Improved cartridge and aerosol generation system

Abstract

An aerosol generation system (1000) comprising an aerosol generation device (1100) comprising a heating element (1102) and a cartridge (1200) comprising a housing (1202), a wicking element (1204), and a biasing means (1206). The cartridge is engageable and disengageable from the device. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position and is not in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, which is different from the disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing, and is in contact with the heating element, and the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction non-parallel to the engagement direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cartridges for use in aerosol generating devices and aerosol generating systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Some aerosol generating systems comprise a cartridge that includes an aerosol generating device and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Other aerosol generating systems comprise an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol generating device and a solid aerosol-forming substrate. In use, the aerosol generating device typically engages the cartridge or aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles having solid aerosol-forming substrates typically have the advantage that they can generate aerosols that have a taste very similar to that of conventional cigarettes, which may make it easier for conventional cigarette smokers to switch to systems that use such aerosol-generating articles.

[0004] Cartridges having liquid aerosol-forming substrates typically have the advantage of allowing more precise control over the composition of the substrate and more consistent control from substrate to substrate.

[0005] It would be beneficial to provide a cartridge that can be used with an aerosol generating device that is configured to be used with an aerosol-generating article that includes a solid substrate. The owner of the device may then be able to choose whether to use a cartridge that includes a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or an article that includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate with the device. For example, it would be beneficial to provide a cartridge that can be used with an aerosol generating device that has an elongated (internal) heating element that typically penetrates and heats the solid aerosol-forming substrate, or a tubular (external) heating element that typically is positioned around and heats the solid aerosol-forming substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided. The system may comprise an aerosol generation device and a cartridge. The device may comprise a heating element. The cartridge may comprise a housing. The cartridge may comprise a wicking element. The cartridge may comprise a biasing means. The cartridge may be engageable with the device. The cartridge may be disengageable from the device. When the cartridge is disengaged from the device, the wicking element may be in a disengaged wicking element position. In the disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element may not be in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element may be in an engaged wicking element position. The engaged wicking element position may be different from the disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing. In the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element may be in contact with the heating element. In the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position. In the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in the force direction.

[0007] As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, the force applied by the wicking element to the heating element in a force direction may be the resulting total force applied by the wicking element to the heating element.

[0008] The cartridge may be engageable and disengageable from the device by movement of the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device.

[0009] The force direction may be non-parallel to the engagement direction, for example substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction.

[0010] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge. The aerosol generation device comprises a heating element. The cartridge comprises a housing, a wicking element, and a biasing means. The cartridge is engageable with and disengageable from the device by movement of the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position in which the wicking element is not in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position in which the wicking element is in contact with the heating element, which is different from the disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing, and the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction that is non-parallel to the engagement direction.

[0011] Advantageously, when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element. This force may provide consistent, intimate contact between the wicking element and the heating element. This may allow for relatively rapid formation of an aerosol when the heating element is activated.

[0012] Advantageously, the force direction is non-parallel to the engagement direction. Therefore, the resulting total force applied by the wicking element to the heating element is non-zero in a direction non-parallel to the engagement direction. If the heating element extends in the engagement direction, this may advantageously mean that the wicking element contacts and applies a force to the side of the heating element. This may be advantageous because in some aerosol generating devices, the side of the heating element is the primary heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wicking element to contact. In addition, this arrangement may allow the wicking element to contact the heating element at a desired location along the length of the heating element. This may be particularly advantageous if the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

[0013] The heating element may include an outer heating surface. The wicking element may include an outer contact surface. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the outer heating surface of the heating element may contact the outer contact surface of the wicking element. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the outer heating surface of the heating element may contact the outer contact surface of the wicking element.

[0014] Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be drawn from within the wicking element towards the outside of the wicking element for heating. This arrangement may also advantageously allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate at or near the outer contact surface of the wicking element to be rapidly vaporized by the heating element and entrained in the airflow across or through the wicking element.

[0015] The heating element may be an elongated heating element. The heating element may have a length extending in the heating element direction. The heating element may have a width extending in a width direction perpendicular to the heating element direction. The heating element may have a thickness extending in a thickness direction perpendicular to one or both of the heating element direction and the width direction. The length of the heating element may be at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 times its width and / or thickness. The width of the heating element may be at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 times its thickness. The force direction may be non-parallel to the heating element direction, e.g. perpendicular to the heating element direction.

[0016] Advantageously, the force direction is non-parallel, e.g. perpendicular, to the heating element direction, which may mean that in use the wicking element contacts and applies force to the side of the heating element. This may be advantageous because in some aerosol generating devices, the side of the heating element is the primary heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wicking element to contact. In addition, this arrangement may allow the wicking element to contact the heating element at a desired location along the length of the heating element. This may be particularly advantageous when the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

[0017] The heating element may be substantially flat. The heating element may include sides. The outer heating surface may include or may be sides. The sides may be defined by the width and length of the heating element. The sides of the heating element may face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the heating element direction. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element may contact the sides of the heating element. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element may apply a force to the sides of the heating element.

[0018] In some aerosol generating devices, it may be advantageous for the wicking element to contact the side of the heating element in use, as the side of the heating element is the primary heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wicking element to contact. In addition, this arrangement may allow the wicking element to contact the heating element at a desired location along the length of the heating element. This may be particularly advantageous if the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

[0019] When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element may be greater than 0.1 Newtons.

[0020] Advantageously, a force of greater than 0.1 Newtons may provide sufficiently intimate contact between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0021] When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element may be less than 10 Newtons.

[0022] For some heating elements, forces greater than 10 Newtons may run the risk of breaking or otherwise damaging the heating element. It may therefore be advantageous for the force to be 10 Newtons or less to reduce the risk of breaking the heating element.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may comprise a chamber. The chamber may be for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge. The heating element may be located at least partially within the chamber. Engaging the cartridge with the aerosol generating device may include receiving at least a portion of the cartridge within the chamber, for example by moving the cartridge relative to the device in an engagement direction.

[0024] Advantageously, the chamber may reduce the likelihood of a user coming into contact with the heating element. Advantageously, the chamber may help protect the heating element. Advantageously, the chamber may help guide the cartridge to position the wicking element in an engaged wicking element position.

[0025] The cartridge may be engageable with the device in only one particular orientation, or only a predetermined number of orientations, e.g., two, three, or four orientations. The cartridge may be keyed to the device. The cartridge may be keyed to the device such that the cartridge is engageable with the device in only one particular orientation, or only a predetermined number of orientations, e.g., two, three, or four orientations.

[0026] The device may include a device guide member. The cartridge may include a cartridge guide member. The cartridge guide member may engage with the device guide member when the cartridge is engaged with the device. The engagement between the cartridge guide member and the device guide member may allow the cartridge to engage with the device in only one particular orientation, or only a predetermined number of orientations, for example, two, three, or four orientations.

[0027] As one example, the cartridge, e.g., the housing of the cartridge, may be shaped such that the cartridge can be at least partially received within the chamber in only one orientation. Alternatively, the cartridge, e.g., the housing of the cartridge, may be shaped such that the cartridge can be at least partially received within the chamber in only two orientations.

[0028] As another example, the chamber of the device may include two recesses extending along the length of the chamber. The cartridge may include a corresponding protrusion that may need to be inserted into one of the two recesses in order for the cartridge to be received within the device. Thus, the cartridge may be engageable with the device in only two orientations: a first orientation corresponding to the protrusion being received within the first recess, and a second orientation corresponding to the protrusion being received within the second recess.

[0029] Advantageously, the cartridge can be engageable with the device in only one of a predetermined number of orientations, thereby ensuring that the wicking element contacts the desired surface of the heating element when in an engaged wicking element position. For example, if the heating element is a substantially flat blade-like heating element having two opposing sides, it may be desirable to engage the cartridge with the device so that the wicking element contacts one of the sides of the heating element. To facilitate this contact, the cartridge can be engageable with the device in only one orientation, or only two orientations, i.e., an orientation in which the wicking element contacts one of the two sides of the heating element.

[0030] The engagement direction may be parallel to the heating element direction.

[0031] The device may define a longitudinal direction of the device. The device may have a length extending along the longitudinal direction of the device. The length of the device may be, for example, at least 100, 200, 300, 500, or 1,000% greater than one or both of the width and thickness of the device. The longitudinal direction of the device may be parallel to one or both of the heating element direction and the engagement direction.

