Components for aerosol provision systems

Abstract

A component 10 for an aerosol delivery system (1) comprises a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser (20) of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures 120 through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system, and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element (70) to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

Description

[0001] COMPONENTS FOR AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEMS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to components for aerosol delivery systems.

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a supply of aerosol generating material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol generation chamber containing an aerosol generator arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation chamber where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol.

[0006] In some aerosol delivery systems, the aerosol generator comprises an electrically operated atomiser, which may comprise, for example, a heating element, disposed in fluid communication with an air flow channel extending between the air inlet hole and a mouthpiece from which a user can inhale vapour I aerosol. In aerosol delivery systems arranged to generate aerosol, and particularly those which generate aerosol from a liquid (for example, by heating of liquid to form vapour which subsequently condenses into a condensation aerosol), management of free liquid in airflow path(s) and I or air spaces of the system may be an issue. For example, liquid stored in a reservoir may egress into the airflow path(s) via leakage, or liquid in a component configured to deliver liquid from a reservoir to an aerosol generator (e.g. a capillary wick) may escape into an airflow path due to pressure variations within the system, and I or under the influence of knocks or vibrations on the system. Moreover, vapour and I or aerosol within the airflow path(s) of the system may condense to form liquid droplets. Free liquid arising in these ways, or others, may travel to parts of the system where they may cause damage to components, such as electronic components, and I or interfere with airflow through the system, and I or come into direct contact with a user.

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

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a component for an aerosol delivery system; the component comprising: a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises: an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system, comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol generating liquid, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an aerosol generator for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a component according to the first aspect, disposed at a position along the air flow path which is downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generator.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a component of an aerosol delivery system; the method comprising: providing a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an airflow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein providing the plate comprises the steps of: providing an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; providing an absorbent element retaining surface on the plate, configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0012] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other 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 above.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of a cartridge part of an aerosol delivery system, showing certain sub-components according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a plate comprised in a component of an aerosol delivery system.

[0017] Figures 4a is a schematic diagrams of a cross-section through a housing element of an aerosol delivery system to which an absorbent element and a plate comprised in a component of the aerosol delivery system may be mounted.

[0018] Figures 4b and 4c are a schematic diagrams of the housing element of Figure 4a with an absorbent element mounted thereon.

[0019] Figure 4d is a schematic diagram of a cross-section through a sub-assembly comprising a housing element, an absorbent element, and a plate mounted to the housing element to retain the absorbent element.

[0020] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a housing element of an aerosol delivery system to which an absorbent element and a plate comprised in a component of the aerosol delivery system may be mounted.

[0021] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the housing element of Figure 5b, with an absorbent element mounted thereon.

[0022] Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of a sub-assembly comprising a housing element, an absorbent element, and a plate mounted to the housing element to retain the absorbent element.

[0023] Detailed Description

[0024] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I 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.

[0025] Terminology As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosolgenerating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0027] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as and referred to interchangeably herein as a vaping device, aerosol delivery system, or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0029] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles, cartridges, or cartomisers throughout the disclosure, and these terms should be understood to be interchangeable herein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolgenerating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0032] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material which may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0033] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0034] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0035] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0036] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0037] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. 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 gas.

[0039] 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 comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0040] 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 eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0041] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0042] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0043] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of 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.

[0044] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0045] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosolgenerating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0046] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0047] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0048] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating 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.

[0049] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. 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 delivery system I device and aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0050] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser I atomizer / aerosol generator (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two- part systems / devices. Aerosol delivery systems may alternatively comprise a single unit which does not comprise a cartridge part and reusable device part configured to be detachably coupled together by a user. Such an aerosol delivery system may be referred to as a ‘single part’ aerosol delivery system or device. In such a system I device, which may be intended to be disposed of after a supply of electrical power in a battery and / or a supply of aerosol generating material supplied with the system I device is exhausted, without refilling or recharging the device, components including a reservoir of aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator, a power supply (e.g. a battery), and control circuitry, may all be housed within a single housing. Such an aerosol delivery system or device may be referred to as ‘disposable’.

[0051] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0052] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises two main components, namely a reusable device part 50 and a cartridge I consumable part 40. However, in other embodiments the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a single-part device in which a power source 501 , controller 502, atomiser 20, and reservoir 2 of aerosol generating material are provided within a single housing. It will be understood aspects of the present disclosure not specifically related to detachable connection of a reusable device part 50 and a cartridge part 40 apply to single-part device embodiments, which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, references to components 10, optionally comprising an absorbent element 70 and a housing element 80, being configured to be disposed in an outer housing of a cartridge part 40 of an aerosol delivery system, apply equally to scenarios where these components are to be disposed within an outer housing of a single-part device.

[0053] In normal use of a two-part device as shown in Figure 1 , the reusable device part 50 and cartridge I consumable part 40 are releasably coupled together at an interface. In the nonlimiting example of Figure 1 , the interface is provided by a cartridge-receiving recess 507 of the reusable device part 50, into which a portion of the cartridge part 40 is configured to be received. When the cartridge part is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part, the cartridge part 40 may be removed from the reusable part 50 and a replacement cartridge part 40 attached to the reusable part in its place. The interface provides a structural and electrical connection between the two parts, and optionally an airflow connection, and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and an optional airflow path between the two parts as appropriate. In the context of a two-part device, the specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling provided by magnets of opposing polarity disposed on or proximate to the ends of the cartridge part 40 and reusable device part 50 which are configured to be connected together (not represented in Figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator I atomiser may be provided in the reusable part 50 rather than in the cartridge part 40, and the cartridge part 40 I consumable I article comprises a supply of aerosol generating material which is brought into proximity with the aerosol generator when the consumable and reusable device part 50 are connected for use. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the delivery system 1 might not go through the reusable part 50, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 50 and the cartridge part 40 is not needed. In some examples, such as in Figure 1 , an air inlet channel for providing air to the cartridge part 40 may be defined at the interface between portions of reusable part 50 and cartridge part 40 when these are coupled together for use, as described further herein.

