condensation point, ideally at all times. In a particular embodiment, the vent is configured to facilitate a liquid seal at an opening from which the evaporable material flows between the storage chamber of the reservoir and the collector passage in the overflow volume.

[0028] In another related aspect, one or more core supply channels can be implemented to control the direct flow of evaporable material toward the core. A first core supply channel can be formed by a collector positioned within the overflow volume and independent of the main and secondary channels of the aforementioned control valve. The collector may include a support structure that forms the first channel or an additional core supply channel. The core can be positioned within a core housing such that it is configured to absorb evaporable material traveling through the first channel. Depending on the implementation, the first channel may have a cruciform cross-section or have partially partitioned walls. The shape of the first channel can be provided for one or more non-main channels and one or more main channels, the main channels being larger in diameter than the non-main channels.

[0029] Depending on the implementation, when the main sub-channel or a non-main sub-channel is restricted or blocked (e.g., due to bubble formation), the evaporable material can travel through an alternative sub-channel or main channel. In the cross-shaped core supply section, the main sub-channel can extend through the center of the cross-shaped core supply section. When the main sub-channel is restricted due to bubble formation in a portion of the main channel, the evaporable material flows through at least one of the non-main sub-channels.

[0030] In some embodiments, the collector may have a first end and a second end, the first end facing the storage chamber and the second end facing away from the storage chamber and configured to include a core housing. A second core supply may be implemented as a second channel so that the evaporable material stored in the storage chamber flows towards the core simultaneously with the evaporable material flowing through the first core supply. The opening of the second core supply may have a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0031] According to one or more aspects, a reservoir for a cartridge for use with an evaporator device may include a storage chamber configured to contain evaporable material. The reservoir may be operationally linked to an atomizer configured to convert the evaporable material from a liquid phase to a vapor or aerosol phase for inhalation by a user of the evaporator device. The cartridge may also include an overflow volume to retain at least a portion of the evaporable material, for example, when one or more factors cause the evaporable material in the storage chamber to enter the overflow volume in the cartridge.

[0032] One or more of the factors may include exposing the cartridge to a pressure state that differs from a previous ambient pressure state (e.g., from a first pressure state to a second pressure state). In some aspects, the overflow volume may include a passage connected to an opening or air control port leading to the outside of the cartridge (i.e., to ambient air). The passage in the overflow volume may also communicate with the reservoir chamber, such that the passage can act as an air vent to allow pressure equalization in the reservoir chamber. In response to a negative pressure event in the cartridge environment, the evaporable material can be drawn from the reservoir chamber into the atomizer and converted into a vapor or aerosol phase, reducing the volume of remaining evaporable material in the reservoir chamber.

[0033] The storage chamber can be coupled to the overflow volume via one or more openings between the storage chamber and the overflow volume, for example, such that the one or more openings lead to one or more passages through the overflow volume. The flow of evaporable material into the passages via the openings can be controlled by the capillary properties of the fluid vents leading to the one or more passages or by the capillary properties of the passages themselves. Furthermore, the flow of evaporable material into the one or more passages can be reversible, allowing the evaporable material to move back from the overflow volume to the storage chamber.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the flow of the evaporable material can be reversed in response to a change in pressure state (e.g., when a second pressure state in the cartridge returns to a first pressure state). The second pressure state may be associated with a negative pressure event. A negative pressure event may result from a drop in ambient pressure relative to one or more air volumes retained in the reservoir chamber or other parts of the cartridge. Alternatively, a negative pressure event may be due to compression of the internal volume of the cartridge caused by mechanical pressure on one or more outer surfaces of the cartridge.

[0035] The heating element may include a heating section. The heating section may be pre-formed to define an internal volume configured to receive a wicking element such that the heating section secures at least a portion of the wicking element to the heating element. The heating section may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element. Power is configured to be supplied from a power source to the heating section to generate heat, thereby causing the evaporable material stored within the wicking element to evaporate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the evaporator device further includes a thermal barrier configured to surround at least a portion of the heating element and isolate the heating portion from the body of a core housing configured to surround at least a portion of the wicking element and the heating element. In some embodiments, a heating shroud is folded between the heating portion and at least two legs to isolate the heating portion from the at least two legs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the evaporator device includes a reservoir containing evaporable material, a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heating element. The heating element includes a heating portion. The heating portion may be pre-formed to define an internal volume configured to receive the wicking element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wicking element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element. Power is configured to be supplied from a power source to the heating portion to generate heat, thereby causing the evaporable material stored within the wicking element to evaporate.

[0038] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be selectively included in any feasible combination.

[0039] Aspects of the present subject matter relate to a feed cassette for an evaporator apparatus. The feed cassette may include a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to contain an evaporable material within the reservoir chamber. The feed cassette may include an evaporation chamber communicating with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber for evaporation by a heating element. The feed cassette may include an airflow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The feed cassette may include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the airflow passage. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive fluid and guide the fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action.

[0040] In an aspect consistent with the present disclosure, each of the at least one capillary channel may be dimensionally narrowed. Dimensional narrowing may result in increased capillary actuation through each of the at least one capillary channel. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be defined by an upper wall and a lower wall. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the core. A first location may be adjacent to the end of the airflow passage and the nozzle. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

[0041] In one interconnected aspect, the evaporator assembly may include an evaporator body comprising a heating element configured to heat an evaporable material. The evaporator assembly may include a cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the evaporator body. The cartridge may include a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to contain the evaporable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber for evaporation by the heating element. The cartridge may include an airflow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The cartridge may include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the airflow passage. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive fluid and guide the fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action.

[0042] Each of the at least one capillary channel may be dimensionally narrowed. This dimensional narrowing may result in increased capillary actuation through each of the at least one capillary channel. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be defined by an upper wall and a lower wall. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the core. A first location may be adjacent to one end of the airflow passage and the nozzle. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

[0043] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. However, the disclosed subject matter is not limited to any of the particular embodiments disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate specific aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the specification, help to explain some principles related to the embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example evaporator apparatus according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0046] Figure 2A A plan view of an example evaporator body and an insertable evaporator cartridge according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0047] Figure 2B An illustration is shown according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the evaporator unit.

[0048] Figure 2C An illustration is shown according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2A A 3D view of the material box.

[0049] Figure 2DAn illustration is shown according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2C Another perspective view of the material box.

[0050] Figure 2E This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a reservoir system configured for an evaporator feed box and / or evaporator unit to improve airflow in the evaporator unit, according to one or more embodiments.

[0051] Figure 2F This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a reservoir system configured for use in an evaporator feed box or evaporator unit to improve airflow in the evaporator unit, according to one or more embodiments.

[0052] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example plan sectional view of a cassette having a storage chamber and an overflow volume according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0053] Figures 4A to 4C The illustration shows a perspective front and side view of an example cassette structure component with a flow management collector having one or more flow channels, according to one or more embodiments.

[0054] Figure 5A A side plan view illustrating an exemplary single-ventilation single-channel collector structure according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0055] Figure 5B This is a side plan view of an exemplary container with a translucent shell structure, according to one or more embodiments, the translucent shell structure accommodating, for example, Figure 5A The exemplary collector shown is shown below.

[0056] Figures 5C to 5E A perspective view and a planar side view illustrate an exemplary collector structure in which a flow management contractor is constructed in a flow channel, according to one or more embodiments.

[0057] Figure 5F and Figure 5G The illustrations show a front view and a side view of an exemplary collector structure in which a flow management contractor is built in the flow channel of the collector, according to one or more embodiments.

[0058] Figure 5H The illustration shows a perspective close-up of an example collector structure, which, according to one or more embodiments, has one or more vents that can control the flow of liquid between the storage chamber and the overflow volume within the cylinder.

[0059] Figures 5I to 5K A perspective view illustrates an exemplary collector structure with flow management control according to one or more embodiments.

[0060] Figures 5L to 5N The illustration shows a front plan and close-up view of an exemplary flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments.

[0061] Figures 50 to 5X This describes how, according to one or more implementation methods, in Figures 5L to 5N In the exemplary collector, the flow of evaporable material collected is managed as the meniscus of the evaporable material stored in the overflow volume continues to recede to accommodate a snapshot in time when appropriate aeration is achieved.

[0062] Figure 6 The illustration shows a front plan and close-up view of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments.

[0063] Figure 7 An angled and close-up view of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0064] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram illustrates a frontal plan view and a close-up view, highlighting specific aspects of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments.

[0065] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a frontal plan view and a close-up view, highlighting specific other aspects of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments.

[0066] Figure 10 An example flow management mechanism in a collector structure, according to one or more implementations, is highlighted.

[0067] Figures 11A to 11H This describes how, according to one or more implementation methods, in Figures 7 to 10 In the exemplary collector, the flow of evaporable material collected is managed as the meniscus of the evaporable material stored in the overflow volume continues to recede to accommodate a snapshot in time when appropriate aeration is achieved.

[0068] Figure 12A and Figure 12B Examples of single-ventilation multi-channel collector structures according to one or more embodiments are illustrated.

[0069] Figure 13 An exemplary dual-ventilation multi-channel collector structure according to one or more embodiments is described.

[0070] Figure 14A and Figure 14BA side view illustrating an exemplary collector structure according to one or more embodiments is shown, the collector structure including one or more ribs or sealing bead profiles that support specific manufacturing techniques for securing the collector to a storage chamber in a hopper.

[0071] Figure 15 A perspective view, front view, side view, and exploded view of an example embodiment of the material box according to one or more embodiments are illustrated.

[0072] Figure 16A Perspective views, front view, side view, bottom view, and top view of an exemplary embodiment of a collector having a V-shaped vent according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0073] Figure 16B and Figure 16C Perspective and sectional views of an exemplary collector structure are illustrated from different viewing angles, with a focus on structural details for securing the wicking element and wick housing relative to the placement of an atomizer toward one end of the cartridge, according to one or more embodiments.

[0074] Figures 16D to 16F A top plan view illustrating an exemplary core supply mechanism formed or constructed by a collector according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0075] Figure 17A and Figure 17B A front view of an exemplary flow management mechanism in a collector structure, according to one or more embodiments, is illustrated.

[0076] Figure 18 A front view of an exemplary hopper housing an exemplary collector structure is illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0077] Figures 19A to 19C A perspective view, a front view, and a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a material box according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0078] Figures 20A to 20F A perspective view of an exemplary cartridge at different filling levels is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0079] Figures 21A to 21C The illustration shows a front view of an exemplary utensil box filled and assembled according to one or more embodiments.

[0080] Figures 22A to 22C The diagram shows a front view, top view, and bottom view of an exemplary cartridge air path according to one or more embodiments.

[0081] Figure 23A and Figure 23BThe illustrations show a front view and a top view of an exemplary hopper having an airflow path, a liquid supply channel, and a condensate collection system according to one or more embodiments.

[0082] Figure 24A and Figure 24B The illustration shows a front view and a side view of an exemplary cartridge body having an external airflow path according to one or more embodiments.

[0083] Figure 25 and Figure 26 A perspective view is shown of a portion of an exemplary hopper having a collector structure according to one or more embodiments, wherein the collector structure has an air gap at the bottom rib.

[0084] Figure 27 This illustration shows a close-up view of the end of the core supply section located near the core and configured to receive the core at least partially, according to one or more embodiments.

[0085] Figure 28 A perspective view illustrates an exemplary collector structure, according to one or more embodiments, in which a core supply section with a square design is combined with an air gap at one end of an overflow passage.

[0086] Figure 29A A rear view illustrating a collector structure having, for example, four different spraying points, according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0087] Figure 29B A side view illustrating the collector structure is shown, with particular attention to the clamp-shaped end that, according to one or more embodiments, can securely hold the core in the path of the core supply section.

[0088] Figure 29C A top view of a collector structure is shown, which, according to one or more embodiments, has a core supply channel for receiving evaporable material from a cartridge storage chamber and directing the evaporable material to a core held in place at the end of the core supply channel by a protruding end of the core supply channel.

[0089] Figure 29D A front plan view of the collector structure according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0090] Figure 29E A bottom view illustrating a collector structure according to one or more embodiments is provided, wherein the core supply channel terminates at a clamp-shaped protrusion configured to hold the core in place at each end.

[0091] Figure 30A and Figure 30BA plan view and a side view of a collector structure according to one or more embodiments are shown, in which there are two clamp-shaped end portions of two corresponding core supply sections.

[0092] Figure 31A and Figure 31B Various perspective views, top views, and side views of exemplary collectors with different structural implementations according to one or more embodiments are illustrated.

[0093] Figure 32A Various perspective views, top views, and side views of an exemplary core housing are illustrated according to one or more embodiments.

[0094] Figure 32B An exemplary hopper collector and core housing component are described, wherein, according to one or more embodiments, a protruding tab is configured in the structure of the core housing to be insertably received into a receiving recess or chamber of a corresponding bottom portion of the collector.

[0095] Figure 33A An exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the material box according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0096] Figure 33B A top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the material box according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0097] Figure 33C A bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the material box, according to one or more embodiments, is illustrated; and Figure 34 A top perspective view of an atomizer assembly according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0098] In practice, according to one or more embodiments, the same or similar drawing numbers denote the same, similar or equivalent structures, features, aspects or elements. Detailed Implementation

[0099] An evaporator configured to convert a liquid evaporable material into a gaseous and / or aerosol phase (e.g., a suspension of gaseous and particulate materials in air, which are in relative local equilibrium between the phases) typically includes a reservoir or storage container (also referred to herein as a reservoir, storage compartment, storage chamber, or storage volume) containing a volume of liquid evaporable material, an atomizer (also referred to herein as an atomizer assembly), a heating element (e.g., a resistive element through which current is passed to cause the current to be converted into heat energy), which heats the liquid evaporable material to cause at least some of the liquid evaporable material to be converted into a gaseous phase, and a wicking element (which may simply be referred to as a wick, but generally refers to an element or combination of elements that applies capillary forces to draw the liquid evaporable material from the reservoir to its heated position by the action of the heating element). In some cases (depending on a number of factors), the resulting gaseous liquid evaporable material subsequently (and optionally almost immediately) begins to condense at least partially to form an aerosol in the air passing through, across, approaching, surrounding the atomizer, etc.

[0100] As the liquid evaporable material in the wicking element is heated and converted into a gaseous phase (and subsequently optionally into a mist), the volume of the liquid evaporable material in the reservoir decreases. Without a mechanism to allow air or other substances into the void space (e.g., a portion of the reservoir volume not occupied by the liquid evaporable material) created within the reservoir when the volume of the liquid evaporable material in the reservoir decreases by conversion into a gaseous / mist phase, a depressurized state (e.g., at least a partial vacuum) is created within the reservoir. This reduced pressure state can adversely affect the effectiveness of the wicking element, which is used to draw the evaporable material from the storage chamber or reservoir to the vicinity of the heating element for evaporation into a gaseous phase, because the partial vacuum pressure acts in opposition to the capillary pressure generated within the wicking element.

[0101] More specifically, depressurization in the reservoir can lead to insufficient wick saturation, ultimately resulting in a lack of sufficient evaporable material delivered to the atomizer for reliable evaporator operation. To counteract depressurization, ambient air can be allowed into the reservoir to balance the pressure between the reservoir interior and ambient pressure. Allowing air to backfill the voids in the reservoir created by the evaporation of liquid evaporable material can occur in some evaporators by air entering the reservoir via the wicking element. However, this process typically requires the wicking element to be at least partially dry. Since a dry wicking element may be difficult to achieve and / or undesirable for reliable evaporator operation, another typical approach is to provide a vent to allow pressure balance between ambient conditions and the reservoir interior.

[0102] The presence of air in the void space of the reservoir, whether through the core or other vents or venting structures, can create one or more other problems. For example, once the air pressure in the void space of the reservoir is balanced (or at least close to balanced) with the ambient pressure, and especially when the volume of the air-filled void space increases relative to the total reservoir volume, the resulting pressure difference between the air in the void space and the ambient conditions (e.g., the air in the void space is at a higher pressure than the ambient pressure) can cause liquid evaporable materials to leak out of the reservoir, for example, through the core, through any provided vents, etc. The pressure difference between the air inside the reservoir and the current ambient pressure can be generated by one or more of the following factors, such as heating the air in the gap space (e.g., by holding the reservoir in one's hand, moving the evaporator from a cold area to a warmer area, etc.), mechanical forces that deform the shape of the reservoir and thereby reduce the internal volume of the reservoir (e.g., squeezing a part of the evaporator, causing deformation of the reservoir volume, etc.), a rapid drop in ambient pressure (e.g., such as that which can occur in an aircraft cabin during air travel, when a car or train enters or leaves a tunnel, when windows are open or closed while the vehicle is traveling at high speed, etc.), and so on.

[0103] Leakage of liquid evaporable materials from the reservoir of evaporators such as those described above is generally undesirable because it can cause unwanted mess (e.g., staining clothing or other items near the evaporator), may enter the evaporator's suction path and be directly inhaled by the user as a liquid rather than an aerosol, and may interfere with the evaporator's function (e.g., affecting the operability of circuits and / or switches by soiling pressure sensors, soiling charging ports and / or the connection between the cartridge and the evaporator body, etc.). Therefore, leakage of liquid evaporable materials can interfere with the evaporator's function and cleanliness.

[0104] Examples of evaporators include, but are not limited to, electronic evaporators, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or devices and systems having the same, similar, or equivalent structural or functional features or capabilities. Figure 1An example block diagram of an evaporator 100 is shown. Evaporator 100 may include an evaporator body 110 and an evaporator cartridge 120 (also simply referred to as evaporator cartridge 120). Evaporator body 110 may include a power supply 112 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) and a controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic device, processor, or circuitry capable of executing logic code such as software or firmware and / or implementing logic through hardware features such as logic gates). The controller 104 controls the heat delivery to atomizer 141 to convert evaporable material (not shown) from a condensed form (e.g., solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least partially untreated plant material, etc.) into a gaseous phase, or more generally, to convert the evaporable material into an inhalable form or an inhalable precursor. In this context, the inhalable form may be a gas or aerosol, or some other airborne form. The inhalable precursor may comprise a gaseous state of an evaporable material that condenses at least partially to form a mist some time after the formation of the gaseous state (optionally immediately or nearly immediately, or alternatively with some delay or after some cooling). The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with a particular embodiment and may be used to control specific characteristics of the evaporator body 110 associated with one or more sensors 113.

[0105] As shown in the figures, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, the evaporator body 110 may include one or more sensors 113, evaporator body contacts 125, seals 115, and optionally, a cartridge container 118 configured to receive at least a portion of an evaporator cartridge 120 for coupling to the evaporator body 110 via one or more various attachment structures. Male or female container configurations, or combinations thereof, may be used to couple the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110. For example, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, the inner portion of a first end of the cartridge may be received in the cartridge container 118 of the evaporator body 110, while the outer portion of the first end of the cartridge at least partially covers portions of the outer surface of the structure forming the cartridge container 118 on the evaporator body 110. This arrangement for coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 allows for a convenient and easy-to-use coupling method that also provides sufficient mechanical coupling strength to prevent undesirable separation of the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110. This configuration also provides the desired resistance to the deflection of the evaporator formed by coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110.

[0106] Regarding the evaporator body contacts 125, it should be understood that these contacts may also be referred to as “receptacle contacts 125”, particularly in embodiments where the corresponding cartridge contacts 124 (discussed below) are located on a portion of the receptacle or receptacle-like structure into which the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted onto the evaporator body 110. However, the terms “evaporator body contacts 125” and / or “receptacle contacts 125” are also used herein because aspects of this subject matter are not limited to (and can be used to provide various advantages in the system beyond those therein) the electrical coupling between the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 occurs between contacts within the cartridge receptacle 118 on the evaporator body 110 and on a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118.

[0107] In some examples, the evaporator cartridge 120 may include a reservoir 140 for containing liquid evaporable material and a nozzle 130 for delivering a dose of the evaporable material in an inhalable form. The nozzle may optionally be a component separate from the structure forming the reservoir 140, or alternatively, it may be formed from the same portion or component forming at least a portion of one or more walls of the reservoir 140. The liquid evaporable material within the reservoir 140 may be a carrier solution, wherein active or inactive components may be suspended, dissolved, or retained in a solution or in a pure liquid form of the evaporable material itself.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the evaporator cartridge 120 may include an atomizer 141, which may include a wick or wicking element and a heater (e.g., a heating element). As described above, the wicking element may include any material capable of causing fluid absorption through the wick by capillary pressure to deliver a quantity of liquid evaporable material to a portion of the atomizer 141 including the heating element. Figure 1 The core and heating element are not shown, but at least refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B This will be disclosed and discussed in further detail here. In short, the wicking element can be configured to draw liquid evaporable material from a reservoir 140 configured to contain such material, whereby the liquid evaporable material can be evaporated (i.e., converted to a gaseous state) by heat transferred from the heating element to the wicking element and to the liquid evaporable material drawn into the wicking element. In some embodiments, in response to the removal of liquid evaporable material from the reservoir 140 during vapor and / or mist formation, air can enter the reservoir 140 through the wicking element or other openings to at least partially equalize the pressure in the reservoir 140.