[0032] The chamber may define a chamber longitudinal direction. The chamber longitudinal direction may be parallel to one or both of the engagement direction and the heating element direction. The chamber longitudinal direction may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0033] The cartridge may define a cartridge longitudinal direction. The cartridge longitudinal direction may be parallel to one or both of the engagement direction and the heating element direction. The cartridge longitudinal direction may be parallel to one or both of the chamber longitudinal direction and the device longitudinal direction.

[0034] The heating element may be for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may include a free end. The free end may be tapered. Advantageously, a tapered free end may facilitate the heating element penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0035] The heating element may include a base. The base may be located at an opposite end of the heating element relative to the free end. The base of the heating element may be located at a base of the chamber of the device. The heating element, e.g. the base of the heating element, may be fixed to the device, e.g. the chamber of the device, e.g. the base of the chamber of the device. Advantageously, this fixation may fix the heating element in place to prevent movement of the heating element during engagement and disengagement of the cartridge with the device.

[0036] The heating element may include or be a heated blade, pin, or rod, such as a heated blade, pin, or rod for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0037] The heating element may be substantially centrally located within the chamber of the device. The heating element may be located at a central radial position within the chamber of the device. The length of the heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

[0038] Additionally, or as an alternative to an internal heating element configured to penetrate the solid aerosol-forming substrate and heat the substrate from within, the apparatus may comprise an external heating element configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate from the outside, as will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The chamber may be at least partially defined by an outer chamber wall. The heating element may be located at or near the outer chamber wall. The heating element may define at least a portion of the chamber wall. The heating element may be located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber. The heating element may comprise a heating surface facing in a radially inward direction. The heating element may comprise a heating surface facing the center of the chamber. The heating element may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the outer surface. The heating element may be a tubular heating element. The radial center of the tubular heating element may coincide with the radial center of the chamber.

[0040] In addition to the heating element, the apparatus may include a second heating element, one or both of which may be configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate from the outside, as described in more detail below.

[0041] The apparatus may comprise a second heating element. The second heating element may be opposed to the heating element. The apparatus may be configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate between the heating element and the second heating element. The second heating element may be located at or near the outer chamber wall. The second heating element may define at least a portion of the chamber wall. The second heating element may be located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber. The second heating element may comprise a heating surface facing in a radially inward direction. The second heating element may comprise a heating surface facing the center of the chamber. The second heating element may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the outer surface.

[0042] Regardless of the type of heating element used, the heating element may comprise a heating surface. In use, the heating surface may provide a non-uniform temperature surface. The temperature of the heating surface may vary along the direction of the heating element. The temperature of the heating surface may vary along the length of the heating element.

[0043] The heating element may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion, for example at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, or 100 degrees Celsius higher than the second portion. The first portion may be spaced apart from the second portion along a direction of the heating element. The first portion may be spaced apart from the second portion along a length of the heating element.

[0044] Advantageously, having a temperature that varies along the length of the heating element may allow one to select the temperature at the point where the wicking element contacts the heating element by selecting where along the length of the heating element the wicking element contacts the heating element. For example, a first cartridge may include a long wicking element configured to contact the heating element at a first point where the temperature is expected to be about 280 degrees Celsius. This temperature may be optimal for vaporizing the particular liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the first cartridge. A second cartridge may include a short wicking element configured to contact the heating element at a second point that is further from the base and closer to the free end of the heating element than the first point, where the temperature is expected to be about 320 degrees Celsius. This temperature may be optimal for vaporizing the particular liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the second cartridge.

[0045] The heating element may include a base. The heating element may include a free end. The second portion may be located closer to the base than the first portion. The first portion may be located closer to the free end than the second portion. The second portion may be located closer to the base than the free end. The first portion may be located closer to the free end than the base. The wicking element may contact the second portion of the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position.

[0046] Advantageously, in the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element may contact and apply a force to a second portion of the heating element, which may be closer to the base than the free end. When the wicking element contacts the heating element closer to the base, the force may apply a smaller moment to the heating element around the base. A smaller moment applied to the heating element around the base may reduce the likelihood of the heating element breaking. Thus, the wicking element contacting the second portion of the heating element may advantageously reduce the likelihood of the heating element breaking under the force applied to the heating element by the wicking element. Furthermore, the second portion of the heating element may operate at a lower temperature than the first portion of the heating element. This lower temperature may be more suitable for vaporizing some liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

[0047] The non-uniform temperature heating surface may be achieved in a number of ways. For example, if the heating element is an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive track on the substrate. The track may be located on the outer heating surface of the heating element. In use, an electric current may be passed through the track to heat the heating element. The non-uniform temperature heating surface may be achieved by varying the thickness of the track extending along the length of the heating element, thereby varying the resistivity of the track along the length of the heating element. Alternatively, the track may take a serpentine path along the length of the heating element, and the spacing between adjacent turns may vary. In this case, more heat may be generated when adjacent turns are located closer to each other, and the temperature of the heating element in this region may be higher than the temperature of the heating element in regions where the adjacent turns are further apart. As another alternative, the track may comprise different materials with different electrical resistivities, which may be used to provide a non-uniform temperature heating surface. If the heating element is an inductively heatable heating element, the heating element may comprise or be formed from a susceptor material, and the thickness of the heating element may vary along the length of the heating element. Thus, thinner regions of the heating element may generate less heat than thicker regions of the heating element when exposed to a varying electromagnetic field. As another example, if the heating element is an inductively heatable element, the material composition of the heating element may vary along the length of the heating element. For example, some regions may include a greater proportion of susceptor elements than other regions and therefore heat to a higher temperature in the presence of a varying electromagnetic field. Upon reading this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various methods of providing a non-uniform temperature heating surface.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. The device may comprise a heating element. The cartridge may include a wicking element. The cartridge may comprise a housing. The cartridge may include a biasing means. The wicking element may be movable relative to the housing, for example between a disengaged wicking element position and an engaged wicking element position. When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position.

[0049] Thus, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element. The cartridge comprises a wicking element, a housing, and a biasing means. The wicking element is movable relative to the housing between a disengaged wicking element position and an engaged wicking element position. When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position.

[0050] Advantageously, when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position. In use, this may mean that in the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contacts and exerts a force on the heating element of the device. This force may provide consistent, intimate contact between the wicking element and the heating element. This may allow for relatively rapid formation of an aerosol when the heating element is activated.

[0051] Similar to the cartridge of the system of the first aspect, the cartridge of the second aspect may be configured to engage and disengage with an aerosol generation device, for example, by movement of the cartridge relative to the device in an engagement direction. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element may be in a disengaged wicking element position and may not be in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element may be in an engaged wicking element position and may be in contact with the heating element.

[0052] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position.

[0053] When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards the heating element.

[0054] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means may bias the wicking element towards one or both of the disengaged wicking element position and the heating element such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in the force direction.

[0055] Advantageously, the force may provide consistent, intimate contact between the wicking element and the heating element, which may enable relatively rapid formation of an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wicking element when the heating element is activated.

[0056] The force direction may be non-parallel to the engagement direction, for example substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction. The force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element in the force direction may be the resulting total force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element.

[0057] Advantageously, the force direction may be non-parallel to the engagement direction. If the heating element extends in the engagement direction, this may advantageously mean that the wicking element contacts and exerts a force on the sides of the heating element. This may be advantageous, since in a typical aerosol generating device with an elongated internal heating element, the sides of the heating element provide a relatively large area for the wicking element to contact.

[0058] The biasing means may be at least partially provided by the wicking element. At least a portion of the biasing means may be integral with the wicking element. The wicking element may bias the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. In this manner, the biasing means may be considered to be part of the wicking element, or the wicking element may be considered to include the biasing means.

[0059] Advantageously, where the biasing means is provided entirely by the wicking element, no additional biasing means may be required. Advantageously, where the biasing means is provided partially by the wicking element, a greater force may be applied to the heating element than if the biasing means was not provided at all by the wicking element.

[0060] When the cartridge engages with the device, the wicking element may be elastically deformed. When the cartridge engages with the device, the wicking element may be elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the wicking element biases the wicking element toward one or both of the heating element and the disengaged wicking element position, for example to apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element. The wicking element may be directly or indirectly coupled to the housing. A portion of the wicking element may be fixed to the housing. For example, an end of the wicking element may be fixed to the housing. Another end of the wicking element may not be fixed to the housing. In this sense, the wicking element may act like a cantilever.