[0054] The outer structure of a cartridge part 40 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional. In Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 comprises an outer housing 6 formed of a plastics material, but in embodiments the outer housing may comprise metal, glass, or any other material known to the skilled person for use in housings of aerosol delivery systems. The outer housing 6 may typically support other components of the cartridge part and may provide at least part of the mechanical interface with the reusable part 50, in that part of the outer surface of the outer housing 6 may engage a portion of the reusable part 50 when the reusable part 50 and cartridge part 40 are connected together for use. The outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40 may have any cross-sectional shape, for example: round, oval, square, diamond, or cuboidal. In this example, the cartridge part 40 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 2 cm in the widest dimension. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, are not of particular significance to the principles described herein.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 comprises a reservoir 2 configured to hold a supply of aerosol generating material, comprising, for example, a liquid material. In this example, the reservoir 2 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge outer housing 6 and an inner wall defined by an airflow I aerosol passage 41 which passes down the longitudinal centreline of the cartridge part 40. The reservoir 2 is closed at each end by end walls which contain the aerosol generating material. The wall at the mouthpiece end, distal to the end comprising contacts 32, may be integrally formed with the other regions of the outer housing 6. The reservoir 2 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40. The structural relationship between the airflow path 41 and the reservoir 2 is exemplary, and may be arranged in other ways, such that, for example, the airflow path 41 does not pass through the reservoir, and I or the airflow path 41 may branch into a plurality of sub-paths.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 further comprises an aerosol generator I atomiser 20. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 2 to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatile materials from the aerosol-generating material to form a vapour I aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the 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 (e.g. piezoelectric atomisation), increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. Whilst examples herein may describe an aerosol generator 20 comprising a wicking element 202 and a heating element 201 for the sake of providing a concrete example, it should be appreciated that the specific type of aerosol generator I atomiser 20 should not be considered limiting to other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] It will be appreciated that in a two-part device such as shown in the example of Figure 1 , the aerosol generator 20 may be in either of the reusable part 50 or the cartridge part 40. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 (e.g. a heater) may be comprised in the reusable part 50, and brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge 40 when the cartridge is engaged with the reusable part 50. In such embodiments, the cartridge 40 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 20 is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge 40 is engaged with the reusable device part 50. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 in the reusable device part 50 may comprise an inductive drive coil configured to electromagnetically couple with a susceptor within the atomiser 20 in the reusable device part 50, or in the cartridge part 40.

[0058] For the sake of providing a concrete example, Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator 20 comprising a porous capillary element 202 (interchangeably referred to herein as a ‘wick’), with a planar heater 201 disposed on an outer surface and configured to aerosolise liquid aerosol forming material held in the pore spaces of the porous capillary element 202. The aerosol generator 20 extends transversely across the airflow passage 41 through the cartridge part 40. As shown schematically, a portion of the wick 202 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of liquid aerosol generating material, to allow liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 to be drawn into the wick 202 by capillary action.

[0059] The aerosol generator I atomiser 20 is arranged in the cartridge airflow path 41 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 41 proximate to the aerosol generator 20 in effect defines a vaporisation region (alternatively referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber) of the cartridge part 40. In use, aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 infiltrates the wick and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking). Where the aerosol generator 20 comprises a heating element 201 , this may comprise a plate, coating, and I or trace of conductive material disposed on, and I or embedded at least partially within, an outer surface of the wick 202. In the example of Figure 1 , the heating element 201 may comprise a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80), and the wick may comprise a sintered, porous ceramic or glass block. However, whilst embodiments of a component comprising a plate as described herein may be used in conjunction with an aerosol generator 20 comprising a ceramic wick 202 with a planar heating element 201 , it will be appreciated this specific aerosol generator / atomiser 20 configuration is not essential to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power is supplied to the aerosol generator 20 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating drawn to the vicinity of the heating element 201 by the wick 202. In the example of Figure 1 , coupling of the cartridge 40 with the reusable device part 50 brings contacts 506 of the reusable device part into contact with contacts 32 of the cartridge, forming a circuit between the power supply 501 and the heating element 201 , via electrical leads 21 which connect between the cartridge contacts 32 and the heating element 201. When a current from power source 501 is applied across the contacts 32 by the controller 502, aerosol generating material in the wick 202 is vaporised by the heating element 201 , becoming entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path 41 from the vaporisation region I aerosol generation chamber, for user inhalation at an outlet disposed at a mouthpiece end of the cartridge part 40.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 1 , an sub-assembly 90 of the cartridge comprises a component 10 comprising a plate, which as described further herein comprises an airflow restricting region and an absorbent element retaining surface; and optionally further comprises an absorbent element 70, and a housing element 80. The housing element 80 in some embodiments forms a basal surface of a cartridge part 40, and thus comprises at least one cartridge contact pad 32, each of which is configured to engage a corresponding electrical contact 506 of the reusable device part 50, to provide for electrical communication between the cartridge part 40 and the reusable device part 50 when these parts are connected to form the aerosol delivery system 1. As described further herein, a housing element 80 and absorbent element 70 may comprise separately formed elements configured to be assembled together with the plate of component 10, or may comprise subcomponents of a component 10 which respectively provide the functionality of the housing element 80 and absorbent element 70 as described herein. As shown schematically in Figure 1 , in embodiments of the present disclosure, the plate of component 10 is mounted to the housing element 80 to retain the absorbent element 70 therebetween, forming a sub-assembly 90 which defines an air flow path forming a portion of the air flow path downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generator 20 of the aerosol delivery system 1 (which may be interchangeably be referred to as an electronic aerosol delivery system 1 herein).

[0061] The rate at which aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 is vaporised by the aerosol generator 20 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20 from a power supply 501 of the aerosol delivery system by a controller 502 of the aerosol delivery system. Thus in a two-part device such as shown in Figure 1 , electrical power is routed from a power supply 501 in the reusable part 50 to the aerosol generator 20 in the cartridge part 40 to selectively generate aerosol, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques known in the art, and implemented by a controller 502 disposed on an electrical path between the power supply 501 and the aerosol generator 20.

[0062] In the example of Figure 1 , the reusable part 50 comprises an outer housing 505, a power supply 501 (for example a battery) for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system 1 , and control circuitry 502 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. The reusable part 50 may further comprise optional elements such as a first user input button 504, and one or more visual display elements 503.

[0063] The outer housing 505 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and will typically have a cross sectional shape generally conforming to that of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40 so as to provide a smooth transition between the cartridge and device parts at their connecting interface. In this example the reusable part 50 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the cartridge part 40 and reusable part 50 are coupled together is around 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it will be appreciated that the specific overall shape and size of an aerosol delivery system 1 of the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein. The power source 501 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example a lithium ion or similar cell or battery of the kind normally used in aerosol delivery systems I electronic cigarettes and I or other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 501 may be recharged according to approaches known in the art, such as through a suitable charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.

[0064] One or more user input devices 504 may be provided, such as conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact, though the specific manner in which a user input device 504 is implemented is not significant. A user input device 504 may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a level of power to be supplied from the power source 501 to an aerosol generator 20. However, the inclusion of a user input device 504 is optional, and in some embodiments these may not be included.

[0065] One or more display elements 503 may be provided to provide a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system 1 , for example current power setting information, a remaining level of power available in power source 501 , and so forth. A display element 503 may be implemented in various ways, for example comprising a pixilated LCD screen that may be driven by the controller 502 to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations a display element 503 may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which one or more display elements 503 are provided and information is displayed to a user using such elements is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include any visual display elements 503, and may optionally include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio or haptic signalling known to the skilled person, or may not include any means for providing a userwith information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0066] Typically, a controller 502 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described further herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 in line with the established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuitry) 502 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the controller 502 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 501 to the aerosol generator 20 in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input (e.g. from one or more user input devices 504), as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the controller 502 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. By way of nonlimiting examples, the control logic of the controller 502 may be implemented as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or an MCU (microcontroller unit), configured according to approaches known in the art.

