Aerosol provision system and method

Abstract

An aerosol supply system (1) for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material is described. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section (44) for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator (48) configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and configured to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section; and an air opening (7) configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol-generating material storage section. The aerosol supply system is configured to change the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by varying the rate at which air is allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol-generating material storage section via the air opening. A consumable, apparatus, and method are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol supply system, such as a nicotine delivery system (e.g., an electronic cigarette). Background Technology

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems (such as electronic cigarettes) typically include a reservoir containing a source liquid containing a formulation (typically nicotine), from which an aerosol is generated by, for example, heating and vaporization. The aerosol source for the aerosol supply system can therefore include a heater having a heating element arranged to receive the source liquid from the reservoir via, for example, wicking / capillary action. When a user inhales on the device, power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize the source liquid near the heating element, thereby generating an aerosol for the user to inhale. Such devices typically have one or more air inlet holes located away from the mouthpiece end of the system. When the user sucks on the mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and passes through the aerosol source. A flow path exists connecting the aerosol source to the opening in the mouthpiece, such that the air passing through the aerosol source continues along the flow path toward the mouthpiece opening, carrying some aerosol from the aerosol source. The air carrying the aerosol exits the aerosol supply system through the mouthpiece opening for the user to inhale.

[0003] Typically, such electronic aerosol supply systems are equipped with heating components suitable for heating the source liquid to form an aerosol. An example of such a heating component is a core and coil heating assembly, which is formed by a wire coil (typically a nickel-chromium alloy NiCr8020) wound or coiled around a core (typically containing a bundle of collected fibers, such as cotton fibers extending along the longitudinal axis of the coil). The two ends of the core extend on either side of the wire coil and are inserted into a source liquid reservoir.

[0004] In such systems, the liquid is typically drawn into the core via capillary action. The capillary action or capillary force experienced by the liquid is usually a function of several parameters, including the properties of the liquid, the properties of the core, and in some cases, the properties or construction of the aerosol supply system. Therefore, the manner in which the liquid is transferred to the core and subsequently to the coil heater is generally determined by these parameters, meaning that designers are subject to certain design constraints when selecting a suitable core or liquid. Furthermore, for a given arrangement of the aerosol supply system, the rate at which the liquid is transferred to the heater is typically constant.

[0005] In addition, in some cases, liquid aerosol generating materials may become clogged or stuck in the core, which may lead to a decrease in the performance of systems using such cores.

[0006] Various methods are described that are designed to help solve some of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply system is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and configured to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section; and an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section for allowing air to enter and / or exit the aerosol-generating material storage section. The aerosol supply system is configured to change the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol-generating material storage section via the air opening.

[0008] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening is configured to be in a first state and a second state, in the first state, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage section is a first level, and in the second state, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage section is a second level, the first level being different from the second level.

[0009] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening defines an opening having a cross-sectional area, wherein the air opening is configured such that the size of the cross-sectional area is variable to provide a first state and a second state.

[0010] Based on some examples from the first aspect, the first and second levels are not zero.

[0011] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening includes a valve or iris that can be controlled to change the opening area of ​​the valve or iris mechanism (iris, aperture).

[0012] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol supply system includes multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units, and wherein the air openings include multiple air openings, each air opening being connected to one of the multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units, wherein the aerosol supply system is configured to selectively fluidly connect one of the multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units to the aerosol generating material storage unit and the external environment, and wherein by selectively connecting different air paths for aerosol generating material storage units, the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage unit can be changed.

[0013] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material storage section can be removed from the housing of the aerosol supply system, and wherein, when the aerosol generating material storage section is connected to the housing, one of a plurality of aerosol generating material storage section air paths is selectively fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage section and the external environment based on the orientation of the aerosol generating material storage section.

[0014] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material storage unit can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply system in a first orientation, such that the air path of the first aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, and the aerosol generating material storage unit can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply system in a second orientation, such that the air path of the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, wherein when the air path of the first aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air inlet is allowed is different from the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air inlet is allowed when the air path of the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit.

[0015] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generating material storage unit includes a membrane, and wherein the air path connecting the aerosol generating material storage unit includes: piercing the membrane using a piercing element to fluidly connect a corresponding air opening to the aerosol generating material storage unit.

[0016] Based on some examples from the first aspect, aerosol generating materials are flowable aerosol generating materials.

[0017] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening is configured such that the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating material storage section cannot leave the aerosol generating material storage section through the air opening.

[0018] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol supply system further includes a second aerosol generating material storage unit for storing aerosol generating material, and includes a second air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the second aerosol generating material storage unit for supplying air to the second aerosol generating material storage unit, wherein the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to an aerosol generator, and wherein the aerosol supply system is further configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the second aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into the second aerosol generating material storage unit via the second air opening.

[0019] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol supply system is configured to independently change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator and the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the second aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator.

[0020] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol generator includes a heating assembly comprising: a substrate; a heating layer disposed at at least on a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when supplied with energy; and one or more capillaries extending from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, the one or more capillaries being configured to supply aerosol-generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer. In normal use, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the other surface of the substrate to form a layer extending across the openings of the one or more capillaries.

[0021] According to some examples of the first aspect, the aerosol supply system includes a main air path through the aerosol supply system, the main air path extending from an inlet to an outlet, through which a user inhales to generate an aerosol, the main air path extending through an aerosol generator, and wherein an air opening is configured to be in fluid communication with the main air path.

[0022] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening is arranged such that when a user inhales air from the aerosol supply system, the air is configured to leave the aerosol generating material storage section through the air opening, thereby relatively reducing the air pressure in the aerosol generating material storage section.

[0023] According to some examples of the first aspect, the air opening is configured such that the reduced pressure causes a decrease in the rate at which aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator.

[0024] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, a consumable is provided for use with an aerosol supply system, the consumable comprising: an aerosol generating material storage section for storing aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section; and an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section for allowing air to enter and / or leave the aerosol generating material storage section, the aerosol generating article being configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening.

[0025] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided for generating aerosols from aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol generating material being contained in an aerosol generating material storage section for storing the aerosol generating material, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and configured to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol supply device includes: an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or leave the aerosol generating material storage section, the aerosol supply device being configured to change the rate at which the aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening.

[0026] According to some examples of the third aspect, the aerosol supply device also includes an aerosol generator.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, a method for configuring an aerosol supply system is provided. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol generating material storage section for storing aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section; and an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or leave the aerosol generating material storage section. The method includes: changing the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply member is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol supply member comprising: an aerosol generating material storage member for storing the aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator member configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage member and configured to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage member; and an air opening member configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage member to allow air to enter and / or leave the aerosol generating material storage member, the aerosol supply member being configured to change the rate at which the aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator member by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage member via the air opening member.

[0029] According to a sixth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply system is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol-generating material transport element disposed in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section; an aerosol generator configured to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol-generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol-generating material; and a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transport element.

[0030] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to achieve at least one of the following: assisting the transport of aerosol generating material to or through the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transport element; and assisting in the release of air within the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transport element.

[0031] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the vibration mechanism includes either a tactile motor or a sound wave generator.

[0032] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the vibration mechanism includes a transmission component connected to the vibration mechanism and to at least one of an aerosol generator and an aerosol generating material transport element, and the transmission component is configured to apply vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

[0033] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transmission element is partially surrounded by a damping member adapted to allow movement of the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transmission element caused by a vibration mechanism, and adapted to reduce the transmission of vibration through the damping member to the rest of the aerosol supply system.

[0034] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol supply system is configured to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an activated state or has been activated, and wherein the vibration mechanism is controlled to provide vibration to the aerosol generator at at least one of the following: during the actuation of the aerosol generator and after the actuation of the aerosol generator.

[0035] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol supply system also includes a suction detection mechanism for detecting when a user is suctioning on the aerosol supply system, wherein determining whether the aerosol generator is in the start-up state or has been started is based on the output of the suction detection mechanism.

[0036] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, when vibration is applied after the aerosol generator is started, the vibration control mechanism applies vibration for a predetermined duration, the predetermined duration being set based on the refill rate of the aerosol generator, in which one or more openings of the aerosol generator are replenished with aerosol generating material.

[0037] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol supply system is configured such that the vibration generated by the vibration mechanism is applied only to the aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator.

[0038] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, an aerosol generator includes one or more capillaries defining one or more openings of the aerosol generator.

[0039] According to some examples of the sixth aspect, the aerosol generator includes a heating assembly, or the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element together include a heating assembly, the heating assembly comprising: a substrate; a heating layer disposed at at least a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when supplied with energy; and one or more capillaries, wherein the one or more capillaries are configured to extend from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, and wherein the one or more capillaries are configured to supply aerosol generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect of certain embodiments, a consumable is provided for use with an aerosol supply system. The consumable includes: an aerosol generating material storage section for storing aerosol generating material; an aerosol generating material transport element configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section; an aerosol generator configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol generating material; and a vibration mechanism configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

[0041] According to an eighth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply apparatus is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator. The aerosol-generating material is contained in an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section via an aerosol-generating material transfer element. The aerosol-generating material transfer element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section, and the aerosol-generating material transfer element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply apparatus includes a vibration mechanism configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transfer element.

[0042] According to some examples of the eighth aspect, the aerosol supply device also includes an aerosol generator.

[0043] According to a ninth aspect of certain embodiments, a method is provided for supplying aerosol generating material from an aerosol generating material storage section to an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section, and the aerosol generator being configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section via an aerosol generating material transfer element, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section, and wherein the aerosol generating material transfer element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol generating material. The method includes applying vibration to at least the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transfer element using a vibration mechanism.

[0044] According to a tenth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply member is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply member includes: an aerosol generating material storage member for storing the aerosol generating material; an aerosol generating material transport member configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage member; an aerosol generator member configured to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage member, wherein the aerosol generating material transport member and / or the aerosol generator member includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol generating material; and a vibration member. The vibration member is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator member and the aerosol generating material transport member.

[0045] According to an eleventh aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply system is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol generating material storage section for storing the aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section; and a preheating mechanism configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section. The preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0046] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the preheating mechanism is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to change the viscosity and / or phase state of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0047] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the aerosol generating material storage section includes a first region and a second region, the second region having a smaller volume than the first region and being configured to be in fluid communication with the first region, wherein the second region is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0048] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the preheating mechanism includes one or more heating elements disposed between the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the one or more heating elements are powered to generate heat.

[0049] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the preheating mechanism includes at least two heating elements, wherein at least two heating elements can be independently controlled to generate heat.

[0050] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, one or more heating elements are integrally formed with the aerosol generator.

[0051] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, one or more heating elements are further configured to facilitate the transfer of aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section to the aerosol generator.

[0052] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, one or more heating elements include a sintered structure formed of a conductive material.

[0053] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the preheating mechanism includes a preheating aerosol path extending from an aerosol generation region in which aerosols are generated by an aerosol generating material through the operation of an aerosol generator, and wherein the preheating aerosol path is configured to pass through at least a portion of an aerosol generating material storage section to transfer heat from the aerosol passing through the preheating aerosol path to at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section.

[0054] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the aerosol supply system includes an aerosol path extending from the aerosol generation region to the nozzle of the aerosol supply system, and wherein a preheated aerosol path is arranged to extend from the aerosol path, wherein a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region is capable of passing along the preheated aerosol path.

[0055] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the aerosol supply system also includes a condensation zone fluidly connected to the preheated aerosol path, the condensation zone being arranged to allow condensation of aerosols passing along the preheated aerosol path.

[0056] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the aerosol supply system also includes a return path disposed between the condensation zone and the aerosol generating material storage section, the return path being configured to allow the condensed aerosol generating material to return to the aerosol generating material storage section.

[0057] According to some examples in the eleventh aspect, the aerosol-generating material is a liquid or a gel.

[0058] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the system further includes a second aerosol generating material storage unit for storing aerosol generating material, wherein the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generator, and wherein a preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage unit.

[0059] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the preheating mechanism is configured to independently preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, and independently preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage section.

[0060] According to some examples of the eleventh aspect, the aerosol generator includes a heating assembly comprising: a substrate; a heating layer disposed at at least on a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when supplied with energy; and one or more capillaries extending from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, the one or more capillaries being configured to supply aerosol generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer.

[0061] According to a twelfth aspect of certain embodiments, a consumable is provided for use with an aerosol supply system, the consumable comprising: an aerosol generating material storage section for storing aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section; and a preheating mechanism configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0062] According to a thirteenth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply apparatus is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material using an aerosol generator. The aerosol generating material is contained in an aerosol generating material storage section for storing the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section. The aerosol supply apparatus includes a preheating mechanism configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0063] According to some examples of aspect thirteen, the aerosol supply device also includes an aerosol generator.

[0064] According to a fourteenth aspect of certain embodiments, a method is provided for preheating an aerosol-generating material before aerosolizing it using an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply system, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with an aerosol-generating material storage unit. The method includes preheating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage unit, wherein preheating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage unit modulates the properties of at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material.

[0065] According to a fifteenth aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol supply mechanism is provided for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply mechanism includes: an aerosol generating material storage mechanism for storing the aerosol generating material; an aerosol generating mechanism configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage mechanism and configured to receive the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage mechanism; and a preheating mechanism configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage mechanism, wherein the preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage mechanism to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0066] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects are equally applicable to and can be combined with embodiments of the invention according to other aspects as needed, and are not limited to the specific combinations described above. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to various aspects of this disclosure, including an air inlet capable of supplying air to a reservoir of the aerosol supply system; Figure 2a and Figure 2b It shows that it is suitable for use in Figure 1 An exemplary air inlet used in an aerosol supply system, wherein Figure 2a The air inlet in the first configuration is shown and Figure 2b The air inlet in the second configuration is shown; Figure 3a and Figure 3b The arrangement of a smoke cartridge and aerosol supply device, including multiple reservoir air inlets, according to a first implementation, is schematically shown, wherein, Figure 3a A smoke cartridge is shown positioned in a first orientation relative to an aerosol supply device, and Figure 3b A smoke cartridge is shown positioned in a second orientation relative to the aerosol supply device; Figure 4 The arrangement of a smoke cartridge and aerosol supply device including multiple reservoir air inlets according to the second implementation is schematically shown. Figure 5 The arrangement of a smoke cartridge and aerosol supply device including multiple reservoir air inlets is schematically shown according to a third implementation. Figure 6 and Figure 6aAn aerosol supply system comprising multiple reservoirs is schematically illustrated, each reservoir having a corresponding air inlet, wherein, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system is shown, and Figure 6a An end-direction cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply system is shown; Figure 7 A perspective view of a heating assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the heating assembly includes a substrate, a resistive layer, and a capillary extending through the substrate and the resistive layer; Figure 8 It is based on various aspects of this disclosure for configuring aerosol supply systems (such as...) Figure 1 (The aerosol supply system in the middle) for use in a method; Figure 9 The arrangement of the smoke cartridges and aerosol supply device is schematically shown, wherein the air inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with the main air path through the aerosol supply system; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system including an aerosol supply device and a cartridge according to various aspects of this disclosure, wherein, according to a first implementation, the cartridge includes a vibration mechanism for generating vibration and applying vibration to an aerosol generator and / or an aerosol generating material transport element. Figure 11 A more detailed schematic illustration is shown. Figure 10 The smoke cartridges in the middle; Figure 12 An arrangement of a cartridge according to another implementation is schematically shown, wherein the cartridge of the third implementation includes a microfluidic heating assembly as an example of a combined heater and wick arrangement; Figure 13 The illustration schematically shows various aspects of the invention used for... Figure 12 A perspective view of a microfluidic heating component in a cigarette cartridge, wherein the heating component includes a substrate, a resistive layer, and a capillary extending through the substrate and the resistive layer; Figure 14 An exemplary method for generating vibration and applying the vibration to an aerosol generator and / or an aerosol generating material transport element, according to a first example, is shown, wherein the vibration is applied during air intake; Figure 15 An exemplary method for generating vibration and applying the vibration to an aerosol generator and / or an aerosol generating material transport element, according to a second example, is shown, wherein the vibration is applied after air intake; Figure 16 Another configuration of the cartridge is illustrated schematically, in which the aerosol generating material transport element is integrally formed with the cartridge shell or aerosol generating material storage unit.

[0068] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and a cartridge according to various aspects of the present disclosure, wherein, according to a first implementation, the cartridge includes a preheating mechanism for preheating the aerosol generating material before it is supplied to the aerosol generator. Figure 18 The arrangement of a cartridge according to a second implementation is schematically shown, wherein the cartridge of the second implementation includes one or more sub-reservoirs preheated by a preheating mechanism; Figure 19 The arrangement of a cartridge according to a third implementation is schematically shown, wherein the cartridge of the third implementation includes a microfluidic heating assembly as an aerosol generator; Figure 20 The illustration schematically shows various aspects of the invention used for... Figure 19 A perspective view of a microfluidic heating component in a cigarette cartridge, wherein the heating component includes a substrate, a resistive layer, and capillaries extending through the substrate and the resistive layer; and Figure 21 The illustration shows the... Figure 20 A perspective view of a modified microfluidic heating assembly, wherein the modification includes one or more integrated preheaters; Figure 22 The arrangement of a cartridge according to a fourth implementation is schematically shown, wherein the cartridge of the fourth implementation includes one or more preheated aerosol paths; Figure 23 It schematically shows the following based on Figure 22 The modification of the e-cigarette cartridge includes a condensation zone for the aerosol used in the condensation preheating process; Figure 24 and Figure 24a An aerosol supply system comprising multiple reservoirs is schematically illustrated, each reservoir having a corresponding preheating mechanism that can be individually controlled. Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system is shown. Figure 24a An end cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply system is shown; and Figure 25 It is based on various aspects of this disclosure for use before use of aerosol supply systems (such as...) Figure 17 A method for preheating aerosol generating materials in an aerosol supply system. Detailed Implementation

[0069] This document discusses / describes aspects and features of certain examples and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional techniques used to implement such aspects and features.

[0070] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-combustible or non-ignitable, and delivers at least one substance to the user.

[0071] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer, electronic cigarette, or electronic nicotine delivery system (END); however, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not essential. Throughout the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" is sometimes used, but it is used interchangeably with "aerosol (vaporizer) delivery system."

[0072] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, wherein one or more of these aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0073] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in liquid or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some implementations, aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, solid form. In some implementations, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some implementations, amorphous solids may be dry gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquid) within them. In some implementations, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0074] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material or each aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0075] In some implementations, the substance to be transferred includes an active substance.

[0076] As used herein, active substances can be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0077] In some implementations, the active ingredient includes nicotine. In other implementations, the active ingredient includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0078] As mentioned herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pods, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds found in plants, obtained through synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fine particles, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp plants, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice (licorice extract), matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, and saffron. Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, dried nutmeg, damarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, dami, guanyote, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint CV, Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint CV, peppermint CV, spearmint, heartleaf spearmint, longleaf mint, pineapple mint, lip mint, spearmint CV, and apple mint.

[0079] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco.

[0080] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plants are selected from eucalyptus, star anise and cocoa.

[0081] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plants are selected from red tea tree and fennel.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "fragrance" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, may be used in products to produce a taste or aroma desired by adult consumers. These may include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetic materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice extract), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, etc.). Yellow, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Tolingo, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter bean husk, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, arabesque tea, sorghum, areca leaf, coriander, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage. Herbs, fennel, mustard, green bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any kind of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo leaves, hazelnuts, hibiscus, bay leaves, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, chili peppers, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, dried nutmeg, and more. Meadows, marjoram, olives, lemon balm, lemon basil, scallions, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclosulfonates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0083] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or pepper. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components extracted from tobacco.

[0084] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aromatactic or gustatory nerves, flavoring agents may also include sensory agents designed to achieve somatic sensations typically induced and perceived by chemical stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable thermal agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0085] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of glyceryl diacetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0086] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0087] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol generation region, configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties. Aerosol modifiers can be disposed in aerosol modifier release components, operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0088] For example, aerosol modifiers can be additives or adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers may include one or more of fragrances, colorants, water, and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers can be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels. Aerosol modifiers can be in the form of powders, filaments, or granules. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter materials.

[0089] In some implementations, the aerosol supply system includes modular components comprising an aerosol supply device (sometimes referred to as a reusable part) and articles containing aerosol-generating materials (sometimes referred to as consumables or replaceable parts). However, in other implementations, the aerosol supply system may include a one-piece device, wherein the articles and the aerosol supply device are integrally formed.

[0090] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in this disclosure.

[0091] In some embodiments, non-combustible aerosol supply systems, such as their non-combustible aerosol supply devices, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be a power source, or in some implementations, an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix, which may be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to aerosol-generating or heat-transferring material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0092] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0093] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area (or storage section), an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging paper, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, comprise a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor. A sensor is a material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. A sensor may be a conductive material such that penetration by a changing magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. A heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration by a changing magnetic field results in hysteresis heating of the heating material. A sensor may be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this document, a device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0094] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material. In some implementations, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, causing the material to release one or more volatiles to form an aerosol. In some implementations, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0095] The following description will focus on an embodiment in which the aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which a source liquid, serving as an aerosol generating material, is vaporized to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In such embodiments, the article is more commonly referred to as a cartridge. As described above, the cartridge is mechanically engaged with the aerosol supply device. However, it should be understood that the principles of this disclosure can be applied to aerosol supply systems capable of vaporizing various aerosol generating materials, such as gels, as described above. More generally, the principles of this disclosure are applicable to aerosol supply systems used with aerosol generating materials capable of flowing.

[0096] This disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system configured to alter the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to an aerosol generator by changing the flow rate of air flowing into the aerosol generating material storage unit via an air inlet connected to both the storage unit and the external environment. More broadly, the flow rate of the aerosol generating material can be controlled based on how quickly the pressure in the aerosol generating material storage unit can reach equilibrium during or after use of the aerosol supply system. In this regard, when a user inhales into the system, aerosol generating material is drawn out of the aerosol generating material storage unit, which subsequently affects the pressure within the storage unit. By controlling the rate at which this pressure reaches equilibrium, the flow rate of the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator can be controlled. This allows for greater freedom in designing the aerosol supply system and also helps prevent leakage and / or reduce the risk of drying out during use. In an implementation with multiple aerosol generating material storage units, controlling the airflow rate that can flow into each aerosol generating material storage unit can provide a low-cost and low-complexity way to control the mixing ratio of aerosol generating materials and / or the proportion of aerosols generated by each of the first and second aerosol generating materials.

[0097] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view taken through the aerosol supply system 1 provided according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0098] Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 shown includes two main components: an aerosol supply device 2 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge 4 (which is an example of a consumable or product). Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 is an example of a modular construction of the aerosol supply system 1. In this regard, the aerosol supply device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be joined or separated from each other at the interface 6. However, as mentioned above, the principles of this disclosure are also applicable to other constructions of the aerosol supply system 1, such as those in which the device 2 and the cartridge 4 can be integrally formed as a single piece or as a single unit (or in other words, the aerosol supply device 1 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol generating material storage area or storage section).

[0099] The aerosol supply system 1 is generally elongated and cylindrical in shape. The dimensions of the aerosol supply system 1 can be set to approximate a cigarette. However, it should be understood that the overall size and shape of the aerosol supply system 1 are not important to the principles of this disclosure. In some other implementations, the aerosol supply system 1 can adopt a different overall shape; for example, the aerosol supply device 2 can be based on a so-called box-type high-performance device, which typically has a shape closer to a box.

[0100] Device 2 includes components generally designed to have a longer lifespan than cartridge 4. In other words, device 2 is designed to be used sequentially with multiple cartridges 4. Cartridge 4 includes components (such as aerosol generating materials) that are consumed during the formation of an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0101] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary modular configuration, device 2 and cartridge 4 are releasably coupled together at a first interface 6. When the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 4 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge 4 (e.g., a cartridge containing a different aerosol-generating material), cartridge 4 can be removed from device 2 and replaced by an attachment to device 2 and placed in place. Interface 6 provides a structural connection between device 2 and cartridge 4 and can be established according to suitable techniques, such as threaded, latching, bayonet-type, or magnetic coupling. In some implementations, interface 6 may also provide an electrical connection between device 2 and cartridge 4 using suitable electrical contacts. The electrical connection allows power and / or data to be supplied to / from cartridge 4.

[0102] It should also be understood that in some implementations, the cartridge 4 can be refillable. That is, when the cartridge 4 is depleted, the aerosol generating material can be refilled into the cartridge 4 using a suitable mechanism (such as a one-way refill valve). The cartridge 4 can be removed from the device 2 for refilling. In other instances, the cartridge 4 can be configured to be refilled while attached to the device 2.

[0103] In the implementation of the aerosol supply system 1 as a one-piece or integrated system, the aerosol supply system 1 can be designed to be discarded after the aerosol generating material is depleted. Alternatively, the aerosol supply system 1 can be equipped with suitable mechanisms, such as one-way valves, to refill the integrated cartridge 4 (or the integrated aerosol generating material storage area) with aerosol generating material.

[0104] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the cartridge part 4 includes a cartridge shell 42, an aerosol generating material storage area 44, an aerosol generator 48, an aerosol generating material transmission component 46, an outlet or opening 50, and an air path 52.

[0105] The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge 4 and provides a mechanical interface 6 for engagement with the device 2. The cartridge housing 42 is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In the described implementation, the cartridge housing 42 is approximately circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 is attached to the device 2. In this example, the cartridge 4 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it should be understood that specific geometries, and more generally, the overall shape, can vary in different implementations. The cartridge 4 includes a first end generally defined by the interface 6 and a second end opposite the first end and including an opening 50. The second end, including the opening, is intended to be received in / by the user's mouth and may be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.