[0061] Advantageously, the use of elasticity in the wicking element may provide a reliable method of applying a predetermined amount of force to the heating element, since each time the cartridge engages with the device, the wicking element may be expected to elastically deform the same amount and therefore apply the same force to the heating element.

[0062] The biasing means may be at least partly provided by a resistance component which may, for example, bias the wicking element towards one or both of the heating element and a disengaged wicking element position, when the cartridge is engaged with the device, to apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element.

[0063] Advantageously, when the biasing means is provided completely by the resistive component, there may be more design freedom for the wicking element, since the wicking element no longer provides the biasing means. Advantageously, when the biasing means is provided partially by the resistive component, a greater force may be applied to the heating element than if the biasing means was not provided at all by the resistive component.

[0064] The resistance component may be separate from the wicking element. The resistance component may be in contact with the wicking element. The resistance component may be coupled to the wicking element.

[0065] The resistance component may include or be a spring, such as a helical spring, a spiral spring, a gas spring, a leaf spring, or another type of spring. The resistance component may include or be a spring-like component. The resistance component may include or be an elastically deformable material, such as an elastically deformable polymer or foam. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the resistance component may be in a higher energy state than when the wicking element is in a disengaged engaged wicking element position. For example, when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the resistance component may be compressed. In such a compressed state, the resistance component may act to expand, thereby providing at least a portion of the biasing means.

[0066] The wicking element may include a structure, for example a resiliently deformable structure, which may at least partially provide the biasing means.

[0067] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the elastically deformable structure may be elastically deformed.

[0068] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the elastically deformable structure may be elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure biases the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position.

[0069] The elastically deformable structure may be elastically deformed such that when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure urges the wicking element towards the heating element.

[0070] Advantageously, the elastically deformable structure may provide a reliable method of applying a particular size of force to the heating element because the elastically deformable structure may be expected to elastically deform the same amount, and therefore apply the same force, to the heating element each time the cartridge is engaged with the device.

[0071] The wicking element, e.g. the elastically deformable structure of the wicking element, may comprise one or more wires. The wicking element, e.g. the elastically deformable structure of the wicking element, may comprise one or more networks of wires, e.g. a network of interwoven wires.

[0072] The wicking element, e.g., the elastically deformable structure of the wicking element, may include a mesh. The mesh may be formed by a network of one or more wires, e.g., a network of interwoven wires. The mesh may be formed by forming a plurality of holes in one or more sheets of material.

[0073] Advantageously, the mesh may provide suitable physical properties that enable the wicking element to at least partially provide the biasing means, and suitable wicking properties that enable the wicking element to wick the liquid aerosol-forming substrate towards the heating element of the device in use.

[0074] The mesh may define a plurality of openings. Each opening may have a dimension less than 1000, 800, 600, 400, 200, 100, 80, 60, 40, or 20 microns. Each opening may have a dimension greater than 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200, 400, or 600 microns. Each opening may have a dimension between 10 and 600, between 10 and 400, between 10 and 200, between 10 and 150, or between 10 and 100 microns.

[0075] Advantageously, such opening dimensions may provide the wicking element with suitable wicking properties.

[0076] The wicking element, for example the mesh or wire of the wicking element, may include or be formed from a material having a Young's modulus of at least 0.01, 1, 5, 50, 100, or 150 gigapascals (GPa).

[0077] Advantageously, a higher modulus of elasticity may allow the wicking element to exert a greater force for a given deflection.

[0078] The wicking element, for example the mesh or wire of the wicking element, may include or be formed from a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 20, 15, 10, 5, 2, or 0.1 megasiemens per meter (10^6 S / m) at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0079] In some arrangements, it may be possible for an electric current to flow through or be induced in the wicking element. For example, if the heating element is configured to be inductively heated due to the presence of a fluctuating electromagnetic field, the fluctuating electromagnetic field may result in eddy currents in the wicking element. Alternatively, if the heating element comprises an electrically resistive track through which an electric current passes in use to heat the heating element, some electric current may flow through the wicking element when the wicking element contacts this track. In such a scenario, it may be advantageous to reduce the electric current flowing through the wicking element in order to reduce the amount of heat generated by this current flow in the part of the wicking element that is located relatively far from the heating element. Therefore, a lower electrical conductivity may be advantageous.

[0080] The wicking element, for example the mesh or wire of the wicking element, may include or be formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 400, 200, 100, 50, 30, or 20 Watts per meter Kelvin (W / mK) at 20 degrees Celsius.

[0081] Advantageously, a lower thermal conductivity may reduce the amount of heat transferred into the wicking element from the heating element, especially from portions of the wicking element that are located relatively far from the heating element.

[0082] The wire may be non-magnetic. The wire may be a metal wire, for example a steel wire, such as a stainless steel wire.

[0083] Advantageously, metal wire, such as steel or stainless steel wire, may provide suitable physical properties for the wicking element, such as suitable coefficients of elasticity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.

[0084] The wicking element may include a support material. The support material may increase the stiffness of the wicking element. One or more of the elastically deformable structure, the mesh, and the wires of the wicking element may include or be formed from a support material. The support material may be or include a polymer or plastic material. Advantageously, the support material may enable the wicking element to apply a greater force for a given deflection.

[0085] At least a portion of the outer surface of the wicking element may include or be formed from a support material. At least a portion of the wicking element may be covered or laminated with a support material. The wicking element may include a liquid-retaining material, as discussed in more detail below. The support material may have a greater Young's modulus than the liquid-retaining material. At least a portion of the liquid-retaining material may be covered or laminated with a second material. Advantageously, a polymer or plastic material may help provide the wicking element with an appropriate level of flexibility. The thickness of each of the wires may be at least 10, 15, 25, or 50 microns. The thickness of each of the wires may be less than 200, 150, 100, or 75 microns. The thickness of each of the wires may be between 10 and 200 microns, or between 10 and 150 microns, or between 10 and 100 microns, or between 10 and 75 microns, or between 15 and 200 microns, or between 15 and 150 microns, or between 15 and 100 microns, or between 15 and 75 microns.

[0086] It is preferred that the thickness of each of the wires is between 10 and 200 microns, and it may be particularly preferred that the thickness of each of the wires is between 15 and 75 microns.

[0087] Advantageously, a wire having such a thickness may be sufficiently malleable to be formed into a desired shape for a wicking element, yet sufficiently resistant to elastic deformation so as to be able to apply an appropriately sized force to the heating element during use.

[0088] Each aperture may have a dimension greater than the thickness of each of the wires. Each aperture may have a dimension greater than the thickness of each of the wires that border that particular aperture. Each aperture may have a dimension less than or equal to three times the thickness of each of the wires. Each aperture may have a dimension less than or equal to three times the thickness of each of the wires that border that particular aperture.

[0089] Advantageously, such opening dimensions, especially in combination with the wire thicknesses listed above, can ensure that the wicking element has suitable wicking properties.

[0090] The wicking element may include a liquid retention material. The liquid retention material may be in contact with the elastically deformable structure. At least a portion of the liquid retention material may be retained within the elastically deformable structure. The liquid retention material may be in contact with or form part of the mesh.

[0091] Advantageously, the use of a liquid-retaining material may enable the wicking element to retain more of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0092] The mesh may include one or more filaments, such as non-metallic filaments, and each filament may include or be formed from a liquid-retaining material.

[0093] The liquid retention material may include or be formed from one or more of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon.

[0094] Advantageously, such liquid-retaining materials are capable of retaining large amounts of liquid.

[0095] The wicking element may include one or more wires formed of a first material. The wicking element may include one or more filaments formed of a second material. The second material may be different from the first material. The mesh may be a hybrid mesh including one or more wires formed of a first material and one or more filaments formed of a second material different from the first material. One or more of the one or more wires may contact one or more of the one or more filaments. The one or more wires may be interwoven with the one or more filaments.

[0096] Advantageously, the use of a hybrid mesh may allow the use of different materials to achieve different purposes of the mesh. For example, the first material may be a metallic material and may provide the mesh with suitable elasticity so that the wicking element may at least partially provide the biasing means. The second material may be a liquid-retaining material and may allow the mesh to retain more liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0097] The first material may include or be a metal, such as steel or stainless steel. Advantageously, metals such as steel and stainless steel may provide suitable physical properties for the wicking element, such as suitable coefficients of elasticity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.