[0067] Optionally, the reusable part 50 may comprise an airflow sensing unit 508 which is electrically connected to the controller 502. Typically, an airflow sensing unit 508 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensing unit 508 is configured to detect when a user is puffing I inhaling on the device. The airflow sensing unit 508 is shown schematically in Figure 1 , but may be implemented in accordance with known techniques. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor or microphone positioned in fluid and I or acoustic and I or pressure communication with the airflow path 41 through the aerosol delivery system 1 , so that pressure changes and I or acoustic signals induced by a user puffing I inhaling on a mouthpiece of the system can be detected by the airflow sensing unit. In the example shown in Figure 1 , airflow enters the aerosol delivery system at the interface of the cartridge part 40 and reusable part 40, passing between the outer housing 6 of the cartridge 40 and the inner surface of the cartridge receiving recess 507 of the reusable device part 50, but this is only one air inlet configuration which may be adopted in aerosol delivery systems 1 according to the present disclosure. In embodiments, the airflow sensing unit 508 is provided as a chamber containing a microphone, the chamber being open to the cartridge receiving recess 507, with the opening being covered by a water resistant membrane. In other embodiments, the controller 502 may be configured to detect a user interacting the user input device 504, and initiate a supply of current to the atomiser 20 when user interaction is detected.

[0068] Aspects of an atomiser I aerosol generator 20 arrangement for an aerosol delivery system 1 such as the example shown schematically in Figure 1 , and described above, will now be described. It will be understood that whilst Figure 1 describes a context of a two-part device in which the atomiser 20 comprises a heating element, these aspects are exemplary, and in embodiments of the present disclosure, a component 10 for an aerosol delivery system as described herein may be configured for use in single-part devices (for example, so-called ‘disposable’ devices in which all the device components are comprised in a unitary housing, and wherein the device is intended to be discarded after a supply of aerosol generating material provided with the device is exhausted). It will further be appreciated that components 10 for aerosol delivery systems as described herein may be configured for use in aerosol delivery systems where the atomiser 20 is located in a reusable device part 50, being configured to generate aerosol (for example by heating) from a consumable (e.g. a consumable comprising solid aerosol generating material) which is connected to the reusable device part 50 for use. It will further be appreciated that components 10 according to the present disclosure may be configured for use with aerosol delivery systems comprising an atomiser I aerosol generating element 20 based on heating, piezoelectric vibration, or any other principle for aerosol or vapour generation known to the skilled person. Whilst the present disclosure describes examples in which the atomiser comprises a heater, this is for the sake of providing a concrete example and should not be considered limiting on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] Thus, according to aspects of the present disclosure, there is described a component for an aerosol delivery system; the component comprising: a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises: an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system The component 10 may be interchangeably referred to as an airflow restrictor 10, an airflow modifying component 10, or an airflow obstructing component 80. As described further herein, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a component 10 may comprise an absorbent element and a housing element configured to retain the plate.

[0070] Figures 2a and 2b respectively show side-on and perspective assembly views of a cartridge part 40 of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 in which a component 10 according to the present disclosure may be implemented. It will be understood that this is intended to provide a concrete example of a use contextfor a component 10 as described herein, and that in other aerosol delivery systems in which a component 10 may be used, elements such as the outer housing 6 and the housing element 80 may not be present. The cartridge 40 shown in Figure 2 details more specific aspects of the cartridge 40 shown schematically in Figure 1. The cartridge part 40 comprises an outer housing 6, formed from a metallic or plastics material (for example, by injection moulding) and comprising a mouthpiece at an upper end in which an aerosol outlet is disposed for a user to inhale aerosol from the aerosol delivery system 1 in use. In the example of Figure 2, a sub-assembly comprising a component 10, an absorbent element 70, and a housing element 80, is configured for insertion into a basal opening of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40. In this example the housing element 80 is configured with a cross-sectional shape which matches the cross-sectional shape of the basal opening of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40, such that when the housing element is received into the opening, the peripheral outer wall of the housing part engages against the inner wall of the basal opening of the outer housing 6. In embodiments, dimensions of the housing element 80 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge may be oversized to those of the basal opening of the outer housing, providing an interference fit between the housing element 80 and the outer housing 6, to retain housing element. Alternatively, or additionally, cooperative mechanical fixtures on the housing element 80 and the outer housing (e.g. snap fittings) may be used to retain the housing element 80 in the basal opening of the outer housing 6. In embodiments, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, a flange is provided around the base of the housing element 80, to prevent over-insertion of the housing element 80 into the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40. Thus a basal surface of the housing element 80 may form an exterior, basal surface of the assembled cartridge 40. As described further herein, a housing element 80 may comprise a duct, providing an airflow channel from a cartridge air inlet on the housing element base, to an outlet on an opposing surface (uppermost in Figures 2a and 2b). The basal surface of the housing element 80 may comprise the basal exterior surface of the assembled cartridge 40, which is received in the receiving recess 507 of a reusable device part 50 of the aerosol delivery system 1 in the manner shown schematically in Figure 1 . Accordingly, the cartridge contact pads 32 may be provided on the basal surface of the housing element 80, to contact corresponding electrical contacts 506 of the reusable device part 50 when the cartridge part 40 is received in the receiving recess 507. As described further herein (and shown schematically in Figures 1 , 4a to 4d, and 5a), in such examples, apertures may be provided communicating between the contact pad positions and an opposing surface (uppermost in Figures 2a and 2b), providing a route for electrical leads to be routed between the contact pads 32 and the aerosol generating element of the cartridge 40.

[0071] The exemplary aerosol delivery system cartridge part of Figures 2a and 2b further shows an absorbent element 70, which is planar in this example, and which is configured to be supported on an absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80. A component 10 is provided, comprising a plate as described further herein, which in this example comprises a plurality of mechanical engagement features, in the form of apertures, configured to couple with at least a plurality of mechanical engagement features of the housing element, in the form of bosses, to retain the plate, and retain at least a portion of the absorbent element 70 between an absorbent element retaining surface of the plate (lowermost in Figures 2a and 2b), and an absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80 (e.g. on the upper side of the housing element 80 in Figures 2a and 2b).

[0072] Figure 3 shows an exemplary component 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, for use in an aerosol delivery system such as shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. The component comprises a plate, which in embodiments may comprise a metal such as stainless steel. In embodiments, the plate may comprise a ceramic material. In embodiments, the plate may comprise a plastics material, for example a temperature resistant polymer such as polyimide. In embodiments, the plate has a uniform thickness, which may simplify manufacture as the plate can be stamped or laser cut from a sheet of material. In other embodiments, the plate may have a non-uniform thickness (for example, being thicker around the edges). In other embodiments, the plate may be moulded or machined. In embodiments, the plate may have a thickness in a range between 0.05 and 0.6 mm, or between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, or between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. However, the plate may be thicker or thinner than these ranges, based for example on a specific degree of heat shielding to be provided.