[0109] In embodiments where at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 110 is inserted into the cartridge container 118 of the evaporator body 120, it is advantageous to position the atomizer 141 within the evaporator cartridge 120 such that at least some portions of the atomizer 141 are positioned within the cartridge container 118 when the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 are connected. Among other potential benefits of this arrangement is that it allows additional thermal barriers / insulation for the atomizer 141 to be provided by durable / reusable portions of the evaporator body 110 (e.g., rather than requiring such barriers to be provided in disposable portions such as the evaporator cartridge 120), and it enables the resistance heater features of the atomizer 141 to be connected to a power source 112 within the evaporator body without requiring lengthy electrical wires that might otherwise be electrically isolated from other components within the evaporator cartridge 120. Furthermore, positioning the electrical contacts on the evaporator body 110 at least partially within the feed box housing 118 can protect the contacts from potential mechanical or other environmental damage by reducing access when the evaporator feed box 120 is not connected to the evaporator body 110.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, pressure sensor (and any other sensors) 113 may be positioned on or coupled to controller 104 (e.g., electrically, electronically, physically, or via a wireless connection). Controller 104 may be a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board. For accurate measurements and to maintain the durability of evaporator 100, it is beneficial to provide a resilient seal 115 to separate the airflow path from other parts of evaporator 100. The seal 115, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround pressure sensor 113, such that the connection of pressure sensor 113 to the internal circuitry of the evaporator can be separated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the airflow path.

[0111] Liquid evaporable material used with evaporator 100 can be disposed within evaporator cassette 120, which can be refilled when empty or is disposable to facilitate the use of new cassettes for additional evaporable materials of the same or different types. The evaporator can be an evaporator using a cassette or a multi-purpose evaporator that can be used with or without a cassette. For example, a multi-purpose evaporator may include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven) configured to receive evaporable material directly within the heating chamber, and also receive a cassette or other alternative device having a reservoir, volume section, or other functional or structural equivalent for at least partially containing an available amount of evaporable material.

[0112] In an example of an evaporator using a feed box, seal 115 can also separate one or more electrically connected components between the evaporator body 110 and the evaporator feed box 120. This arrangement of seal 115 in the evaporator 100 can help mitigate the potentially damaging effects on the evaporator components due to interaction with one or more environmental factors, such as condensate, leaks from the reservoir, and / or condensation of evaporable material after evaporation, to reduce air escape from the designed airflow path in the evaporator, etc.

[0113] Undesirable air, liquid, or other fluids passing through or contacting the circuitry of evaporator 100 may cause various undesirable effects, such as altered pressure readings, or may cause undesirable materials (e.g., moisture, evaporable materials, and / or the like) to accumulate in certain portions of evaporator 100. These undesirable materials may cause poor pressure signals, degradation of pressure sensors or other electrical or electronic components, and / or a shorter lifespan for the evaporator. Leakage in seal 115 may also cause the user to inhale air that has passed through portions of evaporator 100 containing or composed of materials unsuitable for inhalation.

[0114] Evaporators configured to generate at least a portion of an inhalable dose of a non-liquid evaporable material via heating the non-liquid evaporable material are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, instead of or in addition to a liquid evaporable material, the evaporator cartridge 120 may contain a mass of plant material or other non-liquid material (e.g., a solid form of the evaporable material itself, such as “wax”), which is processed and formed to be in direct contact (or radiated and / or convectively heated) with at least a portion of one or more resistance heating elements, which may optionally be included in the evaporator cartridge 120 or a portion of the evaporator body 110. Solid evaporable materials (e.g., a solid evaporable material comprising plant material) may release only a portion of the plant material as evaporable material (e.g., such that some portions of the plant material are retained as waste after the evaporable material has been released for inhalation), or may be able to allow all solid material to ultimately be evaporated for inhalation. Liquid evaporable materials are similarly capable of complete evaporation, or may include portions of the remaining liquid material after all material suitable for inhalation has been consumed.

[0115] When evaporable material and heating elements are disposed in evaporator cartridge 120, evaporator cartridge 120 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to evaporator body 110, which may include a processor, power supply 112, and one or more evaporator body contacts 125 for connection to corresponding cartridge contacts 124 to complete circuitry with resistance heating elements included in evaporator cartridge 120. Various evaporator configurations may implement one or more of the features described herein.

[0116] In some embodiments, the evaporator 100 may include a power supply 112 as part of the evaporator body 110, and the heating element may be disposed in an evaporator cartridge 120 configured to be coupled to the evaporator body 110. With this configuration, the evaporator 100 may include electrical connection features for performing circuitry including a controller 104, the power supply 112, and the heating element included in the evaporator cartridge 120.

[0117] The at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two evaporator body contacts 125 can take various forms. For example, one or two sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes for pins or posts, etc. Some types of contacts may include springs or other actuating features to create better physical and electrical contact between the contacts on the evaporator cartridge and the evaporator body. Electrical contacts may be gold-plated and / or may include other materials.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the connection features may include at least two cartridge contacts 124 on the bottom surface of the evaporator cartridge 120 and at least two evaporator body contacts 125 disposed near the base of the cartridge container of the evaporator 100, such that when the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into and coupled to the cartridge container 118, the cartridge contacts 124 and the evaporator body contacts 125 form an electrical connection. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the evaporator body contacts 125 may be compressible pins (e.g., spring pins) that retract under pressure from the corresponding cartridge contacts 124 when the evaporator cartridge is inserted into and secured in the cartridge container 118. Other configurations may also be considered. For example, brush contacts may be used, which form an electrical connection with corresponding contacts on the mating portion of the evaporator cartridge. The contact 125, which can be positioned on the inner surface of the feed tray container 118 rather than on the base end surface, does not need to form an electrical connection with the feed tray contact 124 on the bottom end of the evaporator feed tray 120. Instead, it can be coupled by pushing the contact outward from one or more side walls of the feed tray container 118 against the feed tray contact 124 located on a portion of one side of the evaporator feed tray 120 within the container when the evaporator feed tray 120 is properly inserted into the feed tray container 118. Alternatively, the feed tray contact 124 positioned on one or more sides of the insertable portion of the evaporator feed tray 120 may have one or more features that allow the feed tray contact to be pushed outward from the insertable portion against the evaporator body contact 125 positioned on one or more inner surfaces of the feed tray container 118. Other arrangements of the evaporator body contact 125 and the feed tray contact 124 will be readily understood to be within the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0119] The circuitry completed by electrical connections allows current to be delivered to the resistance heating element and can also be further used for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the resistance heating element to determine or control the temperature of the resistance heating element based on its thermal resistance coefficient, and identifying the evaporator cartridge 120 based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistance heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge 120.

[0120] In some examples, at least two cartridge contacts 124 and at least two evaporator body contacts 125 (e.g., receptacle contacts for embodiments in which a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118) may be configured to be electrically connected when the coupling portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 are physically connected in at least two orientations. In other words, by inserting (or otherwise combining) at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 into (or otherwise attaching) the evaporator body 110, for example by inserting at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge container 118 of the evaporator body 110 in a first rotational orientation (e.g., around the insertable portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 along the axis of its insertion into the cartridge container 118 of the evaporator body 110), such that a first cartridge contact of at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to a first evaporator body contact of at least two evaporator body contacts 125 and a second cartridge contact of at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to a second evaporator body contact of at least two evaporator body contacts 125, one or more circuits for the operation of the evaporator 100 can be constructed.

[0121] Furthermore, by inserting (or otherwise engaging) the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation, such that the first cartridge contacts of at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to the second evaporator body contacts of at least two evaporator body contacts 125, and the second cartridge contacts of at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to the first evaporator body contacts of at least two evaporator body contacts 125, one or more circuits for the operation of the evaporator 100 can be constructed. The evaporator cartridge 120 can be reversibly / invertedly inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110, as further detailed herein.

[0122] In one example of an attachment structure for coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110, the evaporator body 110 may include a stop (e.g., a recess, protrusion, etc.) projecting inward from the inner surface of the cartridge receiver 118. One or more outer surfaces of the evaporator cartridge 120 may include corresponding recesses ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) When one end of the evaporator feed box 120 is inserted into the feed box holder 118 on the evaporator body 110, the recess can engage or otherwise lock onto this stop.

[0123] The evaporator feed tray 120 and the evaporator body 110 can be coupled, for example, by inserting one end of the evaporator feed tray 120 into the feed tray receiver 118 of the evaporator body 110. A stop in the evaporator body 110 may engage and / or otherwise retain within a recess in the evaporator feed tray 120 to hold the evaporator feed tray 120 in place during assembly. This stop-recess assembly provides sufficient support to hold the evaporator feed tray 120 in place, thereby ensuring adequate contact between at least two feed tray contacts 124 and at least two evaporator body contacts 125, while allowing the evaporator feed tray 120 to be released from the evaporator body 110 when the user pulls the evaporator feed tray 120 with reasonable force to disengage it from the feed tray receiver 118.

[0124] In addition to the above discussion regarding the reversibility of the electrical connection between the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110, such that the coupling of the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 occurs in at least two permissible relative rotational orientations, in some embodiments of the evaporator 100, the shape of the evaporator cartridge 120, or at least the shape of the end of the evaporator cartridge 120 configured to be inserted into the cartridge container 118, may have at least second-order rotational symmetry. In other words, the mechanical mating features and electrical contacts on the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge 120 are symmetrical when rotated 180° about the axis along which the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge container 118. In this configuration, the circuitry of the evaporator 100 can support the same operation regardless of how the symmetrical orientation of the evaporator cartridge 120 occurs. It is understood that in all embodiments of the present subject, the entire insertable end of the cartridge need not be symmetrical. For example, an evaporator cartridge 120 having rotationally symmetrical mechanical features for cooperating with corresponding features on the inside or outside of the cartridge holder 118, its shape and size being adapted to fit within the cartridge holder 118 of the evaporator body 110, and also having rotationally symmetrical cartridge electrical contacts 124 and internal circuitry compatible by reversing the electrical contacts (which may optionally be located in one or both of the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110), is consistent with the present invention even if the overall shape and appearance of the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge 120 is not rotationally symmetrical.

[0125] As described above, in some exemplary embodiments, at least some portions of the evaporator feed tray 120 or its end are configured for insertion into the feed tray container 118, and may have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the axis along which the evaporator feed tray 120 is inserted into the feed tray container 118. For example, the non-circular cross-section may be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (e.g., having an approximately oval shape), non-rectangular but having two sets of parallel or approximately parallel opposing sides (e.g., having a parallelogram shape), or other shapes having at least second-order rotational symmetry. In this context, approximation of the shape indicates a basic similarity to the described shape, but the sides of the shape in question need not be perfectly linear and the vertices need not be perfectly sharp. In the description of any non-circular cross-section referred to herein, a certain amount of rounding is considered for both or either the edges or vertices of the cross-sectional shape.

[0126] Evaporator 100, consistent with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to one or more computing devices that communicate with evaporator 100. For this purpose, controller 104 may include communication hardware 105. Controller 104 may also include memory 108. The computing device may be a component of an evaporator system that also includes evaporator 100, and may include separate communication hardware that can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of evaporator 100.

[0127] The computing device used as part of the evaporator system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, other portable devices such as smartwatches, etc.) that executes software to generate a user interface that enables a user of the device to interact with the evaporator 100. In other embodiments, the device used as part of the evaporator system may be dedicated hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired devices having one or more physical or soft interface controls (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touchscreen or other input devices such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, etc.). The evaporator 100 may also include one or more outputs 117 or means for providing information to a user.

[0128] The computing device, as part of the vaporizer system as defined above, can be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosage (e.g., dosage monitoring, dosage setting, dosage limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling interaction (e.g., interaction monitoring, interaction setting, interaction limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable materials, adjusting the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining location information (e.g., the location of other users, retailer / commercial location, vaping location, relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (e.g., naming the vaporizer, locking / password protecting the vaporizer, adjusting one or more parent controls, associating the vaporizer with a user group, registering the vaporizer with the manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities with other users (e.g., social media communication, interacting with one or more groups, etc.). The terms “interactive,” “interaction,” “vaporizer interaction,” or “vapor interaction” can be used to refer to a cycle dedicated to the use of the vaporizer. This cycle can include time periods, dosage amounts, amounts of vaporizable material, etc.

[0129] In examples where the computing device provides signals related to the activation of the resistance heating element, or in other examples where the computing device is coupled to the evaporator 100 for implementing various control or other functions, the computing device executes one or more computer instruction sets to provide a user interface and low-level data processing. In one example, the computing device detecting user interaction with one or more user interface elements may cause the computing device to send a signal to the evaporator 100 to activate the heating element, or to activate it to the full operating temperature for producing an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of the evaporator 100 may be controlled through user interaction with a user interface on the computing device, which communicates with the evaporator 100.

[0130] In some embodiments, the evaporator cartridge 120, which can be used with the evaporator body 110, may include an atomizer 141 having a wicking element and a heating element. Alternatively, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element may be part of the evaporator body 110. In embodiments where any part of the atomizer 141 (e.g., the heating element or the wicking element) is part of the evaporator body 110, the evaporator 100 may be configured to supply liquid evaporable material from the reservoir 140 in the evaporator cartridge to the wick and other atomizer components, such as, for example, the wicking element, the heating element, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the capillary structure including the wicking element is merely one potential embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the other features described herein.

[0131] Activation of the heating element can be caused by automatic detection of suction based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113, such as one or more pressure sensors configured to detect pressure (or can measure changes in absolute pressure) along the airflow path relative to ambient pressure, one or more motion sensors of the evaporator 100, one or more flow sensors of the evaporator 100, or a capacitive lip sensor of the evaporator 100; in response to detection of user interaction with one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons or other tactile controls of the evaporator 100), receiving signals from a computing device communicating with the evaporator 100, or via other methods for determining whether suction is occurring or about to occur.

[0132] Heating elements can be or may include one or more of conductive heaters, radiant heaters, and convection heaters. One type of heating element can be a resistance heating element, which may be made of or at least contain a material that is configured to dissipate electrical power as heat when current passes through one or more resistive segments of the heating element (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor).

[0133] In some embodiments, the atomizer 141 may include a heating element comprising a resistance coil or other heating element wound around, positioned within, integrated into the integral shape of, and in thermal contact with the wicking element, positioned near, and configured to heat air to induce convective heating of the wicking element, or otherwise arranged to transfer heat to the wicking element to induce evaporation of liquid evaporable material drawn from the reservoir 140 by the wicking element for subsequent inhalation by the user as a gaseous and / or condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) phase. Other wicking element, heating element, or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

[0134] After the evaporable material is converted into a gas phase, and depending on the type of evaporator, the physical and chemical properties of the evaporable material, or other factors, at least some of the gas phase evaporable material may condense to form particulate matter that is at least partially locally in equilibrium with the gas phase, as part of an aerosol, which may form some or all of the inhalable dose provided by the evaporator 100 for a given suction or aspiration on the evaporator.

[0135] It should be understood that the interaction between the gaseous and condensed phases in the aerosol produced by an evaporator can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry (e.g., acid-base interactions, protonation or absence of compounds released from the evaporable material by heating), flow conditions in the airflow path (inside the evaporator and in the airways of humans or other animals), and mixing of the gaseous or aerosol phase of the evaporable material with other airflows can affect one or more physical and / or chemical parameters of the aerosol. In some evaporators, and particularly in those used to deliver more volatile evaporable materials, the inhalable dose may be primarily in the gaseous phase (i.e., the formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited).

[0136] As described elsewhere in this document, certain evaporators may also (or alternatively) be configured to produce an inhalable dose of gaseous and / or aerosol evaporable material at least in part by heating a non-liquid evaporable material, such as, for example, a solid evaporable material (e.g., wax) or a plant material containing evaporable material (e.g., tobacco leaves or tobacco leaf portions). In such evaporators, the resistance heating element may be part of the wall of an oven or other heated chamber in which the non-liquid evaporable material is placed, or otherwise incorporated into or in thermal contact with said wall.

[0137] Alternatively, one or more resistance heating elements can be used to heat air passing through or across the non-liquid evaporable material to induce convective heating of the non-liquid evaporable material. In other examples, one or more resistance heating elements can be positioned in close contact with the plant material, such that direct conductive heating of the plant material occurs from within the block of plant material (e.g., in contrast to conduction from the walls of the oven).

[0138] The heating element can be activated via a controller 104, which may be part of the evaporator body 110. The controller 104 allows current to flow from a power source 112 through a circuit including a resistance heating element, which may be part of the evaporator cartridge 120. The controller 104 can be activated in association with a user drawing air from the nozzle 130 of the evaporator 100 (e.g., inhaling, sucking, etc.), which causes air to flow from an air inlet along an airflow path through an atomizer 141. The atomizer 141 may include, for example, a wick combined with the heating element.

[0139] The airflow generated by the user's inhalation passes through one or more condensation zones or chambers in and / or downstream of the atomizer 141, and then toward the air outlet in the mouthpiece. The incoming air traveling along the airflow path can thus pass through, approach, surround, etc., the atomizer 141, causing a portion of the vaporized material (or some other inhalable form of the vaporized material) to be entrained into the air as the atomizer 141 converts the vaporized material into a vapor phase. As described above, the entrained vaporized material can condense as it passes through the remainder of the airflow path, allowing an inhalable dose of the vaporized material in aerosol form to be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., through the mouthpiece 130 for inhalation by the user).

[0140] The temperature of the resistance heating element of the evaporator 100 may depend on one or more of a number of factors, including the amount of electrical power delivered to the resistance heating element or the duty cycle of the delivered electrical power, conductive and / or radiative heat transfer to other parts of the evaporator 100 or to the environment, specific heat transfer to air and / or liquid or gaseous evaporable material (e.g., raising the temperature of the evaporable material to its evaporation point or raising the temperature of the gas (e.g., air and / or air mixed with the evaporable material)), latent heat loss due to the evaporable material evaporating as a whole from the core and / or atomizer 141, convective heat loss due to airflow (e.g., when a user inhales into the evaporator 100, the air moves as a whole across the heating element or atomizer 141), etc.

[0141] As described above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or heat it to a desired temperature, in some embodiments, the evaporator 100 may utilize a signal from a pressure sensor to determine when the user inhales. The pressure sensor may be located in the airflow path or may be (e.g., via a passage or other path) connected to the airflow path connecting the inlet and outlet of the air intake device through which the user inhales the generated vapor and / or mist, such that the pressure sensor experiences a pressure change simultaneously with the air passing through the evaporator 100 from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments, the heating element may be activated in association with the user's inhalation, for example, through automatic detection of inhalation, such as by a pressure sensor that detects pressure changes in the airflow path.

[0142] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B At least a portion of the evaporator feed box 120 can be detachably inserted into the evaporator body 110 via the feed box holder 118. For example... Figure 2AThe diagram shows a plan view of the evaporator body 110 adjacent to the evaporator feed box 120. The reservoir 140 of the evaporator feed box 120 may be formed wholly or partially of a translucent material, such that the liquid level of the liquid evaporable material 102 in the evaporator feed box 120 is visible. The evaporator feed box 120 may be configured such that when the evaporator feed box 120 is received in the feed box holder 118, the liquid level of the evaporable material 102 in the reservoir 140 of the evaporator feed box 120 remains visible through a window in the evaporator body 110. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid level of the liquid evaporable material 102 in the reservoir 140 may be seen through a light-transmitting or translucent outer wall or window formed in the outer wall of the evaporator feed box 120.

[0143] Airflow path examples Reference Figure 2C and Figure 2D An exemplary evaporator cartridge 120 is shown, wherein an airflow path 134 is created during the user's suction of the evaporator 100. The airflow path 134 directs air to the evaporation chamber 150 contained within the core housing (e.g., see...). Figure 2D In this evaporation chamber, air is mixed with an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user via a nozzle 130, which may also be part of the evaporator cartridge 120. The evaporation chamber 150 may include and / or at least partially surround an atomizer 141 consistent with the remainder of this disclosure. For example, when a user inhales from the evaporator 100, an airflow path 134 may pass between the outer surface of the evaporator cartridge 120 (e.g., window 132) and the inner surface of the cartridge receiver 118 on the evaporator body 110. Air can then be drawn into the insertable end 122 of the cartridge, passed through the evaporation chamber 150 which includes or houses a heating element and a wicking element, and exited through the outlet 136 of the nozzle 130 to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user. Other airflow path configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure, including but not limited to those discussed in further detail below.

[0144] Figure 2D Additional features that may be included in the evaporator cassette 120 consistent with the present subject are shown. For example, the evaporator cassette 120 may include a plurality of cassette contacts (e.g., cassette contacts 124) disposed on an insertable end 122 configured to insert into a cassette receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110. The cassette contacts 124 may optionally each be part of a monolithic metal forming a conductive structure (e.g., conductive structure 126) connected to one of the two ends of a resistance heating element. The conductive structure may optionally form opposite sides of a heating chamber and may optionally serve as a thermal barrier and / or radiator to reduce heat transfer to the outer wall of the evaporator cassette 120. Further details of this aspect are described below.

[0145] Figure 2D Also shown is a sleeve 128 within the evaporator cartridge 120 (which is an example of a more general concept also referred to herein as an airflow path), the sleeve defining a portion of the airflow path 134 passing between the heating chamber (also referred herein as the atomizer chamber, evaporation chamber, etc.) and the nozzle 130, the heating chamber being at least partially formed by the conductive structure 126. This configuration allows air to flow downward around the insertable end 122 of the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge housing 118, and then back in the opposite direction after passing around the insertable end 122 of the evaporator cartridge 120 (e.g., the end opposite to the end including the nozzle 130) as it enters the cartridge body toward the evaporation chamber 150. The airflow path 134 then travels through the interior of the evaporator cartridge 120, for example via one or more tubes or internal channels (e.g., sleeve 128) and through one or more outlets (e.g., outlet 136) formed in the nozzle 130.

