AEROSOL DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).Background

[0002] Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of an air channel through the aerosol provision system. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes and along the air channel to the aerosol generation region, where the air mixes with the vaporised precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol generation region continues along the air channel to a mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0003] It is common for aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely a control unit and disposable / replaceable cartridge part. Typically the cartridge part will comprise the consumable aerosol precursor material and the vaporiser / heating element (atomiser), while the control unit part will comprise longer-life items, such as a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features. The control unit may also be referred to as a reusable part or battery section and the replaceable cartridge may also be referred to as a disposable part or cartomiser.

[0004] The control unit and cartridge are mechanically coupled together at an interface for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction fit fixing. When the aerosol precursor material in a cartridge has been exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol precursor material, the cartridge may be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge may be attached to the device in its place.

[0005] Electrical contacts / electrodes are provided on each of the control unit and cartridge for transferring power between the two components. In the case of each electrode on the cartridge, a lead is employed to transfer power from the electrode to the heating element in the cartridge.

[0006] A potential drawback in such cartridges is that the lead may become detached from the electrode during use, causing unwanted short-circuits and faulty operation of the cartridge. A potential further drawback for such cartridges, which typically contain liquid aerosol precursor (e-liquid) is the risk of leakage. An e-cigarette cartridge will typically have a mechanism, e.g. a capillary wick, for drawing liquid from a liquid reservoir to a heating element located in an air path / channel connecting from an air inlet to an aerosol outlet for the cartridge. Because there is a fluid transport path from the liquid reservoir into the open air channel through the cartridge, there is a corresponding risk of liquid leaking from the cartridge. Leakage is undesirable both from the perspective of the end user naturally not wanting to get the e-liquid on their hands or other items.

[0007] Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

[0008] Existing prior art includes WO 2017 / 163045, which relates to electronic vapour provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like), and approaches for establishing electrical connections in such systems.Summary

[0009] According to the invention there is provided a cartridge according to claim 1.

[0010] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system according to claim 2.

[0011] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically represents an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and a control unit; Figure 2A schematically represents a cross sectional view of a cartridge, for use with the control unit from Figure 1, which does not form part of the invention; Figure 2B shows a perspective view of portions of the cartridge shown in Figure 2A, which does not form part of the invention; Figure 3 schematically shows a heating element, located on a surface of a porous member, for use in the cartridge shown in Figure 2A which does not form part of the invention; and Figure 4A schematically represents a cross sectional view of a cartridge, for use with the control unit from Figure 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 4B schematically represents a perspective view of a portion of the cartridge from Figure 4A, for use with the control unit from Figure 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 4C schematically represents a perspective view of a portion of the cartridge from Figures 4A and 4B, for use with the control unit from Figure 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and Figure 5 schematically represents a cross sectional view of a cartridge, for use with the control unit from Figure 1, and which is similar to the cartridge from Figure 4A, and which is in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Detailed Description

[0013] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.

[0015] Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0017] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolisable material (or aerosol precursor material), an aerosol generating component (or vaporiser), an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and / or an area for receiving aerosolisable material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a vaporiser or heater capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.

[0020] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolisable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

[0021] The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and / or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolisable material in order to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate / nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a "flavour" and / or "flavourant" which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavours, flavourants, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0024] The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0025] The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0026] As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (control unit) and a replaceable (disposable) cartridge part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape..

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system / device (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.

[0028] The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 are coupled together when in use.

[0029] The cartridge 2 and control unit 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts / electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example, in the case of the cartridge 2 shown in Figure 1, this cartridge 2 comprises a mouthpiece end 6 and an interface end 8. The cartridge 2 is coupled to the control unit 4 by a coupling arrangement (not shown in the Figures) at the interface end 8 of the cartridge 2 such to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts / electrodes 10 on the bottom of the cartridge 2 and corresponding contact pins / electrodes 11 in the control unit 4. As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the control unit 4 may comprise a cartridge receiving section that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge 2 so as to releasably couple the cartridge 2 to the control unit 4. In this way, electrical power from the control unit 4 may be delivered to the cartridge via the electrode 10 from the cartridge 2.