[0073] The plate of component 10 may comprise a plurality of layers of different materials. For example, a coating, such as a ceramic, may be applied to a plate comprising a first material, such as a metal. Where a coating is applied, this may be to provide heat resistance or corrosion resistance to the first material. Alternatively, a different form of surface finish, for example a polishing or oxidation treatment may be applied to provide heat resistance or corrosion resistance to the first material. Where a surface finish such as a coating is applied to the plate, this may be applied to the entire surface of the plate, or to only one of the major surfaces. For example, a heat resistant surface finish may be applied to a surface of the plate which is configured to face a heating element when assembled into an aerosol delivery system, which in embodiments may comprise a surface opposite an absorbent element retaining surface of the plate (described further herein). Thus, the plate may protect an absorbent element positioned on an opposite side of the plate to the heating element from degradation caused by excessive temperatures.

[0074] In embodiments of the disclosure, the plate comprises an airflow restricting region, comprising at least one aperture through the plate. In embodiments, a plurality of apertures is provided. Figure 3 shows a plurality of apertures 120 forming an airflow restricting region of the plate. In Figure 3, the apertures are form a regular grid, but in embodiments, the apertures may be arranged around the path of a line, a circle, or any other shape. The apertures may be circular, as in Figure 3, or may be square, or comprise slits. In embodiments, the airflow restricting region comprises a mesh. At least a subset of the plurality of apertures may be positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of an air flow path of an aerosol delivery system at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system, as described further herein.

[0075] In embodiments of the disclosure, the plate of component 10 comprises one or more apertures 110 configured to allow at least one electrical lead to pass from one side of the plate to the other. Thus, when the plate of component 10 is assembled into an aerosol delivery system at a position between electrical contacts 32 and an aerosol generator 20, as shown schematically in Figure 1 , electrical leads providing a current path between the electrical contacts and the heater may be routed through the plate. In embodiments, two apertures may be provided, configured to receive positive and negative electrical leads associated with an aerosol generator. In embodiments, the one or more apertures of the plate comprise at least one notch. Figure 3 shows a component 10 comprising a plate with two notches 110, but in embodiments, the one or more apertures of the plate may comprise holes. The number of apertures may be configured to match a number of electrical leads to be routed through the plate, or alternatively, one or more apertures may be configured to receive a plurality of electrical leads through at least one of the apertures.

[0076] In embodiments, the plate of component 10 comprises at least one mechanical engagement feature configured to couple with at least one mechanical engagement feature of a housing element by which the plate is configured to be retained when assembled into the aerosol delivery system. The mechanical engagement feature may comprise at least one hole, wherein each hole is configured to receive a boss of the housing element in an interference fit, when the plate is mounted to the housing element. Figure 3 shows an example plate comprising four mechanical engagement features 130a to 130d, comprising apertures through the plate. It will be appreciated in other embodiments, the at least one mechanical engagement feature may comprise at least one notch on an edge of the plate, or one or more slots through the plate. Though Figure 3 shows four mechanical engagement features, it will be appreciated this number is exemplary, and any number of mechanical engagement features may be provided.

[0077] Figures 4a to 5c show schematically an exemplary housing element 80 to which a plate as described herein may be configured attached. In embodiments, a housing element 80 as described herein may be part of a component 10 comprising the plate, or the plate may be provided as a separate component 10 comprising only the plate, or comprising the plate and an absorbent element 70, also described further herein.

[0078] Figure 4a shows an exemplary housing element 80 of an aerosol generating system, which as described further herein, may in some embodiments form a base of a cartridge part 40 as shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 4a to 4d are schematic longitudinal crosssections through an exemplary housing element 80 used to retain a plate comprised in a component 10 when assembled into an aerosol generating system. The housing element may comprise an electrical insulator, such as a plastics or ceramic material, or a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel, and may be formed by injection moulding or machining, or other forming processes known to the skilled person. Where a plastics material is used, this may comprise an engineering polymer such as polyetherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate, or polyimide, or ABS. In embodiments, the housing element comprises a duct 815, defining an air flow passage 841 comprising an inlet 850 and an outlet 870, the air flow passage 841 configured to form a portion of an airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet of an aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. In the example of Figure 4a, the duct 815 is configured with an offset air inlet 850 and air outlet 870, and provides a tortuous path, which may reduce the likelihood of liquid leaking into air outlet 870 from egressing through air inlet 850. However, in other embodiments, the duct 815 may provide a straight path between the air inlet 850 and the air outlet 870.

[0079] In embodiments, a housing element 80 comprises at least one mechanical engagement feature 816 configured to couple with at least one mechanical engagement feature of the plate of component 10, to retain the plate on the housing element 80 when assembled into the aerosol delivery system. In the examples of Figures 4a to 5c, the mechanical engagement features 816 comprise bosses positioned and sized for an interference fit with the holes 130 as shown in Figure 3, though it will be appreciated where the mechanical engagement features 130 of the plate are differently sized, shaped, and I or positioned, the mechanical engagement features 816 of the housing element 80 will be mutually sized, shaped, and positioned for mechanical engagement. In embodiments, a housing element 80 comprises an absorbent element retaining region 840 configured to abut a surface of an absorbent element. In the example of Figures 4a to 5c the absorbent element retaining region 840 comprises a surface of the housing element 80 positioned on an opposite side to a basal wall 890 comprising the air inlet 850, and configured to face into the interior of the cartridge 40 when the housing element 80 is received in an outer housing 6 of a cartridge part 40 as shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. In the example of Figures 4a to 4d, the absorbent element retaining region 840 comprises the upper rim of a peripheral wall 880 of the housing element 80, the peripheral wall 880 extending upwards from a basal wall 890. The peripheral wall may be configured to abut the circumference of an internal wall of a basal opening of an outer housing 6 of a cartridge part 40 when the housing element 80 is assembled into the cartridge part 40 for use. One or more grooves 860 may be disposed around the circumference of the peripheral wall to partially receive a ring-shaped sealing element of a resilient material (e.g. silicone rubber) to provide a liquid-resistant seal between the housing element 80 and the outer housing 6 of a cartridge part 40, assisting in preventing leakage of liquid out of the cartridge part 40. The duct 815 may comprise a first portion 815a extending between the air inlet 850 and a position along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge coincident with the portion of the absorbent element retaining region 840 which is most distal from the air inlet 850, and a second portion 815b which extends beyond the portion of the absorbent element retaining region 840 which is most distal from the air inlet 850 by a dimension Di. At least some, and in some embodiments, all of the mechanical engagement features 816, may be positioned around a rim of the duct 815 defining the outlet 870 of the air flow passage 841 , as shown in Figure 4a.

[0080] In embodiments, a housing element 80 may comprise apertures 860 for receiving electrical leads routed between electrical contacts (which may be at least partially received in the apertures 860) and an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system into which the housing element 80 is assembled. Thus when at least part of the housing element 80 is configured to be disposed between electrical contacts (such as cartridge contacts 32 shown schematically in Figure 1) and an aerosol generator (such as heater 201 shown schematically in Figure 1), the apertures 860 provide a path for electrical leads to be routed between the electrical contacts and the aerosol generator, through the housing element 80. In the example of Figure 4a, two apertures 860a and 860b are disposed on the basal wall 890 of the housing element 80, which is configured to form a basal external surface of an assembled cartridge 40, though the number of apertures and their position will be dependent on the specific configuration of an aerosol generating system for which the housing element 80 is configured for use.