[0098] The second material may include or be a liquid-retaining material. The second material may include one or more of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon. The second material may be any one of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon. Advantageously, such materials may enable the wicking element to retain more liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0099] The wicking element may comprise a plurality of filaments, which may be as described above and may therefore be formed from a liquid retaining material, and which may be intertwined, for example in the form of a rope.

[0100] The plurality of filaments may be reinforced by one or both of a reinforcing mesh and one or more reinforcing wires. Features described herein with respect to the mesh may be applicable to the reinforcing mesh. Features described herein with respect to the wire may be applicable to the reinforcing wires.

[0101] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0102] The wicking element may include two strips of mesh. The features described herein in relation to the mesh may be applied to the strips of mesh.

[0103] The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material sandwiched between two strips of mesh.

[0104] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0105] The wicking element may include folded mesh strips. Features described herein with respect to mesh may be applicable to folded mesh strips.

[0106] The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material between the creases of the folded mesh strip.

[0107] The folded mesh strip may be folded to provide a space between two substantially opposing surfaces. The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material in the space between the opposing surfaces.

[0108] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0109] The wicking element may include multiple folded mesh strips, i.e., the wicking element may include a mesh strip that includes one or more folds, and the features described herein with respect to mesh may be applied to multiple folded mesh strips.

[0110] The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material between one or more folds of a plurality of folded mesh strips.

[0111] The mesh strip may be folded multiple times to provide at least two spaces between the substantially opposing surfaces. The wicking element may include a liquid-retaining material in one or more, or each, of the spaces between the opposing surfaces.

[0112] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0113] The wicking element may include a wound or scrolled mesh. An end view of the wound or scrolled mesh may appear substantially helical. Features described herein with respect to mesh may be applicable to scrolled mesh.

[0114] The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material wound within or within a wound or scrolled mesh.

[0115] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0116] The wicking element may comprise a substantially tubular mesh. Features described herein in relation to a mesh may be applicable to a substantially tubular mesh.

[0117] The wicking element may comprise a liquid retaining material within a substantially tubular mesh.

[0118] The substantially tubular mesh may provide spaces between the surfaces forming the substantially tubular mesh. The wicking element may include a liquid retaining material within the spaces.

[0119] Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

[0120] The wicking element may include a mesh, and the mesh may contact the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position.

[0121] The mesh may include multiple wires. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, at least 60, 80, or 90% of the number of wires, e.g., each of the wires, may be in contact with the heating element. Thus, as an example, the mesh may include 10 wires, and at least 6, 8, or 9 of those wires, or all 10 of those wires may be in contact with the heating element. Advantageously, a greater percentage of the number of wires in contact with the heating element may allow the wicking element to apply a greater force to the heating element for a given deflection of the wicking element.

[0122] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the contact area between the wicking element and the heating element may be less than 2,000 square millimeters, and more specifically, less than 500 square millimeters.

[0123] Advantageously, the relatively small contact area between the wicking element and the heating element may minimize heat dissipation to the wicking element, and instead, more of the heat generated by the heating element may be used to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate proximate the contact area between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0124] The cartridge may comprise a counter element. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element may contact the heating element. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element may apply a counter force to the heating element in a counter force direction, for example to at least partially counter a force applied to the heating element by the wicking element.

[0125] Advantageously, the counter element may reduce the net bending moment generated by a force on the heating element and therefore may reduce the likelihood that the force will break or otherwise damage the heating element.

[0126] The reaction force direction may be substantially opposite to the force direction, which may advantageously allow the force and reaction force to result in a net force of zero.

[0127] The counter element may be a second wicking element, which may advantageously enable the cartridge to efficiently utilize the heat generated from two heating elements, or from two heating surfaces of a heating element, to generate an aerosol.

[0128] The wicking element and the counter element may be separate. The wicking element and the counter element may be connected. The wicking element and the counter element may be connected such that liquid can be wicked from the wicking element to the counter element or from the counter element to the wicking element.

[0129] The heating element, e.g., an elongated heating element, may have a first surface, e.g., a first heating surface, facing in a first direction. The heating element may have a second surface, e.g., a second heating surface, facing in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially opposite to the first direction.

[0130] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element may contact a first surface. The wicking element may apply a force to the first surface. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element may contact a second surface. The counter element may apply a reaction force to the second surface.

[0131] The wicking element may include a wicking element contact portion. The counter element may comprise a counter element contact portion. When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may contact the heating element. For example, when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion may contact a first surface of the heating element and the counter element contact portion may contact a second surface of the heating element.

[0132] Advantageously, in such an arrangement, the reaction force exerted by the counter element may substantially oppose the force exerted by the wicking element.

[0133] When the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be in contact or separated by a distance of less than 5, 3, 2, or 1 millimeter. In an engaged wicking element position, the heating element may be received between the wicking element and the counter element, for example, between the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion.

[0134] Advantageously, a small or no separation distance between the wicking element and the counter element in their rest positions can mean that when the heating element is received between the wicking element and the counter element, both the wicking element and the counter element apply a force to the heating element.

[0135] When the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be configured to resist separation. When the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be configured to resist separation by more than a predetermined distance, for example, 1, 2, or 3 mm.

[0136] When the wicking element is in the disengaged wicking element position, the biasing means may resist separation of the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion. When the wicking element is in the disengaged wicking element position, the biasing means may resist separation of the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm.

[0137] Thus, advantageously, when the heating element is received between the wicking element and the counter element, increasing the separation therebetween, both the wicking element and the counter element may apply a force to the heating element.

[0138] The features described in relation to the wicking element may be applied to the counter element. The counter element may be substantially identical to the wicking element. For example, the features described in relation to the structure, material, and shape of the wicking element may be applicable to the counter element.

[0139] The wicking element may include a first portion. The first portion may extend along a cartridge longitudinal axis. The wicking element may include a protruding portion protruding from the first portion transversely or perpendicularly to the cartridge longitudinal axis. The protruding portion may include a wicking element contact portion.

[0140] When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the protruding portion of the wicking element may be configured to contact the heating element.

[0141] The wicking element, e.g., the protruding portion of the wicking element, may include a curved outer portion. The wicking element contact portion may be adjacent to or part of the curved outer portion.

[0142] When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the heating element may be in the engaged heating element position.

[0143] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the heating element, e.g., at least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the heating element as the curved outer portion extends toward the heating element.

[0144] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion may curve away from the heating element direction as the curved outer portion extends in the heating element direction toward the base of the heating element or away from the free end.

[0145] Advantageously, the curved outer portion may act to guide the heating element into the engaged heating element location, which may reduce the chance of the heating element getting stuck on the wicking element, for example, the tapered end of the heating element getting stuck within an opening in the mesh of the wicking element.

[0146] When the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the base of the heating element or away from the heating element direction as the curved outer portion extends toward the heating element toward the free end.

[0147] Advantageously, this may reduce the contact area between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0148] At least a portion of the curved outer portion may curve away from the engagement direction as the curved outer portion extends in the engagement direction. Advantageously, this may act to guide the heating element into the engaged heating element position.

[0149] At least a portion of the curved outer portion may curve away from the engagement direction as the curved outer portion extends in a direction opposite the engagement direction. Advantageously, this may reduce the contact area between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0150] The outer curved portion of the wicking element may be curved to guide the heating element towards the engaged heating element location as the cartridge engages the device.

[0151] The cartridge may comprise a reservoir for the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir may hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the wicking element. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the counter element.

[0152] Advantageously, the reservoir may enable the cartridge to hold more liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0153] The cartridge may comprise a second reservoir for the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir may hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the counter element.

[0154] The cartridge may, for example, be refillable with liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir may, for example, be refillable with liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir may, for example, be refillable with liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0155] Advantageously, this may allow the cartridge to be reused.

[0156] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source, e.g. a battery. The power source may be connected to the heating element. The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be connected to the power source. The controller may be connected to the heating element. The controller may control the supply of power from the power source to the heating element. The controller may control the temperature of the heating element.

[0157] The aerosol generating device may be handheld. The aerosol generating device may be portable. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may be substantially in the shape of a right cylinder. The aerosol generating device may have a total length of 30 to 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of 5 to 30 millimeters.