[0146] Pressure Balance Ventilation Section As described above, removing the evaporable material 102 from the reservoir 140 (e.g., via capillary suction through a wicking element) can create a vacuum in the reservoir 140 relative to at least a portion of the ambient air pressure (e.g., a reduced pressure resulting from a portion of the reservoir already emptied by consuming the liquid evaporable material), and this vacuum can interfere with the capillary action provided by the wicking element. In some examples, this reduced pressure may be sufficiently large in terms of gradient to reduce the efficiency of the wicking element in drawing the evaporable material 102 into the evaporation chamber 150, thereby reducing, for example, the efficiency of the evaporator 100 in evaporating the required amount of evaporable material 102 when the user dries it. In extreme cases, the vacuum created in the reservoir 140 may result in not all of the evaporable material 102 being drawn into the evaporation chamber 150, leading to incomplete use of the evaporable material 102. One or more ventilation features may be included in association with the evaporator reservoir 140 (regardless of whether the reservoir 140 is located in the evaporator hopper 120 or elsewhere in the evaporator) to at least partially (optionally fully) balance the pressure in the reservoir 140 with the ambient pressure (e.g., the pressure of the ambient air outside the reservoir 140) to mitigate the problem.

[0147] In some cases, while allowing pressure equalization within reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of liquid evaporable material delivery to atomizer 141, this is achieved by filling otherwise empty void volumes within reservoir 140 (e.g., spaces emptied by the use of liquid evaporable material) with air. As discussed in further detail below, these air-filled void volumes may subsequently experience pressure changes relative to ambient air, which could cause the liquid evaporable material to leak from reservoir 140 under certain conditions and ultimately leak to the exterior of evaporator cartridge 120 and / or other parts of the evaporator containing reservoir 140. Embodiments of the present subject also offer advantages and benefits in addressing this problem.

[0148] Various features and devices for improving or overcoming these problems are described below. For example, this document describes various features for controlling airflow and the flow of evaporable materials, which provide advantages and improvements over existing methods, while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. The evaporator devices and / or containers described herein include one or more features for controlling and improving airflow in the evaporator device and / or container, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the evaporator device in evaporating liquid evaporable materials without introducing additional features that may lead to leakage of the liquid evaporable materials.

[0149] Figure 2E and Figure 2F Schematic diagrams of first and second embodiments of reservoir systems 200A and 200B are shown, respectively, which are configured for evaporator feed boxes (e.g., evaporator feed box 120) and / or evaporator units (e.g., evaporator 100) to improve pressure balance and airflow in the evaporator. More specifically, Figure 2E and Figure 2F The reservoir systems 200A and 200B shown improve pressure regulation within reservoir 240, thereby releasing the vacuum created in reservoir 240 after the user evacuates the evaporator, while reducing or even eliminating the incidence of leakage of liquid evaporable material through the venting structure. This allows the capillary action of the porous material (e.g., a wicking element) associated with reservoir 240 and evaporation chamber 242 to continue efficiently drawing evaporable material 202 from reservoir 240 into evaporation chamber 242 after each evacuation.

[0150] like Figure 2E and Figure 2FAs shown, reservoir systems 200A and 200B include a reservoir 240 configured to contain a liquid evaporable material 202. The reservoir 240 is sealed on all sides by reservoir walls 232, except for a core housing region extending between the reservoir 240 and the evaporation chamber 242. A heating element or heater may be included within the evaporation chamber 242 and coupled to a wicking element. The wicking element is configured to provide capillary action that draws the evaporable material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the evaporation chamber 242 for evaporation into a mist by the heater. The mist is then combined with an airflow 234 traveling along an airflow passage 238 of the evaporator for inhalation by a user.

[0151] Reservoir systems 200A and 200B also include an airflow restrictor 244 that limits the passage of airflow 234 along the airflow passage 238 of the evaporator, for example, when a user draws air into the evaporator. The restriction of airflow 234 caused by the airflow restrictor 244 allows a vacuum to be formed along a portion of the airflow passage 238 downstream of the airflow restrictor 244. The vacuum created along the airflow passage 238 can help draw in the mist formed in the evaporation chamber 242 (e.g., a chamber containing at least a portion of the atomizer 141) for inhalation by the user. At least one airflow restrictor 244 may be included in each reservoir system 200A and 200B, and the airflow restrictor 244 may include any number of features for restricting the airflow 234 along the airflow passage 238.

[0152] like Figure 2E and Figure 2F As shown, each reservoir system 200A, 200B may further include a vent 246 configured to selectively allow air to enter the reservoir 240 to increase the pressure within the reservoir 240, thereby releasing the reservoir 240 from negative pressure (vacuum) relative to the ambient pressure generated by the evaporable material 202 drawn from the reservoir 240, as described above. At least one vent 246 may be associated with the reservoir 240. The vent 246 may be an active or passive valve, and the vent 246 may include any number of features that allow air to enter the reservoir 240 to release the negative pressure generated in the reservoir 240.

[0153] For example, an embodiment of the vent 246 may include a vent passage extending between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passage 238, and the diameter (or more generally, the cross-sectional area) of the vent passage is configured such that when pressure is balanced across the vent 246 (e.g., the pressure in the reservoir 240 is approximately the same as the air pressure in the airflow passage 238), the fluid tension (also known as surface tension) of the evaporable material 202 prevents the evaporable material 202 from passing through the passage. However, the diameter (or more generally, the cross-sectional area) of the vent 246 and / or the vent passage is configured such that the vacuum pressure generated in the reservoir 240 can overcome the surface tension of the evaporable material 202 within the vent 246 or the vent passage, thereby releasing bubbles into the reservoir 240 through the vent in response to a pressure sufficiently low relative to ambient pressure within the reservoir 240.

[0154] Accordingly, a certain volume of air can flow from the airflow passage 238 to the reservoir 240 and release the vacuum pressure. Once the certain volume of air is added to the reservoir 240, the pressure is again more closely balanced across the vent 246, thereby allowing the surface tension of the evaporable material 202 to prevent air from entering the reservoir 240 and to prevent the evaporable material from leaking out of the reservoir 240 through the vent passage.

[0155] In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the vent 246 or vent passage may range from approximately 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and may also include diameters ranging from approximately 0.1 mm to 2 mm. In some examples, the vent 246 and / or vent passage may be non-circular, characterized by a non-circular cross-section along the direction of fluid flow within the vent passage. In such examples, the cross-section is defined not by diameter, but by cross-sectional area. Generally, regardless of whether the cross-sectional shape of the vent 246 and / or vent passage is circular or non-circular, in certain embodiments of this subject matter, it may be advantageous for the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 246 to differ along its path between exposure to ambient air pressure and the interior of the reservoir 240. For example, the portion of the vent 246 closer to the external ambient pressure may advantageously have a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the portion of the vent 246 closer to the interior of the reservoir 240 (e.g., a smaller diameter in examples where the vent 246 has a circular cross-section). A smaller cross-sectional area closer to the system exterior provides greater resistance to the escape of liquid evaporable materials, while a larger cross-sectional area closer to the interior of reservoir 240 provides relatively less resistance to the escape of bubbles from vent 246 into reservoir 240. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the transition between the smaller and larger cross-sectional areas can advantageously be non-continuous, but rather include discontinuities along the length of vent 246 and / or vent passage. This configuration can be used to provide a greater total resistance to the escape of liquid material than balancing reservoir pressure by releasing bubbles from vent 246, because the larger cross-sectional area near the reservoir can have lower capillary actuation relative to the smaller cross-sectional area exposed to ambient air.

[0156] The material of the vent 246 and / or the vent passage can also help control the vent 246 and / or the vent passage, for example, by influencing the contact angle between the wall of the vent 246 and / or the vent passage and the evaporable material 202. The contact angle can affect the surface tension generated by the evaporable material 202, and thus affect the threshold pressure differential generated across the vent 246 and / or the vent passage before allowing a certain volume of fluid to pass through the vent 246, as described above. The vent 246 can include various shapes / sizes and configurations within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, various embodiments including one or more various venting features of the cartridge and its portions will be described in more detail below.

[0157] The positioning of the vent 246 (e.g., a passive vent) and the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 contributes to the efficient operation of the reservoir systems 200A and 200B. For example, incorrect positioning of the vent 246 or the airflow restrictor 244 can lead to undesirable leakage of the evaporable material 202 from the reservoir 240. This disclosure addresses the efficient positioning of the vent 246 and the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 (containing the core). For example, a small pressure difference or no pressure difference between the passive vent and the core can result in an efficient reservoir system for releasing vacuum pressure in the reservoir and resulting in effective capillary action of the core while preventing leakage. The configuration of a reservoir system having an efficient positioning of the vent 246 and the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 will be described in more detail below.

[0158] like Figure 2E As shown, the airflow restrictor 244 can be located upstream of the evaporation chamber 242 along the airflow passage 238, while the vent 246 is positioned along the reservoir 240, thereby providing fluid communication between the reservoir 240 and a portion of the airflow passage 238 downstream of the evaporation chamber 242. Thus, when the user draws suction from the evaporator, a negative pressure is generated downstream of the airflow restrictor 244, subjecting the evaporation chamber 242 to negative pressure. Similarly, the side of the vent 246 communicating with the airflow passage 238 also experiences negative pressure.

[0159] Thus, during evacuation (e.g., when a user draws or inhales air from the evaporator), a pressure difference so small as to be nonexistent is generated between the vent 246 and the evaporation chamber 242. However, after evacuation, capillary action of the wick draws the evaporable material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the evaporation chamber 242 to replenish the evaporable material 202 that was evaporated and drawn in due to the previous evacuation. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure is generated in the reservoir 240. A pressure difference then occurs between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passage 238. As described above, the vent 246 can be configured such that the pressure difference (e.g., a threshold pressure difference) between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passage 238 allows a volume of air to enter the reservoir 240 from the airflow passage 238, thereby releasing the vacuum in the reservoir 240 and returning to the balanced pressure and stable reservoir system 200A across the vent 246.

[0160] In another embodiment, such as Figure 2F As shown, the airflow restrictor 244 can be located downstream of the evaporation chamber 242 along the airflow passage 238, while the vent 246 can be positioned along the reservoir 240 such that it provides fluid communication between the reservoir 240 and a portion of the airflow passage 238 upstream of the evaporation chamber 242. Thus, when the user draws suction from the evaporator, the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent 246 experience very little or no suction pressure or negative pressure due to suction, resulting in a very little or no pressure difference between the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent 246. Figure 2E The situation is similar in this case. After suction, the pressure difference generated across the vent 246 will be the result of capillary action of the wick that draws the evaporable material 202 into the evaporation chamber 242. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure will be generated in the reservoir 240. Thus, a pressure difference will be generated across the vent 246.

[0161] As described above, the vent 246 can be configured such that a pressure difference (e.g., a threshold pressure difference) between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passage 238 or the atmosphere allows a volume of air to enter the reservoir 240, thereby releasing the vacuum in the reservoir 240. This allows the pressure across the vent 246 to be balanced, and the reservoir system 200B to be stabilized. The vent 246 can include various configurations and features and can be positioned at various locations along the evaporator cartridge 120 to achieve various results. For example, one or more vents 246 can be positioned adjacent to or form part of the evaporation chamber 242 or the core housing. In this configuration, one or more vents 246 provide fluid (e.g., air) communication between the reservoir 240 and the evaporation chamber 242 (the airflow passes through the vent when the user siphons the evaporator, thus the vent is part of the airflow path).

[0162] Similarly, as described above, a vent 246, placed adjacent to or forming part of the evaporation chamber 242 or the core housing, allows air to enter the reservoir 240 from inside the evaporation chamber 242 via the vent 246, increasing the pressure inside the reservoir 240 and effectively releasing the vacuum pressure generated by the evaporable material 202 being drawn into the evaporation chamber 242. This release of vacuum pressure allows the evaporable material 202 to enter the evaporation chamber 242 via continuous, effective, and efficient capillary action of the core, generating inhalable vapor during subsequent evaporator suction by the user. Various exemplary embodiments of a vented evaporation chamber element (e.g., an atomizer assembly) are provided below, comprising core housings 1315, 178 (which house the evaporation chamber) and at least one vent 596 coupled to or forming part of the core housings 1315, 178 to achieve the aforementioned effective venting of the reservoir 140.

[0163] Example of an open-faced cartridge assembly Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn exemplary planar cross-sectional view of an alternative cartridge embodiment 1320 is shown, wherein cartridge 1320 includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece region 1330, a reservoir 1340, and an atomizer (not shown separately). The atomizer may include a heating element 1350 and a wicking element 1362, together or separately depending on the embodiment, such that the wicking element 1362 is thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the heating element 1350 for the purpose of evaporating the evaporable material 1302 drawn from or stored therein.

[0164] In one embodiment, a plate 1326 may be included to provide a heating element 1350 and a power supply 112 (see [link to product description]). Figure 1 Electrical connections between the reservoir 1340 and the wicking element 1362. An airflow passage 1338 defined through or on the side of the reservoir 1340 can connect the area in the cassette 1320 that houses the wicking element 1362 (e.g., the wick housing, not shown separately) to an opening leading to the nozzle or nozzle region 1330 to provide a path for the evaporable material 1302 to travel from the heating element 1350 region to the nozzle region 1330.

[0165] As described above, the wicking element 1362 may be coupled to an atomizer or heating element 1350 (e.g., a resistance heating element or coil), which is connected to one or more electrical contacts (e.g., a plate 1326). The heating element 1350 (and other heating elements described herein according to one or more embodiments) may have various shapes and / or configurations and may include one or more heating elements 1350, 500, or features thereof.

[0166] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the heating element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 may be made of sheet material (e.g., stamped) and crimped or bent around at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wicking element 1362 (e.g., the wicking element 1362 is pushed into the heating element 1350 and / or the heating element 1350 is held taut and pulled onto the wicking element 1362).

[0167] The heating element 1350 can be bent such that it secures the wicking element 1362 between at least two or three portions of the heating element 1350. The heating element 1350 can be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. This construction of the heating element 1350 allows for more consistent and higher-quality manufacturing. Consistency in the manufacturing quality of the heating element 1350 may be particularly important during large-scale and / or automated manufacturing processes. For example, the heating element 1350 according to one or more embodiments helps reduce tolerance issues that may arise during the manufacturing process of assembling a heating element 1350 having multiple components.

[0168] The heating element 1350 can also improve the accuracy of measurements obtained from the heating element 1350 (e.g., resistance, current, temperature, etc.), which is at least in part due to the reduced tolerance issues resulting from improved manufacturability consistency of the heating element 1350. The heating element 1350, made of sheet material (e.g., stamped) and crimped or bent around at least a portion of the core element 1362 to provide a pre-formed element, ideally helps to minimize heat loss and helps to ensure that the heating element 1350 is predictably heated to the appropriate temperature.

[0169] Furthermore, the following discussion of the included embodiments involving heating elements formed of rolled metal further illustrates that the heating element 1350 may be fully and / or selectively plated with one or more materials that enhance the heating performance of the heating element 1350. Plated heating element 1350, in whole or in part, can help minimize heat loss. Plated coating can also help concentrate heat to a portion of the heating element 1350, thereby providing more efficient heating of the heating element 1350 and further reducing heat loss. Selective plated coating can help direct the current supplied to the heating element 1350 to the appropriate location. Selective plated coating can also help reduce the amount of plated material and / or the cost associated with manufacturing the heating element 1350.

[0170] In addition to or in combination with the exemplary heating elements described and / or discussed below, heating elements may include flat heating elements located within an evaporator cartridge including two airflow passages, folded heating elements located within an evaporator cartridge including two airflow passages, and folded heating elements located within an evaporator cartridge 2000 including a single airflow passage.

[0171] As described above, in one embodiment, the heating element 1350 may include a wicking element 1362. For example, the wicking element 1362 may extend near or adjacent to the plate 1326 and pass through a resistance heating element in contact with the plate 1326. A core housing may surround at least a portion of the heating element 1350 and connect the heating element 1350 directly or indirectly to the airflow passage 1338. Evaporable material 1302 may be drawn by the wicking element 1362 through one or more passages connected to the reservoir 1340. In one embodiment, one or both of the main passage 1382 or the secondary passages 1384 may be used to help guide or deliver the evaporable material 1302 to one or both ends of the wicking element 1362, or radially along the length of the wicking element 1362.

[0172] Overflow collector embodiment As provided in further detail below, especially with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3BIt can advantageously control the exchange of air and liquid evaporable material into and out of the evaporator box reservoir 1340, and can also optionally improve the volumetric efficiency of the evaporator box (defined as the volume of liquid evaporable material that is ultimately converted into an aerosol relative to the total volume of the box itself) by incorporating a structure called collector 1313.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the cartridge 1320 may include a reservoir 1340 at least partially defined by at least one wall (which may optionally be a wall shared with the cartridge housing), the reservoir being configured to contain a liquid evaporable material 1302. The reservoir 1340 may include a storage chamber 1342 and an overflow volume 1344, which may contain or otherwise house a collector 1313. The storage chamber 1342 may contain the evaporable material 1302, and the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to collect or retain at least some portions of the evaporable material 1302 when one or more factors cause the evaporable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342 to travel into the overflow volume 1344. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cartridge may be initially filled with the liquid evaporable material, such that the void space within the collector is pre-filled with the liquid evaporable material.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, the volume of the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber 1342 (e.g., evaporable material 1302 and air) when the volume of the contents in the storage chamber 1342 expands due to the maximum expected pressure change that the storage chamber may experience relative to ambient pressure.

[0175] Depending on changes in ambient pressure, temperature, or other factors, the cassette 1320 may undergo a change from a first pressure state to a second pressure state (e.g., a first relative pressure difference between the interior of the cassette and ambient pressure, and a second relative pressure difference between the interior of the cassette and ambient pressure). In some aspects, the overflow volume 1344 may have an opening leading to the outside of the cassette 1320 and may communicate with the storage chamber 1342 of the cassette, such that the overflow volume 1344 can serve as a venting channel to provide pressure balancing within the cassette 1320 and / or collect and at least temporarily retain, and optionally reversibly return, liquid evaporable material that may be removed from the storage chamber in response to changes in the pressure difference between the storage chamber and ambient air. As described herein, pressure difference refers to the relative pressure difference between the interior portion of the cassette and the ambient air outside the cassette. The evaporable material 1302 can be drawn from the storage chamber 1342 into the atomizer and converted into a vapor phase or aerosol phase, thereby reducing the volume of the remaining evaporable material in the storage chamber 1342 and, in the absence of some mechanism for returning air to the storage chamber to balance the pressure in the storage chamber with the ambient pressure, causing at least part of the vacuum condition discussed earlier herein.

[0176] Continue to refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The reservoir 1340 may be implemented to include first and second separable regions, such that the volume of the reservoir 1340 is divided into a reservoir storage chamber 1342 and a reservoir overflow volume 1344. The storage chamber 1342 may be configured to store the evaporable material 1302 and may be further coupled to the wicking element 1362 via one or more main passages 1382. In some examples, the main passages 1382 may be very short in length (e.g., through-holes from a space housing the wicking element or other parts of the atomizer). In other examples, the main passages may be part of a longer fluid-containing path between the storage chamber and the wicking element. As provided in further detail below, the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to store and contain a portion of the evaporable material 1302 that may overflow from the storage chamber 1342 under a second pressure condition, in which the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is greater than the ambient pressure.

[0177] Under a first pressure state, the evaporable material 1302 can be stored in the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. This first pressure state can exist, for example, when the ambient pressure is approximately equal to or greater than the pressure within the cartridge 1320. Under this first pressure state, the main passage 1382 and the secondary passage 1384 are structurally and functionally designed to allow the evaporable material 1302 to flow from the storage chamber 1342 toward the wicking element 1362 via the main passage 1382, for example, through capillary action by the wicking element drawing liquid to the vicinity, along with a heating element that converts the liquid evaporable material into a gaseous phase. In one embodiment, under the first pressure state, no or a limited amount of the evaporable material 1302 flows into the secondary passage 1384.

[0178] The second pressure state may exist, for example, when the ambient pressure is less than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320. In the second pressure state, the evaporable material 1302 may flow from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 of the reservoir 1340, which, for example, includes a collector 1313 to prevent or limit the undesirable (e.g., excessive) outflow of the evaporable material 1302 from the reservoir. For example, the second pressure state may exist or be caused when the air volume in the storage chamber 1342 expands (e.g., because the ambient pressure becomes less than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320).

[0179] Advantageously, the flow of the evaporable material 1302 can be controlled by guiding the evaporable material 1302, driven from the storage chamber 1342 by an increase in pressure differential, to the overflow volume. The collector 1313 within the overflow volume may include one or more capillary structures that contain at least some (and advantageously all) of the excess liquid evaporable material ejected from the storage chamber 1342, without allowing the liquid evaporable material to reach the outlet of the collector 1313. The collector 1313 also advantageously includes capillary structures that, when the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to ambient pressure is equal to or otherwise reduced, allow the liquid evaporable material pushed into the collector 1313 by the positive pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to ambient pressure to be reversibly drawn back into the storage chamber 1342. In other words, the secondary passage 1384 of collector 1313 may have microfluidic features or properties to provide capillary actuation of the liquid evaporable material in collector 1313, thereby returning the evaporable material to storage chamber 1342. The secondary passage 1384 also prevents air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of collector 1313. That is, microfluidic features can be used to manage the inflow and outflow of evaporable material 1302 into collector 1313 (i.e., providing flow reversal features) to prevent or reduce leakage of evaporable material 1302 or the trapping of bubbles in storage chamber 1342 or overflow volume 1344.

[0180] According to embodiments, the aforementioned microfluidic characteristics or properties may be related to the size, shape, surface coating, surface roughness, structural features, and capillary properties of the wicking element 1362, the main passage 1382, and the secondary passage 1384. For example, the secondary passage 1384 in the collector 1313 may optionally have different capillary properties than the main passage 1382, which leads to the wicking element 1362, to allow a specific volume of evaporable material 1302 to pass from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 during a second pressure state.