[0081] In embodiments, a housing element 80 may comprise at least one internal recess 846, forming a space within the peripheral walls 880 of the housing, and bounded by the basal wall 890. As described further herein, the at least one internal recess 846 may be configured to receive a portion of an absorbent element. In embodiments, at least one internal recess 846 is not provided, and the only open volume(s) in the housing element 80 may be defined by aperture(s) 860 for routing at least one electrical lead (where present), and the airflow path 841 formed by the duct 815. In such embodiments, the absorbent element retaining region 840 may comprise a substantially flat surface extending from the walls of the duct 815 to the peripheral wall 880 of the housing component, along an orientation substantially perpendicular to the axis of extent of the peripheral walls and I or the major axis of the duct 815.

[0082] As described further herein, the plate of a component 10 is configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. In embodiments, the absorbent element may comprise a woven or non-woven material, such as cotton or glass-fibre. In embodiments, the absorbent element comprises a porous material, such as a ceramic or a foam. In embodiments where the absorbent element comprises foam, the foam may comprise a plastics material such as silicone. The absorbent element is configured to collect liquid present in an aerosol delivery system into which the absorbent element is assembled, by drawing the liquid into pores of the absorbent element and retaining it by capillary action.

[0083] In embodiments, an absorbent element may be held in said fixed position by being retained by a plate of a component 10 against an absorbent element retaining region of a housing element 80. Figure 4b shows the housing element of Figure 4a with a contact surface of an absorbent element 70 abutting the absorbent element retaining region 840 shown in Figure 4a. In this example, the absorbent element 70 has a uniform thickness, which may be equal to or larger than a dimension Di by which the second portion 815b of the duct projects beyond the absorbent element retaining region 840 of the housing element 80. In embodiments, as shown in Figure 4b, the second portion 815b of the duct may be configured to pass through an aperture in an absorbent element 70 mounted on the absorbent element receiving region 840. As described further herein, routing the airflow path 41 through the absorbent element 70 via the duct 815 provides separation between the airflow path 41 and the absorbent element 70, via the duct wall, which may assist in preventing liquid retained by the absorbent element 70 from egressing into the air flow path 41.

[0084] In embodiments, the absorbent element 70 may comprise apertures 710 for receiving electrical leads routed between electrical contacts and an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system into which the absorbent element 70 is assembled. Thus when the absorbent element is configured to be disposed between electrical contacts (such as cartridge contacts 32 shown schematically in Figure 1) and an aerosol generator (such as heater 201 shown schematically in Figure 1), the apertures 710 provide a path for electrical leads to be routed between the electrical contacts and the aerosol generator, through the absorbent element. In the example of Figure 4b, two apertures 710a and 710b are provided, positioned to align with the apertures 860a and 860 of the housing element 80 (as shown in Figure 4a), though the number of apertures and their position will be dependent on the specific configuration of an aerosol generating system for which the absorbent element 70 is configured for use. In embodiments, the one or more apertures provided for the routing of one or more electrical leads through the absorbent element comprise at least one notch, and in embodiments, the one or more apertures comprise at least one hole.

[0085] Figure 4c shows another example of an absorbent element 70, configured to be held in said fixed position by being retained by a plate of a component 10 against an absorbent element retaining region of a housing element 80 which in this embodiment is non-planar. The absorbent element is partially supported by a first portion of the absorbent element retaining region, comprising the upper rim of the peripheral walls 880 shown in Figure 4a, and partially supported by a second portion of the absorbent element retaining region, comprising the internal surfaces of the at least one internal recess of the housing element 80. In the example of Figure 4c, the absorbent element 70 is mutually shaped to the internal recess, such that the absorbent element 70 substantially fills the at least one internal recess (apart from the volume occupied by the apertures 710). In embodiments, the absorbent element 70 is configured to partially, but not fully, fill the at least one internal recess, leaving an open volume positioned, for example, between the basal wall 890 and an outer portion of the absorbent element 70. This is shown schematically in the example of Figure 4b, where an open volume is provided by portions of the optional at least one recess (indicated as at least one recess 846 in Figure 4a) into which the absorbent element 70 does not extend. This configuration may increase the liquid retaining capacity of a sub-assembly comprising a plate, absorbent element, and housing element, as described herein, whilst reducing the likelihood of retained liquid escaping from the sub-assembly.

[0086] It will be appreciated an absorbent element 70 as described herein may be comprised in a component 10 comprising a plate which comprises an airflow restricting region and an absorbent element retaining surface, as described herein, or may be separately provided to such a component 10.

[0087] Figure 4d will be recognised from Figure 4b, and shows the housing element 80 and absorbent element 70 of Figure 4b with a plate, comprised in a component 10, positioned such that an absorbent element retaining surface of the plate of component 10 abuts a first contact surface of the absorbent element 70 to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position relative to the housing element 80. It will be appreciated the description herein about retaining of an absorbent element 70 to a housing element 80 by a plate of a component 10 described in relation to Figure 4b applies mutatis mutandis to scenarios where the absorbent element 70 is configured to extend into at least one recess of a housing element 80, as shown schematically in Figure 4c. An absorbent element retaining surface of the plate abuts a first contact surface of the absorbent element 70 (shown on the upper side of the absorbent element 70 in Figures 4b and 4d), to retain the absorbent element 70 in a fixed position within an aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. As described in relation to Figure 4b, a second contact surface of the absorbent element 70, opposite the first contact surface (i.e. on the lower side of the absorbent element 70 in Figures 4b and 4d), abuts the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80. The plate is retained by the housing element 80 by engagement of cooperative mechanical engagement features respectively comprised in the plate and the housing element. In the example of Figure 4d, the mechanical engagement features of the housing element 80 comprise bosses projecting from the terminal rim of the duct outlet, which are received by an interference fit into mechanical engagement features of the plate, comprising holes or slots. However, it will be appreciated any mechanical engagement features known to the skilled person may be utilised, such as resilient clips on the housing element 80 which retain outer edge portions of the plate to retain it in a fixed positon relative to the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80. In embodiments, an adhesive or sealant may be used to retain the plate of the component 10 to a housing element 80 of an aerosol delivery system, in place of or in addition to mechanical engagement features. In embodiments, the cooperative mechanical engagement features of the plate of the component 10 and the housing element 80 respectively retain the plate to the housing element 80, defining a space between the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80 and the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate, within which at least a portion of the absorbent element 70 is disposed when the plate of component 10 is assembled together with the absorbent element 70 and the housing element 80. Thus, during assembly, the absorbent element may first be positioned onto the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, as shown schematically in the example of Figures 4b and 4c. The plate of component 10 may then be coupled to the housing element 80 via the cooperative mechanical engagement features of the plate and housing element 80, thus retaining at least a portion of the absorbent element between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, as shown schematically in Figure 4d.