[0158] The heating element may be an electric heating element. The heating element may be configured to be electrically resistively heated. The heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, tantalum-containing, tin-containing, molybdenum-containing, tungsten-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, iron-aluminum-based alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 1999 Broadway Suite 4300, Denver Colorado. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties. The heating element may include a metallic etched foil insulated between two layers of inert material. In that case, the inactive material may include Kapton®, an all-layer polyimide or mica foil. Kapton® is a registered trademark of EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898, United States of America.

[0159] The heating element may be configured for induction heating. The heating element may include a susceptor material. In use, the susceptor material may convert electromagnetic energy into heat. Suitable susceptor materials include, but are not limited to, carbon, carbon-based materials, graphene, graphite, expanded graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Suitable susceptor materials may include ferromagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. Suitable susceptor materials may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may include more than 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, or 90 weight percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

[0160] The wicking element may be formed or comprised of a non-susceptor material. The counter element may be formed or comprised of a non-susceptor material. The cartridge may be formed or comprised of a non-susceptor material. Advantageously, this may minimize or prevent substantial heating of the wicking element or cartridge when exposed to a fluctuating electromagnetic field. This may allow the cartridge to be efficiently used in an apparatus configured to inductively heat a heating element.

[0161] The cartridge may comprise an air inlet. The cartridge may comprise an air outlet. The cartridge may comprise an airflow passage. The airflow passage may connect the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet. In use, air may flow through the air inlet, across, through or past the wicking element and then through the air outlet.

[0162] The cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece or mouth end. The mouthpiece or mouth end may include an air outlet. In use, the mouthpiece or mouth end may be placed in a user's mouth for the user to inhale aerosol generated by the aerosol generation system.

[0163] Features described in relation to the first aspect may be applied to the second aspect, and features described in relation to the second aspect may be applied to the first aspect.

[0164] For example, the cartridge according to the second aspect may include any of the features described in relation to the cartridge of the system of the first aspect. The cartridge according to the second aspect may be a cartridge of the system of the first aspect.

[0165] In another example, the cartridge of the system of the first aspect may include any of the features described in relation to the cartridge according to the second aspect. The cartridge of the system of the first aspect may be a cartridge according to the second aspect.

[0166] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may refer to a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, as well as solid particulates, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particulates and liquid droplets.

[0167] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" may refer to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0168] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material may contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds. These compounds may be released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients such as flavorants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0169] As used herein, the term "dimension of an aperture" may refer to a dimension measured between two opposing surfaces of the aperture. Thus, for example, if the aperture is surrounded by a wire, the dimension of the aperture does not include the thickness of the wire. The dimension may pass through the centroid of the cross section of the aperture. For example, if the aperture has a substantially square cross section, the dimension of the aperture may be the side length of the square. If the aperture has a substantially circular cross section, the dimension of the aperture may be the diameter of the circular cross section. If the aperture has a substantially rectangular cross section, the dimension of the aperture may be the long side length or the short side length of the rectangular cross section. If the aperture has an irregular cross section, the dimension of the aperture may be the average opening dimension. The dimensions of the apertures referred to herein were measured using a microscope, but any suitable method may be used.

[0170] As used herein, the term "elongated" can refer to a component having a length that is at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 times its width and thickness.