[0030] It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and / or materials.

[0031] The control unit 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In some embodiments, the control unit may comprise a plastic outer housing including a receptacle wall that defines a receptacle for receiving the interface end 10 of the cartridge 2.

[0032] The control unit 4 further comprises a power supply, such as a battery for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette 1, control circuitry for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button, and a charging port.

[0033] The battery in some embodiments may be rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power supply / battery may be recharged through the charging port, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.

[0034] The input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.

[0035] The control circuitry is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power supply / battery to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units / circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0036] Figure 2A schematically represents a cross sectional view of a cartridge, for use with the control unit from Figure 1. In general terms, the cartridge comprises the electrodes 10, wherein each electrode 10 comprises an associated lead 12 which is operable to transfer power between the electrode 10 and a heating element 14. The cartridge 2 may further comprise a porous member 16 for use in holding a fluid to be atomised using the heating element 14. As shown in Figure 2A, the porous member 16 may comprise a recess 18 defining a basin 20 for holding the fluid. In some examples, the porous member 16 may be a ceramic material, and may comprise silicone.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 2A, the heating element 14 is located between the basin 20 and each electrode 10. In terms of the structure of the heating element 14, in some embodiments the heating element 14 may be located on a surface 21 of the porous member 16. In the case of the examples shown in Figures 2A and 3, the surface 21 is located on an opposite side of the porous member to that of the basin 20.

[0038] To improve the transfer of heat from the heating element to the porous member 16, in some examples the heating element 14 may comprise a metal wire or some other conductive material, which may form a tortuous path 23 on the surface 21 of the porous member 16. In that arrangement, a first end of the heating element may be connected to one of the two leads 12, and a second end opposite the first end of the heating element connected to the other of the two leads 12. In terms of the exact shape of the heating element 14, it will be appreciated that the heating element 14 in such embodiments may take any required shape on the surface of the porous member 16 for efficiently vaporising the aerosolisable material / fluid in the porous member 16. In that respect, and in accordance with some particular embodiments, the heating element / vaporiser 14 may define a spiral pattern; a raster pattern; or a zig-zag pattern on the surface of the porous member 16.

[0039] Located towards the mouthpiece end 6 of the cartridge is a chamber 22 acting as a primary reservoir 24 for storing fluid to be aerosolised. The chamber 22 is connected to the basin 20 via at least one opening 26 for topping up the level of fluid in the basin 20, which acts a secondary reservoir.

[0040] Extending through the centre of the chamber 22 is an outlet channel 28 for receiving aerosol generated from fluid emanating from the porous member 16. The outlet channel 28 extends from the porous member up towards a mouthpiece 30 located at the mouthpiece end 6 of the cartridge, for allowing a user to inhale the aerosol which is generated.

[0041] The cartridge comprises an air channel 32 extending through the cartridge for delivering air to the heating element 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the air channel 32 is located between the electrodes 10. Upon connection of the cartridge 2 with the control unit 4, the electronic cigarette 1 would be provided with a further air channel located in the cartridge 2 and / or the control unit 4 which is in fluid communication with the air channel 32, and which is configured to allow ambient air to be passed therethrough and into air channel 32.

[0042] The heating element 14 is located in an aerosol generation region 34 from the cartridge 2, and the outlet channel 28 and the air channel 30 are connected to the aerosol generation region 34.

[0043] In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the control unit 4 and the control unit activated to supply power to the cartridge 2 via the electrodes 10;11. Power then passes through the connection leads 12 to the heating element 14.

[0044] The function of the porous member 16 is to act as a capillary wick for drawing fluid from the basin 20 to the heating element 14. Accordingly, fluid which is wicked towards the heating element 14 through the porous member 16 is vaporised by the heat generated from the heating element 14. The generated vapour emanates from the surface 21 where it mixes with the air from the air channel 32 in the aerosol generation region 34 to form an aerosol. Fluid which is vaporised from the porous member 16 is replaced by more fluid drawn from the chamber 22 via the at least one opening 26.