[0181] In one exemplary embodiment, collector 1313 allows the total resistance to liquid outflow to be greater than the total wicking resistance, for example, to allow evaporable material 1302 to flow primarily through main passage 1382 to wicking element 1362 during a first pressure state.

[0182] The wicking element 1362 provides a capillary path through or into the evaporable material 1302 stored in the reservoir 1340. The capillary path (e.g., main passage 1382) can be large enough to allow wicking or capillary action to displace the evaporated evaporable material 1302 in the wicking element 1362, and small enough to prevent leakage of the evaporable material 1302 from the cartridge 1320 during negative pressure events. The wick housing or wicking element 1362 can be treated to prevent leakage. For example, the cartridge 1320 can be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through the wicking element 1362. Any suitable coating can be used, including thermally evaporable coatings (e.g., wax or other materials).

[0183] When a user draws in air from the nozzle area 1330, for example, air flows into the cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening operatively associated with the wicking element 1362. The heating element 1350 may respond to one or more sensors 113 (see...). Figure 1 The signal generated by the sensor 1326 activates the heating element 1350. The one or more sensors 113 may include at least one of a pressure sensor, motion sensor, flow sensor, or other mechanism capable of detecting changes in the airflow passage 1338. When the heating element 1350 is activated, its temperature may increase due to the current flowing through the plate 1326. Alternatively, the heating element may be activated by some other resistive portion acting to convert electrical energy into heat energy.

[0184] In one embodiment, the generated heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation to at least a portion of the evaporable material 1302 in the wicking element 1362, causing at least a portion of the evaporable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 to evaporate. According to an embodiment, air entering the cartridge 1320 flows through (or around, or nearby, the heated elements in the heating element 1350) and displaces the evaporated evaporable material 1302 into the airflow passage 1338, where the vapor can optionally be condensed and delivered as a mist, for example, through an opening in the nozzle region 1330.

[0185] See Figure 3B The storage chamber 1342 may be connected to the airflow passage 1338 (i.e., a secondary passage 1384 via the overflow volume 1344) to allow liquid evaporable material driven from the storage chamber 1342 by the increased pressure relative to the surrounding environment within the storage chamber 1342 to be retained without escaping from the evaporator cartridge. While the embodiments described herein relate to an evaporator cartridge including the storage chamber 1340, it should be understood that the method is also compatible with evaporators without a separable cartridge and is intended for use in evaporators without a separable cartridge.

[0186] Returning to the example, the air permitted to enter the storage chamber 1342 can expand due to the pressure difference relative to ambient air. This expansion of air in the void space of the storage chamber 1342 can cause the liquid evaporable material to travel through at least some portions of the secondary passage 1384 in the collector 1313. The microfluidic characteristics of the secondary passage 1384 allow the liquid evaporable material to move along a length of the secondary passage 1384 in the collector 1313, only along that length having a meniscus that completely covers the cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary passage 1384 transverse to the flow direction along said length.

[0187] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, microfluidic features may include a sufficiently small cross-sectional area to suit the composition of the material forming the walls of the secondary passage and the liquid evaporable material, which preferably wets the entire periphery of the secondary passage 1384. For examples where the liquid evaporable material comprises one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, this wetting property of the liquid is advantageously considered in conjunction with the geometry of the secondary passage 1384 and the material forming the walls of the secondary passage. In this way, a meniscus is maintained between the liquid in the secondary passage and the air entering from the ambient atmosphere as the sign (e.g., positive, negative, or equal) and magnitude of the pressure difference between the storage chamber 1342 and the ambient pressure change, and the liquid and air cannot move past each other. When the pressure in storage chamber 1342 drops sufficiently relative to ambient pressure, and if there is sufficient void volume in storage chamber 1342 to allow it, liquid in secondary passage 1384 of collector 1313 can be sufficiently drawn into storage chamber 1342 such that the liquid-air meniscus reaches the gate or port between secondary passage 1384 of collector 1313 and storage chamber 1342. At this point, if the pressure difference in storage chamber 1342 relative to ambient pressure is sufficiently negative to overcome the surface tension holding the meniscus at the gate or port, the meniscus detaches from the gate or port wall and forms one or more bubbles, which are released into storage chamber 1342 with sufficient volume to balance the storage chamber pressure relative to the environment.

[0188] The above process can be reversed when the air permitted to enter the storage chamber 1342 (or otherwise present therein) experiences increased pressure conditions relative to the surrounding environment (e.g., due to a drop in ambient pressure, such as that that may occur in an aircraft cabin or other high-altitude location, when a moving vehicle window is open, when a train or vehicle leaves a tunnel, etc., or due to an increase in internal pressure in the storage chamber 1342, such as that that may occur due to local heating, mechanical pressure that deforms the shape and thus reduces the volume of the storage chamber 1342, etc.). Liquid enters the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 through a gate or port, and a meniscus forms at the leading edge of the liquid column entering the secondary passage 1384 to prevent air from bypassing and flowing in the opposite direction to the liquid's advance. By maintaining this meniscus due to the aforementioned microfluidic properties, the liquid column is drawn back into the storage chamber when the increased pressure in the storage chamber 1342 subsequently decreases, optionally until the meniscus reaches the gate or port. If the pressure difference relative to the pressure in the storage chamber is sufficiently favorable to the ambient pressure, the bubble formation process described above occurs until pressure equilibrium is reached. In this manner, the collector serves as a reversible overflow volume that receives liquid vaporizable material ejected from the storage chamber under instantaneous conditions of a greater storage chamber pressure relative to the surrounding environment, and allows at least some (and preferably all or most) of the overflow volume to return to the storage chamber for later delivery to the atomizer for conversion into an inhalable form.

[0189] According to an embodiment, the storage chamber 1342 may be connected to the wicking element 1362 via or without the secondary passage 1384. In an embodiment where the second end of the secondary passage 1384 leads to the wicking element 1362, any evaporable material 1302 that can exit the secondary passage 1384 at the second end (opposite to the first end defining the connection point to the storage chamber 1342) can further saturate the wicking element 1362.

[0190] Storage chamber 1342 may optionally be positioned closer to one end of reservoir 1340 near nozzle region 1330. Overflow volume 1344 may be located near the end of reservoir 1340 closer to heating element 1350, for example, between storage chamber 1342 and heating element 1350. The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter to the locations of the various components disclosed herein. For example, overflow volume 1344 may be positioned at the top, middle, or bottom of cartridge 1320. According to one or more variations, the position and orientation of storage chamber 1342 may be adjusted relative to the position of overflow volume 1344, such that storage chamber 1342 may be positioned at the top, middle, or bottom of cartridge 1320.

[0191] In one embodiment, when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is full, the volume of the liquid evaporable material may be equal to the internal volume of the storage chamber 1342 plus the overflow volume 1344 (in some examples, the overflow volume may be the volume of the secondary passage 1384 between the gate or port connecting the secondary passage 1384 to the storage chamber 1342 and the outlet of the secondary passage 1384). In other words, the evaporator cartridge, consistent with the embodiments of the present subject, may be initially filled with liquid evaporable material such that all or at least some of the internal volume of the collector is filled with liquid evaporable material. In this example, the liquid evaporable material is delivered to the atomizer as needed for delivery to the user. The delivered liquid evaporable material may be drawn from the storage chamber 1342, resulting in the liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 being drawn back into the storage chamber 1342, because the meniscus maintained by the microfluidic properties of the secondary passage 1384 prevents air from flowing through the liquid evaporable material in the secondary passage 1384, and air cannot enter through the secondary passage 1384. After sufficient liquid evaporable material has been delivered from storage chamber 1342 to the atomizer (e.g., for evaporation and user inhalation) so that the original volume of collector 1313 is drawn into storage chamber 1342, the aforementioned behavior occurs, whereby bubbles can be released from a gate or port between secondary passage 1384 and storage chamber 1342 to balance the pressure in storage chamber 1342 when more liquid evaporable material is used. As the air that has entered the storage chamber experiences increased pressure relative to the surrounding environment, the liquid evaporable material is removed from storage chamber 1342 through the gate or port into the secondary passage until the increased pressure conditions in the storage chamber no longer exist. At this point, the liquid evaporable material in secondary passage 1384 can be drawn back into storage chamber 1342.

[0192] In a particular embodiment, the overflow volume 1344 is large enough to contain a certain percentage, optionally up to about 100%, of the evaporable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342. In one embodiment, the collector 1313 is configured to contain at least 6% to 25% of the volume of the evaporable material 1302 that can be stored in the storage chamber 1342. Other ranges are also possible.

[0193] The collector 1313 can be configured, constructed, molded, manufactured, or positioned in the overflow volume 1344 in different shapes and with different characteristics to allow an overflow portion of the evaporable material 1302 to be received, contained, or stored in the overflow volume 1314 at least temporarily in a controlled manner (e.g., by capillary pressure), thereby preventing leakage of the evaporable material 1302 from the cartridge 1320 or oversaturation of the wicking element 1362. It should be understood that the above description of the secondary passage is not intended to limit it to a single such secondary passage 1384. One or alternatively more secondary passages may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 via one or more gates or ports. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, a single gate or port may be connected to more than one secondary passage, or a single secondary passage may be divided into more than one secondary passage to provide additional overflow volume or other advantages.

[0194] In some embodiments of the present subject, the air vent 1318 can connect the overflow volume 1344 to the airflow passage 1338, which ultimately leads to the surrounding air environment outside the cassette 1320. The air vent 1318 can allow air or bubbles that have formed or are trapped in the collector 1313 to escape through the path of the air vent 1318, for example, during a second pressure state when the secondary passage 1384 is filled with the overflow of the evaporable material 1302.

[0195] According to some aspects, the air vent 1318 can be used as a reverse vent, providing pressure equalization within the cartridge 1320 during the reversal from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state as the overflow of the evaporable material 1302 returns from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342. In this embodiment, when the ambient pressure becomes greater than the internal pressure in the cartridge 1320, ambient air can flow through the air vent 1318 into the secondary passage 1384, effectively helping to push the evaporable material 1302 temporarily stored in the overflow volume 1344 back into the storage chamber 1342 in the reverse direction.

[0196] In one or more embodiments, the secondary passage 1384 under a first pressure state may include air. Under a second pressure state, the evaporable material 1302 may enter the secondary passage 1384, for example, through an opening (i.e., a vent) located at the interface point between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344. As a result, the air in the secondary passage 1384 is displaced and can be discharged through the air vent 1318. In some embodiments, the air vent 1318 may serve as or include a control valve (e.g., a selective membrane, a permeable membrane, a microfluidic gate, etc.) that allows air to leave the overflow volume 1344 but prevents the evaporable material 1302 from leaving the secondary passage 1384 to enter the airflow passage 1338. As previously mentioned, the air vent 1318 may serve as an air exchange port to allow air to enter and leave the collector 1313, for example, when the collector 1313 is filled during a negative pressure event and emptied after the negative pressure event (i.e., during the transition between the aforementioned first and second pressure states).

[0197] Therefore, the evaporable material 1302 can be stored in the collector 1313 until the pressure within the cartridge 1320 stabilizes (e.g., when the pressure returns to the ambient environment or a specified equilibrium is met) or until the evaporable material 1302 is removed from the overflow volume 1344 (e.g., by evaporation in the atomizer). Thus, the level / liquidity of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow volume 1344 can be controlled by managing the flow of the evaporable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 as ambient pressure changes. In one or more embodiments, the overflow of the evaporable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 can be reversed or can be reversible, depending on detected environmental changes (e.g., when the pressure event causing the overflow of the evaporable material 1302 subsides or ends).

[0198] As described above, in some embodiments of this subject matter, when the pressure within the cartridge 1320 becomes relatively lower than the ambient pressure (e.g., when returning from the previously mentioned second pressure state to the first pressure state), the flow of the evaporable material 1302 can be reversed in a direction that causes the evaporable material 1302 to flow from the overflow volume 1344 back to the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. Therefore, depending on the embodiment, the overflow volume 1344 can be configured to temporarily contain an overflow portion of the evaporable material 1302 during the second pressure state. According to an embodiment, during or after the reversal back to the first pressure state, at least some of the overflow of the evaporable material 1302 held in the collector 1313 is returned to the storage chamber 1342.

[0199] To control the flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the cartridge 1320, in other embodiments of this subject matter, the collector 1313 may optionally include an absorbent or semi-absorbent material (e.g., a material with sponge-like properties) for permanently or semi-permanently collecting or containing the overflow of the evaporable material 1302 traveling through the secondary passage 1384. In exemplary embodiments in which absorbent material is included in the collector 1313, the reverse flow of the evaporable material 1302 from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342 may not be practical or possible compared to embodiments implemented without (or with as little) absorbent material in the collector 1313. Therefore, by including more or less absorbent material of greater or lesser density or volume in the collector 1313, or by controlling the texture of the absorbent material, the reversibility or reversible rate of the evaporable material 1302 to the storage chamber 1342 can be controlled, where such characteristics result in higher or lower absorption rates immediately or over longer periods.

[0200] The body of the cassette 1320 can be made of two connectable (or separable) components, such as a first part 1422 (e.g., an upper housing) and a second part 1424 (e.g., a lower housing), which can be assembled together according to an architectural implementation model or assembly process that places them above and below each other. This separable structure simplifies the assembly and manufacturing process and does not involve assembling or constructing multiple smaller parts to construct a larger part. Instead, the larger parts (e.g., the first and second parts) can be connected to form, for example, external cassette features (e.g., sides) and smaller internal cassette components (e.g., forming opposing rib-like elements of one or more of the collector 1313, reservoir 1340, storage chamber 1342, overflow volume 1344, etc.).

[0201] A heating element may be positioned within a cavity or housing implemented between a first and a second portion of the body of cartridge 1320. In one example, a sponge or other absorbent material may also be positioned in the mouthpiece region to collect excess liquid evaporable material traveling through the airflow passage 1438 in the mouthpiece region 1330 (e.g., formed by the condensation of evaporated material and / or water vapor to form larger droplets that would cause an unpleasant sensation if swallowed during inhalation). Thus, the assembly or disassembly of additional components (e.g., heating element 1350 or sponge) can be performed in a simple and efficient manner, without requiring a large number of machines or assembly automation components to construct cartridge 1320 from a small set of components into a unified, separable two-piece housing, as disclosed in the exemplary embodiments herein.

[0202] The separable two-piece structure described herein offers one or more of the following exemplary advantages or improvements over alternative embodiments: fewer parts, lower assembly or manufacturing costs, no or reduced machining requirements, no or limited deep, fragile, low-angle machining cores, and relatively shallow rib structures. According to embodiments, a solid-state weld can be formed between the first and second portions of the cartridge 1320 using ultrasonic or laser welding techniques.

[0203] This document discloses various embodiments of a collector 1313 that can be constructed, designed, manufactured, assembled, or constructed entirely or partially independent of the housing of the cassette 1320. It is important to note that the disclosed embodiments are provided as examples. In alternative embodiments or examples, the collector 1313 may be configured to have a construction that is at least partially or completely independent of the construction of other components of the cassette 1320.

[0204] In certain interchangeable embodiments, various examples or types of collector 1313 can be inserted into or encapsulated in, for example, a standardized cartridge 1320 housing. As provided in further detail herein, cost savings and other efficiencies and advantages can be obtained from constructions that allow, for example, interchangeable models of collector 1313 to fit different cartridge housings, because some of the key functions for controlling the flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the cartridge 1320 can be achieved by manipulating the structure of the collector 1313 or its material properties.

[0205] For example, refer to Figure 4A and 4B In some implementations, instead Figure 3A and 3B The detachable two-piece construction illustrated in the figure may include a cartridge 1320 having a cartridge housing formed of an integral hollow structure having a first end and a second end. The first end (i.e., also referred to as the receiving end of the cartridge housing) may be configured to insertably receive at least one collector 1313. In one embodiment, the second end of the cartridge housing may serve as a suction nozzle having an orifice or opening. The orifice or opening may be located opposite the receiving end of the cartridge housing, where the collector 1313 can be insertably received. In some embodiments, the opening may be connected to the receiving end via, for example, an airflow passage 1338 extending through the body of the cartridge 1320 and the collector 1313. In other cartridge embodiments according to this disclosure, an atomizer, such as one comprising the wicking element and heating element discussed elsewhere herein, may be positioned near or at least partially in the airflow passage 1338 such that a precursor of the liquid evaporable material in an inhalable or optionally inhalable form may be released from the atomizer into the air passing through the airflow passage 1338 toward the orifice or opening.

[0206] Air exchange port embodiment refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B An illustrative planar side view of a single-gate, single-channel collector 1313 is shown. In these exemplary embodiments, a gate 1102 may be provided at an opening toward a first portion (e.g., the upper portion) of the collector 1313, wherein the collector 1313 contacts or communicates with the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir (see also the previously discussed...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The gate 1102 can dynamically connect the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 formed by the second part (e.g., the middle part) of the collector 1313.

[0207] In one embodiment, the second portion of collector 1313 may have a ribbed or multi-finned structure forming overflow channel 1104, such as Figure 5A As shown, the overflow channel 1104 spirals, narrows, or tilts in a direction away from the gate 1102 and towards the air exchange port 1106 to guide or cause the evaporable material 1302 to move towards the air exchange port 1106 after it enters the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102. The air exchange port 1106 can be connected to ambient air via an air path or airflow passage connected to the nozzle. This air path or airflow passage... Figure 5A It is not explicitly shown in the document.

[0208] In some embodiments, the collector 1313 is configured to have a central opening or channel through which an airflow passage to the suction nozzle is provided in further detail below (e.g., see...). Figure 5D The opening is indicated by reference numeral 1100 in the figure. An airflow passage can be connected to an air exchange port 1106, such that the volume within the overflow path of collector 1313 is connected to ambient air via the air exchange port 1106, and also connected to the volume in storage chamber 1342 via a gate 1102. Thus, according to one or more embodiments, the gate 1102 can serve as a fluid control feature to primarily control the liquid and airflow between the overflow volume 1344 and storage chamber 1342. For example, the air exchange port 1106 can be used to primarily control the airflow between the overflow volume 1344 and the air path leading to the nozzle (and sometimes control the liquid flow). The overflow passage 1104 can be diagonally, vertically, or horizontally relative to the elongated body of the cassette 1320.

[0209] When the cassette 1320 is filled, the evaporable material 1302 may have at least an initial interface with the collector 1313 via the gate 1102. This is because the initial interface between the evaporable material 1302 and the gate 1102 can, for example, prevent the possibility of air trapped in the overflow channel 1104 entering the cassette area (e.g., storage chamber 1342) where the evaporable material 1302 is stored. Furthermore, in an equilibrium state, this interface can initiate a first capillary interaction between the evaporable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 to allow a limited amount of evaporable material 1302 to flow into the overflow channel 1104 to achieve or maintain an equilibrium state.

[0210] An equilibrium state refers to a state in which the evaporable material 1302 neither flows into nor out of the overflow volume 1344, or a state in which such forward or reverse flow is negligible. At least in some embodiments, when the pressure within the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure, capillary action (or interaction) between the wall of the overflow channel 1104 and the evaporable material 1302 allows the hopper 1320 to maintain an equilibrium state when it is under a first pressure condition.

[0211] By adapting or adjusting the volumetric dimensions of the overflow channel 1104 along its length, an equilibrium state and further capillary interaction can be established or configured between the evaporable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104. As provided in further detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 (generally used herein as a measure of the cross-sectional area of ​​the overflow channel 1104, including embodiments of the present subject where the overflow channel does not have a circular cross-section) can contract at predetermined intervals or points or along the entire length of the channel to allow sufficiently strong capillary interaction that provides direct and reverse flow of the evaporable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 according to pressure changes, and further allows for a large volume of the overflow channel while still maintaining a gate point for meniscus formation to prevent air from flowing through the liquid in the overflow channel 1104.

[0212] As further detailed herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 may be small or narrow enough that the combination of surface tension caused by the cohesive forces within the evaporable material 1302 and the wetting forces between the evaporable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 can function to form a meniscus that separates the liquid from the air in a dimension transverse to the flow axis in the overflow channel 1104, preventing air and liquid from passing over each other. It should be understood that the meniscus has an inherent curvature, and therefore referring to a dimension transverse to the flow direction is not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is flat at that dimension or any other dimension.

[0213] The wicking element 1362 can be used with the heating element 1350 (for example, see...). Figure 3B and Figure 5BA thermal or thermodynamic connection is made so that vapor can be generated by heating the evaporable material 1302, as previously referred to. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This will be discussed in detail. Alternatively, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to provide a gas escape path, but prevent the evaporable material 1302 from flowing out of the overflow channel 1104.

[0214] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B Both can be controlled (e.g., enhanced or reduced) by implementing suitable structures (e.g., microchannel construction) to introduce or utilize the capillary properties that may exist between the evaporable material 1302 and the retaining wall of the overflow channel 1104, allowing for direct or reverse flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the collector 1313. For example, factors related to length, diameter, internal surface texture (e.g., rough vs. smooth), protrusions, directional narrowing of the channel structure, contraction of the surfaces used to construct or coat the gate 1102, overflow channel 1104, or air exchange port 1106, or related to materials, can positively or negatively affect the rate at which liquid is drawn into or moved through the overflow channel 1104 by capillary action or other influential forces acting on the cassette 1320.

[0215] Depending on the implementation, as the evaporable material 1302 is collected in the channel structure of the collector 1313, one or more of the factors described above can be used to control the displacement of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to introduce the desired degree of reversibility. Thus, in some embodiments, by selectively controlling the various factors described above and depending on changes in the pressure state inside or outside the cartridge 1320, the flow of the evaporable material 1302 into the collector 1313 can be fully reversible or semi-reversible.