[0088] As shown schematically in the examples of Figures 4b to 4d, an absorbent element 70 may comprise an aperture, such as a hole, or a slot, configured to receive a portion of the duct of the housing element 80 therethrough, thereby partitioning the airflow path within the duct from direct contact with the absorbent element 70, and reducing the likelihood of liquid present in the absorbent element 70 from egressing into the airflow path. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, and described further herein, a second portion 815b of the duct 815 may extend beyond the portion of the absorbent element retaining region 840 which is most distal from the air inlet 850 by a dimension Di, in a direction parallel to the centreline of the duct 815 (which in this example is aligned to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol delivery system into which the housing element 80 is configured to be assembled). In embodiments, such as shown in Figure 4b, the thickness of the absorbent element 70 may be matched to the dimension Di , such that when the absorbent element 70 is mounted on the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80, the rim of the outlet of the second portion 815b of the duct is coincident with and abuts the first contact surface of the absorbent element 70. In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 4b, where the absorbent element 70 extends into at least one recess of the absorbent element retaining region, the shape and dimensions of the absorbent element 70 may nonetheless be configured such that when the absorbent element 70 is mounted to the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80, the rim of the outlet of the second portion 815b of the duct is coincident with the first contact surface of the absorbent element 70. Thus, as shown in the example of Figure 4d, when the plate of component 10 is mounted to the housing element 80, the absorbent element 70 fills the space, defined by dimension Di , between the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80 and the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate.

[0089] The absorbent element may comprise any absorbent material, for example an open-pored material which can absorb material via capillary action. The absorbent element may comprise a sintered, porous ceramic material, a porous glass (for example a pad of glass fibres), an organic material such as cotton, cellulose, or paper-based material. Where the absorbent element comprises fibres, the absorbent element may comprise a woven or non-woven element. The absorbent element may comprise a plastics material, such as a foamed plastics material, such as, for example, foamed polyurethane or silicone. In embodiments where the absorbent element 70 comprises a resilient material, such as a plastics material (for example, silicone or polyurethane foam), the absorbent element 70 may be sized relative to the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80 and the dimensional extent of the duct 815 above I beyond the absorbent element retaining region, that when the absorbent element 70 is mounted on the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80, the first contact surface of the absorbent element 70 (opposite the second contact surface configured for contact with the absorbent element retaining region of the housing), projects beyond the rim of the outlet of the second portion 815b of the duct. For example, in the configuration of Figures 4a and 4b, the absorbent element thickness may be greater than the dimension Di. Mounting of the plate of component 10 to the housing element 80 may thus compress the absorbent element 70 between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80.

[0090] As described further herein, in embodiments, the plate of the component 10 comprises an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the airflow path through an aerosol delivery system at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. In embodiments, where the aerosol delivery system comprises a housing element 80 comprising a duct 815 which defines an air flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, configured to form a portion of an airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet of an aerosol delivery system, the plurality of apertures 120 of the plate of the component 10 is configured to span the outlet of the duct when the plate is retained by the housing element 80, as shown in Figure 4d, such that at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures 120 overlap the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 41 at the opening of the duct 815. In embodiments, the first plurality of apertures 120 is arranged such that the open area of the first plurality of apertures 120 fully overlaps the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 41 at the opening of the duct 815. In embodiments, at least some of the first plurality of apertures 120 extend outside the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 41 at the opening of the duct 815. The appropriate number and dimensions of the first plurality of apertures 120 can be determined based on experimentation or numerical simulation, relative to the cross-sectional area of the portion of the airflow path through an aerosol delivery system at which the plate is configured to be disposed (e.g. the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 41 at the opening of a duct 815 of a housing element 80, in embodiments where the plate of component 80 is configured to be retained by a housing element 80 as described herein), in order to provide a specific resistance to draw for the aerosol delivery system. In embodiments, the total cross sectional area of the plurality of apertures is configured to comprise between 10 and 90%, or between 20 and 80%, or between 30 and 70%, or between 40 and 60%, or between 5 and 15%, or between 10 and 25%, or between 35 and 45%, of the cross sectional area of the air flow path through the aerosol delivery device at the plate location, which in some embodiments comprises the cross sectional area of the air flow path 41 at the outlet of a duct 815 of a housing element 80. In embodiments, as shown schematically in the example of Figure 4d, the mechanical engagement feature of a housing element 80 is configured to retain the plate in a position wherein a surface of the plate abuts a rim of the outlet of the duct. In these embodiments, the duct walls and the plate combine to form a barrier to liquid from the absorbent element 70 from egressing into the airflow path 41 of the housing element 80. A sealing material (e.g. a silicone O-ring) may be disposed between the plate of the component 10 and the rim of the duct of the housing element to provide a further barrier to liquid egress.

[0091] Figures 5a to 5c show top views of a housing element 80, showing aspects of the mounting of an absorbent element 70 and a plate of a component 10, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and will be understood to show different schematic views of aspects of the respective elements shown in Figures 4a to 4d. Thus, Figure 5a shows a view orthogonal to the side of a housing element 80 at which an absorbent element retaining region 840 and outlet of a duct 815 are disposed. The features shown correspond broadly to those shown in Figure 4a. In embodiments, as described in relation to Figures 4a to 4d, the housing element is provided with mechanical engagement features for retaining a plate of a component 10, which in the example of Figures 5a to 5c comprise four bosses disposed around the rim of the outlet of duct 815. An absorbent element retaining region 840 comprises an upper surface of a peripheral wall, optionally defining within it at least one recess 846, disposed between the inner surfaces of the peripheral wall and the outer surfaces of the duct 815. On a base wall of the absorbent element retaining region 840 is defined at least one aperture 860 for routing of at least one electrical lead through the housing element. In embodiments, two apertures 860a and 860b are defined, on opposite sides of the duct as shown in Figure 5a, though in other embodiments, other numbers of apertures may be provided, dependent on a number of electrical leads to be routed in a given aerosol delivery system (noting a single aperture may be used to route a plurality of electrical leads). An air inlet 850 allows air into the airflow path 41 defined within the duct 815. In embodiments, as shown in the example of Figure 5a, the air inlet is not offset from the outlet, but in embodiments, an offset may be provided, as shown in the schematic example of Figure 4a. In embodiments, as shown schematically in Figures 2a and 2b, a flange 870 may project from the peripheral walls to abut a rim of the basal opening of an outer housing 6 of a cartridge part 40 of an aerosol delivery system.