[0106] An aerosol generating material storage area 44 is provided inside the cartridge shell 42, which can be referred to as the storage device 44 in this document. Figure 1 The cartridge 42 is configured to store a liquid aerosol generating material, referred herein as a source liquid, e-liquid, or liquid. The source liquid may contain nicotine and / or other active ingredients, and / or one or more flavoring agents, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may not contain nicotine. The reservoir 44 is suitably configured to hold or retain the liquid therein.

[0107] In this example, the reservoir 44 has an annular shape, its outer wall defined by the cartridge shell 42 and its inner wall defining an air path 52 through the cartridge 4. Each end of the reservoir 44 is closed with an end wall to contain liquid. The reservoir 44 can be formed using suitable techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge shell 42.

[0108] The cartridge 4 also includes an aerosol generator 48. The aerosol generator 48 is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a source liquid). The cartridge 4 also includes an aerosol-generating material transfer component 46 configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from an aerosol-generating material storage area 44 (e.g., a reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48. In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 46 may be integral with the aerosol generator 48 to form a combined aerosol generator 48 and aerosol-generating material transfer component 46.

[0109] Aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols. In some implementations, aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48. Heater 48 is configured to subject aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, causing the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles to form an aerosol. For example, heater 48 may take the form of a resistance wire or trace designed to allow current to pass between its ends; or a sensor element designed to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field. However, in other implementations, aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols without heating. For example, aerosol generator 48 may be configured to subject aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0110] The aerosol generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 44 (reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48. The properties of the aerosol generating material can determine the form of the aerosol generating material transport element 46. For example, for liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating materials, the aerosol generating material transport element 46 is configured to utilize capillary action to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material transport element 46 may include porous materials (e.g., ceramics) or fiber bundles (e.g., glass or cotton fibers) capable of transporting liquid / viscous gels using capillary action.

[0111] exist Figure 1 In the implementation described herein, the aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48 in the form of a wire coil (such as a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire). Figure 1 In this implementation, the aerosol generating material transport element 46 is a core 46 in the form of a fiber bundle (such as glass fiber). Figure 1 As shown, heater 48 is wound around core 46 such that heater 48 is positioned close to core 46 and therefore also close to any liquid contained within core 46. In some implementations, aerosol generator 48 may include a porous ceramic core 46 and conductive traces disposed on the surface of the porous ceramic core serving as heater 48. In still other implementations, heater 48 and core 46 may be combined into a single component, for example, multiple sintered steel fibers forming a planar structure.

[0112] Heater 48 and core 46 are positioned towards one end of reservoir 44. In this example, core 46 extends laterally across cartridge air path 52, with both ends extending into liquid reservoir 44 through openings in the inner wall of reservoir 44. The openings in the inner wall of reservoir are sized to approximately match the dimensions of core 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from liquid reservoir 44 into cartridge air path 52 without overcompressing core 46, which could negatively impact its fluid transfer performance. Core 46 is thus configured to transfer liquid from reservoir 44 to the vicinity of heater 48 via capillary effect.

[0113] The core 46 and heater 48 are arranged in the cartridge air path 52 such that the area of ​​the cartridge air path 52 surrounding the core 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the vaporization zone of the cartridge 4. This vaporization zone is the area where the cartridge 4 first generates atomized gas. In use, the heater 48 can be powered to vaporize a certain amount of liquid drawn from the core 46 to the vicinity of the heater 48.

[0114] The aerosol is delivered to the user via an outlet 50 located at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4. During use, the user can place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and inhale air / aerosol through the outlet 50. More specifically, air is drawn in and flows along air path 52, then passes through aerosol generator 48, where the aerosol is entrained in the air, and the mixed aerosol / air is then inhaled by the user through opening 50. Although Figure 1 The mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 is shown as an integral part of the cartridge 4, but a separate mouthpiece component can be provided, which can be releasably attached to the end of the cartridge 4.

[0115] The device 2 includes an outer housing 12, an optional indicator 14, a suction sensor 16 located in a chamber 18, a controller or control circuit 20, a power supply 26, an air inlet 28, and an air path 30.

[0116] Device part 2 includes: an outer housing 12 having an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the aerosol supply system 1; a power supply 26 for providing operating power to the aerosol supply system 1; a controller or control circuit 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol supply system 1; and a suction sensor (swallowing detector) 16 located in a chamber 18. Device 2 also includes an optional indicator 14.

[0117] The outer casing 12 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example has a circular cross-section that roughly matches the shape and size of the cartridge 4 to achieve a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6. In this example, the device 2 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are joined together, the total length of the aerosol supply system 1 is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and size of the aerosol supply system 1 of this disclosure are not essential to the principles described herein.

[0118] The outer housing 12 also includes an air inlet 28 connected to an air path 30 passing through the device 2. When the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected, the device air path 30 further connects to the cartridge air path 52 via an interface 6. In this regard, the interface 6 is also arranged to connect the respective air paths 30 and 52, allowing air and / or aerosol to pass along the connected air paths 30, 52. In other implementations, the device 2 does not include an air path 30; instead, the cartridge 4 includes an air path 52 and a suitable air inlet that allows air to enter the air path 52 when the cartridge 4 and the device 2 are connected.

[0119] In this example, the power source 26 is battery 26. Battery 26 may be rechargeable and may be of the type commonly used in aerosol supply systems and other applications that require providing relatively high current over a relatively short period of time. Battery 26 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Battery 26 can be recharged via a suitable charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) disposed at or within the outer housing 12. Alternatively, device 2 may include suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of battery 26.

[0120] Control circuitry 20 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol supply system 1. Control circuitry 20 can be considered as logically comprising various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system, and can be implemented by setting up a control chip of the form of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC, or similar type. Control circuitry 20 can be configured to control any function associated with system 1. By way of non-limiting examples only, in addition to functions such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functions for communicating with external devices, etc., this function may also include charging or recharging battery 26, discharging battery 26 (e.g., for providing power to heater 48). Control circuitry 20 can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). It should also be noted that the functions provided by control circuitry 20 can be distributed across multiple circuit boards and / or distributed across components not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and / or PCBs can be appropriately positioned within the aerosol supply device. For example, the function of the control circuit 20 for controlling the (re)charging function of the battery 26 can be provided separately from the function for controlling the discharging function of the battery 26 (e.g., provided separately on different PCBs).

[0121] As noted above, when the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected together at the interface 6, the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2 and the cartridge 4. More specifically, the electrical contacts on the device 2 that are connected to the power source 26 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the cartridge that are connected to the heater 48. Therefore, under the proper control of the control circuit 20, power from the power source 26 can be supplied to the heater 48, thereby allowing the heater 48 to vaporize the liquid held in the core 46 near the heater 48.

[0122] exist Figure 1 In one example, the aerosol supply device 2 includes a chamber 18 with a built-in suction sensor 16, which in this example is a pressure sensor 16. However, the suction sensor 16 can be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, used to sense when the user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and subsequently causes air to flow along air paths 30, 52. Therefore, the presence of the chamber 18 is optional, and its presence can depend on the characteristics of the selected suction sensor 16.

[0123] Pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with air path 30 in device 2 (e.g., chamber 18 branches off from air path 30 in device 2). Therefore, when a user inhales through opening 50, a pressure drop occurs in chamber 18, which, if large enough, can be detected by pressure sensor 16. In response to detecting the user's inhalation, aerosol supply system 1 is controlled to generate aerosol. That is, when pressure sensor 16 detects a pressure drop in pressure sensor chamber 18, control circuitry 20 responds by supplying sufficient power from battery 26 to aerosol generator 48, enough to vaporize the liquid held within core 46. This is an example of an aerosol supply system known as "inhalation-actuated." Pressure sensor 16 can be used to start and / or stop power supply to heater 48 (e.g., when pressure sensor detects no inhalation).

[0124] In other implementations, the aerosol supply system 1 includes a button or other user-actuable mechanism. When the button or other user-actuable mechanism is actuated by a user, the control circuit 20 causes power to be supplied to the heater 48, as described above. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "button-actuated". The button can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., stop when the user releases the button). In some implementations, both the button (or other user-actuable mechanism) and the suction sensor 16 can be used simultaneously to control the power delivered to the heater 48, for example, requiring the button to be pressed and a pressure drop (indicating the presence of suction) to occur before power is supplied to the heater 48.

[0125] According to this disclosure, the aerosol supply system 1 and in Figure 1 In this example, the cartridge 4 is provided with a reservoir air inlet 7 in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage area / reservoir 44. The reservoir air inlet 7 is arranged to allow air to flow into the internal volume defined by the reservoir 44 containing the aerosol generating material. In this regard, it should be understood that the air inlet 28 and air path 30 of the device 2 and the air path 52 of the cartridge 4 are configured to facilitate the flow of air from the inlet 28 through the aerosol supply system 1 to the outlet (opening 50), thereby providing the user with inhalable aerosol. Conversely, the reservoir air inlet 7 is configured for the purpose of supplying air to the reservoir 44, and therefore does not typically supply air to the aerosol supply system 1; the air here is then delivered to the user via the opening 50.

[0126] The reservoir air inlet 7 is configured, for example, in response to user actuation and / or under the control of the control circuit 20, to change the rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44. It should be understood that during normal use, the liquid aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 44 is supplied to the core 46, allowing the liquid aerosol generating material to be transferred from the reservoir 44 to the aerosol generator 48 via capillary action. In practice, and before the aerosol generator 48 vaporizes any liquid aerosol generating material, the core 46 is typically saturated with liquid aerosol generating material. That is, any gaps or fibers within the core 46 defining one or more capillaries are occupied by liquid aerosol generating material drawn from the core of the reservoir 44. During vaporization, the aerosol generator 48 vaporizes the liquid aerosol generating material held in the core 46 near the aerosol generator 48. The end of the core 46 near the reservoir 44 may still contain liquid aerosol generating material. These liquid aerosol generating materials can move capillarily to the portion of core 46 near aerosol generator 48 to replace the already vaporized liquid aerosol generating material. It should also be understood that in the region where core 46 is positioned to penetrate the wall of reservoir 44 (i.e., through an orifice in the wall of air pipe 52), the liquid aerosol generating material held in core 46 can effectively form an airtight seal (or at least prevent air from leaving reservoir 44 via the orifice). This means that, apart from reservoir air inlet 7, reservoir 44 effectively defines a sealed chamber.

[0127] Generally, the rate of liquid flow through a conduit (e.g., a capillary) depends on a variety of factors, which can be related to the conduit's construction / shape and the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material. However, assuming these parameters are constant, the rate of liquid flow through a conduit is generally considered to be proportional to the pressure difference between the pressure at one end of the conduit and the pressure at the other end. In the case of aerosol supply system 1, this pressure difference could be the pressure in reservoir 44 and the pressure in air pipe 52 near aerosol generator 48 (but it should be noted that, strictly speaking, the latter is the pressure at some point in the middle of core 46). Furthermore, there is the so-called capillary pressure, which represents the capillary force between the liquid aerosol generating material and the capillary, and is generally dependent on the surface tension (of the liquid aerosol generating material), the contact angle (related to the material properties of the capillary), and the geometry of the capillary. In general, without being bound by theory, it can be observed that by controlling the pressure at various points along the capillary (i.e., at the end of reservoir 44 and / or at the midpoint of core 46 in air path 52), while also taking capillary pressure into account, the rate at which liquid aerosol material is generated from the capillary (or gap) formed in core 46 can be controlled.

[0128] In the absence of any user interaction with the aerosol supply system 1 (also known as a static state), and ideally, the pressure in reservoir 44 and the pressure in the core 46 can be approximately equal (i.e., approximately atmospheric pressure). In this case, the movement of liquid aerosol generating material from reservoir 44 to core 46 to saturate core 46 with liquid aerosol generating material can be primarily driven by capillary pressure. That is, capillary pressure (which depends on the characteristics of the liquid and / or core 46) causes liquid aerosol generating material to be drawn from reservoir 44 and flow along core 46. The capillary pressure is set to a value that facilitates the transfer of liquid aerosol generating material from reservoir 44 (therefore, in other words, the capillary pressure is set high enough to achieve this transfer), but is also set such that the capillary pressure does not supply excessive amounts of liquid aerosol generating material to core 46, thereby preventing oversaturation and / or leakage of liquid aerosol generating material in core 46 (therefore, in other words, the capillary pressure is not set to a value that is too large).

[0129] During normal use, a pressure change occurs near the aerosol generator 48 when a user inhales through the nozzle of the aerosol supply system via outlet 50. Specifically, when the user inhales through the nozzle, the pressure near the aerosol generator 48 decreases (i.e., falls below atmospheric pressure). This pressure decrease effectively draws liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 44 and causes it to flow along the core 46, replacing the liquid aerosol generating material held in the core and vaporized by the aerosol generator 48. That is, the pressure in the middle of the core 46 is significantly lower than the pressure in the reservoir 44. Therefore, under these conditions, liquid aerosol generating material flows from the reservoir 44 to the core 46 due to this pressure difference.

[0130] When a user inhales into the aerosol supply system and liquid from reservoir 44 is drawn into core 46, the pressure in reservoir 46 changes as liquid moves out of reservoir 46. Specifically, the pressure decreases relative to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, a pressure difference exists between the pressure in reservoir 44 and the pressure at the center of core 46 (due to user inhalation). Since the rate at which liquid moves along core 46 due to capillary action depends at least on the pressure difference, if the pressure difference decreases, the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is transferred from reservoir 44 to the center of core 46 also decreases. Specifically, reducing the external pressure difference effectively reduces the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to core 46. This subsequently affects the replenishment time of core 46.

[0131] Furthermore, when the user stops inhaling, the pressure near the aerosol generator 48 returns to atmospheric pressure. However, due to the fact that some liquid aerosol generating material has been drawn from the reservoir 44, the pressure in the reservoir 44 is slightly lower than the pressure before inhalation. Compared to the static state described above, this external pressure difference (i.e., the pressure at the end of the core 46 located in the reservoir 44 and the pressure in the middle of the core 46) generates a force opposite to the capillary pressure / capillary force used to supply or replenish the core 46. Therefore, the external pressure difference effectively reduces the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the core 46. This subsequently affects the replenishment time of the core 46.

[0132] According to the principles of the invention, the reservoir air inlet 7 is configured to control the rate of air flowing into the reservoir 44 to balance the pressure. In other words, the reservoir air inlet 7 is used to restore the pressure in the reservoir 44 to atmospheric pressure. However, by controlling the rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7, the replenishment rate of the core 46 can also be controlled. For example, if the rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 is relatively low, the external pressure difference (whether during or after intake) acts on the capillary pressure / capillary force for a longer period, resulting in slower replenishment of the core 46. Conversely, if the rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 is relatively high, the external pressure difference (again, whether during or after intake) acts on the capillary pressure / capillary force for a shorter period, resulting in faster replenishment of the core 46.

[0133] In some implementations, controlling the replenishment rate of core 46 can be advantageous. For example, during inhalation, if aerosol generator 48 rapidly vaporizes the aerosol-generating material located in core 46 near aerosol generator 48, it can be advantageous to allow the liquid aerosol-generating material to flow to core 46 more rapidly. By setting the reservoir air inlet 7 to allow air to flow to reservoir 44 at a greater rate, the liquid aerosol-generating material can flow along core 46 at a greater rate (because the pressure in reservoir 44 can be closer to atmospheric pressure, thereby maximizing the pressure difference). Conversely, if aerosol generator 48 slowly vaporizes the aerosol-generating material located in core 46 near aerosol generator 48, it can be advantageous to allow the liquid aerosol-generating material to flow to core 46 at a lower rate. By configuring the reservoir air inlet 7 to allow air to flow to the reservoir 44 at a lower rate, the liquid aerosol generating material can flow along the core 46 at a lower rate (because the pressure in the reservoir 44 can be lower than atmospheric pressure and closer to the pressure near the aerosol generator 48, thereby maximizing the pressure differential). In these implementations, this can help reduce the risk of leakage of the liquid aerosol generating material.

[0134] Furthermore, after inhalation is complete, for example, by slowing the rate at which the liquid aerosol generating material flows to the core 46 (i.e., by setting the reservoir air inlet 7 to allow air to flow to the reservoir 44 at a lower rate), the risk of leakage of the liquid aerosol generating material from the core 46 can be reduced. However, in this case, to obtain the appropriate amount of atomized gas, the user may need to wait a longer time between multiple inhalations of the aerosol supply system 1 to allow the aerosol generating material to saturate the core 46. Conversely, by increasing the rate at which the liquid aerosol generating material flows to the core 46 (i.e., by setting the reservoir air inlet 7 to allow air to flow to the reservoir 44 at a higher rate), the time the user waits for the core 46 to saturate between inhalations of the aerosol supply system 1 can be reduced, but the risk of leakage of the liquid aerosol generating material from the core 46 may increase accordingly.

[0135] According to the principles of the present invention, the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 by changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlet 7.

[0136] In some implementations, the reservoir air inlet 7 can be controlled, for example, via user actuation or under the control of control circuitry 20, to change the rate at which air is allowed to flow into reservoir 7. That is, in some implementations, reservoir air inlet 7 may include or be coupled to a user-actuable mechanism, such as a slider, which the user actuates to change the rate at which air is allowed to flow into reservoir 44 through reservoir air inlet 7. In other implementations, reservoir air inlet 7 may be coupled to control circuitry 20 (e.g., via an electrical connection implemented at interface 6 of aerosol supply system 1) and provided with electrically operated mechanisms (such as motors) for setting the rate at which air is allowed to flow into reservoir 44 through reservoir air inlet 7. In the latter case, control circuitry 20 may control reservoir air inlet 7 based on some interaction, such as recording for aerosol supply system 1 whether aerosol generator 48 has been activated (e.g., a pressure drop detected via pressure sensor 16) or the duration of aerosol generator 48's intake / activation.

[0137] In some implementations, the reservoir air inlet 7 is configured to be in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the rate at which air flows into the reservoir 44 is allowed to be at a first level; in the second state, the rate at which air flows into the reservoir 44 is allowed to be at a second level. The first level is set differently from the second level. By way of example only, for the aerosol supply system 1 for vaporizing liquid aerosol generating materials, such as in… Figure 1The aerosol supply system described herein is expected to consume an average of 2 µl to 4 µl of liquid aerosol generating material per inhalation. Therefore, to balance the pressure within the reservoir 44 after a single inhalation, a corresponding amount of air can be allowed to enter the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlet 7. Thus, a first level can be set to allow airflow through the reservoir air inlet 7 at a rate of approximately 4 µl / min to 6 µl / min (or 0.07 µl / s to 0.1 µl / s), thereby allowing the reservoir 44 to reach atmospheric pressure within 20 to 60 seconds. A second level can be set to allow airflow through the reservoir air inlet 7 at a rate of approximately 16 µl / min to 20 µl / min (or 0.27 µl / s to 0.34 µl / s), thereby allowing the reservoir 44 to reach atmospheric pressure within 7.5 to 15 seconds. Therefore, in this example, setting the reservoir air inlet 7 to the first level makes the replenishment time of the core 46 relatively long, while setting the reservoir air inlet 7 to the second level makes the replenishment time of the core 46 relatively short.

[0138] It should be understood that the actual rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 may differ from the rates mentioned above (e.g., as the pressure in the reservoir 44 tends to reach equilibrium). Therefore, it should be understood that the reservoir air inlet 7 is configured to limit or constrain the maximum rate of air flowing through it. In other words, this is the allowed (i.e., achievable) rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7, but not necessarily the actual achievable airflow rate. For example, using the above example, when the reservoir air inlet 7 is configured in the first state, the maximum rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 is set to 4 µl / min to 6 µl / min. This represents the (maximum) rate of air allowed to flow through the reservoir air inlet 7 in the first state. Initially, i.e., during user inhalation or when the user stops inhaling, the actual rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 can be between 4 µl / min and 6 µl / min (i.e., the maximum rate allowed by the reservoir air inlet 7 in the first state). However, as the pressure in reservoir 44 increases (i.e., approaches atmospheric pressure), the actual airflow rate may gradually decrease until the pressure in reservoir 44 reaches atmospheric pressure. At this point, the rate of air flowing through reservoir air inlet 7 can be zero (but it should be understood that this actually means that there is no net airflow rate through reservoir air inlet 7).

[0139] In some implementations, the first and second levels are set to non-zero. In other words, the maximum velocity of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7 is set to non-zero (or more specifically, greater than zero). This means that in these implementations, air flow through the reservoir air inlet 7 is always permitted to achieve pressure balance. In this implementation, the reservoir 44 is not completely sealed, and therefore pressure balance within the reservoir 44 can be achieved. However, it should be understood that the time required to achieve pressure balance will depend on the state of the reservoir air inlet 7.

[0140] The reservoir air inlet 7 can be configured to be in one of a plurality of discrete states, that is, to take one of a discrete number of values ​​(or levels) for the rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7. For example, the reservoir air inlet 7 can be configured to be set such that the permissible airflow rate is at a first level (first state) or a second level (second state), as described above. Alternatively, the reservoir air inlet 7 can be configured to be in any of a plurality of continuous states, that is, to take any of a plurality of continuous values ​​(or levels) for the rate of air flowing through the reservoir air inlet 7. For example, the reservoir air inlet 7 can be configured such that the permissible airflow rate is set between the first level and the second level and includes any value of the first level and the second level.

[0141] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The illustration shows the use of in Figure 1 An exemplary configuration of the reservoir air inlet 7' used in the aerosol supply system 1 according to the first implementation. Figure 2a and Figure 2b A portion of the cartridge housing 42 and a reservoir air inlet 7' according to a first implementation are schematically shown. Figure 2a The reservoir air inlet 7' is shown in a first state (i.e., defining a first level of permissible airflow rate), while Figure 2b The reservoir air inlet 7' is shown in the second state (i.e., the permissible air flow rate is defined at the second level).

[0142] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b In this configuration, the air inlet 7' of the reservoir is an iris mechanism or iris valve. The air inlet 7' includes a valve housing 71 and a series of movable valve flaps 72 forming the iris mechanism; in this example, the valve housing has an annular shape. The movable valve flaps 72 are movable (electrically via a motor and associated mechanism, or manually via a suitable user-actuated mechanism) to change the size of the opening 73 defined by the ends of the valve flaps 72.

[0143] The storage air inlet 7' is shown in its first state. Figure 2a In this case, the opening 73 is relatively small. As described in the examples above, this subsequently limits the maximum rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44 to balance the pressure therein to a first level (or value). The reservoir air inlet 7' is shown in the second state. Figure 2b In this case, the opening 73 is relatively large. That is, when the control reservoir air inlet 7' switches from the first state to the second state, the control valve disc 72 moves to increase the size of the opening 73. As described in the example above, this subsequently limits the maximum rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44 to balance the pressure therein to the second level (or value). However, it should be understood that since the opening 73 is in the second state ( Figure 2b The rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlet 7' in the second state is greater than the rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlet 7' in the first state. Figure 2a ).

[0144] In some implementations, the reservoir air inlet 7' may also be provided with a membrane (not shown) extending across the opening 73. This membrane can be used to further limit the rate of airflow through the opening 73. That is, the membrane can work in conjunction with the opening 73 of the reservoir air inlet 7' to limit the maximum rate at which air can enter the reservoir 44. In other implementations, the membrane, etc., can be configured not to affect the permissible rate at which air can flow into the reservoir 44 (i.e., the permissible rate at which air can flow into the reservoir 44 can be determined solely by the size of the reservoir air inlet 7'). Furthermore, the membrane can be configured to prevent the liquid aerosol generating material from leaving the reservoir 44 via the air inlet 7'; that is, the membrane can be air-permeable but impermeable to the liquid aerosol generating material.

[0145] It should also be understood that, although Figure 2a and Figure 2b A specific example of the reservoir air inlet 7' is shown, but more generally, any suitable valve or the like with movable or adjustable components can be used according to the principles of this disclosure. This can include implementations such as movable iris mechanisms or movable valves, but it can also include slider-type devices, wherein the valve includes a slider covering an opening to the reservoir 44, and the slider substantially overlaps the opening to varying degrees. Thus, the position of the slider relative to the opening causes different amounts or proportions of the opening to be exposed, thereby changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44.

[0146] Therefore, in a general sense, in some implementations, the storage air inlets 7, 7' define an opening 73 having a cross-sectional area, and the storage air inlets 7, 7' are configured such that the size of the cross-sectional area can be changed or adjusted, thereby realizing the first state and the second state of the storage air inlets 7, 7'.

[0147] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b In one example, the reservoir air inlets 7, 7' are configured as inlets with movable parts (e.g., valves, valve discs 72, sliders, etc.). However, in other implementations, multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b may be provided, each of which is configured to allow air to flow into the reservoir 44 at different rates via the reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b.

[0148] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The arrangement of the smoke cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2, including multiple reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b, according to the first implementation is schematically shown. Figure 3a and Figure 3b pass Figure 1 For clarity, this illustration only shows an alternative arrangement of the aerosol supply device 2 and the smoke cartridge 4. Similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted for brevity. Furthermore, Figure 3a and Figure 3b Only shown in Figure 1 It is part of the aerosol supply device 2, while some components have been omitted from the cartridge 4 (such as the core 46 and the aerosol generator 48) and the device 2 (such as the pressure sensor 16 and the chamber 18).