[0216] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, in one or more embodiments, the collector 1313 may be formed, constructed, or configured to have a single-channel, single-vent structure. In such embodiments, the overflow channel 1104 may be a continuous passage, pipe, channel, or other structure for connecting the gate 1102 to the air exchange port 1106, optionally positioned near the wicking element 1362 (see also, for example, see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows a single elongated overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344. Thus, in such embodiments, the evaporable material 1302 can enter or exit the collector 1313 from the gate 1102 and pass through a separately constructed channel, wherein the evaporable material 1302 flows in a first direction when the collector 1313 is filled, and flows in a second direction when the collector 1313 is emptied.

[0217] To help maintain equilibrium, or depending on the implementation scheme, and to control the flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104, the shape and configuration of the overflow channel 1104, the gate 1102, or the air exchange port 1106 may be adapted or modified to balance the flow rate of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 under different pressure conditions. In one example, the overflow channel 1104 may be narrowed such that the narrowed end (i.e., the end with a smaller opening or diameter) leads to the gate 1102.

[0218] In one embodiment, the non-narrowed end (i.e., the end of the overflow channel 1104 with a larger opening or diameter) may lead to an air exchange port 1106, which may be connected to the surrounding environment outside the cassette 1320, or to an airflow path from which the evaporated evaporable material 1302 is conveyed to the nozzle (see, for example, see...). Figure 3A (Air vent 1318 connected to airflow passage 1338). In one embodiment, the non-narrowed end may also open to the area near the core housing, such that if the evaporable material 1302 leaves the overflow passage 1104, the evaporable material 1302 can be used to saturate the wicking element 1362.

[0219] According to embodiments, the narrowing channel structure can reduce or increase the restriction on the flow entering the collector 1313. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 is narrowed toward the gate 1102, capillary pressure in the overflow channel 1104 is generated, giving rise to a favorable reverse flow, such that when the pressure state changes (e.g., when a negative pressure event is eliminated or subsided), the evaporable material 1302 flows out of the collector 1313 and into the storage chamber 1342. In particular, implementing the overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening prevents the evaporable material 1302 from freely flowing into the collector 1313. The unrestricted configuration of the overflow channel 1101 in the direction leading to the air exchange port 1106 provides efficient storage of the evaporable material 1302 in the collector 1313 during the second pressure state (e.g., negative pressure state) because the evaporable material 1302 flows into the collector 1313 from the narrower section of the overflow channel 1104 into the larger volume section of the overflow channel 1104.

[0220] Thus, the diameter and shape of the collector structure 1313 can be implemented such that during a second pressure state (e.g., a negative pressure event), to prevent the evaporable material 1302 from flowing too freely (e.g., exceeding a certain flow rate or threshold) into the collector 1313, and also to facilitate backflow into the storage chamber 1342 during a first pressure state (e.g., when the negative pressure event eases), the flow of the evaporable material 1302 through the gate 1102 and into the overflow channel 1104 is controlled at a desired rate. Notably, in one embodiment, the combination of the interaction between the vent 1002, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 constituting the overflow volume 1344, and the air exchange port 1106 provides proper venting of bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors, and a controlled flow of the evaporable material 1302 into and out of the overflow channel 1104.

[0221] suction nozzle embodiment refer to Figure 5B (See also) Figure 4A , Figure 4B In some embodiments, a portion of the cassette 1320, including the storage chamber 1342, may be configured to also include a suction nozzle that can be used by a user to draw in the evaporable material 1302. An airflow passage 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342, thereby connecting to the evaporation chamber. According to embodiments, the airflow passage 1338 may be, for example, a straw-shaped structure or a hollow cylinder that forms a channel within the storage chamber 1342 to allow the evaporable material 1302 to pass through. Although the airflow passage may have a circular or at least approximately circular cross-sectional shape, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes of the airflow passage are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0222] A first end of the airflow passage 1338 can be connected to an opening at a first "nose" end of the storage chamber 1342, through which a user can draw in the evaporated evaporable material 1302. A second end of the airflow passage 1338 (opposite to the first end) can be received in an opening at the first end of the collector 1313, as provided in further detail herein. According to an embodiment, the second end of the airflow passage 1338 can extend completely or partially through a receiving cavity that passes through the collector 1313 and connects to the wick housing, where the wicking element 1362 can be accommodated.

[0223] In some configurations, the airflow passage 1338 may be an integral part of a molded nozzle that includes a storage chamber 1342, wherein the airflow passage 1338 extends through the storage chamber 1342. In other configurations, the airflow passage 1338 may be a separate structure that can be inserted independently into the storage chamber 1342. In some configurations, the airflow passage 1338 may be, for example, a structural extension of the body of a cartridge 1320 or a collector 1313 extending inward from an opening in the nozzle portion.

[0224] Unrestricted, a variety of different structural configurations can be used to connect the nozzle (and the airflow passage 1338 inside the nozzle) to the air exchange port 1106 in the collector 1313. As provided herein, the collector 1313 can be inserted into the body of the cartridge 1320, which can also serve as a storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the airflow passage 1338 can be configured as an inner sleeve that is an integral part of the cartridge body, such that an opening in a first end of the collector 1313 can receive the first end of the sleeve structure forming the airflow passage 1338.

[0225] A particular embodiment may include an vaporizer cartridge comprising a dual-tube mouthpiece connected to two airflow passages. In such an embodiment, a higher dose of vaporizable material can be delivered compared to a single-tube mouthpiece. Depending on the implementation, the dual-tube mouthpiece may also advantageously provide a smoother and more satisfying vaping experience.

[0226] Fluid gate embodiment Reference Figures 4A to 5H According to the implementation, various factors can be considered to help monitor and control the forward and reverse flow of the evaporable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313. Some of these factors may include the capillary actuation of the fluid vent (referred to herein as gate 1102). The capillary actuation of gate 1102 may, for example, be less than the capillary actuation of wicking element 1362. Furthermore, the flow resistance of collector 1313 may be greater than the flow resistance of wicking element 1362. Overflow channel 1104 may have a smooth or corrugated inner surface to control the flow rate of evaporable material 1302 through collector 1313. Overflow channel 1104 may be formed with a narrowed bend to provide appropriate capillary interaction and force, which restricts the flow rate through gate 1102 and into overflow volume 1344 during a first pressure state, to promote the reverse flow rate through gate 1102 and out of overflow volume 1344 during a second pressure state.

[0227] Further modifications to the shape and structure of the collector 1313 components may be possible to help further regulate or fine-tune the flow of the evaporable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313. For example, such as Figures 5A to 5HThe smoothly curved spiral channel configuration shown (i.e., the opposite of a channel with sharp bends or edges) allows for additional features, such as one or more vents, channels, orifices, or constriction structures, which are included in the collector 1313 at predetermined intervals along the overflow channel 1104. As provided in further detail herein, these additional features, structures, or configurations can contribute to providing a higher level of flow control, for example, along the overflow channel 1104 or through the gate 1102 of the evaporable material 1302.

[0228] It is worth noting that, regardless of the various structural elements and implementations discussed throughout this disclosure, specific features and functions (e.g., capillary action between various components) can be implemented in the collector 1313 structure to help control the flow of the evaporable material 1302 through (1) a single vent, single-channel structure, (2) a single vent, multi-channel structure, or (3) a multi-vent, multi-channel structure.

[0229] refer to Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E Exemplary structural configurations for collector 1313 are provided according to specific variations. As shown, one or more sides of the internal volume of overflow channel 1104 of collector 1313 may be defined by fully or partially inclined helical surfaces, such that the evaporable material 1302 can flow freely through overflow channel 1104 due to capillary pressure (or gravity) as the evaporable material 1302 enters overflow channel 1104. One or more optional central channels or channels, such as central channel 1100, may be configured to extend through the longitudinal height of collector 1313 and have two opposite ends.

[0230] At the first end, a central axis or central channel 1100 passing through the collector structure 1313 may interact with or connect to a housing region, in which the wicking element 1362 or atomizer may be positioned. At the second end, the central channel 1100 may interact with, connect to, or receive one end of a conduit or tube that forms an airflow passage 1338 in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1320. The first end of the airflow passage 1338 may be connected (e.g., by insertion) to the second end of the central channel 1100. The second end of the airflow passage 1338 may include an opening or orifice formed in the interface region.

[0231] According to one or more embodiments, the evaporated evaporable material 1302 generated by the atomizer can enter through a first end of the central channel 1100 in the collector 1313, pass through the central channel 1100 and further exit through a second end of the central channel 1100 into a first end of the airflow passage 1338. The evaporated evaporable material 1302 can then travel through the airflow passage 1338 and exit through a mouthpiece opening formed at the second end of the airflow passage 1338.

[0232] Collector 1313 can be configured as a separate component having a construction or structure that can be inserted into the body of cassette 1320 (e.g., see...). Figure 4A , Figure 5B , Figures 5C to 5E During insertion, an airtight seal can be formed between the inner wall of the outer shell of the cassette 1320 and the outer edge of the rib-like structure of the collector 1313, which forms a spiral inclined surface. In other words, when the collector 1313 is inserted into the body of the cassette 1320, the overflow channel 1104 is formed by the three walls of the overflow channel 1104 surrounded by the surface of the inner wall of the cassette 1320.

[0233] Therefore, the overflow channel 1104 can be formed by the inner wall of the body of the cassette 1320 surrounding the inner wall of the ribbed structure. As shown, the gate 1102 can be located at one end of the overflow channel 1104, facing the storage chamber 1342, to control and provide the entry and exit of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313. The air exchange port 1106 can be located facing the other end of the overflow channel 1104, preferably opposite to the end where the gate 1102 is located.

[0234] Gate 1102 controls the flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of overflow channel 1104 in collector 1313. Air exchange port 1106 controls the flow of air into and out of overflow channel 1104 via a connection path to ambient air to regulate air pressure in collector 1313, and consequently regulate air pressure in storage chamber 1342 of cassette 1320, as further detailed herein. In a particular embodiment, air exchange port 1106 may be configured to prevent evaporable material 1302 that may have filled overflow channel 1104 of collector 1313 (e.g., due to a negative pressure event) from leaving overflow channel 1104.

[0235] In certain embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured such that the evaporable material 1302 exits along a path leading to the area where the wicking element 1362 is housed. This implementation can help prevent, for example, leakage of the evaporable material 1302 into the airflow path leading to the nozzle (e.g., the central channel 1100) during negative pressure events. In some embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 may have a membrane that allows gaseous material (e.g., bubbles) to enter and exit but prevents the evaporable material 1302 from entering or exiting the collector 1313 through the air exchange port 1106.

[0236] See Figures 5C to 5H The flow rate of the evaporable material 1302 into or out of the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 is directly related to the volumetric pressure inside the overflow channel 1104. Therefore, the flow rate into and out of the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 can be controlled by manipulating the hydraulic / hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104, such that a reduction in the total volume of the overflow channel 1104 (e.g., uniformly or by introducing multiple contraction points) can lead to an increase in pressure within the overflow channel 1104 and regulate the flow rate into the collector 1313. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the hydraulic / hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 can be reduced uniformly along the length of the spiral path of the overflow channel 1104 or by introducing one or more contraction points 1111a (e.g., narrowing, condensation, contraction, or restriction).

[0237] Figures 5C to 5E Two partial-length stages and three full-length stages constructed on one or more sides of collector 1313 are illustrated by way of example, wherein each full-length stage on the side shown in the figure has, for example, three contraction points 1111a. It is worth noting that in different embodiments, more or fewer stages or contraction points 1111a may be implemented, defined, constructed, or introduced to regulate the volumetric pressure in collector 1313. For illustrative purposes, the contraction points 1111a are clearly marked with circles at the intermediate level of collector 1313.

[0238] The contraction point 1111a can be formed or introduced along the length of the overflow channel 1104 in various ways and shapes. Exemplary embodiments with different contraction points or shapes are disclosed below to better illustrate the specific features. However, it should be noted that these exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter to any particular construction or shape.

[0239] Reference Figure 5CIn one exemplary embodiment, the contraction point 1111a may be formed by a ridge, raised edge, protrusion, or protrusion (hereinafter referred to as a "protrusion") extending from the top, bottom, or sidewall (or any or all of these) surface of the overflow channel 1104 (i.e., the blades of the collector 1313). The shape of the protrusion may be defined as a ridge, finger, point, fin, edge, or any other shape that constrains the cross-sectional area transverse to the flow direction in the overflow channel. Figure 5C The illustration shows a cross-sectional side view of a protrusion, for example, resembling the shape of a shark fin, with the distal end of the protrusion narrowing towards the edge.

[0240] like Figure 5C As shown, the pointed or cantilevered edges of the shark fin shape can be rounded. However, in other embodiments, the cantilever edges may be narrowed to pointed tips. The sharpness, size, relative position, and placement frequency of the protrusions in the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated to further fine-tune the tendency of the meniscus separating liquid and air to form within the overflow channel 1104.

[0241] For example, such as Figure 5C As shown, the protrusion may have a rounded corner on one side and a flat surface on the opposite side. The rounded corner of the protrusion may face (i.e., point towards) the outward flow of the evaporable material 1302 (i.e., the flow leaving the collector 1313 and entering the storage chamber 1342), while the flat surface of the protrusion may face the inward flow of the evaporable material 1302 through the gate 1102 (i.e., the flow entering the collector 1313 and leaving the storage chamber 1342).

[0242] As described above, in various embodiments, the formation of the protrusions along the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated in terms of quantity, size, shape, location, and frequency to fine-tune the hydraulic / hydraulic flow rate of the evaporable material 1302 entering and exiting the collector 1313. For example, if it is desired to maintain the inflow rate in the overflow channel 1104 higher than the outflow rate, the protrusions can be shaped to have a flat surface facing the outflow and a rounded surface facing the inflow to facilitate the formation and retention of a meniscus that prevents liquid from flowing outward (e.g., away from the storage chamber 1342), while making it easier for the meniscus to detach from the side of the protrusion facing back towards the storage chamber 1342. In this way, a series of such protrusions can serve as a "hydraulic ratchet" system in which liquid is facilitated to flow back into the storage chamber in a microfluidic manner relative to the outward flow from the storage chamber. This effect is achieved at least in part by the relative tendency of the meniscus to break off from the storage chamber side of the protrusion than from the opposite side.

[0243] Refer again Figure 5CIn one exemplary embodiment, in addition to (or instead of) protrusions extending from the bottom or top of the overflow channel 1104, some protrusions may extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104. Figure 5F As shown more clearly, the protrusions may extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same contraction point 1111a, wherein two additional protrusions extend from the bottom and top of the overflow channel 1104 to form a C-shaped contraction point 1111a. Figure 5D and Figure 5F The exemplary embodiment shown can more effectively adjust the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 relative to... Figure 5C The illustrated embodiment promotes the retraction of the liquid flow toward the storage chamber 1342 because the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is... Figure 5D and Figure 5F The contraction point 1111a shown is further contracted (i.e., narrowed).

[0244] The protrusions formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be consistent in shape, size, frequency, or symmetry. That is, depending on the implementation, different contraction points 1111a or 1111b can be implemented along the overflow channel 1104 with different sizes, designs, shapes, locations, or frequencies. In one example, the shape of the contraction point 1111a or 1111b can resemble the shape of a letter C with a rounded inner diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming the inner diameter as a rounded C-shape, the inner wall of the contraction point can have corners (e.g., sharp corners), such as... Figure 5F and Figure 5G Those corners shown in the image.

[0245] In some examples, the overflow channel 1104 may have a protrusion extending from the top of the overflow channel 1104 at a first height, while at a second height, the protrusion may extend from the bottom of the overflow channel 1104. At a third height, for example, the protrusion may extend from the inner wall. Alternatives to the above embodiments are possible by adjusting or changing the number and shape of the protrusions or the positioning of the protrusions in different sequences or heights to help control the microfluidic effect of flow in both directions within the overflow channel 1104. In one example, for example, a contraction point 1111a may be implemented at one or more (or all) heights, sides, or widths of the collector 1313.

[0246] refer to Figure 5E and Figure 5G In addition to defining a contraction point 1111a along the longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or the wider side of the collector 1313, one or more additional contraction points 1111b may be defined along the narrower side of the collector 1313. Thus, with Figure 5D Compared to the implementation method in the previous one, Figure 5E and Figure 5GThe exemplary implementation shown can improve the regulation of resistance in the overflow channel 1104 or promote the separation of the meniscus in the desired direction because the total hydraulic diameter (or flow rate) of the overflow channel 1104 is further reduced due to the addition of the additional contraction point 1111b.

[0247] refer to Figure 5F and Figure 5G To make it clearer, for example, in addition to two or more contraction points 1111b, each full height in the example shown may include three contraction points 1111a on each side. Therefore, Figure 5D Collector 1313 may include a total of 18 contraction points, while Figure 5E The collector 1313 may include a total of 26 contraction points. In this example, capillary pressure is enhanced at multiple contraction points 1111a and 1111b. Figure 5E The embodiments shown provide improved microfluidic flow control (e.g., in the outward direction).

[0248] refer to Figure 5H In some embodiments, the gate 1102 may be configured to include an orifice or opening similar to the contraction points 1111a or 1111b, having a narrowed edge, margin, or flange that is flatter in one direction. For example, the edge of the orifice of the gate 1102 may be shaped to be flat on one side (e.g., the side facing the storage chamber 1342) and rounded on the other side (e.g., the side away from the storage chamber 1342). In this configuration, since meniscus separation is easier on the less rounded side than on the more rounded side, the microfluidic forces that cause backflow toward the storage chamber 1342 to exceed flow away from the storage chamber 1342 can be enhanced.

[0249] Accordingly, depending on the implementation and variation of the contraction point and the structure or configuration of the gate 1102, the flow resistance of the evaporable material 1302 flowing out of the collector 1313 can be higher than the flow resistance of the evaporable material 1302 flowing into the collector 1313 and into the storage chamber 1342. In a particular embodiment, the gate 1102 is configured to maintain a liquid seal such that a layer of the evaporable material 1302 exists in the medium communicating between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344. The presence of the liquid seal helps maintain a pressure balance between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 to promote a sufficient level of vacuum (e.g., partial vacuum) in the storage chamber 1342, thereby preventing the evaporable material 1302 from being completely discharged into the overflow volume 1344 and preventing the wicking element 1362 from losing sufficient saturation.

[0250] In one or more exemplary embodiments, a single passage or channel in collector 1313 can be connected to storage chamber 1342 via two vents, such that the two vents maintain a liquid seal regardless of the positioning of cartridge 1320. Even when cartridge 1320 is held diagonally relative to the horizontal or positioned with the nozzle face down, forming a liquid seal at gate 1102 helps prevent air from collector 1313 from entering storage chamber 1342. This is because if air bubbles from collector 1313 enter the storage chamber, the pressure inside storage chamber 1342 will be equal to / balanced with ambient pressure. That is, if ambient air flows into storage chamber 1342, the partial vacuum inside storage chamber 1342 (e.g., created by the discharge of evaporable material 1302 through core supply section 1368) will be offset.

[0251] refer to Figures 5I to 5K A perspective view is provided showing alternative gate 1102 configurations for the collector 1313 structure. These alternative configurations offer advantages in flow management and control of the air and / or liquid evaporable material 1302. In some cases, when the empty space in the storage chamber 1342 (i.e., the top space above the evaporable material 1302) comes into contact with the gate 1102, the top space vacuum may not be maintained. As a result, the liquid seal established at the gate 1102, as previously described, is disrupted. This effect may be due to the gate 1102's inability to maintain a fluid film when the collector 1313 is emptied and the top space comes into contact with the gate 1102, leading to a partial loss of the top space vacuum.

[0252] In a particular embodiment, the top space in the storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure, and if a hydrostatic offset exists between the gate 1102 and the atomizer in the cartridge 1320, the contents of the storage chamber 1342 may drain into the atomizer, causing the cartridge to flood and leak. To avoid leakage, one or more embodiments may be implemented to remove the hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer, and to maintain the function of the gate 1102 when the storage chamber 1342 is nearly emptied.

[0253] like Figure 5I and Figure 5J As shown in the exemplary embodiment, a miniaturized partition wall or labyrinthine structure 1190 can be constructed around the gate 1102 to establish a highly driven connection between the gate 1102 and the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313, thereby maintaining a liquid seal at the gate 1102. Figure 5J In one example, according to one or more embodiments, the groove structure 1190 is shown as a means to further improve the liquid seal at the gate 1102.

[0254] Controlled fluid gate embodiment Figures 5L to 5N Plan and close-up views of a controlled fluid gate 1103 in a collector 1313 configuration according to one or more embodiments are shown. As shown, the passage or overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 can be connected to the storage chamber 1342 via, for example, a multi-channel, V-shaped, or horn-shaped controlled fluid gate 1103, such that the V-shaped controlled fluid gate 1103 includes at least two (and preferably three) openings connected to the storage chamber 1342. As further detailed herein, a liquid seal can be maintained at the controlled fluid gate 1103 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of the hopper 1320.

[0255] like Figure 5L As shown, on the first side of the controlled fluid gate 1103, a venting path AA can be formed, which allows air bubbles to travel from the overflow passage 1104 of the collector to the reservoir. On the second side, one or more high-drive passages connected to the storage chamber can be implemented to promote condensation at a common location identified as condensation point 1122 in order to maintain a liquid seal that prevents air bubbles from prematurely exiting the overflow passage 1104 and entering the storage chamber, and prevents air from undesirably entering back into the overflow passage 1104 from the storage chamber.