[0171] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0172] Example 1. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: An aerosol generating device having a heating element; a cartridge comprising a housing, a wicking element, and a biasing means; the cartridge is engageable with and disengageable from the device; And when the cartridge is disengaged from the device, the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position in which the wicking element is not in contact with the heating element; An aerosol generating system, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, distinct from a disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing, in which the wicking element contacts the heating element, and a biasing means biases the wicking element toward the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in the force direction. Example 2. 2. The aerosol generation system of Example 1, wherein the cartridge is engageable with and disengageable from the device by movement of the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device. Example 3. 3. The aerosol generation system of example 2, wherein the force direction is non-parallel to the engagement direction. Example 4. 4. The aerosol generation system of example 3, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction. Example 5. 5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the heating element comprises an external heating surface. Example 6. An aerosol generation system as described in any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the wicking element comprises an outer contact surface that contacts the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 7. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 5, wherein the wicking element has an outer contact surface, and when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the outer heating surface of the heating element contacts the outer contact surface of the wicking element. Example 8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element having a length extending in the heating element direction, and the force direction is non-parallel to the heating element direction. Example 9. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element when the cartridge is engaged with the device is greater than 0.1 Newtons, and optionally less than 10 Newtons. Example 10. 10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge. Example 11. 11. The aerosol generating system of Example 10, wherein the heating element is located at least partially within the chamber. Example 12. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 10 or 11, wherein engaging the device with the cartridge comprises receiving at least a portion of the cartridge within the chamber, for example by moving the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device. Example 13. 13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element. Example 14. 14. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element having a length extending in the heating element direction. Example 15. 15. The aerosol generation system of Example 14, wherein the device defines a longitudinal axis of the device, and the heating element direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Example 16. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 14 or 15 when dependent on any of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the chamber defines a chamber longitudinal axis direction and the heating element direction is parallel to the chamber longitudinal axis direction. Example 17. 17. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the heating element is for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 18. 18. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the heating element comprises a free end. Example 19. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 18, wherein the free end is tapered, for example tapered to a line or point. Example 20. 20. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the heating element comprises a base. Example 21. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 20 when dependent on Example 18 or 19, wherein the base is located at the opposite end of the heating element relative to the free end. Example 22. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 19 or 20 when dependent on any of Examples 10-12, wherein the base of the heating element is located at the base of the chamber of the device. Example 23. 23. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the heating element is a heating blade, pin, or rod, such as a heating blade, pin, or rod for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 24. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 10-12 or any one of Examples 13-23 when dependent on any one of Examples 10-12, wherein the heating element is substantially centrally located within the chamber. Example 25. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the device comprises a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, the chamber being at least partially defined by an outer chamber wall. Example 26. 26. The aerosol generation system of Example 25, wherein the heating element is located at or near the outer chamber wall or defines at least a portion of the chamber wall. Example 27. 27. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 25 or 26, wherein the heating element is located closer to the outer chamber wall than to the center of the chamber. Example 28. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 25 to 27, wherein the heating element has a heating surface facing radially inward. Example 29. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the heating element has a heating surface facing the center of the chamber. Example 30. 30. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the heating element has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface is configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the outer surface. Example 31. 31. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the heating element is a tubular heating element. Example 32. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the device comprises a second heating element. Example 33. 33. The aerosol generating system of Example 32, wherein a second heating element is opposed to the heating element. Example 34. 34. The aerosol-generating system of example 32 or 33, wherein the device is configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate between the heating element and the second heating element. Example 35. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 32-34, wherein the second heating element is located in or near the outer chamber wall, or defines at least a portion of the chamber wall. Example 36. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein the second heating element is located closer to the outer chamber wall than to the center of the chamber. Example 37. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 32 to 36, wherein the second heating element has a heating surface facing radially inward. Example 38. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 32 to 37, wherein the second heating element has a heating surface facing the center of the chamber. Example 39. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 32 to 38, wherein the second heating element has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface is configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the outer surface. Example 40. 40. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the heating element comprises a heating surface. Example 41. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 40, wherein, in use, the heated surface provides a non-uniform temperature surface. Example 42. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the heating element has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion, for example, to a temperature at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, or 100 degrees Celsius higher than the second portion. Example 43. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 42, wherein the heating element has a base and the second portion is located closer to the base than the first portion. Example 44. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 42 or 43, wherein the heating element has a free end and the first portion is located closer to the free end than the second portion. Example 45. An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 42 to 44, wherein the wicking element contacts the second portion of the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 46. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the cartridge comprising a wicking element, a housing, and a biasing means; the wicking element is movable relative to the housing between a disengaged wicking element position and an engaged wicking element position; A cartridge, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, a biasing means biases the wicking element towards a disengaged wicking element position. Example 47. The cartridge of Example 46, wherein the cartridge is configured to engage and disengage with an aerosol generation device, for example, by movement of the cartridge relative to the device in an engagement direction. Example 48. The cartridge of example 46 or 47, wherein the cartridge is configured such that when the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position and does not contact the heating element. Example 49. The cartridge of any of Examples 46-48, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position and in contact with the heating element. Example 50. A cartridge described in any of Examples 46 to 49, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards one or both of the disengaged wicking element position and the heating element. Example 51. A cartridge described in any of Examples 46 to 50, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element toward one or both of the disengaged wicking element position and the heating element such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in the force direction. Example 52. 52. The cartridge of embodiment 51, wherein the force direction is non-parallel to the engagement direction. Example 53. 52. The cartridge of embodiment 51, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction. Example 54. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the biasing means is provided, at least in part, by a wicking element. Example 55. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 54, wherein when the cartridge engages with the device, the wicking element is elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the wicking element urges the wicking element toward a disengaged wicking element position, for example to apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element. Example 56. A cartridge or system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the biasing means is provided, at least in part, by a resistance component. Example 57. A cartridge or system as described in Example 56, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the resistance component biases the wicking element toward a disengaged wicking element position, e.g., to apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element. Example 58. 58. A cartridge or system as described in Example 56 or 57, wherein the resistance component comprises one or more of a spring, such as a helical spring, a spiral spring, or a leaf spring, and an elastically deformable material. Example 59. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the wicking element comprises an elastically deformable structure. Example 60. 60. The cartridge or system of example 59, wherein the elastically deformable structure provides the biasing means. Example 61. A cartridge or system as described in Example 59 or Example 60, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the elastically deformable structure is elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure urges the wicking element toward a disengaged wicking element position. Example 62. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 59 to 61, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the elastically deformable structure is elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure urges the wicking element toward the heating element. Example 63. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 59 to 62, wherein the elastically deformable structure of the wicking element includes one or more wires. Example 64. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 59 to 63, wherein the elastically deformable structure of the wicking element comprises a mesh. Example 65. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-64, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh. Example 66. The cartridge or system of example 64 or 65, wherein the mesh defines a plurality of openings. Example 67. 67. The cartridge or system of Example 66, wherein each opening has a dimension of less than 1000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, or 100 microns. Example 68. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 64 to 67, wherein the mesh comprises a network of wires, for example a network of woven wires. Example 69. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 68, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element, comprises or is formed from a material having a Young's modulus, or elastic modulus, of at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, or 150 gigapascals (GPa). Example 70. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 69, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element, comprises or is formed from a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 20, 15, 10, 5, or 2 megasiemens per meter (10^6 S / m) at 20 degrees Celsius. Example 71. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 70, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element, comprises or is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 100, 50, 30, or 20 Watts per meter Kelvin (W / mK) at 20 degrees Celsius. Example 72. 72. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 63 to 71, wherein the wire is a metal wire, for example a steel wire, such as a stainless steel wire. Example 73. 73. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 63 to 72, wherein the thickness of each of the wires is 10 to 200 microns, or 10 to 150 microns, or 10 to 100 microns, or 10 to 75 microns, or 15 to 200 microns, or 15 to 150 microns, or 15 to 100 microns, or 15 to 75 microns. Example 74. A cartridge or system described in Example 68 or any of Examples 69 to 73 when dependent on Example 68, wherein the mesh has a plurality of openings, each opening having a dimension less than three times the thickness of each of the wires. Example 75. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-74, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid-retaining material. Example 76. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 64 or 65, or Examples 66-75 when dependent on Example 64 or 65, wherein the mesh comprises one or more filaments, e.g., non-metallic filaments. Example 77. 77. The cartridge or system of example 76, wherein each filament comprises or is formed from a liquid-retaining material. Example 78. 78. The cartridge or system of example 75 or 77, wherein the liquid-retaining material comprises or is formed from one or more of cotton, wool, glass fiber, viscose yarn, and rayon. Example 79. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the wicking element includes one or more wires formed of a first material and one or more filaments formed of a second material different from the first material. Example 80. 80. The cartridge or system of example 79, wherein the one or more wires are in contact with the one or more filaments. Example 81. A cartridge or system described in Example 64 or 65, or any of Examples 66 to 80 when dependent on Example 64 or 65, wherein the mesh is a hybrid mesh including one or more wires formed from a first material and one or more filaments formed from a second material different from the first material. Example 82. 82. The cartridge or system of example 81, wherein the one or more wires are interwoven with the one or more filaments. Example 83. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 79 to 82, wherein the first material includes or is a metal, such as steel or stainless steel. Example 84. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 79 to 83, wherein the second material includes one or more of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon, or the second material is any one of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon. Example 85. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-84, wherein the wicking element comprises a plurality of filaments, the plurality of filaments being entangled, for example, in the form of a rope. Example 86. The cartridge or system of example 85, wherein the plurality of filaments are reinforced by one or more wires or meshes. Example 87. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-86, wherein the wicking element comprises two mesh strips. Example 88. A cartridge or system as described in Example 87, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material sandwiched between two strips of mesh. Example 89. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-88, wherein the wicking element comprises a folded mesh strip. Example 90. 90. A cartridge or system as described in example 89, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid-retaining material between the folds of the folded mesh strip. Example 90. A cartridge or system as described in Example 89 or 90, wherein the mesh strip is folded to provide a space between two substantially opposing surfaces, and the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material within the space between the opposing surfaces. Example 91. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-90, wherein the wicking element comprises a plurality of folded mesh strips. Example 92. A cartridge or system as described in Example 91, wherein the wicking element comprises a wicking material between one or more folds of the plurality of folded mesh strips. Example 93. A cartridge or system as described in Example 91 or 92, wherein the mesh strip is folded multiple times to provide at least two spaces between substantially opposing surfaces, and the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material in one or more or each of the spaces between the opposing surfaces. Example 94. The cartridge or system of any one of Examples 1-93, wherein the wicking element comprises a scrolled mesh. Example 95. A cartridge or system as described in Example 94, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material within a scrolled mesh or wound within a scrolled mesh. Example 96. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-95, wherein the wicking element comprises a substantially tubular mesh. Example 97. 97. A cartridge or system as described in Example 96, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material within a substantially tubular mesh. Example 98. A cartridge or system as described in Example 96 or 97, wherein the substantially tubular mesh provides spaces between the surfaces forming the substantially tubular mesh, and the wicking element comprises a liquid retaining material within the spaces. Example 99. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-98, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh, and wherein the mesh contacts the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 100. A cartridge or system described in Example 64 or 65, or any of Examples 66 to 98 when dependent on Example 64 or 65, wherein the mesh contacts the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 101. A cartridge or system as described in Example 99 or 100, wherein the mesh comprises a plurality of wires and when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, at least 60, 80, or 90% of the wires, e.g., each of the plurality of wires, are in contact with the heating element. Example 102. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-101, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the contact area between the wicking element and the heating element is less than 2,000 square millimeters or 500 square millimeters. Example 103. A cartridge or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 102, wherein the cartridge comprises a counter element. Example 104. The cartridge or system of example 103, wherein the counter element is configured to contact the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 105. A cartridge or system as described in Example 103 or 104, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element is configured to apply a counter force to the heating element in a counter force direction, e.g., to at least partially counter the force applied to the heating element by the wicking element. Example 106. A cartridge or system as described in example 105, wherein the reaction force direction is substantially opposite to the force direction. Example 107. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples 103 to 106, wherein the counter element is a second wicking element. Example 108. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 1-107, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element having a first heating surface facing a first direction and a second heating surface facing a second direction, optionally wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction. Example 109. The cartridge or system of example 108, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element is configured to contact a first heated surface and the counter element is configured to contact a second heated surface. Example 110. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 103-107, or Example 108 or 109 when dependent on any of Examples 103-107, wherein the wicking element includes a wicking element contact portion, the counter element includes a counter element contact portion, and when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are configured to contact the heating element. Example 111. The cartridge or system of Example 110, wherein when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion is configured to contact a first heating surface of the heating element and the counter element contact portion is configured to contact a second heating surface of the heating element. Example 112. A cartridge or system as described in Example 110 or 111, wherein when the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are in contact or separated by a distance of less than 5, 3, 2, or 1 millimeters. Example 113. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 110 to 112, wherein when the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are configured to separate or resist being separated by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm. Example 114. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 110 to 113, wherein when the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position, the biasing means resists separation of the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion, or resists separation of the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm. Example 115. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-114, wherein the cartridge defines a cartridge longitudinal axis, and the wicking element includes a first portion extending along the cartridge longitudinal axis. Example 116. A cartridge or system as described in Example 115, wherein the wicking element includes a protruding portion protruding from the first portion in a direction transverse to the cartridge longitudinal axis. Example 117. The cartridge or system of example 115 or 116, wherein the protruding portion of the wicking element is configured to contact the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 118. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-117, wherein the protruding portion of the wicking element, e.g., the wicking element of Example 116 or 117, comprises a curved outer portion. Example 119. A cartridge or system as described in Example 118, wherein the wicking element includes a wicking element contact portion configured to contact the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, and the wicking element contact portion is adjacent to or is part of the curved outer portion. Example 120. The cartridge or system of example 118 or 119, wherein at least a portion of the curved outer portion curves away from the heating element when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position. Example 121. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 118 to 120, wherein the heating element extends in the heating element direction, for example, the heating element is an elongated heating element having a length extending in the heating element direction, and at least a portion of the curved outer portion curves away from the heating element direction as the curved outer portion extends in the heating element direction. Example 122. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 118-121, wherein at least a portion of the curved outer portion curves away from the engagement direction as the curved outer portion extends in the engagement direction. Example 123. A cartridge or system described in any of Examples 118 to 122, wherein when the wicking element is within the engaged wicking element, the heating element is at the engaged heating element position, and as the cartridge engages with the device, the curved outer portion of the wicking element curves to guide the heating element toward the engaged heating element position. Example 124. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 1 to 123, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 125. A cartridge or system as described in Example 124, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the wicking element. Example 126. 126. A cartridge or system as described in Example 124 or 125, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the counter element. Example 127. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 124 to 126, wherein the cartridge comprises a second reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 128. The cartridge or system of example 127, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the counter element. Example 129. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 1 to 128, wherein the cartridge is refillable with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 130. A cartridge or system according to any of Examples 124 to 128, wherein the reservoir is refillable with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 131. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-130, wherein the wicking element is formed from or consists of a non-susceptor material. Example 132. The cartridge or system of any of Examples 1-131, wherein the cartridge is formed from or consists of a non-susceptor material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0173] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first aerosol generation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a second aerosol generation system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a first alternative wicking element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a second alternative wicking element. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a third alternative wicking element. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a fourth alternative wicking element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a fifth alternative wicking element. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a sixth alternative wicking element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0174] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first aerosol generation system 1000. The system 1000 comprises an aerosol generation device 1100 and a cartridge 1200.