[0149] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b In this implementation, the smoke cartridge 4 is provided with multiple reservoir air paths 74a and 74b (collectively referred to as reservoir air paths 74). The reservoir air paths 74 extend along the side of the reservoir 44, and each reservoir air path is configured to be in fluid communication with one of the multiple reservoir air inlets 7. Specifically, the first reservoir air path 74a is configured to be in fluid communication with the first reservoir air inlet 7a, and the second reservoir air path 74b is configured to be in fluid communication with the second reservoir air inlet 7b. Therefore, Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe housing 42 of the cartridge 4 is suitably configured to provide these reservoir air paths 74. Specifically, it can be seen that the housing 42 includes a partition wall disposed between the outer wall of the housing 42 (defining the outer surface of the cartridge 4) and the inner wall of the housing 42 defining the air path / air duct 52. The reservoir air path 74 can be arranged in any suitable manner and / or take any suitable shape. For example, the reservoir air path 74 can be configured as a generally cylindrical tube (e.g., having a circular or approximately circular cross-section) disposed at certain locations of the cartridge 4, or the air path 74 can extend around or substantially around the entire cartridge 4 (e.g., around approximately 90% or more of the periphery of the cartridge) to form an annular tubular opening.

[0150] like Figure 1 As shown, each of the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 44. That is, each of the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b is configured to allow air at a certain (maximum) rate to flow into the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The first reservoir air inlet 7a is schematically shown as having a relatively small opening (schematically shown as the distance between the end of the partition wall and the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4), while the second reservoir air inlet 7b is shown as having a relatively large opening (also schematically shown as the distance between the end of the partition wall and the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4). Therefore, it can be considered that the first reservoir air inlet 7a is configured to allow air to flow into the reservoir 44 at a first level rate (e.g., between approximately 4 µl / min and 6 µl / min), while the second reservoir air inlet 7b is configured to allow air to flow into the reservoir 44 at a second level rate (e.g., between approximately 16 µl / min and 20 µl / min).

[0151] It can also be seen that the reservoir air path 74 extends to the lower surface of the cartridge 4 at the interface 6 between the cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2. That is, the reservoir air path 74 extends to a corresponding opening provided in the base of the cartridge 4 at the interface 6 of the aerosol supply system 1. Therefore, the corresponding reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b are fluidly connected to the reservoir air paths 74a and 74b, and fluidly connected to the openings leading to the reservoir air paths 74a and 74b, so that air from outside the cartridge 4 can be received through the openings and the reservoir air paths 74a and 74b.

[0152] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the diagram, air paths 74a and 74b of the storage unit are shown distributed around the storage unit 44. In this implementation, Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe partition wall defines the outer boundary of the reservoir 44, while the wall of the air pipe 52 defines the inner boundary of the reservoir 44. The reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b may be provided with suitable membranes or the like, which prevent the liquid aerosol generating material from leaving the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b, but allow air to enter the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b. In a manner similar to that described above, the membrane or the like can affect the permissible rate at which air can flow into the reservoir 44. In other implementations, the membrane or the like can be configured not to affect the permissible rate at which air can flow into the reservoir 44 (i.e., the permissible rate at which air can flow into the reservoir 44 can be determined solely by the dimensions of the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b).

[0153] and Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b In contrast to the previous example, the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b are not configured to change the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b. Instead, the aerosol supply system 1 as a whole is configured to change the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 by selecting one of the plurality of reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b, thereby changing the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48.

[0154] Figure 3a An aerosol supply system 1 in a first configuration is shown. For example... Figure 3a (and Figure 3b As can be seen in the diagram, in addition to air inlet 28, the aerosol supply device 2 also includes a second air inlet 29. Figure 3a In this configuration, the second air inlet 29 is fluidly connected to the opening of the first reservoir air path 74a, and therefore also fluidly connected to the first reservoir air inlet 7a. Conversely, when the cartridge 4 is connected to the aerosol supply device 2, the opening of the second reservoir air path 74b is blocked (i.e., sealed) by the housing of the aerosol supply device 2. Therefore, when the aerosol supply system 1 is in this configuration, air from outside the aerosol supply system 1 can enter the reservoir 44 via the first reservoir air inlet 7a (and subsequently at a permissible rate of the first level), while preventing air from entering the reservoir 44 via the second reservoir air inlet 7b. Therefore, in Figure 3a In this configuration, the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 is determined by the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the first reservoir air inlet 7a.

[0155] Figure 3b An aerosol supply system 1 in a second configuration is shown. Figure 3bIn this configuration, the second air inlet 29 is fluidly connected to the opening of the second reservoir air path 74b, and therefore also fluidly connected to the second reservoir air inlet 7b. Conversely, when the cartridge 4 is connected to the aerosol supply device 2, the opening of the first reservoir air path 74a is then blocked (i.e., sealed) by the housing of the aerosol supply device 2. Therefore, when the aerosol supply system 1 is in this configuration, air from outside the aerosol supply system 1 can enter the reservoir 44 via the second reservoir air inlet 7b (and subsequently at a second permissible rate), while preventing air from entering the reservoir 44 via the first reservoir air inlet 7a. Therefore, in Figure 3b In this configuration, the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 is determined by the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the second reservoir air inlet 7b.

[0156] Therefore, it should be understood that when multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b are provided (each reservoir air inlet is configured to allow air to flow through reservoir inlets 7a, 7b at different rates), the rate at which air is supplied to the reservoir 44 can be changed by selectively connecting the reservoir air paths 74a, 74b and the corresponding reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b to the environment, and thus the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48, thereby enabling air to be supplied to the reservoir 44 via the selectively connected reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b.

[0157] Although Figure 3a and Figure 3b The dimensions (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the reservoir air paths 74 are generally the same, while the dimensions of the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b are different. Therefore, the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 is controlled by the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the reservoir air paths 74 may be configured to have different dimensions from each other, in which case the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b is controlled by the reservoir air paths 74.

[0158] More generally, the dimensions of at least some portions of the passage through which air travels from outside the smoke bomb 4 to the reservoir 44 (i.e., the opening to the reservoir air path 74, the reservoir air path 74, and / or the reservoir air inlet 7) can be configured to control the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via the air inlets 7a, 7b.

[0159] Therefore, more generally, the aerosol supply system 1 can be described as including a plurality of reservoir air paths 74a, 74b and a plurality of reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b, each reservoir air inlet being connected to one of the plurality of reservoir air paths 74a, 74b. The aerosol supply system 1 is configured to selectively fluidly connect one of the plurality of reservoir air paths 74a, 74b (and subsequently the corresponding reservoir air inlet 7a, 7b) to the reservoir 44 and the environment outside the reservoir 44. Each reservoir air path 74, when fluidly connected to the reservoir 44, is capable of supplying air to the reservoir 44 at a different permissible rate.

[0160] The aerosol supply system 1 can be arranged in either a first or second configuration without particular restriction, and can employ any suitable mechanism.

[0161] According to the first implementation, the cartridge 4 (including the aerosol generating material storage area 44 / reservoir 44) can be removed from the housing of the aerosol supply device 2. That is, as described above, the cartridge 4 can be detached from or attached to the aerosol supply device 2 at the interface 6. One of the plurality of reservoir air paths 74 can be selectively fluidly connected to the reservoir 44 based on the orientation of the cartridge (and therefore based on the aerosol generating material storage area / reservoir 44) connected to the housing of the aerosol supply device 2. For example, assuming the cartridge 4 is in a first configuration (i.e., Figure 3a The first configuration) is connected to the aerosol supply device 2 in order to switch to the second configuration (i.e., Figure 3b (Configuration) The user can disconnect the cartridge 4 from the aerosol supply device 2, rotate the cartridge 180° around the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4, and then reconnect the cartridge 4 to the aerosol supply device 2.

[0162] More specifically, the smoke cartridge 4 (including the aerosol generating material storage area 44 / reservoir 44) can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply device 2 in a first orientation such that the first reservoir air path 74a is fluidly connected to the reservoir 44, and can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply device in a second orientation such that the second reservoir air path 74b is fluidly connected to the reservoir 44, wherein, as described above, the first reservoir air path 74a is configured to supply air to the reservoir 44 at a different rate than the second reservoir air path 74b.

[0163] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the arrangement of the smoke cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2 according to the second implementation, including multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b. Figure 4 pass Figure 3a and Figure 3b For clarity, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted for brevity.

[0164] Figure 4 The cartridge 4, separate from the aerosol supply device 2, is shown for illustrative purposes. The cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2 are related to... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The smoke cartridge 4 and aerosol supply device 2 are largely the same, except that each reservoir air path 74a, 74b includes a diaphragm 75a, 75b located at its opening. The diaphragms 75a, 75b are designed to seal the respective reservoir air paths 74a, 74b, preventing air from passing along them. Specifically, the diaphragms 75a, 75b help ensure that air cannot pass along reservoir air paths 74a, 74b that are not fluidly connected to the second air inlet 29 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 In this example, the second air path 74b is used. This means that there is no need to provide an airtight seal at the interface 6 between the base of the cartridge 4, which includes an opening, and the reservoir air path (e.g., the second reservoir air path 74b) that is not connected to the second air inlet 29. This can help simplify the manufacture of the device 2 and the cartridge 4. In addition, the diaphragms 75a, 75b can also prevent any liquid aerosol generating material that may have escaped from the reservoir 44 (e.g., through the reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b) from subsequently leaking out of the cartridge 4.

[0165] The aerosol supply device 2 is subsequently provided with a hollow needle 29a, etc. The hollow needle 29a may be generally tubular in shape and includes a piercing element (e.g., a needle tip or other sharp element) that can pierce either of the diaphragms 75a or 75b when the cartridge 4 is engaged with the aerosol supply device 2. Therefore, the hollow needle 29a can be formed of any suitable material (such as metal) and can adopt any suitable shape to pierce the diaphragms 75a or 75b. The hollow interior portion of the needle 29a is fluidly connected to the second air inlet 29. Thus, when the cartridge 4 is engaged with the aerosol supply device 2, the hollow needle 29a is designed to pierce, for example, the diaphragm 75a of the first reservoir air path 74a, allowing air to flow from the external environment of the aerosol supply system 1 through the second air inlet 29 and then through the hollow needle 29a into, for example, the first reservoir air path 74a.

[0166] Therefore, it should be recognized that, with Figure 3a and Figure 3b Similarly, in Figure 4 In the second implementation shown, the cartridge 4 can be disconnected again and rotated (about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4) to selectively connect either the first reservoir air inlet 7a or the second reservoir air inlet 7b to the second inlet 29. Figure 4In this example, the diaphragms 75a and 75b can be formed of a material (e.g., rubber) that can be resealed after the needle 29a is removed. That is, when the cartridge 4 is disconnected from the aerosol supply device 2, the diaphragms 75a and 75b, which have been punctured by the needle 29a, can be resealed, thereby providing an effective seal at the opening of the corresponding reservoir air path.

[0167] In other implementations of the arrangement of the cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2 including multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b, the cartridge 4 or a portion thereof may be configured to rotate relative to the rest of the cartridge 4 or the aerosol supply device.

[0168] Figure 5 The arrangement of the smoke cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2, according to the third implementation, including multiple reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b is schematically shown. Figure 4 pass Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 For clarity, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted for brevity.

[0169] exist Figure 5 In this cartridge 4, two parts are formed: an upper part 4a and a lower or base part 4b. The upper part 4a is configured to rotate relative to the base part 4b, as schematically indicated by the dashed line separating the upper part 4a and the base part 4b. The base part 4b may be suitably connected to the upper part 4a to allow such rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4, for example, through a suitable rotational connection structure.

[0170] It should be understood that, with Figure 3a and Figure 3b Similarly, when the upper portion 4a of the cartridge 4 rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4, the reservoir air paths 74a and 74b fluidly connected to the second air inlet 29 can be changed accordingly. However, in this case, it can be seen that the reservoir air path 74, which is not fluidly connected to the second air inlet 29, is blocked by the base portion 4b of the cartridge 4 (as in...). Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the example, the shielding is different by the housing of the aerosol supply device 2.

[0171] Therefore, according to Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4 and Figure 5Several examples have been described in which the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to change the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 by changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the reservoir 44 via selected reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b of a plurality of reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b.

[0172] exist Figures 3a to 5 In one example, selecting the corresponding reservoir air path 74 involves partially rotating the cartridge 4 (at least a portion thereof) about its longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the selection of the reservoir air path 74 can be performed differently. For example, the cartridge 4 may be provided with multiple reservoir air paths 74 and associated reservoir air inlets 7, and may also be provided with a sliding or movable cover (not shown) to allow selection of the corresponding reservoir air path 74. For example, the sliding cover may be a linear slider slidable between a first position and a second position, in which the opening to the first reservoir air path 74a is exposed and the opening to the second reservoir air path 74b is covered, and in the second position, the opening to the second reservoir air path 74b is exposed and the opening to the first reservoir air path 74a is covered. In this implementation, the opening to the reservoir air path 74 may be located on the surface of the cartridge 4 not covered by the interface 6, in which case the second air inlet 29 may not be required in the aerosol supply device 2. In other implementations, the aerosol supply device 2 may include a plurality of second air inlets 29 connected to each of the reservoir air paths 74, which are selectively blocked by movement of a slider.

[0173] In addition, although Figure 5 One implementation is shown in which the base 4b of the cartridge 4 is rotatable relative to the upper portion 4a of the cartridge 4 to connect different reservoir air paths 74 to the second air inlet 29 of the aerosol supply device 2. However, in other implementations, it may not be necessary to provide a second air inlet 29 in the device 2. Instead, the cartridge 4 may be provided with a rotatable sleeve or the like, which selectively blocks the opening to the reservoir air path 74 and may be arranged radially around the cartridge 4. Alternatively, the upper portion 4a of the cartridge 4 may be configured to have mechanisms that allow rotation and allow selective connection of the air path 74 to the environment.

[0174] Therefore, an aerosol supply system 1 is described, wherein the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to change the rate at which (liquid) aerosol generating material is supplied to an aerosol generator 48 by changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage area (reservoir 44) via air inlet 7. In some implementations, this includes changing the properties of air inlet 7 (such as changing the size of the opening) so that the air allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage area (reservoir 44) via air inlet 7 has different rates. In other implementations, this involves fluidly connecting one of a plurality of air inlets 7a, 7b (each air inlet configured to allow air to flow into the aerosol generating material storage area (reservoir 44) at different rates via the respective air inlet 7a, 7b) to the external environment of the aerosol supply system 1, such that air is supplied from the external environment to the reservoir 44 at selected different rates. In this implementation, it can be seen that the change in air flow rate is achieved by selectively connecting one of the plurality of air inlets 7a, 7b to the external environment.

[0175] Whether a single reservoir air inlet 7 or multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b are provided, in some implementations, one or more reservoir air inlets 7, 7a, 7b are configured such that the (liquid) aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating material storage area (reservoir 44) cannot leave the aerosol generating material storage area (reservoir 44) via the reservoir air inlets 7, 7a, 7b. For example, when the air inlets 7, 7a, 7b include openings (whether fixed or variable size), the openings can be combined with an air-permeable but liquid-impermeable membrane. Thus, air is allowed to flow through the openings of the air inlets 7, 7a, 7b, but the liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 is prevented from flowing out of the reservoir 44. As noted above, the membrane can affect the permissible rate of air inflow into the reservoir 44, or the membrane can be configured not to affect the permissible rate of air inflow into the reservoir 44.

[0176] According to the principles of the present invention, specific advantages can be achieved when the aerosol generator 48 is supplied with liquid aerosol generating materials from two different sources. Specifically, the principles of this disclosure provide a relatively low-cost and low-complexity mechanism for controlling the proportion of aerosols formed by vaporizing two separate liquid aerosol generating material sources in the generated aerosol.

[0177] Figure 6 The illustration schematically shows how two liquid aerosol generating material sources are configured. Figure 6 pass Figure 1 For clarity, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted for brevity.

[0178] Figure 6 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 1 is substantially the same as the aerosol supply system 1 in the above description. However, there are two significant differences. First, the reservoir 44 is divided into a first reservoir 44a and a second reservoir 44b. For example, Figure 1 The annular reservoir 44 may include a partition wall 44c that extends from one end of the reservoir 44 to the other end of the reservoir 44 to divide the reservoir 44 into two arc-shaped hollow tubes. Figure 6a A schematic view is shown along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply system 1 (e.g.) Figure 6 (As shown by line AA in the diagram). Figure 6a The two halves of the storage units 44a and 44b, separated by the partition wall 44c, are shown.

[0179] The first reservoir 44a and the second reservoir 44b are separated from each other by means of a partition wall 44c. Therefore, except for the core 46, the two liquid aerosol generating materials stored in each of the first reservoir 44a and the second reservoir 44b will not mix when stored in their respective reservoirs 44a, 44b. Figure 6 and Figure 6a As seen, the core 46 is arranged such that one end of the core 46 extends into the first reservoir 44a, and the other end of the core 46 extends into the second reservoir 44b. Therefore, it should be understood that one end of the core 46 is supplied with aerosol-generating material by the first reservoir 44a, while the other end is supplied with aerosol-generating material by the second reservoir 44b. In the following examples, it is assumed that the aerosol-generating material stored in the first reservoir 44a (hereinafter referred to as the first aerosol-generating material) is different from the aerosol-generating material stored in the second reservoir 44b (hereinafter referred to as the second aerosol-generating material). For example, the first aerosol-generating material may be, or may include, a flavoring agent different from the second aerosol-generating material.

[0180] Furthermore, it can be seen that, Figure 6 and Figure 6a The implementation includes two reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b. The first reservoir air inlet 7a is configured to be in fluid communication with the first reservoir 44a and to allow air from the external environment of the aerosol supply system 1 into the first reservoir 44a. The second reservoir air inlet 7b is configured to be in fluid communication with the second reservoir 44b and similarly to allow air from the external environment of the aerosol supply system 1 into the second reservoir 44b. As described above, in some implementations, the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b may be configured to prevent liquid aerosol generating material from flowing from the respective reservoirs 44a and 44b to the external environment through the reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b.

[0181] The reservoir air inlets 7a and 7b are configured to provide different flow rates so that corresponding liquid aerosol generating materials flow to the core 46 (and thus also to the aerosol generator 48) when the core 46 is replenished. For example, assuming the first and second aerosol generating materials have the same properties, by setting the first reservoir air inlet 7a to allow air to flow through the first air inlet 7a to the first reservoir 44a at a different rate than the second reservoir air inlet 7b (which allows air to flow through the second air inlet 7b to the second reservoir 44b), the rate at which the first aerosol generating material is transported along the core 46 is different from the rate at which the second aerosol generating material is transported along the core 46. Accordingly, this results in different amounts of the first and second aerosol generating materials being stored in the core 46. Subsequently, when the aerosol generator 48 vaporizes the liquid held in the core to generate aerosols, the proportion of aerosols formed by the first aerosol generating material is different from the proportion of aerosols formed by the second aerosol generating material.

[0182] For example, the first reservoir air inlet 7a can be configured such that the permissible rate of air flowing into the first reservoir 44a is relatively low (e.g., it can be set at a first level, as mentioned above in the previous example). After initial vaporization has at least partially depleted the core, the first aerosol-generating material can be supplied to the core 46 at a relatively slow rate (or more precisely, it moves along the core 46 due to capillary action). Conversely, the second reservoir air inlet 7b can be configured such that the permissible rate of air flowing into the second reservoir 44b is relatively high (e.g., it can be set at a second level, as mentioned above in the previous example). Similarly, after initial vaporization has at least partially depleted the core, the second aerosol-generating material can be supplied to the core 46 at a relatively high rate (more precisely, it moves along the core 46 due to capillary action). In this example, because the second aerosol-generating material is supplied to the core 46 at a higher rate, after a given period of time, the core 46 contains relatively more second aerosol-generating material than first aerosol-generating material. For example, after sufficient time for the core 46 to saturate, 80% of the capacity of the core 46 may include the second aerosol-generating material, while only 20% of the capacity of the core 46 may include the first aerosol-generating material. Therefore, subsequent activation of the aerosol generator 48 (which vaporizes at least some of the material held within the core 46) can result in approximately 80% of the generated aerosol being formed from the second aerosol-generating material and approximately 20% from the first aerosol-generating material.

[0183] It can be seen that the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to change the rate at which the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material are supplied to the aerosol generator 48 by setting different rates at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage unit 44 via the corresponding air inlets 7a and 7b. Therefore, by simply setting the rate at which air is allowed to enter the corresponding storage units 44a and 44b, the relative proportion of the aerosol formed by the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material can be controlled in a relatively inexpensive and simple manner.

[0184] It should be understood that, despite Figure 6 and Figure 6a An aerosol supply system 1 comprising two reservoirs 44a, 44b is shown, but it should be understood that the described principle can be extended to multiple reservoirs 44, and it should be noted that in this case a suitable core 46 or other aerosol generating material transport element may be used.

[0185] It should also be understood that in some implementations, the first reservoir air inlet 7a and the second reservoir air inlet 7b can be configured such that the permissible rate of air flowing through the respective reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b is fixed. That is, the permissible rate of air flowing through each individual reservoir air inlet 7a, 7b can remain unchanged. However, in other implementations, the first reservoir air inlet 7a and the second reservoir air inlet 7b can be configured such that the permissible rate of air flowing through the respective reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b is variable. As mentioned above, each air inlet 7a, 7b can be controlled individually to change the size of the opening of the reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b (to similarity to...). Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b (as described in the text) The aerosol supply system 1 can also be configured to allow selection of one of multiple reservoir air paths 74 and connection to one of multiple reservoir air inlets 7a, 7b (e.g.) Figures 3a to 5(As described in the text). In the latter case, it should be understood that multiple reservoir air paths 74 are provided for each of the first reservoir 44a and the second reservoir 44b. That is, for example, the first reservoir 44a may be provided with two reservoir air inlets 7, each reservoir air inlet connected to a corresponding reservoir air path 74, wherein each of the two reservoir air inlets 7 is configured to allow air to flow into the reservoir 44a at different rates, and the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to selectively connect one of the reservoir air paths 74 to the external environment. Similarly, the second reservoir 44b may be provided with two reservoir air inlets 7, each reservoir air inlet connected to a corresponding reservoir air path 74, wherein each of the two reservoir air inlets 7 is configured to allow air to flow into the reservoir 44b at different rates, and the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to selectively connect one of the reservoir air paths 74 to the external environment. This can be achieved by rotation or some other mechanism, as described above regarding... Figures 3a to 5 As stated above.

[0186] According to some implementations, the above-described technology is particularly advantageous when using a microfluidic heater assembly as an aerosol generator 48. The microfluidic heater assembly is a microfluidic heater assembly in which a substrate 162 has machined through-holes forming capillaries 166 passing through the substrate 162. The capillaries 166 can be supplied with liquid aerosol generating material in a manner similar to that of the core 46 described above. However, because the capillaries 166 are machined, more precise control can be achieved over the inflow of the liquid aerosol generating material into and along the capillaries.

[0187] Figure 7 The microfluidic heater assembly 106 is shown in more detail.

[0188] The microfluidic heater assembly 106 includes a substrate 162 and a resistive layer 164 disposed on the surface of the substrate 162.

[0189] In this implementation, the substrate 162 is formed of a non-conductive material such as quartz (silicon dioxide); however, it should be understood that other suitable non-conductive materials, such as ceramics, can be used. In some implementations, the substrate 162 may be formed of a porous material. The porous substrate 162 may be formed of a naturally porous material (such as sponge, porous stone, or ceramics) or a material engineered to be porous (such as sintered metal or other materials). These materials (naturally formed or engineered) all have interconnected pores or hollow regions that define channels through the material along random or substantially random paths (wherein, in this context, "substantially" means that, considering the entire material of the substrate 62 as a whole, the direction of the path extension may have some general trend, such as from left to right, but from the perspective of the liquid / fluid passing through the substrate 62, the path is, for example, a series of randomly selected pores or hollow regions). In other implementations, the substrate 162 may be considered impermeable or substantially impermeable (wherein this context, "substantially" means that the substrate 162 may have a degree of fluid absorption, such as e-cigarette liquid; for example, the substrate 62 may be able to absorb up to 2% or up to 1% of the total volume of the substrate 62). The manner in which the substrate 162 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0190] The resistive layer 164 is formed of any suitable conductive material, such as a metal or metal alloy, like titanium or nickel-chromium. The resistive layer 164 can be formed on the first surface 162a of the substrate 162 in any suitable manner. For example, the resistive layer 164 can be configured as a film that is adhered to or otherwise bonded to the first surface 162a of the substrate 162. Alternatively, the resistive layer 164 can be formed by a deposition technique such as chemical or vapor deposition. The manner in which the resistive layer 164 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0191] The heater assembly 106 is planar and in the form of a rectangular cube extending along the longitudinal axis L2. The heater assembly 106 has a strip shape and parallel side surfaces. The planar heater assembly 106 has parallel upper and lower main (planar) surfaces (referred herein to as the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the substrate 162), as well as parallel side surfaces and parallel end surfaces. Figure 7In the illustrated implementation, the heater assembly 106 has a length of 10 mm, a width of 1 mm, and a thickness of 0.12 mm (wherein the thickness of the substrate 162 is approximately 0.10 mm and the thickness of the resistive layer 164 is approximately 0.02 mm). The small size of the heater assembly 106 allows for a reduction in the overall size of the cartridge (such as cartridge 4) and the overall weight of the component. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the heater assembly 106 may have different dimensions depending on the application.