[0045] Air enters the air channel 32 as a result of the user inhaling on the mouthpiece 30 of the cartridge 2. This inhalation causes air to be drawn through whichever further air channel aligns with the air channel 32 of the cartridge. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the heating element 14 to form a condensation aerosol at the underside of the porous member 16 in the aerosol generation region 34. The formed aerosol then passes from the underside of the porous member 16, past a gap 38 located on two sides S3;S4 of the porous member as shown in Figure 2B (the sides S3;S4 being perpendicular to the sides S1;S2 shown in Figure 2A), and then up through the outlet channel 28 to the mouthpiece 30. The above therefore describes a cartridge 2 for an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge 2 comprises a heating element / vaporiser 14 located in an aerosol generation region 34 from the cartridge 2, and is for heating / vaporising fluid from a reservoir 20;24 to generate aerosol in the aerosol generation region 34, wherein the cartridge 2 further comprises an air channel 32 extending through the cartridge 2 for delivering air to the heating element / vaporiser 14.

[0046] With reference to Figures 4A-5, there are schematically shown modified cartridges 2 for use with the control unit 4 shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cartridge 2, or portions thereof, shown in Figures 4A-5 are based on the construction of cartridge 2 shown in Figures 1-3, and comprise similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures. For instance, the cartridge 2 comprises the at least one electrode 10, the heating element / vaporiser 14, and the porous member 16.

[0047] A principal modification to the cartridge 2 shown in Figures 4A-5 over the cartridge shown in Figures 2A-3 is the introduction of a resilient member 100 to replace all or part of the connection lead 12. In this respect, the connection leads 12 may become detached from the electrode 10 during use, causing unwanted short-circuits and faulty operation of the cartridge 2. A potential further drawback is that with such connection leads 12, which are shown in Figures 2A-2B as embedded in the electrode 10, fluid / vapour may ingress in the gap between the connection lead 12 and the electrode 10, which may impact on the efficiency in any electrical power transmitted between the connection lead 12 and the electrode 10, e.g. as a result of corrosion forming in this gap.

[0048] From the foregoing therefore, and as will be described, the disclosure from Figures 4A-5 effectively provide an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a vaporiser 14 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; an electrode 10 for receiving electrical power; and a resilient element 100, electrically connected to the vaporiser 14 and the electrode 10, for transferring the electrical power between the electrode 10 and the vaporiser 14. As will be described, via the introduction of this resilient element 100, this may notionally alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages caused by use of the connection lead(s) 12.

[0049] Mindful of the above, and with reference to the disclosure from Figures 4A-5, the resilient element 100 is provided with a first portion 102 proximal the vaporiser 14 and a second portion 104 proximal the electrode 10. In accordance with such embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 4A-5, the second portion 104 may effectively be in contact with the electrode 10, with the first portion 102 in contact with the vaporiser 14. That being said, in accordance with some embodiments, there may be provided at least one electrically conductive bridging member situated between the first portion 102 and the vaporiser 14, and / or situated between the second portion 104 and the electrode 10.

[0050] As will be described with reference to the embodiments disclosed in Figures 4A-5, in accordance with some embodiments, the resilient member 100 may comprise a helical spring. The resilient element 100 is configured to extend around the electrode 10, as shown in Figures 4A-5. Although not necessarily, in accordance with some particular embodiments, the resilient element 100 may extend concentrically around the electrode 10. Such concentricity may better ensure an even distribution of forces through the resilient element 100, and may serve to efficiently optimise the location of the resilient element 100 relative to the electrode 10.

[0051] In accordance with the above embodiments, the resilient element 100 is located between the electrode 10 and the vaporiser 14, and is configured to support (at least partially or fully) the vaporiser 14 and / or the porous member 16, as is shown in the embodiments of Figures 4A-5. In that way, the resilient element 100 is configured to provide a biasing force and / or compression force on the vaporiser 14, which in some particular embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 4A-5) may extend in a direction away from the electrode 10.