[0092] Figure 5b shows the housing element 80 of Figure 5a with an absorbent element 70 mounted to the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80, as described in relation to Figures 4b and 4c herein. In embodiments, as shown in Figure 5b, the absorbent element comprises an aperture configured to receive the duct of the housing element 80 therethrough, and I or at least one aperture (two holes 710a and 710b are shown in Figure 5b), for routing of at least one electrical lead through the absorbent element 70. As shown in Figure 5b, the surface area of each major surface of the absorbent element 70 may match the surface area of the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element 80, though in embodiments, the surface area of each major surface may be sized to be smaller than the surface area of the absorbent element retaining region. Furthermore, in any of the embodiments herein, the absorbent element 70 may be provided as a plurality of sub-elements which are not integrally formed with each other. For example, a first absorbent sub-element may be disposed on a first side of the duct of the housing element 80, and a second absorbent sub-element may be disposed on a second side of the duct of the housing element 80, opposite to the first side. This may simplify assembly, and allow greater flexibility in positioning of the region of absorbent material provided by the absorbent element 70.

[0093] Figure 5c shows the housing element 80 and absorbent element 70 of Figure 5b, with a plate of a component 10 mounted to the mechanical engagement features of the housing element 80, to retain the absorbent element 70 between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, as described in relation to Figure 4d herein. As shown schematically in Figure 1 , the surface of the plate of the component 10 which is opposite to the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate may be configured to face towards an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system with which the component 10 is configured for use. Thus, the plate represents at least a partial barrier between liquid present in the airflow path downstream of the component 10 and the absorbent element 70 retained by the plate. In embodiments, the plate is configured to allow liquid present on the side of the plate opposite the absorbent element retaining surface to pass around and I or through the plate, allowing this liquid to be absorbed and retained by the absorbent element 70. In embodiments, as shown in the example of Figure 5c, the plate is configured to be smaller than the absorbent element 70 in at least one direction defined in the plane of the plate, to allow liquid present on the surface of the plate disposed opposite the absorbent element to pass directly onto a peripheral region of the absorbent element. In Figure 5c, the long dimension of the plate is smaller than the long dimension of the absorbent element 70, leaving exposed regions 720 of the absorbent element 70 lateral to the plate, over which liquid running off the plate may be absorbed by the absorbent element 70. Alternatively, or additionally, apertures or slots may be provided in the region of the plate configured to be coincident with the absorbent element (i.e. in the region defining the absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element), to provide a path for liquid to pass through the plate and into the absorbent element 70. In embodiments, as in the example of Figure 5c, the apertures 110 for receiving electrical leads may be oversized for the cross-section of the electrical leads, to allow the apertures for receiving electrical leads to also provide a path for liquid to pass through the plate.

[0094] The major surface area of the plate of component 10 may be configured relative to that of the surface area of the side of the absorbent element 70 contacted by the plate, to provide a trade- off between the ability of liquid to pass through the plate into the absorbent element 70, and the degree of liquid retention of the absorbent element, and optionally, where the aerosol generator comprises a heater, the degree of heat shielding provided to the absorbent element 70 by the plate. 20. Thus, in embodiments, the plate is configured to abut the absorbent element over between 20% and 80%, or between 30% and 70%, or between 40% and 60%, or between 45% and 55%, of a major surface of the absorbent element when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0095] In a subassembly comprising a plate of a component 10, a housing element 80, and an absorbent element 70, each of the at least one aperture 860 of the housing element 80 may be configured to overlap with a respective aperture 710 the absorbent element and a respective aperture 110 of the plate of the component 10 in a direction parallel to the centreline of the duct 815 of the housing element (which in embodiments is the longitudinal direction of an aerosol delivery system or cartridge part thereof into which the housing element is configured to be assembled), to allow routing of an electrical lead along a straight path through the sub-assembly.

[0096] A sub-assembly comprising a plate of a component 10, an absorbent element 70, and a housing element 80, as described in embodiments herein, may be assembled, and as shown schematically in the example of Figures 2a and 2b, inserted into an open end of the outer housing 6 during assembly of the aerosol delivery system to close the open end of the outer housing

[0097] It will be appreciated a component 10 comprising a plate according to embodiments herein may comprise only a plate comprising features as described herein, or may comprise such a plate and an absorbent element 70 according to embodiments described herein, or may comprise such a plate and an absorbent element 70 and a housing element 80 according to embodiments described herein. In embodiments, an aerosol delivery system as described herein (i.e. in relation to Figure 1) may be provided, comprising a component 10 according to embodiments described herein.

[0098] Thus there has been described a component for an aerosol delivery system; the component comprising: a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises: an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. The component may, as described herein, comprise an absorbent element and a housing element.

[0099] There has also been described an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol generating liquid, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an aerosol generator for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a component comprising a plate as described herein, disposed at a position along the air flow path which is downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generator.

[0100] There has also been described a method of manufacturing a component of an aerosol delivery system; the method comprising: providing a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises; wherein providing the plate comprises the steps of: providing an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; providing an absorbent element retaining surface on the plate, configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0101] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. The delivery system described herein can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system.

[0102] Various aspects of the disclosure are defined by the following numbered paragraphs.

[0103] Paragraph 1. A component for an aerosol delivery system; the component comprising: a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises: an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0104] Paragraph 2. The component of paragraph 1 , wherein the first plurality of apertures are arranged in a regular grid.

[0105] Paragraph 3. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 2, wherein a surface of the plate opposite the absorbent element retaining surface is provided with a heat-reflective surface finish.

[0106] Paragraph 4. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the plate comprises at least one liquid transfer aperture, to enable liquid present on the surface of the plate opposite the absorbent element retaining surface to pass through the plate to the absorbent element retaining surface.

[0107] Paragraph 5. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the plate comprises one or more second apertures configured to allow at least one electrical lead to pass through the plate.

[0108] Paragraph 6. The component of paragraph 5, wherein the one or more second apertures of the plate comprise at least one notch.

[0109] Paragraph 7. The component of paragraph 5, wherein the one or more second apertures of the plate comprise at least one hole. Paragraph 8. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the plate comprises a metallic material.

[0110] Paragraph 9. The component of paragraph 8, wherein the metallic material comprises stainless steel.

[0111] Paragraph 10. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the plate is stamped or cut from a sheet of stock material.

[0112] Paragraph 11 . The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the plate has a uniform thickness of between 0.05 and 0.3 mm.

[0113] Paragraph 12. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 11 , further comprising the absorbent element.

[0114] Paragraph 13. The component of paragraph 12, wherein the absorbent element further comprises one or more apertures configured to allow at least one electrical lead to pass through the absorbent element.

[0115] Paragraph 14. The component of paragraph 13, wherein the one or more apertures of the absorbent element comprise at least one notch.

[0116] Paragraph 15. The component of paragraph 13, wherein the one or more apertures of the absorbent element comprise at least one hole.

[0117] Paragraph 16. The component of any of paragraphs 12 to 15, wherein the absorbent element comprises a non-woven material.

[0118] Paragraph 17. The component of paragraph 16, wherein the absorbent element comprises a foam material.

[0119] Paragraph 18. The component of paragraph 16, wherein the absorbent element comprises silicone foam.

[0120] Paragraph 19. The component of any of paragraphs 12 to 18, wherein the plate is configured to be smaller than the absorbent element in at least one direction defined in the plane of the plate, to allow liquid present on the surface of the plate disposed opposite the absorbent element to pass directly onto a peripheral region of the absorbent element.