[0192] Along the longitudinal axis L2, the heater assembly 106 has a central portion 167, a first end portion 168, and a second end portion 169. Figure 7 In the image, for visual clarity, the length of the central portion 167 (relative to the lengths of the end portions 168 and 169) is enlarged. The end portions 168 and 169 represent areas where an electrical connection can be formed between power sources (such as power source 26), allowing power to be supplied to the resistive layer 164 to cause heating of the resistive layer 164.

[0193] A plurality of capillaries 166 are provided in the central portion 167 of the heater assembly 106. Figure 7 Only the opening of capillary 66 is shown (and is enlarged to scale for clarity), but capillary 166 extends from one side of heater assembly 106 to the other. More specifically, capillary 106 extends from the second surface 162b of substrate 162, through the first surface 162a of substrate 162 where resistive layer 164 is disposed, and then through resistive layer 164. A plurality of capillaries 166 extend substantially linearly through heater assembly 106 (that is, capillary 166 follow a substantially straight path). “Substantially” means that the path followed by capillary 166 is within 5%, 2%, or 1% of a straight line. This measurement can be obtained in any suitable manner, for example, by comparing the length of the distance from a first point to a second point along the direction of extension of capillary 166 with the length of the corresponding distance the central axis of capillary 166 extends between the same two points. Capillary 166 is formed in heater assembly 106 by a manufacturing process. In other words, the capillary 166 is not naturally present in the substrate material 162 or the resistive layer 164, but is formed in the substrate material 162 and the resistive layer 164 through a suitable process. A suitable process for forming the capillary 166, especially when forming capillary 166 that follows a substantially straight path, is laser drilling. However, any other suitable technique can be used to generate the capillary 166.

[0194] Capillary 166 is configured to transport liquid aerosol generating material from one surface of heater assembly 106 (i.e., the second surface 162b of substrate 162) to resistive layer 164. Capillary 166 may be formed in part based on the liquid aerosol generating material to be stored in reservoir 44 of cartridge 4 and subsequently used with heater assembly 106. For example, the characteristics (e.g., viscosity) of the liquid aerosol generating material in reservoir 44 of cartridge 4 can influence the configuration of capillary 166 to help ensure a suitable liquid flow to resistive layer 164. Generally, in some implementations, capillary 166 may have a diameter of approximately tens of micrometers, for example, between 10 µm and 100 µm. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, capillary 166 may be configured differently.

[0195] The heater assembly 106 is configured for use with a suitable cartridge 4. In this regard, Figures 1 to 6a The smoke cartridge 4 shown can be adapted to fit the heater assembly 106. For example, in some implementations, the second surface 162b of the heater assembly 106 is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir 44. That is, for example, the reservoir 44 is provided with an opening in which the heater assembly 106 is arranged such that the second surface 62b receives the liquid aerosol generating material. In some implementations, when multiple reservoirs 44a, 44b are present, each reservoir 44a, 44b may have an opening communicating with a portion of the second surface 162b of the heater assembly 106. The resistive layer 164 is arranged to face the air tube 52. In this regard, when the aerosol generating material is vaporized by applying current to the resistive layer 164, the vaporized liquid enters the air tube 52 and is entrained there in the air flowing through the air tube 52 (i.e., by the user's inhalation). It should also be understood that the air path 30 and the air tube 52 can be adjusted / repositioned to fit the heater assembly 106.

[0196] In the context of this disclosure, the rate at which liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to heater assembly 106 can be altered by changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into reservoir 44 via air inlet 7. More specifically, the replenishment rate of capillary 166 during or after intake can be adjusted based on the rate at which air is allowed to flow into reservoir 44 via the configured air inlet 7.

[0197] Figure 8 The description depicts the configuration of an aerosol supply system 1 (such as...) Figure 1 An exemplary method of an aerosol supply system 1).

[0198] At step S1, the method includes providing an aerosol supply system 1. As described above, the aerosol supply system 1 includes: an aerosol generating material storage section 44 (or reservoir 44) for storing aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator 48 (which may include a heater assembly 106) configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section 44 and configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section 44; and reservoir air inlets 7, 7a, 7b configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section 44 for supplying air to the aerosol generating material storage section 44.

[0199] At step S2, the method includes changing the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage unit 44 via air inlets 7, 7a, 7b. As noted above, this may include changing the size of air inlet 7, for example, by setting the size of the opening 73 of air inlet 7'. Alternatively, this may include changing the configuration of the aerosol supply system 1, for example, by selectively connecting one of the plurality of air inlets 7a, 7b to the external environment, such that air can be supplied to the storage unit 44 via the selected air inlet 7a, 7b. Thus, during use of the aerosol supply system 1, the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generators 48, 106 can be changed by altering the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage unit 44 via air inlets 7, 7a, 7b.

[0200] The above-described implementation of the aerosol supply system 1 focuses on providing air inlets 7, 7a, 7b, and 7', which are configured to receive air from the environment surrounding the aerosol supply system 1 (specifically, the reservoir 44). In particular, the air inlets 7, 7a, 7b, and 7' are provided independently of the airflow paths passing through the aerosol generators 48 and 106 (which, for example, extend from air inlet 28 through air paths 30 and 52 and via an opening 50 in the nozzle end of the system 1). However, in other implementations, the air inlets may be configured to be in fluid communication with the main air path passing through the aerosol supply system 1.

[0201] Figure 9 The arrangement of the smoke cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2, including the reservoir air inlet 7c, is schematically shown. The reservoir air inlet is connected to the main air path via the reservoir air path 74c. Figure 9 pass Figure 1 This is for illustrative purposes, but an alternative arrangement of the aerosol supply device 2 and the smoke cartridge 4 is shown. Similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted for brevity. Furthermore, Figure 9 Only shown in Figure 1It is part of the aerosol supply device 2, while some components have been omitted from the cartridge 4 (such as the core 46 and the aerosol generator 48) and the device 2 (such as the pressure sensor 16 and the chamber 18).

[0202] exist Figure 9 In this implementation, the smoke cartridge 4 is provided with a storage air path 74c, which extends along the side of the storage cartridge 44. At one end, the storage air path 74c is in fluid communication with the storage air inlet 7c. Figure 9 The housing 42 of the cartridge 4 is suitably configured to provide a reservoir air path 74c. Specifically, it can be seen that the housing 42 includes a partition wall disposed between the outer wall of the housing 42 (defining the outer surface of the cartridge 4) and the inner wall of the housing 42 defining the air path / air duct 52. The reservoir air path 74c can be arranged in any suitable manner and / or take any suitable shape. For example, the reservoir air path 74c can be configured as a cylindrical tube (e.g., with a circular or approximately circular cross-section).

[0203] like Figure 1 As shown, the reservoir air inlet 7c is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 44. That is, the reservoir air inlet 7c is configured to allow air at a certain rate (maximum rate) to flow into the reservoir 44 via the reservoir air inlet 7c. The reservoir air inlet 7c may take any suitable form described above with respect to air inlets 7, 7a, 7b or 7'.

[0204] The air path 74c of the reservoir extends to the lower surface of the cartridge 4 at the interface 6 between the cartridge 4 and the aerosol supply device 2. That is, in this implementation, the air path 74c of the reservoir extends to the corresponding opening in the base of the cartridge 4 at the interface 6 of the aerosol supply system 1. However, unlike... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The smoke cartridge 4 shown has its storage air path 74c configured to be in fluid communication with air inlet 28 / air path 30, rather than having a separate air inlet (such as...). Figure 3a and Figure 3b The air inlet 29). Specifically, the aerosol supply device 2 includes an opening 28a that is fluidly connected to the air inlet 28 / air path 30 and the reservoir air path 74c. Therefore, the reservoir air inlet 7c is configured to be in fluid communication with the main air path that passes through the aerosol supply system 1. Thus, the reservoir air path 74c can be considered as branching off from the main air path (which passes through the aerosol generator) at the opening 28a. Figure 9In one implementation, the reservoir air path 74c is shown as branching off from the main air path at a location upstream of the aerosol generator 48 (relative to the airflow direction along the main air path during use); however, in other implementations, the reservoir air path 74c may branch off from the main air path at a location downstream of the aerosol generator 48.

[0205] according to Figure 9 In this configuration, when a user inhales at the nozzle end of the aerosol supply system 1, as described above, air is drawn into the aerosol supply system 1 via air inlet 28, flows along air paths 30 and 52 and passes through the aerosol generator 48 (if the aerosol generator 48 is activated, the aerosol is entrained in the airflow at the aerosol generator), and then exits the nozzle opening 50. However, in this implementation, when the user inhales, the air drawn into the aerosol supply system 1 via air inlet 28 flows through opening 28a connected to the reservoir air path 74c. This produces a Venturi effect, essentially drawing air along the reservoir air path 74c, and correspondingly also drawing air out of the reservoir 44 via air inlet 7c (which in this case acts as the air outlet of the reservoir 44, and also as the air inlet of the reservoir air path 74c). Therefore, this results in a relatively low air pressure within the reservoir 44, which in turn reduces the rate at which liquid aerosol-generating material is supplied to the core 46 and / or the aerosol generator 48. In other words, due to the Venturi effect, the rate at which liquid aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 can be reduced in response to the user's inhalation at the aerosol supply system 1. Furthermore, it should be understood that the magnitude of the Venturi effect is proportional to the intensity of the inhalation. That is, the greater the intensity of the user's inhalation at the aerosol supply system 1, the greater the Venturi effect, resulting in a greater pressure reduction within the reservoir 44, thereby reducing the rate at which aerosol-generating material flows to the aerosol generator 48.

[0206] In the implementation of the aerosol generator 48 as a heater 48, the relative operating temperature of the heater 48 can be adjusted based on the intensity of the user's inhalation. In this regard, the liquid aerosol generating material supplied to the heater 48 provides a cooling effect; in effect, thermal energy is used to vaporize the liquid aerosol-aerosol generating material. However, if the supply of the liquid aerosol generating material decreases (i.e., if the rate at which the liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the heater 48 decreases), the cooling effect decreases accordingly. Therefore, with the same power applied to the heater 48, the heater 48 operates at a higher temperature when the supply rate of the liquid aerosol generating material decreases. Simply put, with a given power supplied to the heater 48, the stronger the user's inhalation into the aerosol supply system 1, the higher the operating temperature of the heater 48. By increasing the temperature, certain effects can be observed in the generated aerosol. For example, due to the increased operating temperature, the generated aerosol becomes hotter, and therefore the particle size of the generated aerosol can be smaller. Therefore, the user's experience can vary in response to different inhalation intensities. Furthermore, a similar effect has been observed in combustible cigarettes, where a stronger inhalation provides a hotter aerosol / smoke. Therefore, the described use... Figure 9 The user experience of the 4-e-cigarette cartridge may be more familiar to smokers who are transitioning to the 1-e-cigarette delivery system.

[0207] Although it should be understood, Figure 9 The configuration generates a lower pressure in the reservoir 44 depending on the inhalation intensity. However, when the user stops inhaling into the aerosol supply system 1, the air inlet 7c can allow air to enter the reservoir 44 and subsequently equalize the pressure within the reservoir 44, in a manner largely similar to that described above. In this case, the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material can be relatively increased (compared to when the reservoir 44 is at a lower pressure) to allow the liquid aerosol generating material to replenish the aerosol generator 48 / core 46.

[0208] It should be understood that Figure 9 The configuration shown is merely an example configuration, and the air inlet 7c and air path 74c may be configured differently for the current application depending on the structure of a specific smoke cartridge 4.

[0209] Furthermore, although air inlets 7, 7a, 7b, 7' and 7c are mentioned, it is more appropriate to define air openings. In some implementations, the air openings allow air to enter the reservoir 44 / aerosol generating material storage unit 44 to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48, and in other implementations, the air openings allow air to leave the reservoir 44 / aerosol generating material storage unit 44 to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 48.

[0210] Based on the principles of this disclosure, an aerosol supply component for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material is also provided, comprising an aerosol supply system 1. The aerosol supply component includes: an aerosol-generating material storage component, including an aerosol-generating material storage section 44 for storing aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator component, including aerosol generators 48 and 106, configured in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage component and configured to receive aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage component; and an air opening component, including an air inlet 7, configured in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage component to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol-generating material storage component. The aerosol supply component is configured to change the rate at which aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator component by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol-generating material storage component via the air opening component.

[0211] Therefore, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials has been described. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol-generating material from the storage section; and an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the storage section to allow air to enter and / or exit the storage section. The aerosol supply system is configured to change the rate at which the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by varying the rate at which air is allowed to flow into or out of the storage section via the air opening. A consumable, apparatus, and method have also been described.

[0212] Alternatively, this disclosure can be summarized as providing an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: a first aerosol-generating material storage unit for storing a first aerosol-generating material; a second aerosol-generating material storage unit for storing a second aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the first and second aerosol-generating material storage units and to receive the first and second aerosol-generating materials; and a first air inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol-generating material storage unit for supplying air to the first aerosol-generating material storage unit. The device includes a first air inlet and a second air inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a second aerosol generating material storage unit for supplying air to the second aerosol generating material storage unit. The rate at which the first aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator is set based on the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the first aerosol generating material storage unit via the first air inlet, and the rate at which the second aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator is set based on the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the second aerosol generating material storage unit via the second air inlet. The rate at which the first aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator is different from the rate at which the second aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator.

[0213] This disclosure also relates to an aerosol supply system configured to apply vibration to an aerosol generator and / or an aerosol generating material transport element for supplying liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator. A vibration mechanism is provided to facilitate the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material through the aerosol generator and / or the aerosol generating material transport element by applying additional energy to the liquid aerosol generating material and / or by removing air bubbles trapped in the aerosol generator and / or the aerosol generating material transport element. This helps ensure a more consistent flow of aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator, thereby providing a more consistent and uniform user experience and preventing damage due to over-starting of the aerosol generator.

[0214] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view taken through the aerosol supply system 201 provided according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0215] Figure 10 The aerosol supply system 201 shown includes two main components: an aerosol supply device 202 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge 204 (which is an example of a consumable or product). Figure 10The aerosol supply system 201 is an example of a modular construction of the aerosol supply system 201. In this regard, the aerosol supply device 202 and the cartridge 204 can be joined or separated from each other at the interface 206. However, as mentioned above, the principles of this disclosure are also applicable to other constructions of the aerosol supply system 201, such as those in which the device 202 and the cartridge 204 can be integrally formed as a single piece or a one-piece construction (or in other words, the aerosol supply device 201 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol generating material storage area or portion).

[0216] The aerosol supply system 201 is generally elongated and cylindrical in shape. The dimensions of the aerosol supply system 201 can be set to approximate a cigarette. However, it should be understood that the overall size and shape of the aerosol supply system 201 are not important to the principles of this disclosure. In some other implementations, the aerosol supply system 201 can adopt different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol supply device 202 can be based on a so-called box-type high-performance device, which typically has a shape closer to a box.

[0217] Device 202 includes components generally designed to have a longer lifespan than cartridge 204. In other words, device 202 is designed to be used sequentially with multiple cartridges 204. Cartridge 204 includes components (such as aerosol generating materials) that are consumed during the formation of an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol supply system 201.

[0218] exist Figure 10 In an exemplary modular configuration, device 202 and cartridge 204 are releasably coupled together at a first interface 206. When the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 204 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge 204 (e.g., a cartridge containing a different aerosol-generating material), cartridge 204 can be removed from device 202 and replaced by an attachment to device 202 and in place. Interface 206 provides a structural connection between device 202 and cartridge 204 and can be established according to suitable techniques, such as threaded, latching, bayonet-based, or magnetic coupling. In some implementations, interface 206 may also provide an electrical connection between device 202 and cartridge 204 using suitable electrical contacts. This electrical connection allows power and / or data to be supplied to / from cartridge 204.

[0219] It should also be understood that in some implementations, the cartridge 204 can be refillable. That is, when the cartridge 204 is depleted, it can be refilled with aerosol generating material using a suitable mechanism (e.g., a one-way refill valve). The cartridge 204 can be removed from the device 202 for refilling. In other instances, the cartridge 204 can be configured to be refilled while attached to the device 202.

[0220] In either a one-piece or integrated implementation of the aerosol supply system 201, the aerosol supply system 201 can be designed to be discarded after the aerosol generating material is depleted. Alternatively, the aerosol supply system 201 can be equipped with suitable mechanisms, such as one-way valves, to refill the integrated cartridge 204 (or the integrated aerosol generating material storage area) with aerosol generating material.

[0221] exist Figure 10 In the middle, the cartridge part 204 includes a cartridge shell 242, an aerosol generating material storage area 244, an aerosol generator 248, an aerosol generating material transmission component 246, an outlet or opening 250, and an air path 252.

[0222] The cartridge housing 242 supports other components of the cartridge 204 and provides a mechanical interface 206 for engagement with the device 202. The cartridge housing 242 is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In the described implementation, the cartridge housing 242 is approximately circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 204 is attached to the device 202. In this example, the cartridge 204 has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. However, it should be understood that specific geometries, and more generally, the overall shape, can vary in different implementations. The cartridge 204 includes a first end generally defined by the interface 206 and a second end opposite the first end, including an opening 250. The second end, including the opening, is intended to be received in / by the user's mouth and may be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204.

[0223] An aerosol generating material storage area 44 is provided inside the cartridge casing 242, which can be referred to herein as a storage device 244. Figure 10 The cartridge 242 is configured to store a liquid aerosol generating material, referred herein as a source liquid, e-liquid, or liquid. The source liquid may contain nicotine and / or other active ingredients, and / or one or more flavoring agents, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may not contain nicotine. The reservoir 244 is suitably configured to hold or retain the liquid therein.

[0224] In this example, the reservoir 244 has an annular shape, its outer wall defined by the cartridge shell 242 and its inner wall defining an air path 252 through the cartridge 204. Each end of the reservoir 244 is closed with an end wall to contain liquid. The reservoir 244 can be formed using suitable techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge shell 242.

[0225] The cartridge 204 also includes an aerosol generator 248. The aerosol generator 248 is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a source liquid). The cartridge 204 also includes an aerosol-generating material transfer component 246 configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from an aerosol-generating material storage area 244 (e.g., a reservoir 244) to the aerosol generator 248. In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 246 may be integral with the aerosol generator 248 to form a combined aerosol generator 248 and aerosol-generating material transfer component 246.

[0226] Aerosol generator 248 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols. In some implementations, aerosol generator 248 is a heater 248. Heater 248 is configured to subject aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, causing the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles to form an aerosol. For example, heater 248 may take the form of a resistance wire or trace designed to allow current to pass between its ends; or a sensor element designed to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field. However, in other implementations, aerosol generator 248 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols without heating. For example, aerosol generator 248 may be configured to subject aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0227] The aerosol generating material transport element 246 is configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 244 (reservoir 244) to the aerosol generator 248. The properties of the aerosol generating material can determine the form of the aerosol generating material transport element 246. For example, for liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating materials, the aerosol generating material transport element 246 is configured to utilize capillary action to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material transport element 246 may include porous materials (e.g., ceramics) or fiber bundles (e.g., glass or cotton fibers) capable of transporting liquid / viscous gels using capillary action.

[0228] exist Figure 10 In the implementation described herein, the aerosol generator 248 is a heater 248 in the form of a metal wire (such as a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire) coil. Figure 10 In this implementation, the aerosol generating material transport element 246 is a core 246 in the form of a fiber bundle (such as glass fiber). Figure 10As shown, heater 248 is wound around core 246 such that heater 248 is positioned close to core 246 and therefore also close to any liquid contained within core 246. In some implementations, aerosol generator 248 may include porous ceramic core 246 and conductive traces disposed on the surface of porous ceramic core serving as heater 248. In still other implementations, heater 248 and core 246 may be combined into a single component, for example, multiple sintered steel fibers forming a planar structure.

[0229] Heater 248 and core 246 are positioned toward one end of reservoir 244. In this example, core 246 extends laterally across cartridge air path 252, with both ends extending into liquid reservoir 244 through openings in the inner wall of reservoir 244. The openings in the inner wall of reservoir are sized to approximately match the size of core 246 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from liquid reservoir 244 into cartridge air path 252 without overcompressing core 246, which could negatively impact its fluid transfer performance. Therefore, core 246 is configured to transfer liquid from reservoir 244 to the vicinity of heater 248 via capillary effect.

[0230] The core 246 and heater 248 are arranged in the cartridge air path 252 such that the area of ​​the cartridge air path 252 surrounding the core 246 and heater 248 effectively defines the vaporization zone of the cartridge 204. This vaporization zone is the area in which the cartridge 204 first generates atomized gas. In use, the heater 248 can be powered to vaporize a certain amount of liquid drawn into the vicinity of the heater 248 by the core 246.

[0231] The aerosol is delivered to the user via an outlet 250 located at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204. During use, the user can place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204 and inhale air / aerosol through the outlet 250. More specifically, air is drawn in and flows along air path 252, then passes through aerosol generator 248, where the aerosol is entrained in the air, and the mixed aerosol / air is then inhaled by the user through the opening 250. Although Figure 10 The mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204 is shown as an integral part of the cartridge 204, but a separate mouthpiece component can be provided, which can be releasably attached to the end of the cartridge 204.

[0232] The device 202 includes an outer housing 212, an optional indicator 214, a suction sensor 216 located in a chamber 218, a controller or control circuit 220, a power supply 226, an air inlet 228, and an air path 230.

[0233] Device portion 202 includes: an outer housing 212 having an opening defining an air inlet 228 for the aerosol supply system 201; a power supply 226 for providing operating power to the aerosol supply system 201; a controller or control circuitry 220 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol supply system 201; and a suction sensor (swallowing detector) 216 located in chamber 218. Device 202 also includes an optional indicator 214.

[0234] The outer casing 212 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example has a circular cross-section that roughly matches the shape and size of the cartridge 204 to achieve a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 206. In this example, the device 202 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge 204 and the device 202 are joined together, the total length of the aerosol supply system 201 is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and dimensions of the aerosol supply system 201 of this disclosure are not essential to the principles described herein.

[0235] The outer housing 212 also includes an air inlet 228 connected to an air path 230 passing through the device 202. When the device 202 and the cartridge 204 are connected, the device air path 230 further connects to the cartridge air path 252 via an interface 206. In this regard, the interface 206 is also arranged to connect the respective air paths 230 and 252, allowing air and / or aerosol to pass along the connected air paths 230, 252. In other implementations, the device 202 does not include an air path 230; instead, the cartridge 204 includes an air path 252 and a suitable air inlet that allows air to enter the air path 252 when the cartridge 204 and the device 202 are connected.

[0236] In this example, the power source 226 is battery 226. Battery 226 may be rechargeable and may be of a type commonly used in aerosol supply systems and other applications that require providing relatively high current over a relatively short period of time. Battery 226 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Battery 226 can be recharged via a suitable charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) located at or within the outer housing 212. Alternatively, device 202 may include suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of battery 226.

[0237] Control circuitry 220 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol supply system 201. Control circuitry 220 can be considered as logically comprising various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system, and can be implemented by setting up a control chip of the form of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC, or similar type. Control circuitry 220 can be arranged to control any function associated with system 201. By way of non-limiting examples only, in addition to functions such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functions for communicating with external devices, etc., this function may also include charging or recharging battery 226, discharging battery 226 (e.g., for providing power to heater 248). Control circuitry 220 can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). It should also be noted that the functions provided by control circuitry 220 can be distributed across multiple circuit boards and / or distributed across components not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and / or PCBs can be appropriately positioned within the aerosol supply device. For example, the function of the control circuit 220 for controlling the (re)charging function of the battery 226 can be provided separately from the function for controlling the discharging function of the battery 226 (e.g., provided separately on different PCBs).

[0238] As noted above, when the device 202 and the cartridge 204 are connected together at the interface 206, the interface 206 provides an electrical connection between the device 202 and the cartridge 204. More specifically, the electrical contacts on the device 202 connected to the power source 226 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the cartridge connected to the heater 248. Therefore, under the proper control of the control circuit 220, power from the power source 226 can be supplied to the heater 248, thereby allowing the heater 248 to vaporize the liquid held in the core 246 near the heater 248.

[0239] exist Figure 10 In one example, the aerosol supply device 202 includes a chamber 218 with a built-in suction sensor 216, which in this example is a pressure sensor 216. However, the suction sensor 216 can be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204 and subsequently causes air to flow along air paths 230, 252. Therefore, the presence of the chamber 218 is optional, and its presence can depend on the characteristics of the selected suction sensor 216.

[0240] Pressure sensor 216 is in fluid communication with air path 230 in device 202 (e.g., chamber 218 branches off from air path 230 in device 202). Therefore, when a user inhales through opening 250, a pressure drop occurs in chamber 218, which, if large enough, can be detected by pressure sensor 216. In response to detecting the user's inhalation, aerosol supply system 201 is controlled to generate aerosol. That is, when pressure sensor 216 detects a pressure drop in pressure sensor chamber 218, control circuitry 220 responds by supplying sufficient power from battery 226 to aerosol generator 248, thereby vaporizing the liquid held within core 246. This is an example of an aerosol supply system known as "inhalation-actuated." Pressure sensor 216 can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to heater 248 (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of inhalation).

[0241] In other implementations, the aerosol supply system 201 includes a button or other user-actuable mechanism. When the button or other user-actuable mechanism is actuated by a user, the control circuit 220 causes power to be supplied to the heater 248, as described above. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "button-actuated." The button can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 248 (e.g., stop when the user releases the button). In some implementations, both the button (or other user-actuable mechanism) and the suction sensor 216 can be used simultaneously to control the power supplied to the heater 248, for example, requiring the button to be pressed and the pressure to drop simultaneously (indicating the presence of suction) before power is supplied to the heater 248.