[0052] From the above therefore, it can be seen that resilient nature of the resilient element 100 may cause it to be biased into engagement with the vaporiser 14, such that the resilient element 100 is held in compression in use. In that respect, the resilient member 100 may be held in compression by the electrode 10 and / or the vaporiser 14.

[0053] Concerning the geometry of the electrode, according to the invention (such as shown in Figures 4A-5), the electrode 10 extends between a first end 10A of the electrode 10 and a second end 10B of the electrode 10, wherein the first end 10A of the electrode 10 is located more proximal to the vaporiser 14 than the second end 10B of the electrode is located to the vaporiser 14, and wherein the first end 10A in accordance with some particular embodiments thereof may be located opposite the second end 10B (for instance in the case of the electrode being cylindrical). In accordance with such geometry, this may allow for a convenient spacing and positioning of the electrode 10 relative to the vaporiser 14 and the resilient element 100.

[0054] In accordance with some particular embodiments of the above geometry, a particularly compact embodiment which optimises space may comprise the first end 10A of the electrode 10 located between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 of the resilient element 100. Such an embodiment is shown in Figures 4A-5. In accordance with such embodiments, the first and second ends 10A;10B of the electrode 10 may be located on opposite sides of the second portion 104.

[0055] To provide additional securement of the resilient member 100 to the electrode 10, in accordance with some embodiments, the electrode 10 may comprise a shoulder portion 108 on which the second portion 104 of the resilient element 100 may be configured to engage against. In accordance with some embodiments thereof, the shoulder portion 109 may extend around a circumference of the electrode 10, which may extend around a part of; or the entirety of (as shown in the embodiments of Figures 4A-5); the circumference of the electrode 10. It will be appreciated that the shoulder portion 108 might be constructed in a number of different ways. In that respect, and in accordance with some embodiments, the shoulder portion 108 may project in an outward direction from the resilient element 100, and / or could be formed as a result of a step-change in the width of a portion 109 of the electrode (as per the embodiment shown in Figures 4A-5). As to the exact position of the shoulder portion 108 and the portion 109, In accordance with some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 4A-5, these may be located in a position which is more proximal the second end 10B of the electrode 100 than the portion 109 is located to the first end 10A of the electrode 10.

[0056] Staying with the geometry of the electrode 10, to allow the electrode 10 to be more easily located in place during construction relative to the rest of the cartridge 2 (where such a cartridge is present), and to allow the resilient element 100 to be more easily engaged with and / or assembled next to the electrode 10, in accordance with some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the electrode 100 may decrease in the direction from the second end 10B of the electrode 10 to the first end of the electrode 10A. Any such decrease in the cross sectional area from the second end 10B to the first end 10A of the electrode 10 may be a progressive decrease in accordance with some embodiments. Additionally and / or alternatively, in accordance with some embodiments, the electrode 10 may be configured to comprise a first section 110 of the electrode 10 comprising a first cross sectional area, and comprise a second section 112 of the electrode 10 comprising a second cross sectional area which is smaller than the first cross sectional area, wherein the second section 112 is located more proximal to the first end 10A and / or the vaporiser 14 than the first section 110 is located to the first end 10A and / or the vaporiser 14. In some particular embodiments thereof, the electrode 10 may further comprise a third section 114 of the electrode 10 comprising a third cross sectional area which is smaller than the second cross sectional area, wherein the third section 114 is located more proximal to the first end 10A and / or the vaporiser 14 than the second section 112 is located to the first end 10A and / or the vaporiser 14.

[0057] Also in respect of the electrode 10, to allow the resilient element 100 to be more easily engaged with and / or located over the electrode 10 initially, as shown in Figures 4A-5, in accordance with some embodiments the electrode 10 may be provided with a chamfered or filleted edge 118 extending around the first end 10A. Advantageously as well, the chamfered or filleted edge 118 may also facilitate in the reduction of any wear of the resilient element 100 as a result it otherwise rubbing against a sharper edge around the first end 10A during use, which might cause a more premature failure of the resilient element 100 during use.