[0175] The device 1100 comprises a resistive heating element 1102, a power source 1104 in the form of a battery, and a controller 1106. The power source 1104 is connected to the heating element 1102, and the controller 1106 is connected to the heating element 1102 and the power source 1104. The heating element 1102 is located at a radially central location within a cylindrical chamber 1108 of the device 1100. The chamber 1108 is configured to receive a portion of the cartridge 1200.

[0176] The cartridge 1200 comprises a housing 1202, a wicking element 1204, a biasing means 1206, a counter element 1208 in the form of a second wicking element, a counter element biasing means 1210, a first refillable reservoir of liquid aerosol-forming substrate 1212, and a second refillable reservoir of liquid aerosol-forming substrate 1214. The wicking element 1204 is in fluid communication with the first reservoir 1212 and the counter element 1208 is in fluid communication with the second reservoir 1214.

[0177] The cartridge 1200 is engageable and disengageable from the device 1100 by movement of the cartridge 1200 in an engagement direction relative to the device 1100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the engagement direction is downward relative to the page.

[0178] The cartridge 1200 is keyed to the chamber 1108 such that it is receivable within the chamber in only one orientation, which is the orientation shown in Figure 1. This is accomplished using a protrusion (not shown) on the housing 1202 of the cartridge 1200 and a corresponding longitudinally extending recess (not shown) in the chamber 1108 for receiving the protrusion.

[0179] The cartridge 1200 can also be temporarily fixed at a particular depth within the chamber 1108. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, this is achieved using a snap-fit ​​connection between a protrusion 1215 on the cartridge 1200 and a first protrusion 1115 and a second protrusion 1117 on the chamber 1108 of the device 1100, although any suitable connection can be used.

[0180] When the cartridge 1200 is disengaged from the device 1100 (not shown), the wicking element 1204 is in a disengaged wicking element position in which the wicking element 1204 is not in contact with the heating element 1102, and the counter element 1208 is in a disengaged counter element position in which the counter element 1208 is also not in contact with the heating element 1102.

[0181] When the cartridge 1200 is engaged with the device 1100 (as shown in FIG. 1), the wicking element 1204 is in an engaged wicking element position, which is different from a disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing 1202, and the counter element 1208 is in an engaged counter element position, which is different from a disengaged counter element position relative to the housing 1202.

[0182] In the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element 1204 contacts the heating element 1102 and the biasing means 1206 biases the wicking element 1204 toward the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element 1204 exerts a force on the heating element 1102 in a force direction perpendicular to the engagement direction. This force ensures consistent, intimate contact between the heating element 1102 and the wicking element 1204 at the desired location on the heating element 1102.

[0183] Similarly, in the engaged counter element position, the counter element 1208 is in contact with the heating element 1102 and the counter element biasing means 1210 biases the counter element 1208 towards the disengaged counter element position such that the counter element 1208 exerts a reaction force on the heating element 1102 in a reaction force direction perpendicular to the engagement direction and opposite to the force direction. This reaction force ensures consistent intimate contact between the heating element 1102 and the counter element 1208 at the desired location on the heating element 1102. The reaction force also opposes the force to reduce the bending moment acting on the heating element 1102 around the base of the heating element 1102.

[0184] In use, after engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, a user may puff on the mouth end 1203 of the cartridge 1200. This causes air to flow in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1. The downward airflow toward the base of the chamber 1108 of the device is detected by a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 1100. The puff detection mechanism sends a signal to the controller 1106, which in turn causes the power supply 1104 to supply current to the heating element 1102 accordingly. This causes the heating element 1102 to heat and vaporize a liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wicking element 1204 and the counter element 1208 proximate to the heating element 1204. This vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in the airflow through the cartridge 1200, where it cools and condenses to form an aerosol. This aerosol is then delivered to the user through the mouth end 1203 of the cartridge 1200. As the aerosol-forming substrate near the heating element 1102 evaporates, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the first and second reservoirs is wicked towards the heating element 1102 by the wicking element 1204 and the counter element 1208 .

[0185] The various components of the device 1100 and cartridge 1200 will now be described in more detail.

[0186] The heating element 1102 of the device 1100 is an elongated element having a length extending in an element direction, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is parallel to the engagement direction and also parallel to the longitudinal chamber direction defined by the chamber 1108.

[0187] The heating element 1102 has a tapered free end and a base located at an opposite end of the heating element 1102 to the free end. The base of the heating element 1102 is located at the base of the chamber 1108 and is secured to the base of the chamber 1108.

[0188] The heating element 1102 comprises an electrically insulating ceramic base and an electrically resistive platinum track located on the ceramic base. The heating element 1102 is in the form of a substantially flat blade and comprises a first flat outer heating surface and a second flat outer heating surface. The first outer heating surface opposes the second outer heating surface. The first and second outer heating surfaces are defined by the width and length of the heating element 1102.

[0189] In use, the power supply 1104 passes an electrical current through the electrically resistive tracks, which resistively heats the heating element 1102, and in particular both the first and second outer heating surfaces of the heating element 1102, to an operating temperature.

[0190] In use, the first and second outer heating surfaces provide a non-uniform temperature surface. In particular, a substantially central region of the first outer heating surface reaches a maximum temperature of about 350 degrees Celsius. Points further from this region are generally cooler. The temperature profile of the second outer heating surface is similar to that of the first outer heating surface. The temperature at the base and free end of the heating element 1102 may be as low as about 220 degrees Celsius during operation. As shown in FIG. 1, when the wicking element 1204 is in the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element 1204 contacts the heating element 1102 below the central region of the first outer heating surface. At the contact point between the wicking element 1204 and the heating element 1102, the temperature of the heating element 1102 is about 300 degrees Celsius.

[0191] Thus, the heating element 1102 may be considered to comprise a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion. With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first portion may be considered to be a substantially central region of the first outer heating surface, and the second portion may be considered to be a portion of the first outer heating surface substantially below the central region where the wicking element 1204 contacts the heating element 1102. Thus, the first portion is located closer to the free end and farther from the base than the second portion.