[0121] Paragraph 20. The component of paragraph 19, wherein the plate is configured to abut the absorbent element over at least 50% of the major surface of the absorbent element when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. Paragraph 21. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the plate comprises at least one mechanical engagement feature configured to couple with at least one mechanical engagement feature of a housing element by which the plate is configured to be retained when assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

[0122] Paragraph 22. The component of paragraph 21 , further comprising the housing element.

[0123] Paragraph 23. The component of paragraph 22, wherein the at least one mechanical engagement feature of the plate comprises an aperture, and the at least one mechanical engagement feature of the housing element comprises a boss sized for an interference fit within the aperture.

[0124] Paragraph 24. The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 23, wherein the housing element comprises an absorbent element retaining region configured to abut a second contact surface of the absorbent element disposed opposite the first contact surface.

[0125] Paragraph 25. The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 24, wherein the housing element comprises a duct, defining an air flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, the air flow passage configured to form a portion of an airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet of an aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plurality of apertures is configured to span the outlet of the duct when the plate is retained by the housing element.

[0126] Paragraph 26. The component of paragraph 25, wherein the total cross sectional area of the plurality of apertures is configured to comprise between 35 and 45%of the cross sectional area of the air flow path at the outlet of the duct.

[0127] Paragraph 27. The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 26, wherein the mechanical engagement feature of the housing element is configured to retain the plate in a position wherein a surface of the plate abuts a rim of the outlet of the duct.

[0128] Paragraph 28. The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 27, wherein the plate and the housing element are configured to retain at least a portion of the absorbent element between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, when the plate is retained by the housing element via coupling of the at least one first mechanical engagement feature with the at least one second mechanical engagement feature. Paragraph 29. The component of paragraph 28, wherein the absorbent element is configured to be compressed between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, when the plate is retained by the housing element.

[0129] Paragraph 30. The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 29, wherein the absorbent element comprises an aperture configured to receive the duct of the housing element therethrough.

[0130] Paragraph 31 . The component of any of paragraphs 22 to 30, wherein the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element comprises at least one recess configured to receive a portion of the absorbent element.

[0131] Paragraph 32. The component of paragraph 31 , wherein the absorbent element is configured to extend only partially into the recess when retained between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element.

[0132] Paragraph 33. An aerosol delivery system, comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol generating liquid, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an aerosol generator for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises the component of any of paragraphs 1 to 32, disposed at a position along the air flow path which is downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generator.

[0133] Paragraph 34. The aerosol delivery system of paragraph 33, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a cartridge which is reversibly attachable to an electronic aerosol generating system comprising a power supply and a controller.

[0134] Paragraph 35. The aerosol delivery system of any of paragraphs 33 to 34, when dependent on any of paragraphs 22 to 32, comprising an outer housing, wherein the housing element is configured to be inserted into an open end of the outer housing during assembly of the aerosol delivery system to close the open end of the outer housing.

[0135] Paragraph 36. A method of manufacturing a component of an aerosol delivery system; the method comprising: providing a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein providing the plate comprises the steps of: providing an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; providing an absorbent element retaining surface on the plate, configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

Claims

Claims1 . A component for an aerosol delivery system; the component comprising: a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plate comprises: an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross- sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; and an absorbent element retaining surface configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of apertures are arranged in a regular grid.

3. The component of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plate comprises at least one liquid transfer aperture, to enable liquid present on the surface of the plate opposite the absorbent element retaining surface to pass through the plate to the absorbent element retaining surface.

4. The component of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate comprises one or more second apertures configured to allow at least one electrical lead to pass through the plate.

5. The component of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate comprises a metallic material.

6. The component of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the absorbent element.

7. The component of claim 6, wherein the absorbent element further comprises one or more apertures configured to allow at least one electrical lead to pass through the absorbent element.

8. The component of any of claims 6 to 7, wherein the absorbent element comprises a foam material.

9. The component of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the plate is configured to be smaller than the absorbent element in at least one direction defined in the plane of the plate, to allowliquid present on the surface of the plate disposed opposite the absorbent element to pass directly onto a peripheral region of the absorbent element.

10. The component of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plate comprises at least one mechanical engagement feature configured to couple with at least one mechanical engagement feature of a housing element by which the plate is configured to be retained when assembled into the aerosol delivery system.11 . The component of claim 10, further comprising the housing element.

12. The component of claim 11 , wherein the at least one mechanical engagement feature of the plate comprises an aperture, and the at least one mechanical engagement feature of the housing element comprises a boss sized for an interference fit within the aperture.

13. The component of any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the housing element comprises an absorbent element retaining region configured to abut a second contact surface of the absorbent element disposed opposite the first contact surface.

14. The component of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the housing element comprises a duct, defining an air flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, the air flow passage configured to form a portion of an airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet of an aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein the plurality of apertures is configured to span the outlet of the duct when the plate is retained by the housing element.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein the total cross sectional area of the plurality of apertures is configured to comprise between 35 and 45% of the cross sectional area of the air flow path at the outlet of the duct.

16. The component of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the mechanical engagement feature of the housing element is configured to retain the plate in a position wherein a surface of the plate abuts a rim of the outlet of the duct.

17. The component of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the plate and the housing element are configured to retain at least a portion of the absorbent element between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, when the plate is retained by the housing element via coupling of the at least one first mechanical engagement feature with the at least one second mechanical engagement feature.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein the absorbent element is configured to be compressed between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element, when the plate is retained by the housing element.

19. The component of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the absorbent element comprises an aperture configured to receive the duct of the housing element therethrough.

20. The component of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element comprises at least one recess configured to receive a portion of the absorbent element.

21. The component of claim 20, wherein the absorbent element is configured to extend only partially into the recess when retained between the absorbent element retaining surface of the plate and the absorbent element retaining region of the housing element.

22. An aerosol delivery system, comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol generating liquid, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an aerosol generator for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises the component of any of claims 1 to 32, disposed at a position along the air flow path which is downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generator.

23. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises a cartridge which is reversibly attachable to an electronic aerosol generating system comprising a power supply and a controller.

24. The aerosol delivery system of any of claims 22 to 23, when dependent on any of claims 11 to 21 , comprising an outer housing, wherein the housing element is configured to be inserted into an open end of the outer housing during assembly of the aerosol delivery system to close the open end of the outer housing.

25. A method of manufacturing a component of an aerosol delivery system; the method comprising: providing a plate configured to be disposed downstream of an air inlet of the aerosol delivery system and upstream of an atomiser of the aerosol delivery system with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; wherein providing the plate comprises the steps of:providing an airflow restricting region comprising a first plurality of apertures through the plate, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality of apertures are positioned to overlap the cross-sectional area of the air flow path at positions immediately upstream and downstream of the plate when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system; providing an absorbent element retaining surface on the plate, configured to abut a first contact surface of an absorbent element to retain the absorbent element in a fixed position within the aerosol delivery system when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system.

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