[0256] According to the embodiment, due to the capillary pressure applied by the liquid evaporable material 1302 from the storage chamber, in Figure 5N The high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, shown by way of example on the right side, are preferably kept in a sealed state. Formed on opposite sides (i.e., Figure 5L The first capillary channel 1105 and the second capillary channel 1107 (shown on the left) are configured to have a relatively low capillary drive compared to the high drive channels 1109a and 1109b, but still have sufficient capillary drive to maintain a liquid seal in both the high drive channel and the low drive channel under the first pressure condition.

[0257] Accordingly, under the second pressure condition (e.g., when the pressure inside the reservoir is approximately equal to or greater than the ambient air pressure), a liquid seal is maintained in all low-drive and high-drive channels to prevent any air bubbles from flowing into the reservoir. Conversely, under the first pressure condition (e.g., when the pressure inside the reservoir is less than the ambient air pressure), air bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (e.g., entering via the air exchange port 1106), or more generally, the leading edge of the liquid surface at the liquid-evaporable material-air interface, can travel upwards and toward the controlled fluid gate 1103. When the liquid surface reaches the condensation point 1122 located between the low-drive channels (i.e., the first capillary channel 1105 and the second capillary channel 1107) and the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b of the overflow channel 1104, air is preferentially guided through the second capillary channel 1107 due to the higher capillary resistance present in the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b.

[0258] Once the bubbles have passed from the first capillary channel 1105 through the second capillary channel 1107 of the controlled fluid gate 1103, they enter the storage chamber to equalize the pressure inside the storage chamber with the pressure of the ambient air. Thus, the air exchange port 1106, coupled with the controlled fluid gate 1103, allows ambient air entering through the overflow channel 1104 to enter the storage chamber until a balanced pressure state is established between the storage chamber and the ambient air. As previously described, this process can be referred to as the pressure equalization event that causes the reservoir to ventilate. Once a balanced pressure state is established (e.g., transitioning from a second pressure state back to a first pressure state), a liquid seal is re-established at the condensation point 1122 due to the presence of evaporable material in both the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, and in the low-drive channels (i.e., the first capillary channel 1105 and the second capillary channel 1107), supplied by the liquid evaporable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber.

[0259] Figures 50 to 5X It shows when collected in Figures 5L to 5N The airflow 1303 in the exemplary collector 1313 is managed to accommodate a snapshot of proper discharge as the meniscus 1304 of the evaporable material 1302 recedes.

[0260] Figure 5OA receding meniscus 1304 is shown, wherein the intensity of the partial headspace vacuum increases as the evaporable material 1302 is removed from the storage chamber into the core. The partial headspace vacuum is maximized when the air 1303 reaches the minimum geometry of the overflow passage 1104 at the last contraction point 1111a before the controlled fluid gate 1103. This is sufficient to overcome the capillary drive of the meniscus 1304 and has caused the meniscus 1304 to move backward through the overflow passage 1104 of the collector past the last contraction point 1111a, where the meniscus will see the highest pressure differential as specified by the geometry.

[0261] Figure 5P This illustrates how the meniscus 1304 has left the first capillary drive channel 1105 and now crosses the condensation point 1122 of the controlled fluid gate 1103. Air bubbles 1303 continue to grow within the controlled fluid gate 1103.

[0262] Figure 5Q The diagram illustrates how meniscus 1304 forms and retreats into multiple menisci within the second capillary channel 1107 and the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b. The menisci are located at tight bends across their principal planes, and at these locations, the discharge pressures of the three channels are equal, and the three menisci retreat simultaneously in the opposite direction to only one channel. Because the curvature of these menisci now increases as they retreat, the pressure differential across the menisci decreases, and the partial vacuum in the headspace continues to decrease.

[0263] Figure 5R This illustrates how air bubbles 1303 continue to fill the capillary channels. The geometric narrowing of these channels causes the capillary drive of the second capillary channel 1107 to decrease at a greater rate than that of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b as the meniscus continues to recede. This gradual reduction in the amount of evaporable material filling the second capillary channel 1107, as well as the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, continues to reduce the maintained partial top space vacuum. When the discharge pressure of the second capillary channel 1107 meniscus drops below the discharge pressure of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, the meniscus continues to recede, discharging the evaporable material back into the storage chamber, while the other meniscus remains stationary. The discharge pressure involving the receding contact angle of the second capillary channel 1107 may drop below the overflow pressure involving the advancing contact angle of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, causing them to be refilled as shown in the figure.

[0264] Figure 5SThe diagram illustrates how the secondary menisci from the two menisci in each of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b reach the tangent point where the two menisci merge into one (at the left tip of the channel divider 1112 between the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b). This merging meniscus will have reduced curvature, resulting in lower capillary drive. The higher drive of the meniscus of the second capillary channel 1107 allows the system to react instantaneously by making the meniscus of the second capillary channel 1107 an advancing meniscus. With the merging meniscus of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b held in this position, subsequent retraction of the meniscus of the second capillary channel 1107 may occur.

[0265] Figure 5T The diagram illustrates how the combined meniscus of high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b moves toward the condensation point 1122. When the storage chamber is filled with evaporable material, the meniscus of the second capillary channel 1107 continues to recede, further reducing the partial vacuum in the headspace as its curvature decreases. When the partial vacuum drops below the advancing capillary pressure of the combined meniscus of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, the combined meniscus will begin to advance again, actuating to close the controlled fluid gate 1103. When the storage chamber is empty or nearly empty, the liquid seal at the condensation point 1122 will be stable until rupture, connecting the headspace storage compartment to ambient air via the overflow channel 1104.

[0266] Figure 5U The diagram illustrates how the combined meniscus of high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b closes the controlled fluid gate 1103 at condensation point 1122. Since the combined meniscus will advance until it encounters the corner apex of the first capillary channel 1105 and the second capillary channel 1107, the geometry is designed to cause the combined meniscus to separate so that both the first capillary channel 1105 and the second capillary channel 1107 can be filled with an evaporable material. The newly formed meniscus of the first capillary channel 1105 can be used to isolate ambient air in the overflow channel 1104, and thus a partial vacuum in the top space can be re-established, thereby ensuring reduced leakage via the liquid supply channel.

[0267] Figures 5V to 5X The illustration shows air bubbles 1303 being released into storage chamber 1342. The pressure within cartridge 1320 stabilizes at the point when the air bubbles 1303 trapped in the second capillary channel 1107 are expelled due to the imbalance created by the advancing and retreating curved liquid surfaces. Then, the evaporable material 1302 floods the second capillary channel 1107 from the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b. Accordingly, the lengths of the high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b can be adjusted, for example, shortened to reduce the risk of air bubble trapping.

[0268] In some embodiments, the narrowing of the high-drive channel can be designed to increase drive toward the convergence point 1122. Considering the convergence point 1122 forming the two advancing menisci that converge, the walls of the reservoir (i.e., the hopper body) and the bottom of the collector channel can be configured to continue providing drive, while the sidewalls of the collector provide convergence positions for the menisci. In one configuration, the net drive of the advancing menisci does not exceed the net drive of the retreating menisci, thereby maintaining system static stability.

[0269] Figure 6 A controlled fluid gate 6103 according to one or more embodiments is described. The controlled fluid gate 6103 includes several differences compared to the controlled fluid gate 1103, which can improve performance under specific conditions and in different evaporable materials, particularly exhibiting the concept of lower collector surface wetting behavior. Similar to the controlled fluid gate 1103, the controlled fluid gate 6103 includes a first capillary channel 6105, a second capillary channel 6107, and two high-drive channels 6109a and 6109b. A channel divider 6112 separates the high-drive channels 6109a and 6109b, but includes a sharper tip on the left side compared to the channel divider 1112. The sharper tip on the channel divider 6112 can provide improved performance by reducing the tendency of the meniscus to pin (i.e., stick) to the tip of the channel divider 6112 when the two menisci converge to form a combined meniscus. When the meniscus is pinned to its tip, the controlled fluid gate 6103 will not close, resulting in a failure condition where a portion of the top space vacuum is no longer maintained in the storage chamber 6342. Another difference is that a portion of the upper wall 6116 of the second capillary channel 6107 has been lengthened to extend towards the high-drive channel 6109a, and the angle of the upper wall 6116 has been reduced to near horizontal when the hopper remains upright. The design of the second capillary channel 6107 also includes a curved lower wall 6117 that curves upward to guide air bubbles into the storage chamber 6342. These design features can increase the speed at which the combined meniscus closes the controlled fluid gate 6103 during pressure equalization events by reducing the likelihood of air bubbles attempting to escape from the high-drive channel 6109a.

[0270] Figures 7 to 11H A controlled fluid gate 7103 according to one or more embodiments is described. For example... Figure 7As shown, a controlled fluid gate 7103 is formed as part of the collector 7313 and provides selective fluid communication between the storage chamber 7342 and the overflow channel 7104. The controlled fluid gate 7103 includes a final contraction point 7111, a coalescence point 7112, and a third contraction point 7113 located at the end of the overflow channel 7104. The final contraction point 7111 of the overflow channel 7104 defines a portion of a first orifice, the coalescence point 7112 defines the point where the meniscus seals the first capillary channel 7105 and the second capillary channel 7107, and the third contraction point 7113 defines a portion of a third orifice. Each orifice is fully formed when the collector 7313 is inserted into the cartridge housing (not shown). In other words, a portion of the first orifice forms the first orifice, a portion of the second orifice forms the second orifice, a portion of the third orifice forms the third orifice, and a high-drive channel 7110 forms a capillary drive channel after the controlled fluid gate 7103 is inserted into the cartridge housing. It should be noted that a "point" generally refers to a location on a device, while an orifice refers to an opening with a cross-sectional area between two volume parts.

[0271] The controlled fluid gate 7103 also includes a high-drive channel 7110. Figure 8A The general region defining the high-drive channel 7110 is illustrated, and this region has been marked with spots. The high-drive channel 7110 originates from the third contraction point 7113 and branches outward toward the convergence point 7112 between the upper wall 7116 and the lower wall 7117. The upper wall 7116 extends from the third contraction point 7113 to the second capillary channel 7107, as shown... Figure 8B As shown, the second capillary channel 7107 has been marked with spots, while the lower wall 7117 extends from the third contraction point 7113 to the first capillary channel 7105, as... Figure 8B As shown, the first capillary channel has also been marked with spots. The high-drive channel 7110 is a single channel without any obstructions that could affect the resealing of the controlled fluid gate 7103. Obstructions in the high-drive channel 7110 can lead to a failure state, particularly for low-wetting evaporable materials, where the capillary drive of the meniscus is interrupted, preventing it from closing the controlled fluid gate 7103. An obstruction can be any feature protruding from the wall of the high-drive channel 7110. The affinity of the meniscus for the obstruction can be greater than the capillary drive, thus effectively stopping the evaporable material from advancing and pinning it to the obstruction. In a multi-channel controlled fluid gate with channel dividers, the channel dividers themselves can be considered as obstructions in a single channel. The meniscus formed in each channel may be pinned to the tip of the channel divider and prevent the meniscus from coalescing into a single meniscus. Removing the channel dividers can provide greater reliability for the operation of the controlled fluid gate, especially for evaporable material formulations that do not readily wet the channel surface (i.e., exhibit a high contact angle with the channel surface).

[0272] Due to the properties of the liquid (such as an evaporable material) and its interaction with the gate 7103 (such as contact angle, viscosity, surface energy, surface roughness, pressure difference, etc.), the precise location of each contraction point may vary slightly. The controlled fluid gate 7103 is designed to work with a variety of evaporable materials under various operating conditions. In some embodiments, the contact angle formed by the liquid on the surface of the upper wall 7116 or the lower wall 7117 is less than 90 degrees. For example, the liquid may form a contact angle between 70 degrees and 90 degrees on the surface of the upper wall 7116 or the lower wall 7117, including all sub-ranges therebetween. More specifically, the liquid may form a contact angle between 75 degrees and 85 degrees on the surface of the upper wall 7116 or the lower wall 7117, including all sub-ranges therebetween.

[0273] Figure 8B The general regions defining the first capillary channel 7105 and the second capillary channel 7107 are described. The first capillary channel 7105 originates from the last contraction point 7111 and terminates at the condensation point 7112. The second capillary channel 7107 originates from the condensation point 7112 and terminates at the storage chamber 7342. Air from the overflow channel 7104 enters the first capillary channel 7105 through the last contraction point 7111 and fills the high-drive channel 7110 during pressure equalization events. The third contraction point 7113 can be designed to have a similar cross-sectional area to the last contraction point 7111 to prevent air from passing through the high-drive channel 7110. In an embodiment, the last contraction point 7111 and the third contraction point 7113 have substantially equal cross-sectional areas. The orifice of the second capillary channel 7107 leading to the storage chamber 7342 can have a larger cross-sectional area than each of the last contraction point 7111 and the third contraction point 7113. The cross-sectional area of ​​the orifice is designed such that the meniscus preferentially guides air bubbles through the second capillary channel 7107 and into the storage chamber 7342.

[0274] like Figure 9As shown, the upper wall 7116 and lower wall 7117 of the high-drive channel 7110 form a cone angle α, which has a apex near the third contraction point 7113. The cone angle α can range from 0 degrees (i.e., the upper wall 7116 is parallel to the lower wall 7117) to 25 degrees, including all sub-ranges in between. In an embodiment, the cone angle is approximately 20 degrees. The cone angle can be selected to ensure that capillary drive remains less than zero for all formulations. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the capillary drive force needs to be less than zero for the controlled fluid gate 7103 to close, because the curvature of the air bubbles growing into the storage chamber means that the gauge pressure therein is less than zero. The capillary drive passage formed by the high-drive channel 7110 can be a typical truncated cone shape. Although the multi-channel controlled fluid gate 1103 includes two high-drive channels 1109a and 1109b, each having a narrowing portion that narrows towards the condensation point 1122, the controlled fluid gate 7103 includes a high-drive channel 7110 that branches towards the condensation point 7112. A channel divider 7118 separates the first capillary channel 7105 from the second capillary channel 7107. During pressure equalization events, a gas (e.g., air) can be introduced into the storage chamber 7342 to reduce the partial vacuum created by removing the evaporable material through the core. The gas bubbles generally travel along path AA. The capillary actuation of the liquid (i.e., the evaporable material) generally travels along path BB. After the air bubbles exit from the high-drive channel 7110, the first capillary channel 7105 and the second capillary channel 7107 are closed.

[0275] Figure 10 A collector 7313 including a controlled fluid gate 7103 is described. Although the gate 7103 is shown molded as a collector 7313, the gate 7103 may not be implemented as part of the collector. For example, the controlled fluid gate 7103 may be integrated into a separate component adjacent to the collector. In other embodiments, the controlled fluid gate 7103 is used without a collector. In another embodiment, the controlled fluid gate 7103 is molded as a cartridge housing. When used without a collector, the controlled fluid gate 7103 provides the primary function of reducing the vacuum within the storage chamber by allowing air to selectively pass through it.

[0276] Figures 11A to 11H The sequence of pressure equilibrium events is described, in which gas bubbles 7200 (e.g., air bubbles) are introduced into storage chamber 7342. Figure 11AIn the process, air passes through the last contraction point 7111 of the overflow channel 7104 and forms a gas bubble 7200 in the high-drive channel 7110. Once the gas bubble 7200 passes through the last contraction point 7111, it enters the larger volume of the high-drive channel 7110 and is able to grow rapidly. The gas bubble 7200 rises until it contacts the upper wall 7116 of the high-drive channel 7110. Figure 11B In the process, gas bubbles 7200 grow to fill the high-drive channel 7110 and are confined by the upper wall 7116 and the lower wall 7117. Figure 11C In the process, the liquid (e.g., an evaporable material) previously contained therein is displaced through the third contraction point 7113 and the second channel 7107, and gas bubbles 7200 almost fill the high-drive channel 7110. Figure 11D In the middle, gas bubbles 7200 have completely filled the high-drive channel 7110 and are blocked by the third contraction point 7113. Gas bubbles 7200 now begin to flow into the storage chamber 7342 through the second capillary channel. Figure 11E In the middle, gas bubbles 7200 begin to enter storage chamber 7342. Figure 11F As the liquid enters the high-drive channel 7110 through the third contraction point 7113 and begins to reseal the controlled fluid gate 7103, gas bubbles 7200 grow larger within the storage chamber 7342. Figure 11G In the middle, gas bubble 7200 has left the high-drive channel 7110 through the second capillary channel 7107. Figure 11H In the middle, the high-drive channel 7110 seals the first capillary channel 7105 with liquid at the last contraction point 7111 of the overflow channel 7104, and floods the second capillary channel 7107 with liquid after a pressure balance event that releases gas bubbles 7200 from the first capillary channel 7105 through the second capillary channel 7107. Figure 11H In the middle, the controlled fluid gate 7103 has been resealed (i.e. closed).

[0277] In one embodiment, a controlled fluid gate 7103 is incorporated into a cartridge for an evaporator, including providing microfluidic pressure equalization. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing with a storage chamber 7342 configured to hold an evaporable liquid. The controlled fluid gate 7103 includes a final contraction point 7111 fluidly coupled to a vent under ambient conditions. A second capillary drive channel 7107 and a third contraction point 7113 are both fluidly coupled to the storage chamber 7342. The controlled fluid gate 7103 also includes a high-drive channel 7110 originating from the third contraction point 7113 and extending outward toward a condensation point 7112. The high-drive channel 7110 is configured to fluidly seal the first capillary channel 7105 after a pressure equalization event releases gas bubbles 7200 into the storage chamber 7342. The evaporable liquid may include a nicotine formulation.

[0278] Multi-gate multi-channel collector embodiment Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B An exemplary perspective side view and an exemplary planar side view of an embodiment of a single-ventilation multi-channel collector 1200 structure are shown. Figure 12A As shown, collector 1200 is configured to have a single gate 1202 and multiple channels 1204(a) to 1204(j). Figure 12A As shown, according to one or more embodiments, the gate 1202 may be positioned, for example, at the center or midpoint of the longitudinal width of the collector 1313, to allow the evaporable material 1302 to enter at least the first channel 1204(a) of the collector 1313 and gradually extend and pass through the other channels 1204(b) to 1204(j).

[0279] According to the implementation, the position of the gate 1202 can be modified to be located in the middle, side, or corner, or any other position along the length or width of the collector 1313. The single-vent multi-channel collector 1200 structure may have the additional advantage of allowing the evaporable material 1302 to enter through a single gate 1202 at a first flow rate and diffuse through multiple channels 1204(a) to 1204(j) of the collector 1200 at a second flow rate (e.g., a rate faster than the first flow rate).

[0280] Advantageously, the single-gate multi-channel collector 1200 structure allows the evaporable material 1302 to flow from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 (see...). Figure 3A Controlled flow (e.g., restricted flow) within the evaporable material 1302, and further permitted less controlled (e.g., less restricted) flow once the evaporable material 1302 is in the overflow volume 1344. In certain embodiments, a multi-layered, multi-channel structure may be implemented such that, for example, Figure 12BAs shown, the flow of evaporable material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204(a) to 1204(f) is at a second rate, while the flow of evaporable material 1302 in the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) is at a third rate. The third rate can be faster or slower than the second rate.

[0281] Accordingly, in Figure 12B In the exemplary embodiment shown, the evaporable material 1302 can flow through gate 1202 at a first rate, through channels 1204(a) to 1204(f) at a second rate, and through channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) at a third rate. In one or more embodiments, the second rate can be faster than both the first and third rates, for example, such that the evaporable material 1302 can have restricted flow through gate 1202, less restricted flow through a first set of channels (e.g., layer 1), and relatively more restricted flow in a second set of channels (e.g., layer 2). This multi-layered configuration can help increase the flow rate through collector 1200, but once the evaporable material 1302 enters collector 1200, it maintains controllable limitation on the rapid flow of the evaporable material 1302 toward wicking element 1362.

[0282] exist Figure 12B In the illustrated dual-layer embodiment, the first set of channels 1204(a) to 1204(f) (e.g., layer 1) may have a reversible configuration, allowing the evaporable material 1302 collected in the first set of channels to flow back into the reservoir 1340. Conversely, the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) (e.g., layer 2) may not have a reversible configuration. In such an embodiment, because the second set of channels is close to the wicking element 1362, the evaporable material 1302 is drawn primarily from the second set of channels and then from the first set of channels (e.g., layer 1, which acts as a retention chamber). As described above, having both reversible and irreversible configurations can help provide additional improvements to the other embodiments described herein.

[0283] In some multi-layered embodiments, by configuring the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) as irreversible, it can be further ensured that the wicking element 1362 will not be under-supplied, because the evaporable material 1302 stored in the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) during an overflow event can be made available near the wicking element 1362. Furthermore, in the multi-layered embodiment, the chance of strong inflow of the evaporable material 1302 into the wick housing during a negative pressure event can be prevented, because, as previously mentioned, the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k) can be configured to have more restricted flow compared to the first set of channels 1204(a) to 1204(f). Moreover, due to reversibility, the first set of channels 1204(a) to 1204(f) can not accommodate a relatively large volume of evaporable material 1302. In some embodiments, in order to increase or limit the reversibility or flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204(a) to 1204(f) or the second set of channels 1204(g) to 1204(k), an absorbent material (e.g., a sponge) may be introduced into one or both channel regions.

[0284] refer to Figure 13 An exemplary perspective side view of a multi-ventilation, multi-channel collector 1300 structure according to one or more embodiments is shown. As shown, the collector 1300 can be positioned within a hopper such that it has dual vents 1301. This embodiment allows the evaporable material 1302 to flow into the channel 1204 at a relatively fast rate, particularly with... Figure 14A and Figure 12B Compared to the single-ventilation collector 1200 shown.