[0058] Turning to the resilient element 100, as noted above, in accordance with some embodiments the resilient member 100 may comprise a helical spring. Where such a helical spring is provided, in accordance with some embodiments the first portion 112 may comprise a portion of the helical spring which comprises a flat surface 122. As shown in Figures 4A-5, the flat surface 122 may be configured to be in contact with the vaporiser 14. In this way, the introduction of the flat surface 122 at this interface between the resilient element 100 and the vaporiser 14 may provide a number of advantages, not least in terms of providing a better electrical contact between the resilient element 100 and the vaporiser 14, and also in terms of providing a wider surface on which the vaporiser 14 (and / or the porous member 16, where present) may be supported in use.

[0059] In embodiments where the porous member 16 is provided, it is envisaged that the porous member 16 may be configured to be supported (either partially or fully) by the resilient element 100. In that respect therefore, in accordance with some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 5, the resilient element 100 may be configured to engage against the surface 21 of the porous member 16 (via the vaporiser 14). That being said, in accordance with some other embodiments, so as to provide additional support for the resilient element 100 relative to the porous member 16, the first portion 102 of the resilient element 100 be embedded or recessed inside the porous member 16, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C. Put differently, in such embodiments, the porous member 16 may comprise a cavity 124 for accommodating the first portion 102 of the resilient element 100. Where such a cavity 124 is provided, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the cavity 124 may comprises a flat surface 126 on which the vaporiser 14 may be located (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4A). Where this flat surface 126 in the cavity 124 is provided, the flat surface 122 (where present) of the resilient element 100 may be then parallel to the flat surface 126 of the cavity 124. In this way, a particularly stable arrangement may be provided between the resilient element 100 and the porous member 16, and such that the porous member 16 may be better supported by the resilient element 100.

[0060] As noted above, one of the primary functions of the resilient element 100 is to transfer electrical power between the electrode 10 and the vaporiser 14. That being the case, it is envisaged that the resilient element 100 may comprise an electrically conductive material (such as, but not limited to, a metal) for transferring the electrical power received by the electrode 10 to the vaporiser 14. Inferably, and as will be appreciated, this may be achieved by the electrically conductive material being deposited onto the resilient element (e.g. as a coating extending around the surface of the resilient element, or a strip of electrically conductive material being located / deposited thereon), and / or the resilient element 100 being made of the electrically conductive material. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the electrically conductive material may comprise gold, which demonstrates good electrical conductance properties, as well as a high resistance to corrosion (which might otherwise occur in / around the electrode during its operation).

[0061] Staying with the materials of the resilient element 100, the resilient element may notionally comprise a material(s) which demonstrates a degree of corrosion resistance and which can withstand the operating temperatures of the vaporiser 14 during its operation. In accordance with some embodiments, such a material may comprise an alloy containing cobalt; chromium; and nickel, which can demonstrate good performance in respect of the above noted areas. In a very particular embodiment, the alloy may comprise Elgiloy ®< , which is an alloy that principally contains cobalt; nickel; chromium; molybdenum and manganese. Together, these selections of metals in the alloy can again contribute to the resilient element 100 demonstrating a degree of corrosion resistance and which can withstand the operating temperatures of the vaporiser 14 during its operation. For reference, an example composition of Elgiloy ®< includes the following percentage weightings of materials in the alloy: Table 1MetalCoCrNiMoMnMin (% by weight)39191461.5Max (% by weight)41211682.5

[0062] Noting these values recited in Table 1, in accordance with some embodiments described herein, the resilient element 100 may comprise an alloy containing any combination of these listed metals (and potentially other non-listed metals) from Table 1, and / or may comprise an alloy containing any combination / permutation of the recited percentage weight ranges for each of these metals from Table 1.