[0242] According to this disclosure, the aerosol supply system 201 and in Figure 10 In the example, a vibration mechanism 209 is provided for the smoke cartridge 204.

[0243] Vibration mechanism 209 Figure 10 The vibration mechanism 209 is schematically shown at medium height. It is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and the aerosol generator (e.g., heater 248).

[0244] In this regard, it should be understood that core 246 is capable of transporting liquid aerosol generating material stored in reservoir 244 to heater 248. As described above, core 246 may be formed of a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or fiber bundle (e.g., glass or cotton fibers) capable of transporting liquid / viscous gels via capillary action. More specifically, core 246 includes a plurality of interconnected gaps or holes that define various channels through core 246, allowing the liquid aerosol generating material to be transported via capillary action. Thus, these channels may be referred to as capillary channels. These capillary channels thereby receive the liquid aerosol generating material and allow the liquid aerosol generating material to flow in the direction toward heater 248, where it is vaporized, as described above.

[0245] Ideally, the liquid aerosol generating material entering the core 246 flows toward the heater 248 to replace the vaporized liquid aerosol generating material held in the core 246 near the heater 248. However, it is possible (and this is not always the case) that the liquid aerosol generating material may become trapped or retained in the corresponding capillary before reaching the heater 248 and subsequently being vaporized. For example, the magnitude of the capillary force acting on the liquid in the capillary depends on several parameters, including the structure and size of the capillary. In materials such as porous ceramics or fiber bundles, the size of the capillary can be inconsistent throughout the core 246. For example, the diameter of the capillary can vary. When the diameter of the capillary becomes too narrow or too large, insufficient capillary force acting on the liquid aerosol generating material may occur due to factors such as the surface tension of the liquid aerosol generating material, resulting in the liquid aerosol generating material being trapped at a certain location in the core 246. In some cases, air may also enter the core 246 (e.g., when the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 244 is running low and / or if the aerosol supply system 201 is inverted during use). The presence of air in the capillary can cause blockage of the liquid aerosol generating material, as air forms a barrier that prevents the liquid aerosol generating material from passing through.

[0246] When the liquid aerosol generating material is blocked or trapped within the core 246, it should be understood that the overall performance of the aerosol supply system 201 in terms of its ability to generate aerosols may be reduced. That is, the total rate at which the liquid aerosol generating material is supplied to the heater 248 may decrease. If the rate at which the aerosol generating material is supplied to the heater 248 becomes lower than the vaporization rate, the amount of aerosols expected to be generated will be reduced, and in some cases, this may also lead to overheating of the heater 248 and / or carbonization of the core 246.

[0247] Therefore, a vibration mechanism 209 is provided to assist the transfer of aerosol-generating material into or through the core 246, and / or to assist in the release of air within the core 246. By applying vibration to the core 246, any liquid aerosol-generating material and / or air trapped within the core 246 has a greater chance of being released or expelled, thereby improving the flow of aerosol-generating material to the heater 248. The vibration applied to the core 246 may cause minor changes in the structure of the core 246 (e.g., the spacing between interconnected gaps or holes) and / or may transfer some energy to the trapped liquid aerosol-generating material (thus assisting the material transfer along the core 246). In some implementations, the resulting vibration may be sufficient to reduce (or disrupt) the surface tension of any trapped liquid and / or liquid near the heater 248 / core 246 (e.g., liquid that may accumulate or remain near these components).

[0248] The vibration mechanism 209 itself is not particularly limited, and any suitable vibration mechanism 209 can be used in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. For example, the vibration mechanism 209 may include a haptic motor or a sound wave generator. However, any other suitable mechanism for generating vibration may be used.

[0249] The operation of the vibration mechanism 209 may depend on the current application, such as the vibration frequency and intensity. Factors such as the structure and dimensions of the core 246 and the characteristics of the liquid aerosol generating material to be used in the aerosol supply system 201 can affect the degree of blockage of the liquid aerosol generating material and the vibration required to eliminate the blockage. However, for a given application, the operating parameters can be found through computer simulation or empirical testing.

[0250] exist Figure 10 In one example, the vibration mechanism 209 is shown located in the reservoir 244 of the cartridge 204. In such an example, the vibration mechanism 209 may be adapted to be immersed in the aerosol-generating material. It should be understood that the vibration mechanism 209 may be mounted in the reservoir 244 using any suitable mounting means (not shown), such as a bracket or retainer provided on the inner surface of the outer housing 242 of the reservoir 244 in which the vibration mechanism 209 fits. In other examples, the vibration mechanism 209 may be mounted in a portion of the cartridge 204 that prevents the liquid aerosol-generating material from contacting the vibration mechanism 209. For example, the vibration mechanism 209 may be embedded in the bottom wall of the cartridge 204 (i.e., the wall at the interface 206).

[0251] In addition, Figure 10In this implementation, the vibration mechanism 209 is designed to operate when current is supplied to it. Therefore, the vibration mechanism 209 is provided with wires (not shown) extending from the vibration mechanism 209 to a suitable controller (such as control circuit 220) in the aerosol supply device 202. Suitable electrical contacts between the cartridge 204 and the aerosol supply device 202 can be provided at the interface 206 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the heater 248.

[0252] However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the vibration mechanism 209 may be configured to operate in a wire-free manner. For example, the vibration mechanism 209 may include circuitry capable of receiving signals from the aerosol supply device 202. The vibration mechanism 209 may include its own power source (e.g., a battery) that supplies power to the vibration mechanism 209 in response to receiving signals, or alternatively, in some implementations, the circuitry is capable of converting signals from the aerosol supply device 202 into electrical power for supplying power to the vibration mechanism 209.

[0253] In yet another implementation, the vibration mechanism 209 may be located in the aerosol supply device 202 itself, so that the vibration generated by the vibration mechanism 209 of the device 202 can be transmitted to the core 246 of the cartridge 204 (e.g., via a conductive component described below).

[0254] Figure 11 A more detailed schematic illustration is shown for use with Figure 10 It is part of the smoke cartridge 204 used in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 202. Figure 11 Based on Figure 10 For clarity. Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for the sake of brevity, their descriptions are omitted.

[0255] Figure 11 A more detailed schematic illustration is shown. Figure 10 An exemplary arrangement of the vibration mechanism 209 in the smoke cartridge 204. Specifically, Figure 11 The vibration mechanism 209, as well as the transmission component 291, two core damping components 292, and the vibration mechanism damping component 293 are shown.

[0256] exist Figure 11In this embodiment, a conductive component 291 is disposed between the vibration mechanism 209 and one end of the core 246. More specifically, the conductive component 291 is in the form of a C-shaped element, with one end of the core 246 inserted into the opening of the C-shape; however, it should be understood that the conductive component 291 is not limited to this structure / shape. In this implementation, the conductive component 291 provides the connection between the vibration mechanism 209 and the core 246 and serves as a conductor for the vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism 209, allowing these vibrations to be applied to the core 246. Therefore, the conductive component 291 is formed of a material suitable for transmitting vibrations to the core 246. For example, it can be formed of a rigid plastic material.

[0257] Therefore, when the vibration mechanism 209 is activated (i.e., vibration is generated), the vibration is then applied to the transmission member 291, which in turn applies the vibration to the core 246.

[0258] In some implementations, the transmission component 291 can be omitted. However, in such implementations, the vibration mechanism 209 can be configured to be in direct contact with the core 246.

[0259] exist Figure 11 In the depicted implementation, vibration is intended to be primarily provided to the core 246 (and subsequently to the heater 248 wound around the core 246). In some implementations, it may be desirable to prevent the vibration from spreading to other components of the cartridge 204 / aerosol supply system 201. For example, such vibration, if applied to the housing 242 of the cartridge 204, could be felt by a user during use of the aerosol generation system 201, which may be undesirable in some implementations. Therefore, the cartridge 204 in this example is optionally provided with one or more damping components 292, 293 configured to absorb or attenuate the generated vibration to be applied to the core 246 (and heater 248).

[0260] exist Figure 11 In this configuration, core 246 extends through air conduit 252. Specifically, air conduit 252 includes openings that allow an end of core 246 to extend into reservoir 244, and subsequently allow the body of core 246 to extend through air conduit 252 between two openings. Therefore, it should be understood that core 246 is configured to contact the wall defining air conduit 252 near the opening. According to this disclosure, two O-ring-shaped core damping members 292 are provided at each opening in air conduit 252. The inner diameters of the two O-ring-shaped core damping members 292 substantially correspond to the diameter of core 246, such that the O-ring-shaped core damping members 292 can accommodate core 246 passing through them. The O-ring-shaped core damping members 292 are disposed within the openings of air conduit 252 (however, it should be noted that the openings may be formed slightly larger to accommodate the O-ring-shaped core damping members 292).

[0261] The O-ring-shaped core damping member 292 can be formed of a suitable material (e.g., rubber) capable of at least partially absorbing vibrations applied to the core 246, thereby preventing the vibrations from propagating to other components of the cartridge 204 / aerosol supply system 201. In this example, the O-ring-shaped core damping member 292 also functions as a seal to seal the space between the core 246 and the opening of the air tube 252, thereby preventing or reducing the leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 244. By forming the O-ring-shaped core damping member 292 from an elastic or flexible material, it helps ensure that the seal between the core 246 and the O-ring-shaped core damping member 292 remains intact even during vibrations applied to the core 246.

[0262] also, Figure 11 The vibration mechanism 209 also includes a vibration mechanism damping component 293. The vibration mechanism damping component 293 is optional, and its placement can depend on the manner in which the vibration mechanism 209 generates vibration. However, when vibration is not specifically applied to the transmission component 291, the vibration mechanism damping component 293 can be provided to at least partially absorb the generated vibration not applied to the core 246, thereby preventing the generated vibration from spreading to other components of the cartridge 204 / aerosol supply system 201. For example, in Figure 11 In this configuration, the vibration mechanism 209 is mounted inside the housing 242 of the cartridge 204 using a vibration mechanism damping member 293. Similar to the O-ring-shaped core damping member 292, the vibration mechanism damping member 293 can be formed of a suitable material (e.g., rubber) capable of at least partially absorbing the generated vibrations. Without the vibration mechanism damping member 293, any generated vibrations from the vibration mechanism 209 can be applied to the housing 242 of the cartridge 204. However, with the vibration mechanism damping member 293, these vibrations are subsequently attenuated and thus absorbed (at least partially) before reaching the outer housing 242 of the cartridge 204.

[0263] Therefore, it should be understood that in implementations where it is not desired that vibrations be transmitted from the vibration mechanism 209 to other components of the aerosol supply system 201, a core damping component 292 and a vibration mechanism damping component 293 are provided, and in such implementations, the core damping component 292 and the vibration mechanism damping component 293 are provided at relevant locations to prevent or reduce the transmission of vibrations to other components of the aerosol supply system.

[0264] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some examples, the aerosol supply system has a separate core 246 and a separate heater 248. However, in some implementations, a combined core 246 and heater 248 can be used instead of the separate components.

[0265] Figure 12 The illustration shows the use of... Figure 10 The cartridge 204 is used in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 202, wherein the cartridge 204 is adapted to be used with the microfluidic heating assembly 260 (in Figure 12 It is illustrated schematically, but... Figure 13 (As described in more detail below) used together. The microfluidic heating assembly 260 is an example of the combination of core 246 and heater 248. Figure 12 Based on Figure 10 and Figure 11 For clarity, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for brevity, their descriptions are omitted. Only differences or modifications are described. Figure 13 The microfluidic heating assembly 260 is shown schematically in more detail.

[0266] exist Figure 12 In the middle, for reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The described smoke cartridge 204 is adapted to include a reservoir 244 further comprising a tubular channel 244' extending through the air tube 252 and providing a fluid path between opposite sides of the reservoir 244. In effect, the tubular channel 244' provides a fluid path with... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The fluid path between the opposite sides of a similar reservoir 244.

[0267] Air entering the air tube 252 from the direction of interface 206 (e.g., when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 204) enters the air tube 252, branches as it passes around the outside of the tubular channel 244', then merges further along the air tube 252 and exits the cartridge 204 via the opening 250.

[0268] refer to Figure 13 The microfluidic heating assembly 260 includes a substrate 262 and a resistive layer 264 disposed on the surface of the substrate 262.

[0269] In this implementation, the substrate 262 is formed of a non-conductive material, such as quartz (silicon dioxide); however, it should be understood that other suitable non-conductive materials, such as ceramics, may also be used. In this implementation, the substrate 262 can be considered impermeable or substantially impermeable (wherein this context, "substantially" means that the substrate 262 may have some degree of fluid absorption, such as in e-cigarette liquid; for example, the substrate 262 may be able to absorb up to 2% or up to 1% of the total volume of fluid). That is, the material forming the substrate 262 can be a suitable material that is impermeable to the liquid aerosol generating material. However, in other implementations, the substrate 262 may be formed of a porous material. The porous substrate 262 may be formed of a naturally porous material (e.g., sponge, porous stone, or ceramics), or of a material engineered to be porous (e.g., sintered metal or other materials). These materials (naturally formed or engineered) have interconnected pores or hollow regions that define random or substantially random paths through the material (wherein the context, "substantially" means, considering the entire material of the substrate 262 as a whole, that the direction of the path extension may have some general trend, such as from left to right, but from the perspective of the liquid / fluid passing through the substrate 262, the path is, for example, a series of randomly selected pores or hollow regions). The manner in which the substrate 262 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0270] The resistive layer 264 is formed of any suitable conductive material, such as a metal or metal alloy, like titanium or nickel-chromium. The resistive layer 264 can be formed on the first surface 262a of the substrate 262 in any suitable manner. For example, the resistive layer 264 can be configured as a film that is adhered to or otherwise bonded to the first surface 262a of the substrate 262. Alternatively, the resistive layer 264 can be formed by a deposition technique, such as chemical deposition or vapor deposition. The manner in which the resistive layer 264 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0271] The heating element 260 is planar and in the form of a rectangular cuboid, extending along the longitudinal axis L2. The heating element 260 has a strip shape and parallel side surfaces. The planar heating element 260 has parallel upper main (planar) surfaces and lower main (planar) surfaces (referred to herein as the first surface 262a and the second surface 262b of the substrate 262), as well as parallel side surfaces and parallel end surfaces. Figure 13In the illustrated implementation, the heating component 260 has a length of 10 mm, a width of 1 mm, and a thickness of 0.12 mm (where the thickness of the substrate 262 is approximately 0.10 mm and the thickness of the resistive layer 264 is approximately 0.02 mm). The small size of the heating component 260 allows for a reduction in the overall size of the cartridge 204 and the overall weight of the component. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the heating component 260 may have different dimensions depending on the application.

[0272] Along the longitudinal axis L2, the heating assembly 260 has a central portion 267, a first end portion 268, and a second end portion 269. Figure 13 In this design, for visual clarity, the length of the central portion 267 (relative to the lengths of the end portions 268 and 269) is proportionally enlarged. The end portions 268 and 269 represent areas where an electrical connection can be formed between power sources (e.g., power source 226), allowing power to be supplied to the resistive layer 264 to cause heating of the resistive layer 264. (Reference) Figure 12 The wires are schematically shown extending from interface 206 to heating assembly 260. These wires may contact end portions 268, 269 to allow current to pass through resistive layer 264 (in the manner of...). Figure 10 and Figure 11 The heater 248 is roughly similar.

[0273] Multiple capillary tubes 266 are provided in the central portion 267 of the heating assembly 260. Figure 13Only the opening of capillary 266 is shown (and is shown enlarged to scale for clarity), but capillary 266 extends from one side of heating assembly 260 to the other. More specifically, capillary 266 extends from the second surface 262b of substrate 262, through the first surface 262a of substrate 262 where resistive layer 264 is disposed, and then through resistive layer 264. Multiple capillary tubes 266 extend substantially linearly through heating assembly 260 (that is, capillary tubes 266 follow substantially straight paths). "Substantially" means that the path followed by capillary tubes 266 is within 5%, 2%, or 1% of a straight line. This measurement can be obtained in any suitable manner, for example, by comparing the length of the distance from a first point to a second point along the extension direction of capillary tube 266 with the length of the corresponding distance the central axis of capillary tube 266 extends between the same two points. Capillary tubes 266 are formed in heating assembly 260 by a manufacturing process. In other words, the capillary 266 is not naturally present in the substrate material 262 or the resistive layer 264, but is formed in the substrate material 262 and the resistive layer 264 through a suitable process. A suitable process for forming the capillary 266 (especially when forming capillary 266 that follows a substantially straight path) is laser drilling. However, any other suitable technique can be used to generate the capillary 266.

[0274] Capillary 266 is configured to transport liquid aerosol generating material from one surface of heating assembly 260 (i.e., the second surface 262b of substrate 262) to resistive layer 264. Capillary 266 may be formed in part based on the liquid aerosol generating material to be stored in reservoir 244 of cartridge 204 and subsequently used with heating assembly 260. Generally, in some implementations, the diameter of capillary 266 can be on the order of tens of micrometers, for example, between 10 μm and 100 μm. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, capillary 266 may be configured differently.

[0275] Return to reference Figure 12 A heating element 260 is suitably arranged within the cartridge 204. Specifically, the heating element 260 is arranged such that a second surface 262b is disposed inside the tubular portion 244' of the reservoir 244, enabling it to receive liquid aerosol generating material from the tubular portion 244', while the resistive layer 264 is oriented towards the air tube 252 (specifically, towards the end of the cartridge including the interface 206). Therefore, when the liquid aerosol generating material is vaporized by applying an electric current to the resistive layer 264, the vaporized liquid enters the air tube 252, where it is entrained in the air passing through the air tube 252 (e.g., from the user's inhalation).

[0276] It should be understood that Figure 12 The implementation method is only Figure 10 and Figure 11 This disclosure presents one example of how the cartridge 204 can be modified to accommodate the microfluidic heating assembly 260, and other designs and arrangements are also possible. For example, the cartridge may not include the tubular portion 244', and instead the heating assembly 260 may be located at one end of the reservoir 244, whereby the air tube 252 passes approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 204 in front of the heating assembly 260 (i.e., in front of the resistive layer 264), then turns 90° and travels around the side of the reservoir 244 toward the mouthpiece 250. Various configurations are considered in this disclosure.

[0277] More generally, it should be understood that the heating assembly 260 is an example of a combined core and heater arrangement, whereby the function of drawing liquid aerosol material from the reservoir 244 is provided by the substrate 262 and capillary 266, while the function of heating the liquid aerosol material is provided by the resistive layer 264. However, this is merely one example of a combined heater and core arrangement, and the principles of this disclosure are not limited to this example. For example, in other implementations, the combined core and heater arrangement may be formed by a planar arrangement of multiple sintered stainless steel fibers.

[0278] Regardless of the specific arrangement of the core and heaters in the combination, similar to the aforementioned implementation, Figure 12 The cartridge 204 for use with the combined core and heater arrangement is provided with a vibration mechanism 209, a conduction component 291 and a heating assembly damping component 292.

[0279] Vibration mechanism 209 is arranged in the tubular portion 244' of reservoir 244 and configured to apply vibration to the second surface 262b of heating assembly 260 (via optional conductive member 291). However, in this example, vibration mechanism 209 applies vibration directly to heating assembly 260 (as an example of aerosol generator 248). Therefore, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this example, vibration is applied to the core 246 and indirectly to the heater 248, while... Figure 12 In this example, since the heating assembly 260 itself is an example of a combined core and heater, vibration is applied directly to the heating assembly 260 / aerosol generator.

[0280] As described above, the conductive member 291 and the heating assembly damping member 292 are optional. If present, the conductive member 291 is arranged to apply the generated vibrations to the second surface 262b of the heating assembly 260. In this implementation, the conductive member 291 takes the form of a rod having one circular surface connected to the vibration mechanism 209 and another circular surface connected to the second surface 262b of the substrate 262. If present, the heating assembly damping member 292 is configured to extend around the outer periphery of the heating assembly 260, such that the edge of the resistive layer 264 and possibly the side surface of the substrate 262 are configured to contact the heating assembly damping member 292. Figure 11 As in the example, the heating assembly damping component 292 also serves as a seal to prevent or reduce the leakage of liquid from around the side of the heating assembly 260 and into the air pipe 252, and to prevent or reduce the transmission of vibration to other components of the aerosol supply system 201.

[0281] Figure 14 This represents an exemplary method for operating the vibration mechanism 209 according to any of the above implementations. Figure 14 In one instance, vibrations are generated and applied during the intake process on the aerosol supply system 201.

[0282] The method begins at step S11, where a suitable circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 220 in aerosol supply device 202) determines whether aerosol generators 248 and 260 are in a startup state. "Startup state" means that aerosol generators 248 and 260 are currently being used to generate aerosols. In the example of heater 248 and heating assembly 260, heater 248 and heating assembly 260 are started when current (from power source 226) is supplied to them.

[0283] As described above, the aerosol supply device 202 may include a suction sensor 216 (or more generally, a suction detection mechanism) for detecting when a user is suctioning or inhaling on the aerosol supply system 201. More specifically, in such implementations, when a user inhales on the aerosol supply system 201, the control circuit 220 senses a pressure change based on the signal output by the suction sensor 216, and assuming the pressure change exceeds a threshold, the control circuit 220 determines that the user is inhaling on the aerosol supply system 201. Therefore, the control circuit 220 causes power to be supplied to the aerosol generators 248, 260, and according to this disclosure, also determines whether the aerosol generators 248, 260 are in an activated state. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the control circuit 220 may determine that the aerosol generators 248, 260 are activated in different ways, for example, by detecting whether the user has pressed a button to activate the aerosol generators 248, 260.

[0284] like Figure 14 As shown, if it is determined that aerosol generators 248 and 260 are not in the activated state (i.e., no at step S11), the method loops at step S11 until it is detected that they are in the activated state. However, if it is determined that aerosol generators 248 and 260 are in the activated state (i.e., yes at step S11), the method proceeds to step S12.

[0285] At step S12, the vibration mechanism 209 is controlled to generate vibration and apply it to the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or the aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260). Suitable circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 220) can supply power to the vibration mechanism 209 (from power source 226 and via interface 206) or otherwise send control signals to the vibration mechanism 209 to cause it to generate vibration. Vibration can be applied in a suitable manner depending on the current implementation. In some implementations, vibration can be applied via a suitable conductive member 291, as described above.

[0286] Depending on the current implementation, the method can proceed to step S13 or step S14.

[0287] At step S13, control circuit 220 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the vibration was applied to core 246 and heater 248 / heating assembly 260 at step S12. This predetermined time can be set to correspond to the typical duration of inhalation (e.g., approximately two seconds). In other implementations, this predetermined time can be set shorter and can be determined based on the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material to heater 248 or resistive layer 264. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (i.e., no at step S13), the method returns to step S12. Conversely, if the predetermined time has elapsed (i.e., yes at step S13), the method proceeds to step S15.

[0288] At step S14, control circuit 220 determines whether aerosol generators 248 and 260 are still in the active state. For example, if pressure sensor 218 outputs a signal indicating that the user is inhaling on aerosol supply system 201, or if the button is still pressed by the user, control circuit 220 can determine that heater 248 / heating assembly 260 is still in the active state. If aerosol generators 248 and 260 are still in the active state, i.e., yes at step S14, the method returns to step S12. Conversely, if aerosol generators 248 and 260 are not in the active state, i.e., no at step S14, the method proceeds to step S15. At step S15, control circuit 220 is configured to stop vibration mechanism 209 from generating (and thus stop vibration applied to aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260)).

[0289] although Figure 14 The method is shown to be performed via either step S13 or step S14; however, it should be understood that in some implementations, the aerosol supply system 201 is configured to perform either step S13 or step S14. In other words, if the predetermined time has elapsed (at step S13) or the aerosol generators 248 and 260 are no longer in the activated state (at step S14), the aerosol supply system 201 may perform step S15.

[0290] Figure 15 This represents an exemplary method for operating the vibration mechanism 209 according to any of the above implementations. Figure 15 In one instance, vibration is generated and applied after air is drawn into the aerosol supply system 201.

[0291] The method begins at step S110, where appropriate circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 220 in aerosol supply device 202) determines whether aerosol generators 248 and 260 have been activated. In this regard, aerosol generators 248 and 260 are considered activated when the suction sensor 216 (or more generally, the suction detection mechanism) no longer detects user inhalation or when the button is no longer pressed by the user. That is, actuation of aerosol generators 248 and 260 has ceased. If aerosol generators 248 and 260 are still activated at step S110, the method loops back to step S110.

[0292] On the other hand, if at step S110 the control circuit 220 determines that the aerosol generators 248 and 260 are no longer actuated (i.e., have been activated), then at step S112, the control circuit 220 causes the vibration mechanism 209 to generate vibration and applies the vibration to the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or the aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260). As described above, the control circuit 220 can supply power to the vibration mechanism 209 (from power source 226 and via interface 206) or otherwise send control signals to the vibration mechanism 209 to cause the vibration mechanism 209 to generate vibration. Vibration can be applied in a suitable manner depending on the current implementation. In some implementations, vibration can be applied via a suitable conductive member 291, as described above.

[0293] At step S114, control circuit 220 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since vibration was applied to core 246 and heater 248 / heating assembly 260 starting at step S112. This predetermined time can be set to any suitable value. In some implementations, this predetermined time is set based on the refill rate of the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260), wherein one or more openings of the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260) can be refilled with aerosol generating material. In other words, providing a duration of vibration facilitates the complete refilling of core 246 or heating assembly 260.