[0285] Core Supply Department Implementation Example Return to reference Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5B In a particular variant, collector 1313 can be configured to be insertably received by the receiving end of storage chamber 1342. The end of collector 1313 opposite to the end received by storage chamber 1342 can be configured to receive wicking element 1362. For example, fork-shaped protrusions can be formed to securely receive wicking element 1362. A core housing 1315 can be used to further secure wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the protrusions. This configuration also helps prevent wicking element 1362 from significantly expanding and weakening due to oversaturation.

[0286] Reference Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5EAccording to embodiments, one or more additional conduits, channels, tubes, or cavities traveling through collector 1313 may be configured or arranged to supply the wicking element 1362 with a path for the evaporable material 1302 stored in storage chamber 1342. In certain configurations, such as those discussed in further detail herein, the wick supply conduit, tube, or cavity (i.e., wick supply section 1368) may extend generally parallel to the central channel 1100. In at least one configuration, multiple wick supply sections may be present, for example, extending diagonally along the length of collector 1313 independently or in association with a wick exchange section including one or more other wick supply sections.

[0287] In certain embodiments, multiple core supply units can be interconnected in a multi-link configuration, allowing interchangeable supply paths that may intersect each other to reach the core housing region. This configuration helps prevent complete blockage of the core supply mechanism in the event that one or more supply paths in the core supply interchange units are obstructed, for example, by the formation of bubbles or other types of blockage. Advantageously, the multiple supply paths allow the evaporable material 1302 to safely travel toward the core housing region via one or more paths (or intersecting with different but open paths) even if some paths or specific routes in the core supply interchange units are completely or partially blocked or obstructed.

[0288] According to embodiments, the core supply path can be shaped as a tube, having, for example, a circular or multifaceted cross-shaped diameter. For example, the hollow cross-section of the core supply portion can be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other suitable geometry. In one or more embodiments, the periphery of the cross-section of the core supply portion can be a hollow cross shape, for example, such that the arms of the cross have a narrower width relative to the diameter of the central intersection portion from which the arms extend. More generally, the core supply channel (also referred to herein as a “first channel”) can have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregular portion (e.g., a protrusion, side channel, etc.) that provides an alternative flow path for the liquid evaporable material in the event that air bubbles block the remainder of the cross-sectional area of ​​the core supply portion. The cross-shaped cross-section of the present example is one example of such a structure, but those skilled in the art will understand that other shapes consistent with the present disclosure are also considered and feasible.

[0289] The cross-shaped conduit or tube implementation formed by the core supply path can overcome the clogging problem because the cross-shaped tube can be essentially considered to include five separate paths (e.g., a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In this implementation, blockages in the supply tube via air bubbles may form, for example, in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, leaving the sub-paths (i.e., the paths through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) open to flow.

[0290] Depending on one or more aspects, the core supply path may be wide enough to allow the evaporable material 1302 to travel freely through the supply path and toward the core. In some embodiments, the flow through the core supply section can be enhanced or modulated by designing the relative diameter of a specific portion of the core supply section to increase the capillary traction or pressure on the evaporable material 1302 traveling through the core supply path. In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some core supply paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to cause the movement of the evaporable material 1302 toward the core housing portion.

[0291] In embodiments of the cruciform tube, for example, the supply path through the arms of the cruciform tube can be configured to supply the wick via capillary pressure rather than gravity. In this embodiment, the central portion of the cruciform tube can supply the wick due to gravity, while the flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the arms of the cruciform tube can be supported by capillary pressure. Note that the cruciform tube disclosed herein is for the purpose of providing exemplary embodiments. The concepts and functions implemented in this exemplary embodiment can be extended to wick supply paths with different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a tube with a hollow star-shaped cross-section having two or more arms extending from a central channel extending along the wick supply path).

[0292] refer to Figure 5C The illustration shows the construction of an example collector 1313, in which two core supply sections 1368 are positioned on two opposite sides of a central channel 1100, such that the evaporable material 1302 can enter the supply section and flow directly to the cavity region at the other end of the collector 1313 where the shell for the core is formed.

[0293] The core supply mechanism can be configured such that at least one core supply path in the collector 1313 can be shaped as a multifaceted cross-shaped hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section of the core supply section can be plus-shaped (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped core supply section if viewed from a top cross-sectional view), such that the arms of the cross section have a narrower width related to the diameter of the central intersection portion from which the arms extend.

[0294] A conduit or tube with a cross-shaped diameter formed through the capillary supply path can overcome the clogging problem because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be considered to include five separate paths (e.g., a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In this embodiment, blockage in the supply tube due to air bubbles (e.g., air bubbles) may form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube.

[0295] Even when the central path is blocked by bubbles, this central positioning of the bubbles will ultimately keep the sub-paths (i.e., the paths through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) open to the flow of the evaporable material 1302. Other embodiments of the core supply passage structure that achieve the same or similar purpose as disclosed above regarding trapping bubbles or preventing trapped bubbles from completely blocking the core supply passage are also feasible.

[0296] Adding more vents to the structure of collector 1300 can allow for faster flow rates (depending on the implementation) because the relatively larger aggregate volume of evaporable material 1302 can be displaced when the additional vents are available. Therefore, even if not explicitly shown, embodiments with more than two vents (e.g., three-vent implementations, four-vent implementations, etc.) are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0297] Figure 16A Perspective views, front views, side views, bottom views, and top views of an example embodiment of a collector 1313 with a V-shaped gate 1102 are illustrated. Figure 15 and Figure 26 As shown, collector 1313 can be assembled together with additional components (such as wicking element 1362, heating element 1350, and wick housing 1315) within a cavity in cartridge 1320. The wicking element 1362 can be located between a second end of collector 1313 and the heating element 1350 surrounding the wicking element 1362. During assembly, collector 1313, wicking element 1362, and heating element 1350 can be assembled together and covered by wick housing 1315 before being inserted into the cavity within cartridge 1320.

[0298] The core housing 1315, along with other mentioned components, can be inserted into the end of the cartridge 1320 opposite to the nozzle to retain the components within by a pressure seal or press fit. The seal or fit between the core housing 1315 and the collector 1313 within the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 is, as desired, tight enough to prevent leakage of the evaporable material 1302 held in the reservoir of the cartridge 1320. In some embodiments, the pressure seal between the core housing 1315 and the collector 1313 and the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 is also tight enough to prevent manual disassembly of the components by the user.

[0299] Reference Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5B , Figure 16B and Figure 16C In a certain variant, collector 1313 can be configured to be pluggably received by the receiver of storage chamber 1342. For example... Figure 16B and Figure 16CAs shown, the end of collector 1313 opposite to the end received by storage chamber 1342 can be configured to receive wicking element 1362. For example, fork-shaped protrusion 1108 can be formed to securely receive wicking element 1362. (As shown towards...) Figure 16B and Figure 16C As shown in the cross-sectional view at the bottom, the core housing 1315 can be used to further secure the wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the forked protrusions 1108. This configuration also helps prevent the wicking element 1362 from significantly expanding and weakening due to oversaturation.

[0300] refer to Figure 16B In one embodiment, the wicking element 1362 may be constrained or compressed via compression ribs 1110 at specific locations along its length (e.g., towards the longitudinally distal end of the wicking element 1362 directly below the wick supply portion 1368) to help prevent leakage by, for example, maintaining a larger saturated area of ​​vaporizable material 1302 towards the end of the wicking element 1362, thus keeping the central portion of the wicking element 1362 drier and less prone to leakage. Furthermore, the compression ribs 1110 can further press the wicking element 1362 into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

[0301] Reference Figures 16D to 16F The illustration shows a top plan view of an example core supply mechanism formed by or configured through a collector 1313 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 16D As shown, at least one core supply section 1368 path in collector 1313 can be shaped as a multifaceted cross-shaped hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section of the core supply section 1368 path can be plus-shaped (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped core supply section if viewed from a top cross-sectional view), such that the arms of the cross section have a narrower width related to the diameter of the central intersection portion from which the arms extend.

[0302] Reference Figure 16E A conduit or tube with a cross-shaped diameter formed through the path of the core supply section 1368 can overcome the clogging problem because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be considered to include five separate paths (e.g., a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In this embodiment, blockage in the supply tube via air bubbles (e.g., air bubbles) may form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, such as... Figure 16E As shown in the diagram. Even when the central path is blocked by bubbles, this central positioning of the bubbles will ultimately keep the sub-path (i.e., the path through the arm of the cross-shaped tube) open to the flow of the evaporable material 1302.

[0303] Reference Figure 16FOther embodiments of the core supply section 1368 path structure that can achieve the same or similar purpose as disclosed above regarding the complete blockage of the core supply section 1368 path by trapping or preventing trapped bubbles are also feasible. For example... Figure 16F As illustrated in the example diagram, one or more droplet-shaped protrusions 1368a / 1368b (e.g., shaped like one or more separate connectors, with the core supply path 1368 located between the separate connectors) may be formed at the end of the core supply path 1368 where the evaporable material 1302 flows from the storage chamber 1342 into the collector 1313, to help guide the evaporable material 1302 through the core supply path 1368 in the event that bubbles are trapped in the central region of the core supply path 1368. In this way, a reasonably controlled and consistent flow of the evaporable material 1302 can be directed toward the core, preventing the core from being insufficiently saturated with the evaporable material 1302.

[0304] Figure 15 Perspective views, front views, side views, and exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1320 with a pressure-fitting component are illustrated. As shown, the cartridge 1320 may include a nozzle-reservoir assembly formed in the form of a sleeve, through which an airflow passage 1338 is defined. A region in the cartridge 1320 houses a collector 1313, a wicking element 1362, a heating element 1350, and a wick housing 1315. An opening at a first end of the collector 1313 opens into the airflow passage 1338 in the nozzle and provides a path for the evaporated evaporable material 1302 to travel from the heating element 1350 region to the nozzle from which the user inhales.

[0305] Additional and / or alternative fluid ventilation embodiments Reference Figures 17A to 17B This shows a frontal close-up view of an example flow management mechanism in the collector 1313 structure. Similar to reference... Figure 5M and Figure 5N The discussed flow management mechanism, in different embodiments, the flow management ventilation mechanism 2701 or 2702 can be implemented in various shapes. Figure 17A In the example, the passage or overflow channel 1104 in collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber via, for example, a fluid vent 2701, such that the vent 2701 includes at least two openings to the storage chamber connected to the cassette.

[0306] As previously described, the liquid seal can be maintained at the vent 2701 regardless of the positioning of the cartridge. On one side, the venting path can be maintained between the overflow channel and the vent 2701. On the other side, a high-drive channel can be implemented to promote polymerization and thus maintain the liquid seal.

[0307] Figure 17BAn alternative vent 2702 structure with three openings is illustrated, which are connected to the storage chamber of the cartridge via a polycondensation path that prevents the liquid seal between the vent 2701 and the storage chamber from being compromised.

[0308] Figure 18 The illustration shows a method for managing according to one implementation. Figure 17A or Figure 17B A snapshot of the evaporable material stream collected in the example collector to adjust for proper aeration in the hopper storage chamber. As shown in the figure. Figure 17A The structure of the ventilation section 2701 can be related to the following aspects Figure 17B The ventilation section 2702 differs in that the latter ventilation section 2702 has an open area on one side, rather than... Figure 17A The wall structure shown is an example of this more open implementation, which provides enhanced microfluidic interaction between the evaporable material 1302 and the open side of the vent 2702.

[0309] Reference Figures 19A to 19C The illustration shows a perspective view, a front view, and a side view of an example embodiment of the cartridge. The cartridge shown can be assembled from multiple components, including a collector, a heating element, and a core housing, which holds the cartridge components in place when these components are inserted into the cartridge body. In one embodiment, a laser-welded joint may be provided at the circumferential joint, approximately at the point / location where the collector structure meets the core housing at one end. The laser-welded joint prevents the liquid evaporable material 1302 from flowing from the collector into the heating chamber where the atomizer is located.

[0310] Reference Figures 20A to 20F The illustration shows a perspective view of example cartridges at different filling capacities. As previously described, the volume of the overflow volume can be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in the volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber. When the volume of the contents in the storage chamber expands due to one or more environmental factors, if the volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber is X, then when the pressure inside the storage chamber increases to Y, an amount Z of evaporable material 1302 can be displaced from the storage chamber into the overflow volume. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the overflow volume is configured to be at least large enough to contain an amount Z of evaporable material 1302.

[0311] Figure 20A The illustration shows a perspective view of an example cartridge body having a reservoir that, when filled, is adapted to store, for example, an evaporable material 1302 with a volume of approximately 1.20 mL. Figure 20B The illustration shows a perspective view of an example container in a fully assembled state, where the storage chamber and collector overflow path, when both are filled, contain a combined volume of, for example, approximately 1.20 mL of evaporable material 1302. Figure 20C The illustration shows a perspective view of an example cartridge in a fully assembled state when the collector overflow path is filled to, for example, a volume of approximately 0.173 mL. Figure 20D The illustration shows a perspective view of a fully assembled example cartridge when the storage chamber is filled to, for example, a volume of approximately 0.934 mL. Figure 20E The illustration shows a perspective view of an example cartridge in a fully assembled state, with the core supply channel and airflow passage in the nozzle shown in cross-section. The core supply channel has a volume of, for example, approximately 0.094 mL. Figure 20F The illustration shows a perspective view of an example cartridge in a fully assembled state, wherein an overflow air passage is incorporated into the portion of the collector facing the bottom rib, and the airflow passage has a volume of, for example, approximately 0.043 mL.

[0312] Figures 21A to 21C The illustration shows a front view of an example cartridge according to one embodiment, wherein the collector and the closure plug are inserted into the body of the cartridge. Figure 21B To form a fully assembled tin ( Figure 21C Prior to this, a double-needle filling application was implemented to fill the reservoir of the cartridge. Figure 21A ).

[0313] Figure 24A and Figure 24B The illustration shows a front and side view of an example cartridge body with an external airflow path. In some embodiments, one or more gates (also referred to as air inlet holes) may be provided on the evaporator body 110. The inlet holes may be located within an air inlet channel and have width, height, and depth dimensions designed to prevent a user from unintentionally blocking each individual air inlet hole when holding the evaporator 100. In one aspect, the air inlet channel structure may be long enough that airflow through the air inlet channel is not significantly blocked or restricted when, for example, a user's finger blocks an area of ​​the air inlet channel.

[0314] In some configurations, the geometry of the air inlet channel can provide at least one of, for example, a minimum length, a minimum depth, or a maximum width, to ensure that a user cannot completely cover or block the air inlet opening in the air inlet channel with their hand or other body parts. For example, the length of the air inlet channel can be longer than the width of an average person's finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel can be such that when a user's finger presses on the top of the channel, the resulting skin folds will not obstruct the air inlet opening within the air inlet channel.

[0315] The air inlet channel may be constructed or formed with rounded edges or shaped to surround one or more corners or areas of the evaporator body 110 so that the air inlet channel is not easily covered by a user's fingers or body parts. In certain embodiments, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet channel so that a user's fingers do not block or completely restrict airflow into the air inlet channel. In one example embodiment, the air inlet channel may be formed at the interface between the evaporator liner 120 and the evaporator body 110 (e.g., at the liner area—see Figure 1 In this embodiment, since the air inlet channel is formed within the housing area, it can be protected from obstruction. This embodiment also allows for a configuration where the air inlet channel is hidden and invisible.

[0316] Figures 22A to 22C The illustrations show a front view, a top view, and a bottom view of an example cartridge body, which has a condensate collector 3201 incorporated in an air path.

[0317] Reference Figure 23A An airflow path allows air or vapor to flow into the material box. This airflow path can extend longitudinally along the body of the material box from the orifice or opening in the nozzle, allowing the evaporable material 1302 drawn in through the nozzle to pass through the condensate collector 3201. For example... Figure 23B As shown, in addition to the condensate collector 3201, the condensate recirculation channel 3204 (e.g., a microfluidic channel) can be formed to travel from an opening in the nozzle to the core, for example.

[0318] The condensate collector 3201 acts on the evaporable material 1302 in the mouthpiece that has cooled and turned into droplets to collect the condensed droplets and guide them to the condensate recirculation channel 3204. The condensate recirculation channel 3204 collects condensate and large vapor droplets and returns them to the core, preventing liquid evaporable material formed in the mouthpiece from depositing into the user's mouth during suction or inhalation. The condensate recirculation channel 3204 can be implemented as a microfluidic channel to trap any droplet condensate and thereby eliminate the direct inhalation of liquid evaporable material and avoid undesirable sensations or tastes in the user's mouth.

[0319] Reference Figure 25 and Figure 26The illustration shows a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary cartridge, wherein the collector structure 1313 includes an air gap 3501 located at the bottom rib of the collector structure. The positioning of the air gap 3501 may correspond to the location of the air exchange port within the collector structure 1313. As previously described, the collector structure 1313 may be configured to have a central opening through which an airflow passage to the nozzle is provided. The airflow passage may be connected to the air exchange port, such that the volume within the overflow passage of the collector 1313 is connected to ambient air via the air exchange port, and also connected to the volume in the storage chamber via a vent.

[0320] According to one or more embodiments, the vent can be used as a control valve to primarily control the liquid flow between the overflow path and the storage chamber. An air exchange port can be used to primarily control the airflow between the overflow path and an air path leading to, for example, a nozzle. The combination of the interaction between the vent, the collector channel of the overflow path, and the air exchange port provides appropriate venting for proper core saturation and for air bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors, as well as controlled flow of the evaporable material 1302 in and out of the collector channel. The presence of an air gap 3501 at the air exchange port allows for a more robust venting process because the air gap prevents the liquid evaporable material 1302 stored in the collector from seeping into the core housing area.

[0321] Depending on one or more aspects, the core supply path may be wide enough to allow the evaporable material 1302 to travel freely through the supply path and toward the core. In some embodiments, the flow through the core supply section can be enhanced or regulated by designing the relative diameter of a specific portion of the core supply section to strengthen the capillary traction or pressure on the evaporable material 1302 traveling through the core supply path. In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some core supply paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to cause the movement of the evaporable material 1302 toward the core housing portion.

[0322] In a particular embodiment, a portion of the wall in the single-core supply section essentially forms two ventricles within the single-core supply section. These ventricles in the core supply section can be separated by the portion of the wall and are used individually to allow the evaporable material 1302 to flow toward the core housing. In such an embodiment, if a bubble migrates in one ventricle of the core supply section, the other ventricle can remain open. The ventricles can be large enough to provide sufficient flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core for adequate saturation.

[0323] Accordingly, in the embodiment using two core supply units 3701, four cavities are actually available for carrying the flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core. Therefore, in the event that bubbles are formed in one, two, or even three cavities, at least a fourth cavity can be used to guide the flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core, reducing the likelihood of core dehydration.

[0324] Reference Figure 27 A close-up view of the core supply section located at one end adjacent to the core (e.g., at the end configured to at least partially receive the core), wherein optionally, at least a portion of the core is sandwiched between two or more tips extending from the end of the core supply section.

[0325] Figure 28 The illustration shows a perspective view of an example collector structure combined with an air gap at one end of an overflow channel, the collector structure having a core supply section with a square design.

[0326] Reference Figures 29A to 29E The diagrams show the rear view, side view, top view, front view, and bottom view of the example collector structure. Figure 29A The illustration shows a rear view of a collector structure with, for example, four different spraying points. Figure 29B The illustration shows a side view of the collector structure, particularly illustrating, for example, a clamp-shaped end portion 4002 of the core supply section, which securely holds the core within the path of the core supply section. Figure 29C As shown, the portion of the cartridge body extending from the nozzle inside the cartridge body can be received through a central channel 3700 in the collector structure, which forms an air passage for the evaporated material 1302 to escape from the atomizer toward the nozzle after evaporation.

[0327] Figure 29C The illustration shows a top view of a collector structure having a core supply channel 4001 for receiving evaporable material from the storage chamber of the hopper and core guiding the evaporable material toward a suitable position at the end of the core supply channel 4001, held by a protruding end of a clamp-shaped end portion 4002 of the core supply channel 4001.

[0328] Figure 29D The diagram illustrates a front plan view of the collector structure. As shown, an air gap cavity can be formed at the lower part of the collector structure, at the end of the lower rib of the collector structure where the overflow path of the collector leads to the air control vent 3902, which is in communication with the ambient air. The cartridge body extending from the nozzle can be received through the central channel 3700 in the collector structure, which forms an air passage for the evaporated evaporable material 1302 to escape from the atomizer toward the nozzle.

[0329] Figure 29EThe illustration shows a bottom view of the collector 1313 structure, where the two core supply channel ends of the two clamp-shaped end portions 4022 are configured to hold the core in place at the bottom end of the collector 1313. As shown, optionally, segmented ridges, flanges, or lips 4003 may be formed on the surface of the bottom end of the collector 1313, wherein the collector 1313 is attached to the upper portion of the plug 760 during assembly. The lip 4003 provides a pressure-tight engagement between the upper portion of the plug 760 and the lower portion of the collector 1313, functioning in a manner similar to a flexible O-ring, thereby establishing a proper seal during assembly. In one embodiment, the bottom end of the collector 1313 may be laser-welded to the upper portion of the plug 760.

[0330] Figure 30A and Figure 30B The illustration shows a plan top view and a side view of an alternative embodiment of a collector structure having two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 and two corresponding core supply portions. As shown, with... Figure 29A Compared to the embodiment illustrated in the figure, this alternative embodiment has a shorter height. This reduced height provides improved functionality due to a structural change in the shape of collector 1313 and the length of the flow path of the evaporable material 1302 within collector 1313. Thus, according to an embodiment, in a particular embodiment, the length of the flow path of the evaporable material 1302 through collector 1313 can be shorter to provide more efficient capillary pressure and better management of the flow of the evaporable material 1302 entering the flow path of collector 1313.