[0063] As to the physical dimensions of the resilient element 100 and the electrode 10 herein described, it will be entirely appreciated that these physical dimensions may depend on the intended application of these components and / or any aerosol provision system 1 in which the components are located. In accordance with some embodiments where the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to be handheld or portable, in accordance with some very particular embodiments thereof, the resilient element 100 and / or the electrode 10 may comprise any combination of the following physical dimensions: i) maximum width W1 of the resilient element 100: no more than 2mm and / or between 1.8mm and 2mm; ii) maximum length of the resilient element 100 (extending between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104) when in use between the electrode 10 and the vaporiser 14: between 2mm-5mm; and iii) maximum width W2 of the shoulder portion 108 on which the second portion 104 of the resilient element 100 is configured to engage against: between 0.5mm and 1mm.

[0064] With respect to the resilient member 100 described herein and as illustrated in the embodiments from Figures 4A-5, it is envisaged (as noted previously) that this resilient member 100 may be used with some of the other previously described features of the aerosol provision system 1 described with reference to Figures 1-3, such as but not limited the porous member 16, the vaporiser 14, and any of the other features from the cartridge 2 or control unit 4 shown in Figures 1-3 which collectively form the aerosol provision systems 1 described herein.

[0065] Accordingly, there has been described an aerosol provision system comprising: a vaporiser for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; an electrode for receiving electrical power; and a resilient element, electrically connected to the vaporiser and the electrode, for transferring the electrical power between power the electrode and the vaporiser.

[0066] There has also been described a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a vaporiser for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; an electrode for receiving electrical power from the control unit; and a resilient element, electrically connected to the vaporiser and the electrode, for transferring the electrical power between the electrode and the vaporiser.

[0067] There has also been described an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a vaporiser 14 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material, and an electrode 10 for receiving electrical power. The aerosol provision system 1 also comprises a resilient element 100, such as a helical spring, electrically connected to the vaporiser 14 and the electrode 10, for transferring the electrical power between the electrode 10 and the vaporiser 14. The aerosol provision system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4, wherein the electrode 10, the vaporiser 14, and the resilient element 100 are located in the cartridge 2. The control unit 4 comprises a power supply for delivering electrical power to the electrode 10 for powering the vaporiser 14.

[0068] For the sake of completeness however, it is to be noted that the resilient element 100 described herein is used in an aerosol provision system 1 which comprises a cartridge 2 and the control unit 4. Accordingly, the resilient element 100 may be notionally used in any aerosol provision system 1 which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material.

[0069] In this respect as well, and at an even broader level, it is envisaged that the resilient element 100 described herein may have wider applications for transferring power from a first object to another object which is configured to receive the power from the first object, and which is also configured to be at least partly supported by the resilient element, such that the resilient element is configured to act as a load-bearing element for the second object. In other words, the resilient element 100 need not expressly be for use with an electrode 10 (the first object) and the vaporiser 14 (the second object) specifically. That being the case, described herein may also be an electrical power transmission system comprising: a first object for receiving electrical power; a second object; and a resilient element, electrically connected to the first object and the second object, wherein the resilient element is configured to transfer the electrical power between the first object and the second object, and wherein the second object is configured to be supported (such as at least partly, or fully) by the resilient element, and such that the resilient element is configured to be held in compression between the first object and the second object. Although not necessarily, in accordance with some of these embodiments, the first object may comprise the electrode 10 and / or the second object may comprise the vaporiser 14 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material.

[0070] Where the resilient element 100 is configured to be used in such an electrical power transmission system, it will be appreciated that the resilient element 100 may comprise any of the features and / or functionality as described herein, such as (but not limited to) the first portion 102, the second portion 104, the flat surface 122, and / or comprise a helical spring. Also in respect of the resilient element 100 described herein, it will be appreciated that there may be provided one or more resilient elements 100, as required, depending on how many electrodes 10 (first objects) there are. Accordingly, although the description has been principally described with reference to the operation of a single resilient element 100, it will be appreciated (as noted in Figures 4A-5) that more than one resilient element 100 may in practice be employed, as required, such as there being one resilient element 100 for each provided electrode 10. In that respect as well, and purely for the avoidance of any doubt, where more than one resilient element 100 is provided, the plurality of resilient elements 100 may all electrically connect to a single vaporiser 14 (second object) and / or electrically connect to a separate vaporiser 14 (second object) for each electrode 100, depending on the particular application of the resilient element 100. In that respect, and with reference to the embodiments shown in Figures 4A-5, there may in accordance with some particular embodiments be provided an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the vaporiser 14 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; a plurality of electrodes 10 for receiving electrical power; and a plurality of resilient elements 100, wherein each resilient element 100 is electrically connected to the vaporiser 14 and a respective one of the electrodes 10, for transferring the electrical power between the respective one of the electrodes 10 and the vaporiser 14.