[0294] If the predetermined time has not yet passed, i.e., if the condition is negative at step S114, the method returns to step S112. Conversely, if the predetermined time has passed, i.e., if the condition is positive at step S114, the method proceeds to step S116. At step S116, the control circuit 220 is configured to stop the vibration mechanism 209 from generating (and thus stop the vibration applied to the aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., core 246) and / or the aerosol generator (heater 248 or heating assembly 260)).

[0295] therefore, Figure 14 and Figure 15 Two methods for applying vibrations to aerosol generating material transport elements (e.g., core 246) and / or aerosol generators (heater 248 or heating assembly 260) are described. Vibration can be applied during the startup of aerosol generators 248, 260, in which case it helps ensure a continuous supply of liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator during use, preventing or reducing the possibility of dry burning. Alternatively, vibration can be applied after aerosol generators 248, 260 have been started, in which case it helps to fully saturate the aerosol generating material transport element 246.

[0296] However, in some implementations, vibrations can be applied both during and after inhalation (i.e., Figure 14 and Figure 15 The method is applied simultaneously, but after step S13 or step S14, the process does not proceed to step S15; instead, the method can proceed to step S112.

[0297] Furthermore, it should be understood that the amplitude (or other parameters) of the vibration applied during the inhalation / aerosol generator startup may differ from the amplitude (or other parameters) of the vibration applied after the inhalation / aerosol generator startup. For example, during inhalation, the vibration generated by the vibration mechanism may be stronger because it may be necessary to ensure a specific flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material to aerosol generators 248, 260, while after inhalation, the vibration may be weaker when providing a specific flow rate may be less critical to conserve battery power.

[0298] In some other implementations, it should be understood that the vibration applied by the vibration mechanism 209 can be used to reduce (or disrupt) the surface tension of liquids that accumulate or remain near the aerosol generating material transport component 246 and / or aerosol generator 248 but cannot flow due to insufficient capillary action. In other words, the surface tension is too high to allow capillary action, but by applying vibrational energy, the surface tension is reduced to facilitate the flow of liquid aerosol generating material. In some implementations, this effect may be more pronounced when there is less aerosol generating material in the reservoir 244 (e.g., as the “weight” of the aerosol generating material behind the core 246 / heater 248 decreases, the surface tension may become increasingly difficult to overcome). Therefore, vibration can help improve the efficiency of the cartridge 204 in terms of the amount of aerosol generating material that can be aerosolized by the aerosol generator 248. In another implementation, to help improve electrical efficiency, the vibration mechanism 209 can be configured to generate vibration when the amount of aerosol generating material in the reservoir 244 drops below a threshold. The aerosol supply system 201 may be equipped with sensors to detect the amount of aerosol-generating material in the reservoir, and / or the aerosol supply system 201 may be configured to estimate the amount of aerosol-generating material in the reservoir based on the use of the aerosol supply system 201 (e.g., the number of times the system 201 is used / the number of times it is pumped).

[0299] As described above, the aerosol generating material transport component 246 can be formed separately from the aerosol generator 248 or integrally formed with the aerosol generator 248 (to form a combined aerosol generator and aerosol generating material transport component). Furthermore, the aerosol generating material transport component 246 is understood to be separate from the cartridge shell 242 and the aerosol generating material storage section 244. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating material transport component 246 can be integrally formed with the cartridge shell 242 and / or the aerosol generating material storage section 244. For example, in some implementations, the cartridge shell 242 / aerosol generating material storage section 244 can include a series of hollow tubular columns in the region of the aerosol generating material storage section 244 near the aerosol generator 248.

[0300] Figure 16 An exemplary arrangement of this configuration is shown schematically. Figure 16 The cartridge portion 204'' is shown schematically, which includes: a cartridge shell 242'' that defines a reservoir 244'' in which a liquid aerosol generating material is stored; Figure 13 The heating assembly 260; and an optional aerosol generation material transport layer 246. For clarity, several components of the cartridge 204'' are omitted, and only the relevant portions of the cartridge housing 242'' and the reservoir 244'' are shown. Furthermore, for the sake of concreteness, the air / aerosol flow in this implementation is along (parallel to) the exposed surface of the heating assembly 260 (i.e., the resistive layer 264).

[0301] exist Figure 16 In this example, the heating assembly 260 is arranged such that the second surface 262b is oriented closer to the reservoir 244'', and similarly to the manner described above, the portion of the heating assembly 260 that first receives liquid from the reservoir 244'' is the second surface 262b. As an optional aerosol-generating material transport component 246, in this example, a wicking material (e.g., cotton or a sintered metal powder / fiber structure) is placed in contact with the second surface 262b of the substrate 262. The wicking material can serve to promote both vertical and horizontal / lateral flow of the liquid aerosol-generating material (where horizontal and vertical are relative to vertical). Figure 16 (Referring to the plane in the middle).

[0302] exist Figure 16In one example, the reservoir 244'' / casing 242'' of the cartridge 204'' includes a plurality of tubular columns 246a arranged with their longitudinal axes aligned. The tubular columns 246a are configured to facilitate the flow of liquid aerosol generating material within the reservoir 244'' to the second surface 262b of the heating assembly 260 and / or, optionally, wicking material. Therefore, the internal dimensions (e.g., inner diameter) of the tubular columns 246a can be designed to receive and facilitate the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material. It should be understood that in some implementations, the inner diameter of the tubular columns 246a can be set to apply capillary forces to the liquid aerosol generating material, but this may not be suitable for all implementations. The tubular columns 246a are integrally formed with the cartridge casing 242'' or the reservoir 244''. For example, the cartridge casing 242'' can be formed from a plastic or metal material, while the tubular columns 246a can be formed by suitable molding or drilling, etc. Therefore, in use, the liquid aerosol generating material can flow from the reservoir 244'', through the tubular column 246a, through the optional wicking material 246, and reach the second surface 262b of the substrate 62 of the heating assembly 260.

[0303] According to the principles of this disclosure, a vibration mechanism 209 is provided to apply vibration to the tubular column 246a. For example, in Figure 16 In this configuration, the vibration mechanism 209 (shown schematically) is arranged to transmit the generated vibrations to the tubular column 246a. In a manner similar to that described above with respect to the aerosol generating material transport component 246, vibration can help facilitate the flow of liquid through the tubular column 246a. That is, by applying vibration to the tubular column 246a, any liquid aerosol generating material and / or air trapped within the tubular column 246a has a greater chance of being released or expelled, thereby improving the flow of the aerosol generating material to the heating assembly 260.

[0304] It should be understood that Figure 16 An example of the cartridge casing 242'' / reservoir 244' is shown, which generally includes a region configured to facilitate the flow of liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 248 / heating assembly 260. It should be understood that in other implementations, the cartridge casing 242'' / reservoir 244' may not include the tubular column 246a described above, but may include alternative arrangements that facilitate the flow of liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 248 / heating assembly 260. For example, refer to... Figure 13In some cases, the tubular channel 244' of the reservoir 244 may be provided with an aerosol-generating material transport component, such as a tubular column 246a (although in this case, its longitudinal axis is parallel to the horizontal direction (i.e., toward / away from the center of the tubular channel 244')). This arrangement can help facilitate liquid flow in the horizontal direction and is particularly suitable for reservoirs configured such that, at least in some areas, the liquid flow path is generally not parallel to the direction of gravity when the aerosol supply system 201 is held in its normal orientation (i.e., the orientation in which the user is expected to use the aerosol supply system 201).

[0305] Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the implementation of applying vibration to a separate aerosol generating material transport element 246, but can also be applied to an aerosol generating material transport element (e.g., tubular column 246a) integrated with the cartridge housing 242'' / reservoir 244'' (or more generally with the aerosol supply system 201).

[0306] According to the principles of this disclosure, an aerosol supply component is also provided, comprising an aerosol supply system 201 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply component includes: an aerosol generating material storage component (including an aerosol generating material storage section 244) for storing aerosol generating materials; an aerosol generating material transport component (including an aerosol generating material transport member 246) configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage component; an aerosol generator component (including an aerosol generator 248, which may further include a heating assembly 260) configured to receive aerosol generating materials from the aerosol generating material storage component, wherein the aerosol generating material transport component and / or the aerosol generator component includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol generating materials; and a vibration component (including a vibration mechanism 209) configured to apply vibration to at least the aerosol generator component and the aerosol generating material transport component.

[0307] Therefore, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials has been described. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol-generating material transport element disposed in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section; an aerosol generator configured to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol-generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol-generating material; and a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transport element. A consumable for use with the aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device, a method for supplying aerosol-generating materials, and an aerosol supply component have also been described.

[0308] This disclosure also relates to an aerosol supply system configured to control the rate at which aerosol generating materials are supplied to the aerosol generator by preheating the aerosol generating materials before they are delivered to the aerosol generator. More broadly, the flow rate of the aerosol generating materials can be controlled based on the viscosity of the aerosol generating materials near the core or similar fluid transport element. This allows for greater freedom in designing the aerosol supply system and helps prevent leakage and / or reduce the possibility of dry burning during use. In implementations with multiple aerosol generating material storage sections, controlling the flow rate of each aerosol generating material can provide a low-cost, low-complexity way to control the mixing ratio of the aerosol generating materials, and / or control the proportion of aerosols generated from each of the first and second aerosol generating materials.

[0309] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system 301 provided according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0310] Figure 17 The aerosol supply system 301 shown includes two main components: an aerosol supply device 302 and a replaceable / disposable cartridge 304 (which is an example of a consumable or product). Figure 17 The aerosol supply system 301 is an example of a modular construction. In this respect, the aerosol supply device 302 and the cartridge 304 can be engaged or disengaged from each other at the interface 306. However, as described above, the principles of this disclosure are also applicable to other constructions of the aerosol supply system 301, such as a one-piece or integrated construction, wherein the device 302 and the cartridge 304 can be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol supply device 301 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol generating material storage area or portion).

[0311] The aerosol supply system 301 is generally elongated and cylindrical. The dimensions of the aerosol supply system 301 can be set to be similar to those of a cigarette. However, it should be understood that the overall size and shape of the aerosol supply system 301 are not essential to the principles of this disclosure. In some other implementations, the aerosol supply system 301 can conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol supply device 302 can be based on so-called box-type high-performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.

[0312] Device 302 includes components generally designed to have a longer lifespan than cartridge 304. In other words, device 302 is designed to be used in conjunction with a plurality of cartridges 304 in sequence. Cartridge 304 includes components (e.g., aerosol generating materials) consumed during use of the aerosol supply system 301 to provide aerosol to the user.

[0313] exist Figure 17 In an exemplary modular configuration, device 302 and cartridge 304 are releasably coupled together at a first interface 306. When the aerosol-generating material in cartridge 304 is depleted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge 304 (e.g., containing a different aerosol-generating material), cartridge 304 can be removed from device 302 and a replacement cartridge 304 can be installed in place of it. Interface 306 provides a structural connection between device 302 and cartridge 304 and can be established according to suitable techniques, such as threaded, latching, bayonet-based, or magnetic coupling. In some implementations, interface 306 may also provide an electrical connection between device 302 and cartridge 304 using suitable electrical contacts. This electrical connection allows power and / or data to be supplied to / from cartridge 304.

[0314] It should also be understood that in some implementations, the cartridge 304 can be refillable. That is, when the cartridge 304 is depleted, it can be refilled with an aerosol-generating material using a suitable mechanism (e.g., a one-way refill valve). The cartridge 304 can be removed from the device 302 for refilling. In other instances, the cartridge 304 can be configured to be refilled when attached to the device 302.

[0315] In the implementation of the aerosol supply system 301 as a one-piece or integrated system, the aerosol supply system 301 can be designed to be discarded when the aerosol generating material is depleted. Alternatively, the aerosol supply system 301 can be provided with a suitable mechanism, such as a one-way valve, to allow the integrated cartridge 304 (or integrated aerosol generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol generating material.

[0316] exist Figure 17In the middle, the cartridge part 304 includes a cartridge shell 342, an aerosol generating material storage area 344, an aerosol generator 348, an aerosol generating material transmission component 346, an outlet or opening 350, and an air path 352.

[0317] The cartridge housing 342 supports other components of the cartridge 304 and provides a mechanical interface 306 with the device 302. The cartridge housing 342 is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In this implementation, the cartridge housing 342 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 304 is connected to the device 302. In this example, the cartridge 304 is approximately 4 cm long and approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. However, it should be understood that the specific geometry and the more general overall shape may differ in different implementations. The cartridge 304 includes a first end (generally defined by the interface 306) and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including an opening 350. The second end including the opening is intended to be received in / by the user's mouth and may be referred to as the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304.

[0318] Inside the cartridge casing 342 is an aerosol generating material storage area 344, which may be referred to herein as a reservoir 344. Figure 17 The cartridge 304 is configured to store a liquid aerosol generating material, which may be referred to herein as a source liquid, e-cigarette liquid, or liquid. The source liquid may contain nicotine and / or other active ingredients, and / or one or more flavorings, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may not contain nicotine. The reservoir 344 is suitably configured to hold or store the liquid therein.

[0319] In this example, the reservoir 344 has an annular shape, its outer wall defined by the cartridge shell 342, and its inner wall defining an air path 352 through the cartridge 304. The reservoir 344 is closed at each end with an end wall to contain liquid. The reservoir 344 can be formed according to suitable techniques; for example, it can comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the cartridge shell 342.

[0320] The cartridge 304 also includes an aerosol generator 348. The aerosol generator 348 is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a source liquid). The cartridge 304 also includes an aerosol-generating material transfer component 346 configured to transfer the aerosol-generating material from an aerosol-generating material storage area 344 (e.g., a reservoir 344) to the aerosol generator 348. In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 346 may be integrated with the aerosol generator 348 to form a combined aerosol generator 348 and aerosol-generating material transfer component 346.

[0321] Aerosol generator 348 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols. In some implementations, aerosol generator 348 is a heater 348. Heater 348 is configured to apply thermal energy to aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. As an example, heater 348 may take the form of a resistance wire or trace designed to allow current to pass between its ends, or take the form of a sensor element designed to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field. However, in other implementations, aerosol generator 348 is configured to cause aerosol-generating material to generate aerosols without heating. For example, aerosol generator 348 may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0322] The aerosol generating material transport element 346 is configured to transport the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage area 344 (reservoir 344) to the aerosol generator 348. The properties of the aerosol generating material can determine the form of the aerosol generating material transport element 346. For example, for liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating materials, the aerosol generating material transport element 346 is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol generating material using capillary action. For example, the aerosol generating material transport element 346 may include a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or fiber bundle (e.g., glass fiber or cotton fiber) capable of transporting liquid / viscous gel aerosol generating materials using capillary action.

[0323] exist Figure 17 In the aforementioned implementation, the aerosol generator 348 is a heater 348, which takes the form of a metal coil, such as a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire. Figure 17 In this implementation, the aerosol generating material transport element 346 is a core 346, which takes the form of a fiber bundle (e.g., glass fiber). A heater 348 is wound around the core 346, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the heater 348 is positioned near the core 346, and therefore also close to any liquid held within the core 346. In some implementations, the aerosol generator 348 may include a porous ceramic core 346 and conductive traces disposed on the surface of the porous ceramic core to serve as the heater 348. In other implementations, the heater 348 and the core 346 may be combined into a single component, for example, multiple sintered steel fibers forming a planar structure.

[0324] The heater 348 and the core 346 are positioned towards one end of the reservoir 344. In this example, the core 346 extends laterally through the cartridge air path 352, its end extending into the reservoir 344 through an opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 344. The opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 344 is sized to approximately match the size of the core 346 to provide a reasonable seal without over-compressing the core 346 (which could be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance) to prevent liquid from leaking from the reservoir 344 into the cartridge air path 352. Therefore, the core 346 is configured to transfer liquid from the reservoir 344 to the vicinity of the heater 348 via capillary action.

[0325] The core 346 and heater 348 are arranged in the cartridge air path 352 such that the area of ​​the cartridge air path 352 surrounding the core 346 and heater 348 effectively defines the vaporization region of the cartridge 304. This vaporization region is the area where the cartridge 304 initially generates vapor. In use, power can be supplied to the heater 348 to vaporize a certain amount of liquid drawn into the vicinity of the heater 348 by the core 346.

[0326] The aerosol is delivered to the user via an outlet 350 located at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304. During use, the user can place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304 and inhale air / aerosol through the outlet 350. More specifically, air is inhaled and travels along air path 352, passing through aerosol generator 348, where the aerosol is entrained in the air, and then the combined aerosol / air is inhaled by the user through the opening 350. Although Figure 17 The mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304 is shown as an integral part of the cartridge 304, but a separate mouthpiece component may also be provided, which can be releasably attached to the end of the cartridge 304.

[0327] The device 302 includes a housing 312, an optional indicator 314, a suction sensor 316 located in a chamber 318, a controller or control circuit 320, a power supply 326, an air inlet 328, and an air path 330.

[0328] Device portion 302 includes: a housing 312 having an opening defining an air inlet 328 for the aerosol supply system 301; a power supply 326 for providing operating power to the aerosol supply system 301; a controller or control circuit 320 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol supply system 301; and a suction sensor (suction detector) 316 located in a chamber 318. Device 302 also includes an optional indicator 314.

[0329] The outer casing 312 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal, and in this example has a circular cross-section that generally conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge 304, so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 306. In this example, the length of the device 302 is approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge 304 and the device 302 are joined together, the total length of the aerosol supply system 301 is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and size of the aerosol supply system 301 implementing this disclosure is not essential to the principles described herein.

[0330] The housing 312 also includes an air inlet 328 connected to an air path 330 provided through the device 302. When the device 302 and the cartridge 304 are connected, the device air path 330 is further connected across the interface 306 to the cartridge air path 352. In this respect, the interface 306 is also arranged to provide a connection between the respective air paths 330 and 352, allowing air and / or aerosol to pass through along the connected air paths 330, 352. In other implementations, the device 302 does not include an air path 330, but the cartridge 304 includes an air path 352 and a suitable air inlet that allows air to enter the air path 352 when the cartridge 304 and the device 302 are connected.

[0331] In this example, the power source 326 is a battery 326. The battery 326 may be rechargeable and may be the type commonly used in aerosol supply systems and other applications requiring the delivery of relatively high current over relatively short periods. The battery 326 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery 326 can be recharged via a suitable charging connector (e.g., a USB connector) located at or within the housing 312. Additionally or alternatively, the device 302 may include suitable circuitry for facilitating wireless charging of the battery 326.

[0332] Control circuitry 320 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of aerosol supply system 301. Control circuitry 320 can logically be considered to include various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol supply system, and can be implemented by providing a control chip of the form of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC, or similar. Control circuitry 320 can be arranged to control any function associated with system 301. As a non-limiting example only, this function may include: charging or recharging battery 326; discharging battery 326 (e.g., for supplying power to heater 348); and other functions such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) / displays, communication functions for communicating with external devices, etc. Control circuitry 320 can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). It should also be noted that the functions provided by control circuitry 320 can be distributed across multiple circuit boards and / or across components not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and / or PCBs can be appropriately positioned within the aerosol supply device. For example, the function of the control circuit 320 for controlling the (re)charging function of battery 326 can be set separately from the function for controlling the discharging function of battery 326 (e.g., on different PCBs).

[0333] As described above, when the device 302 and the cartridge 304 are connected together at the interface 306, the interface 306 provides an electrical connection between the device 302 and the cartridge 304. More specifically, the electrical contacts on the device 302 (which are connected to the power source 326) are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the cartridge (which are connected to the heater 348). Therefore, under the proper control of the control circuit 320, power from the power source 326 can be supplied to the heater 348, thereby allowing the heater 348 to vaporize the liquid held in the vicinity of the heater 348 within the core 346.

[0334] exist Figure 17 In one example, the aerosol supply device 302 includes a chamber 318 housing a suction sensor 316, which in this example is a pressure sensor 316. However, the suction sensor 316 can be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304 and subsequently draws air along air paths 330, 352. Therefore, the presence of the chamber 318 is optional and can depend on the characteristics of the selected suction sensor 316.

[0335] Pressure sensor 316 is in fluid communication with air path 330 in device 302 (e.g., chamber 318 branches off from air path 330 in device 302). Therefore, when a user inhales through opening 350, the pressure in chamber 318 drops, and if this drop is sufficient, it is detected by pressure sensor 316. In response to detecting the user's inhalation, aerosol supply system 301 is controlled to generate aerosol. That is, when pressure sensor 316 detects a pressure drop in pressure sensor chamber 318, control circuitry 320 responds by supplying power from battery 326 to aerosol generator 348 (sufficient to cause vaporization of the liquid held within core 346). This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "suction-actuated". Pressure sensor 316 can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to heater 348 (e.g., when pressure sensor detects the absence of inhalation).

[0336] In other implementations, the aerosol supply system 301 includes a button or other user-actuable mechanism. When the button or other user-actuable mechanism is actuated by a user, the control circuit 320 supplies power to the heater 348 as described above. This is an example of an aerosol supply system referred to as "button-actuated". The button can be used to start and / or stop the power supply to the heater 348 (e.g., when the button is released by the user). In some implementations, both the button (or other user-actuable mechanism) and the suction sensor 316 can be used to control the transmission of power to the heater 348, for example, by requiring both button pressing and an indication of a pressure drop in suction before power is supplied to the heater 348.

[0337] According to this disclosure, aerosol supply system 301 (and in Figure 17 In the example, the smoke cartridge 304 is equipped with a preheating mechanism 309.

[0338] exist Figure 17 In the aforementioned implementation, the preheating mechanism 309 includes a pair of preheating heaters 309 (sometimes referred to herein as heaters 309). This pair of preheating heaters 309 is disposed in the reservoir 344, with each heater 309 located near each end of the core 346. Figure 17 In the diagram, heater 309 is shown schematically. It should be understood that heater 309 can be mounted in reservoir 344 using any suitable mounting means (not shown), such as a bracket or holder provided on the inner surface of the outer housing 342 forming reservoir 344 and for receiving heater 309. Furthermore, in Figure 17In this implementation, each heater 309 is a resistance heater designed to generate heat when current is supplied to it. Therefore, each heater 309 is provided with wires (not shown) extending from each heater 309 to a suitable controller, such as control circuitry 320, in the aerosol supply device 302. Suitable electrical contacts between the cartridge 304 and the aerosol supply device 302 can be provided at interface 306, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the aerosol generator / heater 348.

[0339] However, it should be understood that in other implementations, heater 309 may be configured to operate in a wire-free manner. For example, each heater 309 may include a sensor capable of being inductively heated by one or more suitable induction coils disposed in aerosol supply device 302. In other instances, heater 309 may be configured to generate heat using, for example, a chemical reaction. Therefore, it should be understood that the specific construction of heater 309 and / or the manner in which heater 309 generates heat is not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0340] As described above, core 346 is configured to facilitate the transfer of liquid aerosol generating material from reservoir 344 to aerosol generator 348. More specifically, core 346 is configured to have one or more capillaries (i.e., tubes or interconnected gaps or holes) that facilitate the transfer of liquid aerosol generating material due to capillary action. Not wishing to be bound by theory, the degree of capillary action is influenced by many factors, such as the material / shape / size of the capillaries and the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material. For example, for a given core 346, properties such as the viscosity and surface tension of the given liquid aerosol generating material can affect the degree of capillary action, or even whether capillary action is possible.

[0341] Therefore, for a given configuration of core 346, a preheating heater 309 is provided to heat the liquid aerosol generating material near heater 309 (and subsequently at the end of core 346), thereby altering the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material. For example, by heating the liquid aerosol generating material in at least a portion of reservoir 344, the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material in reservoir 344 can be reduced (i.e., the liquid aerosol generating material can become less viscous). In some implementations, preheating the liquid aerosol generating material near core 346 alters the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material to increase or enhance the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material along core 346 (i.e., from the end of core 346 in reservoir 344 to the middle of core 346 near aerosol generator 348). During use, when the aerosol generator 348 is activated, the liquid aerosol generating material held in the core 346 near the aerosol generator 348 is vaporized and subsequently replaced or replenished by liquid aerosol generating material flowing along the core 346 from end to center. When the preheating heater 309 is activated to reduce the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material, if the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material along the core 346 increases, it should be understood that the likelihood of the core 346 drying out (i.e., being heated by the aerosol generator 348 when there is no liquid aerosol generating material in the core 346 near the aerosol generator 348) will decrease. Furthermore, or alternatively, in some implementations, at ambient temperature, the liquid aerosol generating material may not flow through the core 346 by capillary action. This may be in implementations where it is desirable to reduce leakage of liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 344 (i.e., via the core 346) when the aerosol supply system 301 is not in use. Therefore, using the preheater 309 to preheat the liquid aerosol generating material allows it to flow through the core 346 to the aerosol generator 348.

[0342] Therefore, broadly speaking, by providing a preheating mechanism 309, such as a pair of preheating heaters 309, the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 344 (e.g., near both ends of the core 346) can be altered, thereby promoting the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material along the core 346 to the aerosol generator 348 and / or increasing the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material along the core 346 to the aerosol generator 348.