[0331] Figure 31A and Figure 31B Various perspective views, top views, bottom views, and side views of the example collector 1313 with different structural implementations are illustrated. For example, Figure 31A The embodiment shown includes a contraction point comprising a vertically positioned C-shaped wall. Conversely, in Figure 31B In the illustrated embodiment, the C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally to facilitate more controlled flow of the evaporable material 1302 along the collector 1313 pathway. Figure 31B As shown in the example embodiment, the C-shaped wall is positioned diagonally relative to the bottom blade of the collector and vertically relative to the downwardly sloping blade portion in the collector.

[0332] As previously described, the flow rate into and out of collector 1313 is controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of overflow channel 1104 in collector 1313 through the introduction of one or more contraction points, which effectively reduces the overall volume of overflow channel 1104. As shown, the introduction of multiple contraction points in overflow channel 1104 divides the overflow channel into multiple sections, wherein the evaporable material 1302 can flow along a first direction or a second direction, for example toward or away from air control vent 3902.

[0333] A contraction point is introduced to help establish or control the capillary pressure state in the overflow channel 1104, minimizing the hydraulic flow of the evaporable material 1302 toward the air control vent 3902 when the pressure in the cassette reservoir is equal to or less than the pressure of ambient air. When the pressure in the reservoir is lower than the ambient pressure (e.g., exceeding a first threshold), the contraction point is configured to control the capillary pressure or hydraulic flow of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104, allowing ambient air to enter the overflow channel 1104 through the air control vent 3902 and travel upward toward the controlled fluid gate 1102 into the reservoir to ventilate the cassette (i.e., establish a balanced pressure state in the cassette).

[0334] In certain embodiments or situations, the above-described ventilation process may not involve or require the entry of ambient air through the air-controlled vent 3902. In some example situations, alternative to air entering through the air-controlled vent 3902, or in addition to air entering through the air-controlled vent, any air bubbles or gas trapped in the overflow channel 1104 may also travel upward toward the controlled fluid gate to help establish a balanced pressure state in the hopper by ventilating the reservoir as air bubbles are introduced into the reservoir from the overflow channel 1104 through the controlled fluid gate 1102, as referenced herein, for example... Figure 5M and Figure 11H Further details are provided regarding the design of the contraction points and C-shaped walls formed in the path of the overflow channel 1102 (e.g., Figure 31A and Figure 31B (As shown) the flow of the evaporable material 1302 through the overflow channel 1104 is more controlled by better managing the capillary pressure along the path throughout the overflow control channel 1104.

[0335] Figure 32AVarious perspective views, top views, bottom views, and side views of an example core housing 1315 according to one or more embodiments are illustrated. As shown, one or more perforations or holes may be formed in the lower portion of the core housing 1315 to regulate airflow through the core located in the core housing 760 of the core housing 1315. A sufficient number of holes will facilitate adequate airflow through the core housing 760 and will provide for proper and timely evaporation of the evaporable material 1302 absorbed into the core in response to heat generated by heating elements located near or around the core.

[0336] Figure 32B The illustration depicts a collector 1313 and a core housing 760 component of an example cartridge 1320 according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the core housing 1315 (which includes the core housing portion of the cartridge) may be implemented to include a protruding member or tab 4390. The tab 4390 may be configured to extend from an upper end of the core housing 1315 that engages with a receiving end of the collector 1313 during assembly. The tab 4390 may include one or more surfaces corresponding to or matching one or more surfaces in a receiving recess or receiving cavity 1390 located in, for example, a bottom portion of the collector 1313. The receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive the tab 4390 for, for example, snap-fit ​​engagement. Snap-fit ​​arrangements may assist in holding the collector 1313 and the core housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

[0337] In certain embodiments, tab 4390 may be used to guide the orientation of core housing 1315 during assembly. For example, in one embodiment, one or more vibration mechanisms (e.g., vibrating bowls) may be used to temporarily store or organize / stage various components of cassette 1320. According to some embodiments, tab 4390 may help orient the upper portion of core housing 1315 into a mechanical clamping portion for easy engagement and proper automated assembly.

[0338] Additional and / or alternative heating element embodiments As described above, the evaporator feed box according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more heating elements. Figures 33A to 34 An embodiment of a heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Although Figures 33A to 34 The features described and illustrated may include one or more features in the various embodiments of the evaporator feed box described above and / or may include one or more features in the various embodiments of the evaporator feed box described above, but Figures 33A to 34 The features of the heating element described and illustrated may be additionally and / or alternatively included in one or more other example embodiments of the evaporator cartridge, such as those described below.

[0339] Heating elements consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter can be desiccated to receive a wicking element and / or at least partially curled or compressed around the wicking element. The heating element can be bent such that it is configured to secure the wicking element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element can be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. Heating elements can be more easily manufactured than typical heating elements. Heating elements consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter can also be made of a conductive metal suitable for resistance heating, and in some embodiments, the heating element may include a selectively plated alternative material to allow the heating element (and therefore, the evaporable material) to be heated more effectively.

[0340] Figure 33A An exploded view of one embodiment of the evaporator feed box 120 is shown. Figure 33B A perspective view of one embodiment of the evaporator feed box 120 is shown, and Figure 33C A bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the evaporator feed box 120 is shown. Figures 33A to 33C As shown, the evaporator cartridge 120 includes a housing 160 and an atomizer assembly (or atomizer) 141.

[0341] In some embodiments, the core housing 178 also includes an identification chip 174 configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the evaporator. The identification chip 174 may be glued and / or otherwise bonded to the core housing 178, for example, on a short side of the core housing 178. The core housing 178 may additionally or alternatively include a chip recess 164 (see...). Figure 34 The chip recess 164 is configured to receive the identification chip 174. The chip recess 164 may be surrounded by two, four or more walls. The chip recess 164 may be shaped to secure the identification chip 174 to the core housing 178.

[0342] As described above, the evaporator cartridge 120 generally includes a reservoir, an air path, and an atomizer assembly 141. In some configurations, the heating element and / or atomizer described according to embodiments of the present subject matter may be directly incorporated into the evaporator body and / or may not be removable from the evaporator body. In some embodiments, the evaporator body may not include a removable cartridge.

[0343] After the heating element is formed into a suitable shape through one or more of the processes described below, the heating element can be rolled and / or bent into a suitable position around the wicking element to receive the wicking element. In some embodiments, the wicking element can be a fibrous core formed as at least a nearly flat pad or having other cross-sectional shapes such as circular, oval, etc. A flat pad allows for more precise and / or accurate control of the rate at which the evaporable material is drawn into the wicking element. For example, the length, width, and / or thickness can be adjusted for optimal performance. A wicking element with a flat pad also provides a larger transfer surface area, which allows the evaporable material to flow more rapidly from the reservoir into the wicking element for evaporation by means of the heating element (in other words, greater mass transfer of the evaporable material) and from the wicking element to the air flowing through it. In such a configuration, the heating element can contact the wicking element in multiple directions (e.g., on at least two sides of the wicking element) to improve the efficiency of the process of drawing the evaporable material into the wicking element and evaporating the evaporable material. A flat pad is also easier to shape and / or cut, and therefore easier to assemble with the heating element. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the heating element may be configured to contact the wicking element only on one side of the wicking element.

[0344] The wicking element may comprise one or more rigid or compressible materials, such as cotton, silica, ceramics, and / or the like. Compared to some other materials, a cotton wicking element allows for an increased and / or more controllable flow rate of evaporable material from the reservoir of the evaporator cartridge into the wicking element for evaporation. In some embodiments, the wicking element forms at least a nearly flat pad, configured to contact the heating element and / or be fixed between at least two portions of the heating element. For example, the nearly flat pad may have at least a first pair of opposite sides that are nearly parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the nearly flat pad may also have at least a second pair of opposite sides that are nearly parallel to each other and nearly perpendicular to the first pair of opposite sides.

[0345] The substrate material may be made of a conductive metal suitable for resistance heating. In some embodiments, the heating element 500 includes a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel alloy, stainless steel, and / or the like. As described below, the heating element 500 may be coated at one or more locations on the surface of the substrate material to enhance, limit, or otherwise alter the resistivity of the heating element at one or more locations in the substrate material (which may be all or part of the heating element 500).

[0346] The cartridge contact 124 may be formed as a conductive pin, tab, post, receiving hole, or surface or other contact configuration for a pin or post. Some types of cartridge contacts 124 may include springs or other pushing features to facilitate better physical and electrical contact between the cartridge contact 124 on the evaporator cartridge and the receptacle contact 125 on the evaporator body 110. In some embodiments, the cartridge contact 124 includes a wiping contact configured to clean the connection between the cartridge contact 124 and other contacts or power sources. For example, the wiping contact may include two parallel but offset bosses that frictionally engage and slide against each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0347] The cartridge contact 124 is configured to engage with a receptacle contact 125 located near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the evaporator 100, such that when the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into and coupled to the cartridge receptacle 118, the cartridge contact 124 and the receptacle contact 125 form an electrical connection. The cartridge contact 124 can be electrically connected to the power supply 112 of the evaporator unit (e.g., via the receptacle contact 125, etc.). The circuitry established by these electrical connections allows current to be delivered to the resistance heating element to heat at least a portion of the heating element 500, and can also be used for other functions, such as measuring the resistance of the resistance heating element for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the resistance heating element based on its resistivity temperature coefficient, identifying the cartridge based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistance heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge, etc. As will be described in more detail below, the cartridge contact 124 may be processed to provide improved electrical properties (e.g., contact resistance) using, for example, conductive plating, surface treatment and / or deposited materials.

[0348] In use, when the user draws air through the suction nozzle 130 of the evaporator cartridge 120 while the heating element 500 is assembled into the evaporator cartridge 120, air flows into the evaporator cartridge and along the air path. The heating element 500 can be activated in conjunction with the user's drawing, for example, by automatic detection of drawing via a pressure sensor, by detection of the user pressing a button, by signals generated by a motion sensor, a flow sensor, a capacitive lip sensor, and / or by other means that can detect when the user is drawing or about to draw air or otherwise draws air in to induce air into the evaporator 100 and at least along the air path. When the heating element 500 is activated, electricity can be supplied from the evaporator assembly to the heating element 500 at the cartridge contact 124.

[0349] When the heating element 500 is activated, heat is generated as an electric current flows through it, causing a temperature rise. Heat is transferred to a quantity of evaporable material via conduction, convection, and / or radiative heat transfer, causing at least a portion of the evaporable material to evaporate. Heat transfer can occur between the evaporable material in the reservoir and / or the evaporable material drawn into the wicking element 162 held by the heating element 500. In some embodiments, the evaporable material may evaporate along one or more edges of the rake blades 502, as mentioned above. Air delivered to the evaporator device flows along an air path through the heating element 500, causing the evaporated evaporable material to detach from the heating element 500. The evaporated evaporable material may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit the nozzle 130 as an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0350] As described above, the heating element 500 can be made of various materials, such as nickel-chromium alloys, stainless steel, or other resistance heater materials. The heating element 500 may include a combination of two or more materials, and such a combination may include a homogeneous distribution of the two or more materials throughout the heating element, or other configurations in which the relative amounts of the two or more materials are spatially heterogeneous. For example, the rake blade 502 may have a portion with higher resistance and is therefore designed to gradually become hotter than other sections of the rake blade or heating element 500. In some embodiments, at least the rake blade 502 (e.g., within the heating portion 504) may include a material with high conductivity and heat resistance.

[0351] A typical method for an evaporator device to generate an inhalable aerosol from an evaporable material involves heating the evaporable material in an evaporation chamber (or heater chamber) to convert the evaporable material into a gaseous phase (or vapor). An evaporation chamber generally refers to an area or volume within the evaporator device in which a heat source (e.g., conductive, convective, and / or radiative) heats the evaporable material to produce a mixture of air and the evaporated evaporable material, forming vapor for inhalation by a user of the evaporator device.

[0352] Since the introduction of evaporator units to the market, evaporator hoppers that contain free liquid (i.e., liquid held in a reservoir rather than retained by porous materials) have become widespread. Products on the market may have cotton pads or none at all the feature of collecting condensate generated from the vapor produced in the evaporator unit.

[0353] The condensed liquid can form a film on the walls of the air path and travel upwards to the suction nozzle, potentially leaking into the user's mouth, causing an unpleasant experience. Even if the film doesn't leak from the nozzle, it can be entrained by the airflow, creating large droplets that can be sucked into the user's mouth and throat, leading to an unpleasant experience. Problems with using cotton pads to absorb this condensate include ineffectiveness and the additional manufacturing and assembly costs of integrating the pads into the evaporator unit. Furthermore, the accumulation and loss of condensate and / or unevaporated evaporable material can ultimately result in not being able to draw all the evaporable material into the evaporation chamber, thus wasting it. Therefore, improved evaporator units and / or evaporator cartridges are needed.

[0354] As described in more detail below, evaporating evaporable material into a mist can cause condensate to collect along one or more internal channels and outlets of some evaporators (e.g., along the nozzle). For example, this condensate may include evaporable material that is drawn from a reservoir, forms a mist, and condenses before leaving the evaporator. Additionally, evaporable material that has bypassed the evaporation process may also accumulate along one or more internal channels and / or air outlets. This can cause condensate and / or unevaporated evaporable material to leave the nozzle outlet and deposit in the user's mouth, resulting in an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of otherwise available inhalable mist. Furthermore, the accumulation and loss of condensate can ultimately lead to a waste of evaporable material as not all of it is drawn from the reservoir into the evaporation chamber. For example, when evaporable material particles accumulate in the internal channels of an air duct downstream of the evaporation chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path narrows, increasing the air velocity and thus applying a drag force to the accumulated fluid, increasing the likelihood of fluid being entrained from the internal channels and through the nozzle outlet. The following describes various features and devices for improving or overcoming these problems.

[0355] As described above, drawing evaporable material from a reservoir and evaporating it into a mist can cause condensate to accumulate near and / or within one or more outlets formed in the nozzle. This can cause condensate to leave the outlet and deposit in the user's mouth, resulting in an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of otherwise available consumable vapor. Various evaporator device features that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features for controlling condensate in evaporator devices are described herein, which offer advantages and improvements over existing methods while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. For example, evaporator device features configured to collect and contain condensate formed or collected near the outlet of the nozzle are described, thereby preventing condensate from leaving the outlet.

[0356] Alternatively or additionally, drawing evaporable material 102 from reservoir 140 and evaporating it into a mist can cause condensate to accumulate in one or more tubes or internal passages (e.g., air ducts) of the evaporator assembly. As will be described in more detail below, the evaporator assembly is characterized by being configured to trap condensate and prevent evaporable material particles from leaving the air outlet of the evaporator cartridge.

[0357] the term When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “on” another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly on the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features and / or elements present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,” “attached,” or “coupled / linked” to another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features or elements present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present.

[0358] Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements thus described or shown are applicable to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also understand that references to structures or features disposed "adjacent" to another feature may have portions overlapping or underlining the adjacent feature.

[0359] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” when used in this specification expressly indicate the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms “and / or” include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerations and may be abbreviated to “ / ”.

[0360] In the foregoing description and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of…” or “one or more of…” may appear after a successive enumeration of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also appear in an enumeration of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which such a phrase is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the enumerated elements or features alone, or any of the enumerated elements or features in combination with any of the additionally enumerated elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B,” “one or more of A and B,” and “A and / or B” each are intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A together with B.” A similar interpretation is also intended for enumerations including more than three items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, and / or C” each are intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A together with B, A together with C, B together with C, or A together with B and C.” The term “based on” as used above and in the claims is intended to mean “at least partially based on” so that features or elements not listed are also permitted.

[0361] Spatial relative terms such as “forward,” “backward,” “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device is inverted in the drawings, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can include both orientations “above” and “below”. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptive information used herein is interpreted accordingly. Similarly, terms such as “up,” “down,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” are used herein for illustrative purposes only, unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0362] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements will not be limited by these terms unless the context otherwise indicates. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings presented herein, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature / element.

[0363] As used herein and in the claims, including as in the examples, and unless otherwise expressly indicated, all figures are to be understood as words preceded by "about" or "approximately," even if the term is not explicitly stated. When describing size and / or location, the phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of value and / or location. For example, numerical values ​​may have values ​​(or ranges) of + / - 0.1% of the stated value, + / - 1% of the stated value, + / - 2% of the stated value, + / - 5% of the stated value, + / - 10% of the stated value, etc. Any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context otherwise indicates.

[0364] For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical ranges listed herein are intended to include all subranges contained within said numerical range. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed, “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to” the value, and possible ranges between the values ​​are also disclosed, as properly understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed, then “less than or equal to X” and “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., in the case where X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, data is provided in a variety of different forms, and that the data represents endpoints and starting points, as well as ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15, along with ranges between 10 and 15, are also considered disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0365] Although different illustrated embodiments have been described above, various variations may be made to the different embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the different described method steps are performed may often be varied in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features in different apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments but not in others. Therefore, the above description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0366] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as: digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) of special design, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different aspects or features may include implementations employing one or more computer programs that can execute and / or interpret on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, the programmable system being either dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers may be geographically distant from each other and may interact via a communication network. The connection between clients and servers arises by means of computer programs running on respective computers and by the existence of a client-server relationship between them.

[0367] These computer programs, also known as “programs,” “software,” “software applications,” “applications,” “components,” or “code,” include machine instructions for programmable processors and can be implemented in high-level programming languages, object-oriented programming languages, functional programming languages, logic programming languages, and / or assembly / machine languages.

[0368] As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” means any computer program product, device and / or apparatus for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, such as, for example, disks, optical disks, memories and programmable logic devices (PLDs), including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals.

[0369] The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. Machine-readable media can store such machine instructions non-transitory, such as, for example, non-transitory solid-state memory or magnetic hard disk drives or any equivalent storage medium. Machine-readable media can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions transiently, such as, for example, a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor memories.

[0370] The examples and illustrations included herein demonstrate, by way of illustration and without limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be used, and other embodiments may be derived from the specific embodiments described, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein by the term "invention" alone or collectively, such reference being for convenience only, and if more than one invention is disclosed, it is not intended to actively limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept.

[0371] Therefore, although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, any arrangement or structure intended to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of the different embodiments. After reading the above description, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0372] The disclosed subject matter has been provided herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that, although the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments is provided herein, changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments without limiting or departing from their general scope. These and various other modifications and combinations of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and all their equivalents.

[0373] A portion of the disclosure in this patent document may contain copyrighted material. The owner does not object to reproduction by way of any of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office's patent files or records, but retains all copyright in any event. Specific marks referenced herein may be common legal or registered trademarks of the applicant, assignee, or third parties cooperating with or not cooperating with the applicant or assignee. The use of these marks is intended to provide by way of example what disclosure is possible and should not be construed as exclusively limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter to the material associated with these marks.

Claims

1. A feed box for an evaporator, the evaporator including means for microfluidic pressure balancing, the feed box comprising: A container housing containing a storage chamber configured to hold an evaporable liquid; The first capillary channel is fluidly coupled to the ventilator. The second capillary channel is fluidly coupled to the storage chamber; The third contraction point is fluidly coupled to the storage chamber; as well as A high-drive channel originating from the third contraction point and extending outward toward the first and second capillary channels, wherein the high-drive channel is configured to fluidly seal the first and second capillary channels after a pressure equalization event releases gas bubbles into the storage chamber.

2. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the first capillary channel fluidly couples the high-drive channel to the overflow channel.

3. The material box according to claim 2, wherein the overflow channel fluidly couples the first capillary channel to the vent.

4. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third contraction point is fluidly coupled to the high-drive channel and the storage chamber.

5. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the high drive channel has a taper angle defined between the upper and lower walls between 0 and 21 degrees.

6. The material box according to claim 5, wherein the cone angle is approximately 20 degrees.

7. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a single channel forms the high-drive channel.

8. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the high-drive channel is free of obstructions.

9. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper wall extends from the third contraction point to the second capillary channel.

10. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lower wall extends from the third contraction point to the first capillary channel.

11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the high-drive channel is configured to seal the first capillary channel and the second capillary channel with the evaporable liquid after an air bubble is released into the storage chamber during a pressure equalization event.

12. The feed box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the evaporable material comprises a nicotine formulation.

13. A collector component for use with an evaporator containing a liquid evaporable material, the collector component comprising: Fluid channels; An external port is provided at the first end of the fluid channel and configured to be in fluid communication with the ambient air outside the evaporator; A control vent is disposed at a second end of the fluid channel remote from the first end and configured to manage the flow between the fluid channel and a reservoir of the evaporator configured to contain the liquid evaporable material. The control vent is configured to provide at least: The first fluid resistance, when air is in the fluid passage adjacent to the control vent and the void volume in the reservoir is at a lower pressure than the ambient air outside the evaporator, causes the bubbles to condense into the reservoir. and The second fluid resistance is when the void volume inside the reservoir is at a higher pressure than the ambient air outside the evaporator, so as to allow the liquid evaporable material to enter the fluid channel through the controlled vent. as well as A first core supply section, implemented at least in the form of a first channel, allows the evaporable material stored in the storage chamber to flow toward the core placed in the core housing positioned in the overflow volume. The controlled ventilation section maintains a balanced state in the storage chamber to prevent the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point that would cause the evaporable material to flood the core shell.

14. A feed box for an evaporator assembly, the feed box comprising: A reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir being configured to contain an evaporable material within the reservoir chamber; An evaporation chamber, which is in communication with the reservoir and includes a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber for evaporation by a heating element; An airflow passage that extends through the evaporation chamber; as well as At least one capillary channel adjacent to the airflow passage, each of the at least one capillary channel being configured to receive fluid and guide the fluid from a first position toward a second position via capillary action.

Images