[0071] In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0072] For instance, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a "liquid" or "fluid" in the cartridge / aerosol provision system, it will be appreciated that this liquid or fluid may be replaced with any aerosolisable material. Equally, where an aerosolisable material is used, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments this aerosolisable material may comprise a liquid or fluid.

[0073] Furthermore, whilst the present disclosure has been described with reference to a heater / heating element being present in the cartridge / aerosol provision system, it will be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments this heating element may be replaced with a vaporiser or some other aerosol generating component. Equally, such an aerosol generating component in accordance with some embodiments may in particular comprise a heater or heating element.

Claims

1. A cartridge (2) for an aerosol provision system (1) comprising the cartridge (2) and a control unit (4), wherein the cartridge (2) comprises: a vaporiser (14) for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; an electrode (10) for receiving electrical power from the control unit (4); and a resilient element (100), electrically connected to the vaporiser (14) and the electrode (10), for transferring the electrical power between the electrode (10) and the vaporiser (14); wherein the resilient element (100) extends around the electrode (10), wherein the resilient element (100) comprises a first portion (102) proximal the vaporiser (14) and a second portion (104) proximal the electrode (10); wherein the electrode (10) extends between a first end (10A) of the electrode (10) and a second end (10B) of the electrode (10), wherein the first end (10A) of the electrode (10) is located more proximal to the vaporiser (14) than the second end (10B) of the electrode (10) is located to the vaporiser (14), wherein the first end (10A) of the electrode (10) is located between the first portion (102) and the second portion (104) of the resilient element (100); characterised in that the resilient element (100) at least partly supports the vaporiser (14), such that the resilient element (100) is configured to be held in compression between the vaporiser (14) and the electrode (10), wherein the first portion (102) is in contact with the vaporiser (14).

2. An aerosol provision system (1) comprising the cartridge (2) of claim 1 and a control unit (4), wherein the electrode (10), the vaporiser, and the resilient element are located in the cartridge, wherein the control unit (4) comprises a cartridge receiving section that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge (2) so as to releasably couple the cartridge (2) to the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) further comprises a power supply for delivering electrical power to the electrode (10) for powering the vaporiser (14).

3. An aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the electrode (10) comprises a shoulder portion (108) on which the second portion (104) of the resilient element (100) is configured to engage against, wherein the shoulder portion (108) is located between the first end (10A) and the second end (10B).

4. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the cross sectional area of the electrode (10) decreases in the direction from the second end (10B) of the electrode (10) to the first end (10A) of the electrode (10).

5. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the resilient element (100) is configured to provide at least one of a biasing force and / or a compression force on the vaporiser (14).

6. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the resilient element (100) is biased into engagement with the vaporiser (14).

7. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the resilient element (100) comprises a helical spring.

8. An aerosol provision system according to claim 7, wherein the first portion (102) comprises a portion of the helical spring which comprise a flat surface (122).

9. An aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the flat surface (122) is in contact with the vaporiser (14).

10. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the resilient element (100) extends concentrically around the electrode (10).

11. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a porous member (16) for use in holding aerosolisable material to be vaporised using the vaporiser (14).

12. An aerosol provision system according to claim 11, wherein the porous member (16) comprises a cavity (124) for accommodating the first portion (102) of the resilient element (100).

13. An aerosol provision system according to claim 12, wherein the cavity (124) comprises a flat surface (126), and wherein the vaporiser (14) is located on the flat surface (126).