[0343] The degree of heating (i.e., the amount of thermal energy) provided by the preheating heater 309 can depend on the specific implementation. Different liquid aerosol generating materials, as well as different constructions and properties of the core 346, can use different amounts of energy to achieve the desired viscosity change (and therefore the desired flow rate of the aerosol generating material along the core 346). Similarly, the size of the heater 309, the mass of the liquid aerosol generating material in the vicinity of the heater 309 and / or in the reservoir 344 can all affect the degree to which the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating material changes in response to heating. In other words, the specific degree of heating is highly dependent on the design of the aerosol supply system 3031 and the properties of the materials used in certain components. While many factors may influence the degree of heating to be provided, a suitable degree of heating can be determined through empirical testing or computer simulation. However, it should be understood that heater 309 is not responsible for aerosolizing the liquid aerosol generating material, so the degree of heating is set such that the temperature of the liquid aerosol generating material near heater 309 is lower than the vaporization temperature (and therefore when aerosol generator 348 is a heater, the temperature of the liquid aerosol generating material near aerosol generator 348 is also lower than the vaporization temperature).

[0344] Furthermore, in some implementations, the degree of heating can vary based on external factors, such as ambient temperature. For example, a temperature sensor (e.g., provided as part of control circuitry 320 and / or pressure sensor 316) can be configured to measure the ambient temperature, and the degree of heating can be adjusted based on the ambient temperature. For example, it can be anticipated that a lower degree of heating (i.e., lower energy provided by heater 309) is appropriate when the ambient temperature is relatively high.

[0345] The preheater 309 can be continuously activated (e.g., powered by the power supply 326) when the aerosol supply system 301 is turned on. In this case, the aerosol supply system 301 includes a state where power is supplied to components of the aerosol supply system 301 (e.g., control circuit 320 and / or pressure sensor 316), but not to the aerosol generator 348. That is, the aerosol generator 348 may be activated or deactivated when the aerosol supply system 301 is turned on. In an electrically powered implementation of the preheater 309, to save power, the preheater 309 can be activated in response to a trigger indicating that a user is inhaling on the aerosol supply system 301 or that a user intends to inhale on the aerosol supply system 301. For example, the preheater 309 can be activated in response to a pressure drop detected by the pressure sensor 316 indicating that a user is inhaling on the aerosol supply system 301. In other instances, the aerosol supply system 301 may include suitable sensors, such as accelerometers, that sense movement from the aerosol supply system 301 to the user's lips and, in response to an indication that the user intends to use the aerosol supply system 301, activate the preheating heater 309 (before the user actually inhales onto the aerosol supply system 301).

[0346] In some implementations, whether the preheater 309 is activated can be based on external factors, such as ambient temperature. For example, a temperature sensor (e.g., provided as part of control circuitry 320 and / or pressure sensor 316) can be configured to measure the ambient temperature, and based on the ambient temperature, a suitable controller (e.g., control circuitry 320) can determine whether to activate the preheater 309 (e.g., in response to receiving one of the triggering conditions described above). For example, in some implementations, if the ambient temperature is higher than a given threshold temperature, control circuitry 320 can cause the preheater 309 to remain off in response to a pressure drop detected by pressure sensor 316 indicating that a user is inhaling air onto aerosol supply system 301, or in response to detecting an indication that a user intends to use aerosol supply system 301.

[0347] Additionally or alternatively, whether the preheater 309 is activated may depend on the configuration of the aerosol supply system 301, and specifically on the configuration of the aerosol generator 348. For example, the aerosol generator 348 may be configured to operate at different levels, each configured to vaporize the liquid aerosol generating material at a specific rate. For example, when the aerosol generator 348 is a heater 348, the heater 348 may operate at a low power level (e.g., 5 W) and a high power level (e.g., 10 W), where a relatively larger amount of aerosol generating material can be vaporized at the high power level. When operating at the low power level, the supply rate of the liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 348 may be sufficient without activating the preheater 309. However, when the aerosol generator 348 operates at a higher power level, the preheater 309 may be activated to increase the flow rate of the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 348 to accommodate the increased vaporization rate. Therefore, a suitable controller (e.g., control circuit 320) can be configured to start the preheater 309 based on the settings of the aerosol supply system 301.

[0348] therefore, Figure 17 The aerosol supply system 301 provides a preheating mechanism 309 configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 344, thereby adjusting the properties or characteristics of that portion of the aerosol generating material. Consequently, the flow of the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 348 is altered (typically increased) by preheating the aerosol generating material. As described above, this helps ensure that sufficient aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator 348 during use, enabling the generation of adequate aerosols and / or reducing (or preventing) damage to the components of the aerosol supply system 301.

[0349] Figure 18 The illustration schematically shows the method for use with the second implementation. Figure 17 The smoke cartridge 304 is used in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 302. That is to say, Figure 18 304 smoke cartridges can be used as a substitute Figure 17 smoke cartridges and Figure 17 Used together with the aerosol supply device 302. Figure 18 Based on Figure 17 For clarity, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for brevity, their descriptions are omitted. Only differences or modifications are described.

[0350] exist Figure 18In this implementation, the memory 344 is provided with a secondary memory or sub-memory 345 located within the memory 344. That is, the memory 344 includes a first region or volume (formed by the portion of the memory 344 excluding the sub-memory 345) and a second region or volume (formed by the sub-memory 345 or multiple sub-memories 345). The sub-memory 345 or the second region is defined by one or more walls serving as the boundaries of the sub-memory 345. For example... Figure 18 As shown, there are two sub-reservoirs 345, one of which is disposed near each end of the core 346. The sub-reservoirs 345 define a relatively small volume compared to the first region of the reservoir 344, but are configured to be in fluid communication with the first region of the reservoir 344, allowing the liquid aerosol-generating material held in the first region of the reservoir 344 to enter the sub-reservoirs 345. Figure 18 In one example, each sub-reservoir 345 includes an opening 345a in its boundary wall that allows liquid aerosol generating material to enter the sub-reservoir 345. In some implementations, the opening 345a may include a membrane or a check valve, etc., to prevent the liquid aerosol generating material from flowing out of the opening 345a and back into the first region of the reservoir 344.

[0351] like Figure 18 As shown, the preheating heater 309 is disposed adjacent to the sub-reservoir 345 (specifically, one of the pair of heaters 309 is disposed on the lower part of the boundary wall of the sub-reservoir 345). Therefore, in this implementation, the preheating heater 309 is configured to primarily heat the liquid aerosol generating material in the second region (sub-reservoir 345) of the reservoir 344. In this respect, the volume of the liquid aerosol generating material to be heated is relatively small relative to the total volume of liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 344, thus improving the overall efficiency of the aerosol supply system 301 (e.g., from the perspective of electricity usage). Figure 18 In this example, the boundary wall of the sub-reservoir 345 (and any valves or membranes provided in the opening 345a) can impede the circulation of heated liquid aerosol generating material throughout the reservoir 344, thus meaning that the liquid aerosol generating material in the sub-reservoir 345 can be heated more efficiently and more quickly.

[0352] It should be understood that the second region of the storage 344 is not limited to Figure 18 The configuration is shown. For example, in other implementations, the reservoir 344 may include a narrow tubular portion defining a second region that is in fluid communication with both ends of the core 346, whereby the narrow tubular portion extends outward from or away from a first region of the reservoir 344. In such implementations, a preheating heater 309 is disposed on the outer surface of the narrow tubular portion, but outside the first portion of the reservoir 344.

[0353] However, in summary, by setting the preheating mechanism 309 to cause heating of a smaller volume of liquid aerosol generating material, the energy generated by the preheating mechanism 309 can be more precisely directed to the second region of the storage unit 344, thereby providing higher heating efficiency and higher energy efficiency.

[0354] Figure 19 The illustration schematically shows the method for use with a third implementation. Figure 17 The smoke cartridge 304 is used in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 302. That is to say, Figure 19 304 smoke cartridges can be used as a substitute Figure 17 smoke cartridges and Figure 17 Used together with the aerosol supply device 302. Figure 19 Based on Figure 17 For clarity, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for brevity, their descriptions are omitted. Only differences or modifications are described.

[0355] exist Figure 19 In this context, the tobacco cartridge 304 is suitable for use with the microfluidic heating assembly 360 (in... Figure 19 It is illustrated schematically, but... Figure 20 (As described in more detail below) used together. The microfluidic heating assembly 360 is an example of the aerosol generator 348. More specifically, the microfluidic heating assembly 360 is an example of a combined core 346 and aerosol generator 348.

[0356] The reservoir 344 is adapted to include a tubular channel 344' that extends through the air pipe 352 and provides a fluid path between opposite sides of the reservoir 344. In effect, the tubular channel 344' provides a fluid path with... Figure 17 and Figure 18 The fluid path between the opposite sides of a similar reservoir 344.

[0357] Air entering the air tube 352 from the direction of interface 306 (e.g., when a user inhales at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 304) enters the air tube 352, branches as it passes around the outside of the tubular channel 344', then merges further along the air tube 352 and exits the cartridge 304 via the opening 350.

[0358] Figure 20 The microfluidic heating assembly 360 is shown schematically in more detail.

[0359] The microfluidic heating assembly 360 includes a substrate 362 and a resistive layer 364 disposed on the surface of the substrate 362.

[0360] In this implementation, the substrate 362 is formed of a non-conductive material, such as quartz (silicon dioxide); however, it should be understood that other suitable non-conductive materials, such as ceramics, may also be used. In this implementation, the substrate 362 can be considered impermeable or substantially impermeable (wherein this context, "substantially" means that the substrate 362 may have some degree of fluid absorption, such as in e-cigarette liquid; for example, the substrate 362 may be able to absorb up to 2% or up to 1% of the total volume of fluid in the substrate 362). That is, the material forming the substrate 362 can be a suitable material that is impermeable to the liquid aerosol generating material. However, in other implementations, the substrate 362 may be formed of a porous material. The porous substrate 362 may be formed of a naturally porous material (e.g., sponge, porous stone, or ceramics), or of a material engineered to be porous (e.g., sintered metal or other materials). These materials (naturally formed or engineered) have interconnected pores or hollow regions that define random or substantially random paths through the material (wherein the context, "substantially" means, considering the entire material of the substrate 362 as a whole, that the direction of the path extension may have some general trend, such as from left to right, but from the perspective of the liquid / fluid passing through the substrate 362, the path is, for example, a series of randomly selected pores or hollow regions). The manner in which the substrate 362 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0361] The resistive layer 364 is formed of any suitable conductive material, such as a metal or metal alloy, like titanium or nickel-chromium. The resistive layer 364 can be formed on the first surface 362a of the substrate 362 in any suitable manner. For example, the resistive layer 364 can be configured as a film that is adhered to or otherwise bonded to the first surface 362a of the substrate 362. Alternatively, the resistive layer 364 can be formed by a deposition technique, such as chemical deposition or vapor deposition. The manner in which the resistive layer 364 is formed and the materials used to manufacture it are not essential to the principles of this disclosure.

[0362] The heating element 360 is planar and in the form of a rectangular cuboid, extending along the longitudinal axis L2. The heating element 360 has a strip shape and parallel side surfaces. The planar heating element 360 has parallel upper main (planar) surfaces and lower main (planar) surfaces (referred to herein as the first surface 362a and the second surface 362b of the substrate 362), as well as parallel side surfaces and parallel end surfaces. Figure 20In the illustrated implementation, the heating component 360 has a length of 10 mm, a width of 1 mm, and a thickness of 0.12 mm (where the thickness of the substrate 362 is approximately 0.10 mm and the thickness of the resistive layer 364 is approximately 0.02 mm). The small size of the heating component 360 allows for a reduction in the overall size of the cartridge 304 and the overall weight of the component. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, the heating component 360 may have different dimensions depending on the application.

[0363] Along the longitudinal axis L2, the heating assembly 360 has a central portion 367, a first end portion 368, and a second end portion 369. Figure 20 In this design, for visual clarity, the length of the central portion 367 (relative to the lengths of the end portions 368 and 369) is proportionally enlarged. The end portions 368 and 369 represent areas where an electrical connection can be formed between power sources (e.g., power source 326), allowing power to be supplied to the resistive layer 364 to cause heating of the resistive layer 364. (Reference) Figure 19 The wires are schematically shown extending from interface 306 to heating assembly 360. These wires may contact end portions 368, 369 to allow current to pass through resistive layer 364 (in the manner of...). Figure 17 and Figure 18 The heater 348 is roughly similar.

[0364] Multiple capillaries 366 are provided in the central portion 367 of the heating assembly 360. Figure 20Only the opening of the capillary 366 is shown (and is shown enlarged to scale for clarity), but the capillary 366 extends from one side of the heating assembly 360 to the other. More specifically, the capillary 366 extends from the second surface 362b of the substrate 362, through the first surface 362a of the substrate 362 where the resistive layer 364 is disposed, and then through the resistive layer 364. A plurality of capillaries 366 extend substantially linearly through the heating assembly 360 (that is, the capillary 366 follows a substantially straight path). “Substantially” means that the path followed by the capillary 366 is within 5%, 2%, or 1% of a straight line. This measurement can be obtained in any suitable manner, for example, by comparing the length of the distance from the first point to the second point along the extension direction of the capillary 366 with the length of the corresponding distance the central axis of the capillary 366 extends between the same two points. The capillary 366 is formed in the heating assembly 360 by a manufacturing process. In other words, the capillary 366 is not naturally present in the substrate material 362 or the resistive layer 364, but is formed in the substrate material 362 and the resistive layer 364 through a suitable process. A suitable process for forming the capillary 366 (especially when forming capillary 366 that follows a substantially straight path) is laser drilling. However, any other suitable technique can be used to generate the capillary 366.

[0365] Capillary 366 is configured to transfer liquid aerosol generating material from one surface of heating assembly 360 (i.e., the second surface 362b of substrate 362) to resistive layer 364. Capillary 366 may be formed in part based on the liquid aerosol generating material to be stored in reservoir 344 of cartridge 304 and subsequently used with heating assembly 360. Generally, in some implementations, the diameter of capillary 366 can be on the order of tens of micrometers, for example, between 10 μm and 100 μm. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, capillary 366 may be configured differently.

[0366] Return to reference Figure 19 A heating element 360 is suitably arranged within the cartridge 304. Specifically, the heating element 360 is arranged such that a second surface 362b is disposed inside the tubular portion 344' of the reservoir 344, enabling it to receive liquid aerosol generating material from the tubular portion 344', while the resistive layer 364 is oriented towards the air tube 352 (specifically, towards the end of the cartridge including the interface 306). Therefore, when the liquid aerosol generating material is vaporized by applying an electric current to the resistive layer 364, the vaporized liquid enters the air tube 352, where it is entrained in the air passing through the air tube 352 (e.g., from the user's inhalation).

[0367] like Figure 19 As shown, to be consistent with Figure 18In a similar manner, a preheating heater 309 is provided in the reservoir 344. More specifically, the preheating heater 309 is disposed in the tubular portion 344' of the reservoir 344, above the heating assembly 360 (and particularly above the second surface 362b of the heating assembly 360). Therefore, during use, the preheating heater 309 can be activated to heat the liquid aerosol generating material stored in the tubular portion 344', thereby altering the properties (e.g., viscosity) of the liquid aerosol generating material.

[0368] It should be understood that Figure 19 The implementation method in is only Figure 17 and Figure 18 This disclosure describes one example of how the cartridge 304 can be modified to accommodate the microfluidic heating assembly 360, and other designs and arrangements are also possible. For example, the cartridge may not include the tubular portion 344', and instead the heating assembly 360 may be located at one end of the reservoir 344, whereby the air tube 352 passes approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 304 in front of the heating assembly 360 (i.e., in front of the resistive layer 364), then turns and travels around the side of the reservoir 344 toward the mouthpiece 350. Various configurations are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0369] However, broadly speaking, Figures 17 to 19 The vapor cartridge 304 is arranged such that the preheating mechanism 309 is located between the aerosol generators 348 and 360 and most of the aerosol generating material. Specifically, the preheating mechanism 309 can be considered to be positioned corresponding to the fluid path between most of the liquid aerosol generating material and the aerosol generators 348 and 360. In this manner, it should be readily understood that the aerosol generating material near the aerosol generators 348 and 360 can be heated to alter the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material, and thus change the rate at which the liquid aerosol generating material flows towards the aerosol generators 348 and 360.

[0370] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the implementation method, the preheating mechanism 309 is equipped with a pair of preheating heaters 309, while Figure 19 In this implementation, a single preheating heater 309 is provided. In principle, any number of preheating heaters 309 can be provided as needed. This can depend on the configuration of the cartridge 304, the corresponding location of the heaters 309, and the efficiency or output of the heaters 309.

[0371] However, in the case of providing multiple preheating heaters 309, in some implementations, each preheating heater 309 can be independently controlled to generate heat. In such implementations, the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material can be controlled for different parts or different areas of the aerosol generators 348, 360. For example, with Figure 18 Taking the implementation method as an example, by making the upper heater 309 or the lower heater 309 (such as...) Figure 18 In some implementations, one of the two heaters 309 (as shown in the planar diagram) can be heated to a greater extent than the other of the two heaters 309, and the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material at one end of the core 346 can be relatively greater than the flow rate at the other end of the core 346. This may provide certain advantages in some implementations. For example, one heater 309 can be activated when the aerosol generator 348 operates in a low-power mode, or both heaters 309 can be activated when the aerosol generator 348 operates in a high-power mode. Alternatively, in some implementations, the shape of the core 346 may not be uniform (e.g., it may be tapered), which may mean that relatively more heating needs to be provided at one end of the core 346 than at the other end.

[0372] Figure 21 The illustration shows the... Figure 20 The heating element has been modified 360 degrees. (And...) Figure 20 compared to, Figure 21 The heating assembly 360 is shown rotated 180° about the longitudinal axis L2 to allow observation of the second surface 362b. Note that... Figure 21 The heating assembly 360 is shown during assembly. Figure 19 The orientation of the smoke cartridge 304. Based on the above, it should be understood that the second surface 362b of the substrate 362 is oriented toward the reservoir 344 and the tubular portion 344', thus receiving the liquid aerosol generating material.

[0373] exist Figure 21 In, replacing such as Figure 19 The preheating heater 309 shown is disposed on the tubular portion 344', and in this example, the second surface 362b of the substrate 362 is provided with two integrated preheating heaters 391. The integrated preheating heaters 391 are integrally disposed with the heating assembly 360. That is, the heating assembly 360 and the integrated preheating heaters 391 form a single component. This facilitates the installation of the heating assembly 360 and the manufacture of the cartridge 304. The integrated preheating heaters 391 can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, any technique used to apply the resistive layer 364 to the substrate 362 can be used to apply the integrated preheating heaters 391 to the second surface 362b of the heating assembly 360. Furthermore, the integrated preheating heaters 391 can be electrically connected to a power source (e.g., power supply 326) using any suitable wires or the like.

[0374] In use, the integrated preheater 391 functions in a similar manner to the preheater 309 described above. That is, when power is supplied, the integrated preheater 391 causes heating of the liquid aerosol generating material in the vicinity of the integrated preheater 391 and, consequently, near the opening of the capillary 366 in the surface 362b of the heating assembly 360. This causes a change in the properties of the liquid aerosol generating material (including viscosity), thereby altering its flow along the capillary 366 to the resistive layer 364 (where the liquid aerosol generating material can be vaporized).

[0375] like Figure 21 As shown, two integrated preheating heaters 391 are disposed on the second surface 362b of the substrate 362, and specifically, the integrated preheating heaters 391 are disposed at both ends of the central portion 367 of the heating assembly 360. As described above, the two integrated preheating heaters 391 can be heated simultaneously and to the same degree, or they can be heated individually as desired for a particular implementation, for example, to control or alter the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material to a specific region of the resistive layer 364.

[0376] In this example, the integrated preheating heater 391 does not extend across the entire second surface 362b of the substrate 362. This is likely because the heat generated during the use of the resistive layer 364 may be uneven. For example, certain “hot spots” may be found forming in areas of the resistive layer 364. Given that the temperature of these “hot spots” on the resistive layer 364 is higher than the temperature of the rest of the resistive layer 364, similar “hot spots” may be observed on the second surface 362b due to the transfer of heat energy through the substrate 362 (i.e., from the first surface 362a to the second surface 362b). Therefore, the integrated preheating heater 391 can be positioned in areas of the second surface 362b that may be relatively cooler than other areas of the second surface 362b due to the transfer of heat energy through the substrate 362. Therefore, in some implementations, an integrated preheating heater 391 can be provided to cause uniform heating of the liquid aerosol generating material adjacent to the second surface 362b, such that the flow of the liquid aerosol generating material through the capillary 366 is substantially uniform (i.e., the flow rate variation through the capillary 366 is less than 5%).

[0377] However, it should be generally understood that, depending on the current implementation, the integrated preheating heater 391 can be configured for different purposes. For example, the integrated preheating heater 391 can be configured to achieve uniform heating of the liquid aerosol generating material, in which case the advantages of using [other methods] can be achieved. Figure 21The arrangement may be an integrated preheating heater 391 extending across the entire second surface 362b of the substrate 362. In other implementations, the integrated preheating heater 391 is provided for the purpose of varying the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material in different regions of the heating assembly 360. The specific implementation of the integrated preheating heater 391 may depend on the specific application.

[0378] It should also be understood that, although Figure 21 An integrated preheater 391 is shown in the context of heating assembly 360, but in other implementations, the integrated preheater 391 may be integrated with core 346 (e.g., Figure 17 and Figure 18 The end of the core 346 is integrally set.

[0379] exist Figure 21 In one example, the integrated preheater 391 is configured to facilitate the transfer of liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 344 or the tubular portion 344' to the heating assembly 360. More specifically, it can be seen that the capillary 366 extends through the integrated preheater 391 (or, alternatively, the integrated preheater 391 may be disposed around the opening to the capillary 366). Thus, in this implementation, the liquid aerosol generating material is able to pass through the integrated preheater 391 to reach the capillary 366 of the heating assembly 360.

[0380] In some implementations, the integrated preheater 391 can be formed from a sintered material, such as sintered steel fibers. The sintering process produces a porous structure, and if a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel fibers) is used as the starting material, the sintered integrated preheater 391 can also be resistively heated. In this way, the sintered structure allows liquid to flow through it, i.e., to the capillary 366, which also serves as the preheater 309 as described above.

[0381] It should be understood that although the preheating mechanisms 309, 391 that allow the liquid aerosol generating material to pass through are described in the context of an integrated preheating heater 391, it should be understood that the preheating heater that allows the liquid aerosol generating material to pass through is not limited to the integrated preheating heater 391. For example, in some implementations, stainless steel fiber sintered sheets may be placed between the second surface 362b of the substrate 362 and multiple portions of the reservoir 344.

[0382] Therefore, according to the above regarding Figures 17 to 21 In the described implementation, the preheating mechanism 309 is implemented as one or more preheating heaters 309. However, the preheating mechanism 309 is not limited to this configuration.

[0383] Figure 22The illustration schematically shows the method for use with the fourth implementation. Figure 17 The cartridge 304, used in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 302, has a preheating mechanism 390 that includes an aerosol flow path. As described above, Figure 22 The 304 smoke cartridge in the middle can be replaced Figure 17 The smoke cartridges and Figure 17 It is used together with the aerosol supply device 302. Figure 22 Based on Figure 17 For clarity, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for brevity, their descriptions are omitted. Only differences or modifications are described.

[0384] exist Figure 22 In this implementation, instead of one or more preheating heaters 309, the preheating mechanism 390 includes a preheating aerosol path 392. More specifically, as... Figure 22 As shown, two preheated aerosol paths 392 are provided, one near each end of the core 346. Each preheated aerosol path 392 includes an inlet opening 392a and an outlet opening 392b, which are connected together via a channel. The preheated aerosol path 392 is configured to be separate from but extend into the reservoir 344. That is, the liquid aerosol generating material cannot directly enter the preheated aerosol path 392 from the reservoir 344.

[0385] In use, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece end of the aerosol supply system 301, air is drawn into the air tube 352 at the end of the cartridge facing the interface 306, and is subsequently carried to the vicinity / above / around the middle portion of the aerosol generator 348 and the core 346. When the aerosol generator 348 (e.g., heater 348) is activated, the liquid aerosol generating material held in the core 346 is vaporized, and this vaporized liquid aerosol generating material is subsequently relatively warm. The warm vapor condenses (at least partially) to form an aerosol. An inlet opening 392a is located downstream of the aerosol generator 348 (in the airflow direction) and receives some of the "hot" aerosol as it passes along the air tube 352 toward the mouthpiece opening 350. Thus, the "hot" aerosol received in the inlet opening 392a passes through the preheated aerosol path 392 and returns to the air tube 352 via the outlet opening 392b.

[0386] However, as the "hot" aerosol passes through the preheated aerosol path 392, some of the heat energy of the "hot" aerosol is transferred to the wall of the preheated aerosol path 392 and subsequently conducted to the liquid aerosol generating material held in the reservoir 344 adjacent to the wall of the preheated aerosol path 392. Therefore, it can be seen that by utilizing the "hot" aerosol generated by the heater 348, preheating of at least some of the liquid near the end of the core 346 can be achieved.

[0387] Therefore, more broadly, in Figure 22 In this implementation, the preheating mechanism 309 includes at least one preheating aerosol path 392. The preheating aerosol path 392 extends from the aerosol generation area (e.g., the environment immediately adjacent to the aerosol generator 348 / heater 348). The preheating aerosol path 392 is arranged to pass through at least a portion of the reservoir 344 to transfer heat from the aerosol passing through the preheating aerosol path 392 to at least some of the liquid aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 344.

[0388] It should be understood that the preheated aerosol path 392 is different from the air tube 352 / air path 352 defined in the cartridge 304 for providing aerosol to the user. That is, the aerosol supply system 301 includes an aerosol path (i.e., air tube 352) extending from the aerosol generation area to the mouthpiece opening 350 of the aerosol supply system 301. The preheated aerosol path 392 is arranged to extend from the aerosol path (i.e., air tube 352). In other words, the preheated aerosol path 392 can branch off from the aerosol path (i.e., air tube 352).

[0389] By setting the dimensions of the preheating aerosol path 392, such as its cross-sectional area and / or length, and by selecting appropriate materials (e.g., by using thermally conductive or insulating materials), the amount of aerosol and / or the amount of preheating can be set accordingly.

[0390] It should be understood that Figure 23 The preheated aerosol path 392 shown represents an exemplary configuration of such a preheated aerosol path 392. In other implementations, the specific form of the aerosol path 392 may differ from that shown. For example, refer to... Figure 19 The preheating aerosol path 392 can be in the form of a spiral, spiraling around or inside the tubular portion 344'. Any suitable configuration of the preheating aerosol path 392 can be implemented according to this disclosure.

[0391] It should also be understood that in the implementation using aerosol path 392, preheating can only be achieved at least after the first aspiration. While this may introduce a risk of the core 348 burning out during the first aspiration, in embodiments where such a risk may exist, damage to the core 348 can be minimized because it should be noted that the liquid aerosol generating material near the core 348 is preheated to a certain extent during subsequent aspirations in the session.

[0392] Figure 23 schematically shown Figure 22 The modification of the smoke cartridge 304, which has a preheating mechanism 390 including an aerosol flow path. Figure 23 Based on Figure 22 For clarity, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for brevity, their descriptions are omitted. Only differences or modifications are described.

[0393] exist Figure 23 In the modification, one of the preheated aerosol paths 392 is provided with a condensation zone 392c. The condensation zone 392c is located along the preheated aerosol path 392 at a position facing the outlet opening 392b of the preheated aerosol path 392. The condensation zone 392c is the area where the aerosol passing through the preheated aerosol path 392 can condense and form a liquid. Figure 23 In this example, the condensation zone 392c represents the expansion chamber (or, in other words, the section of the preheated aerosol path 392 whose cross-sectional area is larger than the rest of the preheated aerosol path 392).

[0394] Based on the above, it should be understood that as the "hot" aerosol travels along the preheated aerosol path 392, some heat dissipates to the walls of the preheated aerosol path 392, thereby preheating the liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 344, but also cooling the "hot" aerosol. As the "hot" aerosol cools, it begins to condense. Upon leaving the preheated aerosol path 392, i.e. at the outlet opening 392b, in some implementations, if the now-cooler aerosol is delivered to the user (i.e., subsequently along the air pipe 352 to the opening 350), the now-cooler aerosol may negatively impact the taste or user experience.

[0395] Therefore, a condensation zone 392c can be provided in the preheating aerosol path 392 to allow cooler aerosols to condense into liquid, thereby effectively preventing them from being transferred to the air / aerosol stream, through the air pipe 352, and to the user. The condensation zone 392c effectively prevents or reduces the inhalation of cooler aerosols from the liquid aerosol generating material already used in the preheating reservoir 344 by the user, thus avoiding negative impacts on the user experience.

[0396] It should be understood that the condensation region 392c is in Figure 23 As illustrated schematically, and in other implementations, the condensation region 392c may take other forms or have larger dimensions.

[0397] Furthermore, in some implementations, a liquid return path can be provided between the condensation zone 392c and the liquid reservoir 344. In this regard, the liquid return path is configured to return any condensed liquid to the liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 344, allowing the condensed liquid to be reused during the aerosol formation process via the aerosol generator 348. Figure 23 In this example, a sponge 392d or a similar porous medium is configured to be in fluid communication with the condensation zone 392c. More specifically, the sponge 392d is positioned at the bottom of the condensation zone 392c (opposite to the orientation of the cartridge 304 held upwards at the mouthpiece end). In this way, condensed liquid held in the condensation zone 392c can be absorbed into the sponge 392d with the aid of gravity. Furthermore, the sponge 392d is shown extending beyond the wall of the condensation zone 392c and into the reservoir 344. The sponge 392d can be configured accordingly to facilitate the transfer of liquid from the condensation zone 392c to the reservoir 344, rather than the other way around (e.g., via a gradient having capillary or pore size, etc.).

[0398] Therefore, it should be understood that the return path (e.g., sponge 392d) is configured to allow condensed aerosol-generating material to return to the reservoir 344 for reuse.

[0399] Although the return path is shown as a sponge 392d or a similar porous medium, it should be understood that in other implementations, the return path may take different forms. For example, the return path may include a capillary designed to allow condensing liquid to pass through it into the reservoir 344.

[0400] The above implementation focuses on providing preheating mechanisms 309 and 390 for changing the flow rate of the liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generators 348 and 360. However, it should be understood that the above technology can be specifically applied in aerosol supply systems suitable for generating aerosols from two or more aerosol generating materials.

[0401] Figure 24 The implementation of providing two liquid aerosol generating material sources is illustrated schematically. Figure 24 Based on Figure 17 For clarity. Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as previously used, therefore, for the sake of brevity, their descriptions are omitted.

[0402] Figure 24 The aerosol supply system 301 is schematically shown, which is connected to... Figure 17 The aerosol supply system 301 is largely the same. However, there are two significant differences. First, the reservoir 344 is divided into a first reservoir 344a and a second reservoir 344b. For example, Figure 17 The annular reservoir 344 may include a partition wall 344c extending from one end of the reservoir 344 to the other end of the reservoir 344 to divide the reservoir 344 into two arc-shaped hollow tubes. Figure 24a A schematic view is shown along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply system 301 (by... Figure 24 (The line AA is indicated in the text). Figure 24a The two halves of the storage units 344a and 344b, separated by the partition wall 344c, are shown.

[0403] Because of the partition wall 344c, the first reservoir 344a and the second reservoir 344b are separated from each other. Therefore, except for the core 346, the two liquid aerosol generating materials stored in each of the first reservoir 344a and the second reservoir 344b cannot be mixed when stored in the respective reservoirs 344a, 344b. Figure 24 and Figure 24a As shown, the core 346 is arranged such that one end of the core 346 extends into the first reservoir 344a, and the other end of the core 346 extends into the second reservoir 344b. Therefore, it should be understood that the core 346 is supplied with aerosol-generating material from the first reservoir 344a at one end and with aerosol-generating material from the second reservoir 344b at the other end. In the following examples, it will be assumed that the aerosol-generating material stored in the first reservoir 344a (hereinafter referred to as the first aerosol-generating material) is different from the aerosol-generating material stored in the second reservoir 344b (hereinafter referred to as the second aerosol-generating material). For example, the first aerosol-generating material may be or include a flavoring agent different from the second aerosol-generating material.

[0404] Furthermore, it can be seen that, Figure 24 and Figure 24a The implementation includes two preheating heaters 309a and 309b. The first preheating heater 309a is configured to be in fluid communication with the first reservoir 344a and is located adjacent to the end of the core 346 extending into the first reservoir 344a. The second preheating heater 309b is configured to be in fluid communication with the second reservoir 344b and is located adjacent to the end of the core 346 extending into the second reservoir 344b. The preheating heaters 309a and 309b are... Figure 17 The preheater 309 in the middle is roughly similar.

[0405] However, in Figure 24In this implementation, it should be understood that the preheating heaters 309a and 309b can be independently controlled, i.e., independently heated, to independently control the flow rate of the first liquid aerosol generating material entering the first end of the core 346 and the flow rate of the second liquid aerosol generating material entering the second end of the core 346. In other words, the preheating heaters 309a and 309b can independently control the flow rate of the corresponding liquid aerosol generating material to the core 346 (and therefore to the aerosol generator 348).

[0406] The method of controlling the flow rate will depend on the current implementation. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide the same flow rate along the core 346 for each aerosol generating material. In other implementations, it may be desirable to provide different flow rates along the core 346 for each aerosol generating material. The specific way the preheating heaters 309a and 309b are controlled (i.e., the energy provided) may depend on several factors. For example, the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating materials at ambient temperature may be the same or different, and the viscosity of the liquid aerosol generating materials may vary with the amount of thermal energy. Therefore, the arrangement of the preheating heaters 309a and 309b can be highly dependent on the desired outcome and the properties of the liquid aerosol generating materials.

[0407] However, in some implementations, controlling the flow rate of different liquid aerosol generating materials along the core can be used to control the characteristics and proportions of the aerosol composition delivered to the user. For example, if the rate at which the first aerosol generating material is transported along the core 346 differs from the rate at which the second aerosol generating material is transported along the core 346, this results in a difference in the amount of the first and second aerosol generating materials retained in the core 346. Subsequently, when the aerosol generator 348 vaporizes the liquid aerosol generating material retained in the core to generate an aerosol, the proportion of aerosol formed by the first aerosol generating material differs from the proportion of aerosol formed by the second aerosol generating material. For example, 80% of the capacity of the core 346 may include the second aerosol generating material, while only 20% of the capacity of the core 346 may include the first aerosol generating material. Therefore, the subsequent activation of the aerosol generator 348 (which vaporizes at least a portion of the material retained within the core 346) may result in approximately 80% of the generated aerosol being formed from the second aerosol generating material and approximately 20% from the first aerosol generating material.

[0408] In this way, it can be seen that the aerosol supply system 301 is configured to change the rate at which the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material are supplied to the aerosol generator 348 by controlling the preheating level of each liquid aerosol generating material, and subsequently control the relative proportion of the aerosols formed by the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material.

[0409] It should be understood that, despite Figure 24 and Figure 24a The aerosol supply system 301 shown includes two reservoirs 344a and 344b, but the described principle can be extended to multiple reservoirs 344. However, it should be noted that in this case, a suitable core 346 or other aerosol generating material transport element may be required.

[0410] Figure 25 The aerosol supply system 301 (e.g.) is described Figure 17 An exemplary method for preheating aerosol generating materials before aerosolizing them using aerosol generators 348 and 360 in an aerosol supply system.

[0411] At step S301, the method includes providing an aerosol supply system 301. As described above, the aerosol supply system 301 includes an aerosol generating material storage section 344 (or reservoir 344) for storing aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator 348 (which may include a heating assembly 360) disposed in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section 344 and configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage section 344, and a preheating mechanism 309, 390 configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section.

[0412] At step S302, the method includes preheating at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section 344. As described above, the preheating mechanisms 309, 390 may include: one or more preheating heaters 309, 309a, 309b, which may be electronically controlled to generate heat during, after, or before the user's inhalation; or one or more preheating aerosol paths 392, which may be used to heat the liquid aerosol generating material during inhalation. In any case, by preheating a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section 344, the characteristics of that at least portion of the aerosol generating material are adjusted. As described above, this may subsequently cause a change in the rate at which the aerosol generating material flows to the aerosol generators 348, 360.

[0413] As generally described above, preheating mechanisms 309 and 390 are used to heat (liquid) aerosol generating materials to change their viscosity or other properties. However, it should be understood that in some instances, preheating mechanism 309 can be used to change the state of the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may be provided as a solid or gel in reservoir 344. In this case, in order to allow the aerosol generating material to flow to aerosol generator 348 (i.e., along core 346), preheating mechanism 309 is configured to provide sufficient energy to enable at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to change its phase state, for example, to become a flowable liquid or gel. It should be understood that not all aerosol generating materials exhibit phase changes such as those described above upon heating, and therefore the principles of this disclosure apply to suitable materials capable of undergoing such phase changes.

[0414] Furthermore, as described above, the cartridge 304 of the aerosol supply system 301 includes a preheating mechanism. However, in other implementations, at least some or all of the preheating mechanisms 309, 390 may alternatively be located in the aerosol supply device 302. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol supply device may include a preheating heater 309. (See reference...) Figure 17 As an example only, the preheating heater 309 may be located in the aerosol supply device near the interface 306, such that when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol supply device 302, the preheating heater is adjacent to the bottom of the liquid reservoir 344. In some implementations, the aerosol supply device may also include aerosol generators 348 and 360.

[0415] According to the principles of this disclosure, an aerosol supply component is also provided, comprising an aerosol supply system 301 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply component includes: an aerosol generating material storage component (including an aerosol generating material storage section 344) for storing the aerosol generating materials; an aerosol generator component (including aerosol generators 348, 360) fluidly connected to and configured to receive aerosol generating materials from the aerosol generating material storage component; and a preheating component (including a preheating mechanism 309) configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating materials stored in the aerosol generating material storage component. The preheating component is configured to preheat the at least a portion of the aerosol generating materials stored in the aerosol generating material storage component to adjust the characteristics of the at least a portion of the aerosol generating materials.

[0416] Therefore, an aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials has been described. The aerosol supply system includes: an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section; and a preheating mechanism configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage section. The preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of the at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material. A consumable for use with the aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device, a method for preheating aerosol-generating materials, and an aerosol supply component have also been described.

[0417] While the above embodiments focus on specific exemplary aerosol supply systems in some aspects, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol supply systems using other technologies. That is, the specific functionalities of various aspects of the aerosol supply system are not directly related to the principles upon which the examples described herein are based.

[0418] To address various problems and advance the technology, this disclosure illustrates, by way of description, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) can be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive or / or exclusive. They are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention(s). It should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure (as defined in the claims) or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or substantially consist of various combinations of elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and therefore it should be understood that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in a manner different from the combinations expressly set forth in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit. as well as An air opening is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol generating material storage section. The aerosol supply system is configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by altering the rate at which air is allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air opening.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The air opening is configured to be in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage section is at a first level. In the second state, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage section is at a second level. The first level is different from the second level.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein, The air opening defines an opening having a cross-sectional area, wherein the air opening is configured such that the size of the cross-sectional area is variable to provide the first state and the second state.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first level and the second level are not zero.

5. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The air opening includes a valve or iris mechanism that can be controlled to change the opening area of ​​the valve or iris mechanism.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol supply system includes multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units, and wherein the air openings include multiple air openings, each of which is connected to one of the multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units. The aerosol supply system is configured to selectively fluidly connect one of the multiple air paths for aerosol generating material storage units to the aerosol generating material storage unit and the external environment. Furthermore, by selectively connecting different air paths for aerosol generating material storage units, the rate at which air is allowed to flow into the aerosol generating material storage unit can be varied.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, wherein, The aerosol generating material storage unit can be removed from the housing of the aerosol supply system, and wherein, when the aerosol generating material storage unit is connected to the housing, one of the multiple aerosol generating material storage unit air paths is selectively fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit and the external environment based on the orientation of the aerosol generating material storage unit.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol generating material storage unit can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply system in a first orientation, such that the air path of the first aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, and the aerosol generating material storage unit can be connected to the housing of the aerosol supply system in a second orientation, such that the air path of the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, wherein when the air path of the first aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit, the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air inlet is different from the rate at which air flows into the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air inlet when the air path of the second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material storage unit.

9. The aerosol supply system according to claims 7 to 8, wherein, The aerosol generating material storage unit includes a membrane, and wherein the air path connecting the aerosol generating material storage unit includes: piercing the membrane using a piercing element to fluidly connect a corresponding air opening to the aerosol generating material storage unit.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol generating material is a flowable aerosol generating material.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air opening is configured such that the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating material storage section cannot leave the aerosol generating material storage section through the air opening.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a second aerosol generating material storage unit for storing aerosol generating materials, and includes a second air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the second aerosol generating material storage unit for supplying air to the second aerosol generating material storage unit, wherein... The second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generator, and wherein the aerosol supply system is further configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the second aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into the second aerosol generating material storage unit via the second air opening.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, wherein, The aerosol supply system is configured to independently change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator and the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied from the second aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator.

14. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol generator includes a heating component, which includes: Matrix; A heating layer is disposed at least on a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when supplied with energy; and One or more capillaries extend from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, the one or more capillaries being configured to supply aerosol-generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer. In normal use, the aerosol-generating material is provided to the other surface of the substrate to form a layer extending across the openings of the one or more capillaries.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol supply system includes a main air path that passes through the aerosol supply system, the main air path extending from an inlet to an outlet through which a user inhales to generate an aerosol, the main air path extending through the aerosol generator, and wherein the air opening is configured to be in fluid communication with the main air path.

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 15, wherein, The air opening is arranged such that when a user inhales through the aerosol supply system, the air is configured to leave the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening, thereby relatively reducing the air pressure within the aerosol generating material storage section.

17. The aerosol supply system according to claim 16, wherein, The air opening is configured such that the reduced pressure causes a decrease in the rate at which aerosol-generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator.

18. A consumable for use with an aerosol supply system, the consumable comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit. as well as An air opening is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol generating material storage section. The aerosol generating article is configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening.

19. An aerosol supply apparatus for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol-generating material being contained in an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein... The aerosol supply device includes: An air opening is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol generating material storage section. The aerosol supply device is configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage unit via the air opening.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 19, wherein, The aerosol supply device also includes the aerosol generator.

21. A method for configuring an aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit. And an air opening configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section to allow air to enter and / or leave the aerosol generating material storage section, the method comprising: The rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator is altered by changing the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage section via the air opening.

22. An aerosol supply component for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply component comprising: Aerosol generation material storage component, used to store aerosol generation materials; An aerosol generator component is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage component and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage component. as well as An air opening component is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage component to allow air to enter and / or exit the aerosol generating material storage component. The aerosol supply component is configured to change the rate at which aerosol generating material is supplied to the aerosol generator component by altering the amount of air allowed to flow into or out of the aerosol generating material storage component via the air opening component.

23. An aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generating material transport element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit; An aerosol generator configured to receive aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol-generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol-generating material; and Vibration mechanism The vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

24. The aerosol supply system according to claim 23, wherein, The vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to achieve at least one of the following: assisting the transport of aerosol generating material into or through the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transport element; and assisting in the release of air within the aerosol generator and / or aerosol generating material transport element.

25. The aerosol supply system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, The vibration mechanism includes either a tactile motor or a sound wave generator.

26. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, The vibration mechanism includes a conductive component connected to the vibration mechanism and to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element, and the conductive component is configured to apply vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

27. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein, The aerosol generator and / or the aerosol generating material transport element are partially surrounded by a damping member adapted to allow movement of the aerosol generator and / or the aerosol generating material transport element caused by the vibration mechanism, and adapted to reduce the transmission of vibration through the damping member to the rest of the aerosol supply system.

28. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 27, comprising one or more O-ring damping components, the one or more O-ring damping components receiving the aerosol generating material transport element through the O-ring damping components, the one or more O-ring damping components being configured to absorb or reduce vibrations applied to the aerosol generating material transport element.

29. The aerosol supply system of claim 28, comprising an O-ring damping component at each of two openings in an air duct.

30. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein, The aerosol supply system is configured to determine whether the aerosol generator is in an activated state or has been activated, and wherein the vibration mechanism is controlled to provide vibration to the aerosol generator at at least one of the following: during the actuation of the aerosol generator and after the actuation of the aerosol generator.

31. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 30, further comprising a suction detection mechanism, said suction detection mechanism being used to detect when a user suctions on the aerosol supply system, wherein, The determination of whether the aerosol generator is in the start-up state or has been started is based on the output of the suction detection mechanism.

32. The aerosol supply system according to claim 30 or 31, wherein, When the aerosol generator is activated and the vibration is applied, the vibration mechanism is controlled to apply the vibration for a predetermined duration, the predetermined duration being set based on the refill rate of the aerosol generator, in which one or more openings of the aerosol generator are replenished with aerosol generating material.

33. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein, The aerosol supply system is configured such that the vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism are applied only to the aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator.

34. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein, The aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more capillaries defining the one or more openings.

35. The aerosol supply system according to claim 34, wherein, The aerosol generator includes a heating assembly, or the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element together include a heating assembly, the heating assembly comprising: Matrix; A heating layer is disposed at at least on a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when energy is supplied; and The one or more capillaries The one or more capillaries are configured to extend from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, and the one or more capillaries are configured to supply aerosol generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer.

36. The system according to claim 35, wherein, The aerosol generating material transport element includes the substrate and the capillary; and the aerosol generator includes the heating layer.

37. The system of claim 35 or 36, further comprising a heating assembly damping member extending around the outer periphery of the heating assembly, wherein, The edge of the heating layer contacts the damping component of the heating assembly.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein, The side surface of the substrate is in contact with the damping component of the heating assembly.

39. A consumable for use with an aerosol supply system, the consumable comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generating material transport element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit; An aerosol generator configured to receive aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol-generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol-generating material; and Vibration mechanism The vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

40. An aerosol supply apparatus for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol-generating material being contained in an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and configured to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section via an aerosol-generating material transfer element, wherein... The aerosol generating material transport element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol supply device includes: A vibration mechanism, wherein the vibration mechanism is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material transport element.

41. The aerosol supply device according to claim 40, wherein, The aerosol supply device also includes the aerosol generator.

42. A method for supplying aerosol generating material from an aerosol generating material storage unit to an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit, and the aerosol generator being configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit via an aerosol generating material transfer element, wherein... The aerosol generating material transport element is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the aerosol generating material transport element and / or the aerosol generator includes one or more openings configured to receive aerosol generating material, and the method includes: Vibration is applied to at least the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transport element using a vibration mechanism.

43. An aerosol supply component for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply component comprising: Aerosol generation material storage component, used to store aerosol generation materials; An aerosol generating material transport component is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage mechanism; An aerosol generator component configured to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage component, wherein the aerosol generating material transport component and / or the aerosol generator component includes one or more openings configured to receive the aerosol generating material; and Vibrating components, The vibrating member is configured to apply vibration to at least one of the aerosol generator member and the aerosol generating material transport member.

44. An aerosol supply system for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply system comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit; as well as A preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section. The preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the properties of the at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

45. The aerosol supply system according to claim 44, wherein, The preheating mechanism is configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to change the viscosity and / or phase state of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

46. ​​The aerosol supply system according to claim 44 or 45, wherein, The aerosol generating material storage unit includes a first region and a second region, the second region having a smaller volume than the first region and being configured to be in fluid communication with the first region, wherein the second region is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

47. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein, The preheating mechanism includes one or more heating elements disposed between the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material storage section, wherein the one or more heating elements can be powered to generate heat.

48. The aerosol supply system according to claim 47, wherein, The preheating mechanism includes at least two heating elements, wherein the at least two heating elements can be independently controlled to generate heat.

49. The aerosol supply system according to claim 47 or 48, wherein, The one or more heating elements are integrally formed with the aerosol generator.

50. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein, The one or more heating elements are further configured to facilitate the transfer of aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit to the aerosol generator.

51. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein, The one or more heating elements include a sintered structure formed of a conductive material.

52. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein, The preheating mechanism includes a preheating aerosol path extending from an aerosol generation region, in which aerosols are generated by the aerosol generating material through the operation of the aerosol generator, and wherein the preheating aerosol path is configured to pass through at least a portion of the aerosol generating material storage section to transfer heat from the aerosols passing through the preheating aerosol path to the at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section.

53. The aerosol supply system according to claim 52, wherein, The aerosol supply system includes an aerosol path extending from the aerosol generation region to a nozzle of the aerosol supply system, wherein the preheated aerosol path is arranged to extend from the aerosol path, and wherein a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region is capable of passing along the preheated aerosol path.

54. The aerosol supply system according to claim 52 or 53, wherein, The aerosol supply system further includes a condensation zone fluidly connected to the preheated aerosol path, the condensation zone being arranged to allow condensation of aerosols passing along the preheated aerosol path.

55. The aerosol supply system according to claim 54, wherein, The aerosol supply system further includes a return path disposed between the condensation zone and the aerosol generating material storage unit, the return path being configured to allow condensed aerosol generating material to return to the aerosol generating material storage unit.

56. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein, The aerosol-generating material is a liquid or a gel.

57. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 44 to 56, further comprising a second aerosol generating material storage unit for storing aerosol generating materials, wherein, The second aerosol generating material storage unit is fluidly connected to the aerosol generator, and wherein the preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage unit.

58. The aerosol supply system according to claim 57, wherein, The preheating mechanism is configured to independently preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material, and to independently preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the characteristics of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the second aerosol generating material storage section.

59. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 44 to 58, wherein, The aerosol generator includes a heating component, which includes: Matrix; A heating layer is disposed at at least on a first surface of the substrate and configured to generate heat when energy is supplied; and One or more capillaries extend from another surface of the substrate and through the heating layer, the one or more capillaries being configured to supply aerosol-generating material from the other surface of the substrate to the heating layer.

60. A consumable for use with an aerosol supply system, the consumable comprising: Aerosol generating material storage section, used to store aerosol generating materials; An aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage unit; as well as A preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section. The preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the properties of the at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

61. An aerosol supply apparatus for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, the aerosol-generating material being contained in an aerosol-generating material storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator being configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage section and to receive the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage section, wherein... The aerosol supply device includes: A preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section. The preheating mechanism is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section to adjust the properties of the at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

62. The aerosol supply device according to claim 61, wherein, The aerosol supply device also includes the aerosol generator.

63. A method for preheating an aerosol-generating material before aerosolizing it using an aerosol generator in an aerosol supply system, wherein, The aerosol generator is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage unit, and the method includes: At least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section is preheated. Specifically, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage section is preheated, thereby adjusting the properties of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

64. An aerosol supply component for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply component comprising: Aerosol generation material storage component, used to store aerosol generation materials; An aerosol generator component is configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating material storage component and to receive aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating material storage component. as well as A preheating component is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage component. The preheating component is configured to preheat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating material storage configuration in order to adjust the properties of at least a portion of the aerosol generating material.

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