[0192] The wicking element 1204 includes an outer contact surface that contacts a first outer heating surface of the heating element 1102 when the wicking element 1204 is in an engaged wicking element position. The counter element 1208 is essentially a mirrored version of the wicking element 1204 and includes an outer contact surface that contacts a second outer heating surface of the heating element 1102 when the counter element 1208 is in an engaged counter element position, as shown in FIG.

[0193] 1, the biasing means 1206 is provided by the wicking element 1204. Specifically, when the cartridge 1200 is engaged with the device 1100, the stainless steel mesh of the wicking element 1204 is elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the wicking element 1204 biases the wicking element 1204 towards a disengaged wicking element position to apply a force to the heating element 1102.

[0194] Similarly, a counter element biasing means 1210 is provided by the counter element 1208. In particular, when the cartridge 1200 is engaged with the device 1100, the mesh of the counter element 1208 is elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the counter element 1208 biases the counter element 1208 towards a disengaged counter element position to apply a reaction force to the heating element 1102.

[0195] The mesh of the wicking element 1204 and the counter element 1208 is a hybrid mesh formed by a network of interwoven wires and filaments. The wires are made of stainless steel and have a wire diameter of about 70 microns. The filaments are made of a liquid-retaining material, in particular a woven viscose rayon yarn.

[0196] The meshes each define a plurality of openings, each of which is generally square in shape and has an opening dimension, in this case a square side length, of about 100 microns.

[0197] To form the wicking element 1204, the mesh of the wicking element 1204, which is originally substantially flat, is rolled with a second liquid retaining material. This gives the wicking element 1204 a scroll-like appearance, with the second liquid retaining material being encased in the scroll mesh. This mesh is then bent into the shape shown in Figure 1. The counter element 1208 is formed in a similar manner.

[0198] When the wicking element 1204 is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element 1208 is in an engaged counter element position and exerts a reaction force on the heating element 1102 in a reaction force direction opposite the force direction, thereby countering the force exerted on the heating element 1102 by the wicking element 1204. The force exerted on the heating element 1102 by the wicking element 1204 is approximately 1 Newton. The reaction force exerted on the heating element 1102 by the counter element 1208 is also approximately 1 Newton.

[0199] Prior to engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, the wicking element 1204 is in a disengaged wicking element position and the counter element 1208 is in a disengaged counter element position, with the outer contact surface of the wicking element 1204 and the outer contact surface of the counter element 1208 in contact with each other. By engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, the heating element 1102 is inserted between the wicking element 1204 and the counter element 1208, thereby separating the outer contact surface of the wicking element 1204 and the outer contact surface of the counter element 1208 by the thickness of the heating element 1102, which is approximately 3 millimeters.

[0200] The biasing means 1206 and the counter element biasing means 1210 (in this embodiment the elasticity of the mesh of these elements) resist this separation of the outer contact surfaces of the wicking element 1204 and the counter element 1208. Thus, these elasticities provide the force and reaction force applied to the heating element 1102.

[0201] The cartridge 1200 defines a cartridge longitudinal axis, and the wicking element 1204 includes a first portion 1216 extending along the cartridge longitudinal axis. The first portion extends into a first reservoir 1212 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0202] The wicking element 1204 includes a protruding portion 1218 that protrudes from the first portion 1216 in a direction transverse to the cartridge longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 1218 is formed when the mesh is bent into shape, as described above. However, the wicking element 1204 and the protruding portion 1218 of the wicking element 1204 may be formed by other suitable methods. The outer contact surface of the wicking element 1204 is located on the protruding portion 1218.

[0203] The protruding portion 1218, including the outer contact surface, is curved. Specifically, the protruding portion 1218 curves away from the heating element direction as the protruding portion 1218 extends toward the heating element and as the protruding portion 1218 extends in a direction opposite the heating element direction.

[0204] The counter element 1208 similarly comprises a counter element first portion 1220 which extends along the cartridge longitudinal axis and into the second reservoir 1214 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as well as a counter element protruding portion 1222 which curves away from the heating element direction as the counter element protruding portion 1222 extends towards the heating element and as the counter element protruding portion 1222 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

[0205] This curvature ensures that only small contact areas are maintained between the wicking element 1204 and the heating element 1102, and between the counter element 1208 and the heating element 1102. The curvature of the protruding portions 1218, 1222 closest to the base of the chamber 1108 in Figure 1 also serves to guide the heating element 1102 toward the position shown in Figure 1, i.e., the engaged heating element position, as the cartridge 1200 engages with the device 1100.

[0206] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second aerosol generation system 2000. System 2000 comprises an aerosol generation device 2100 and a cartridge 2200.

[0207] The device 2100 comprises a heating element 2102, a power source 2104 in the form of a battery, an induction coil 2105, and a controller 2106. The power source 2104 is connected to the induction coil 2105, and the controller 2106 is connected to the induction coil 2105 and the power source 2104. The heating element 2102 is a tubular heating element located at the radial periphery of a cylindrical chamber 2108 of the device 2100. The chamber 2108 is configured to receive a portion of the cartridge 2200.

[0208] The cartridge 2200 comprises a housing 2202, a wicking element 2204, a biasing means 2206, a counter-element 2208 in the form of a second wicking element, a counter-element biasing means 2210, and a refillable reservoir 2212 of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0209] The cartridge 2200 is engageable with and disengageable from the device 2100 by movement of the cartridge 2200 in an engagement direction relative to the device 2100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the engagement direction is downward relative to the page.

[0210] The cartridge 2200 is keyed to the chamber 2108 such that it is receivable within the chamber in only one orientation, which is the orientation shown in Figure 2. This is accomplished using a protrusion 2205 on the housing 2202 of the cartridge 2200 and a corresponding longitudinally extending recess 2105 in the chamber 2108 for receiving the protrusion 2205.

[0211] When the cartridge 2200 is disengaged from the device 2100 (not shown), the wicking element 2204 is in a disengaged wicking element position in which the wicking element 2204 is not in contact with the heating element 2102, and the counter element 2208 is in a disengaged counter element position in which the counter element 2208 is also not in contact with the heating element 2102.

[0212] When the cartridge 2200 is engaged with the device 2100 (as shown in FIG. 2), the wicking element 2204 is in an engaged wicking element position, which is different from the disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing 2202, and the counter element 2208 is in an engaged counter element position, which is different from the disengaged counter element position relative to the housing 2202.

[0213] In the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element 2204 contacts the heating element 2102 and the biasing means 2206 biases the wicking element 2204 towards the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element 2204 exerts a force on the heating element 2102 in a force direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction. This force ensures consistent intimate contact between the heating element 2102 and the wicking element 2204.

[0214] Similarly, in the engaged counter element position, the counter element 2208 is in contact with the heating element 2102 and the counter element biasing means 2210 biases the counter element 2208 towards the disengaged counter element position such that the counter element 2208 exerts a reaction force on the heating element 2102 in a reaction force direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction and opposite to the force direction. This reaction force ensures consistent intimate contact between the heating element 2102 and the counter element 2208.

[0215] In use, after engaging the cartridge 2200 with the device 2100, a user may puff at the mouth end 2203 of the cartridge 2200. This causes air to flow in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1. Airflow through an air inlet near the base of the chamber 2108 of the device is detected by a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 2100. The puff detection mechanism sends a signal to the controller 2106, which in response causes the power supply 2104 to supply alternating current to the inductor coil 2105. This causes the inductor coil 2105 to generate a varying electromagnetic field. The heating element 2102 is formed of a susceptor material, and the varying electromagnetic field causes eddy currents to flow within the heating element 2102. This causes the heating element 2102 to heat and vaporize a liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wicking element 2204 and the counter element 2208 proximate to the heating element 2204. This vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in the airflow through the cartridge 2200 and cools and condenses to form an aerosol. The aerosol is then delivered to the user through the mouth end 2203 of the cartridge 2200. As the aerosol-forming substrate near the heating element 2102 evaporates, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir is drawn towards the heating element 2102 by the wicking element 2204 and counter element 2208.

[0216] The various components of the device 2100 and cartridge 2200 will now be described in more detail.

[0217] The heating element 2102 of the device 2100 is a tubular heating element having a length extending in a heating element direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the heating element direction is parallel to the engagement direction and also parallel to the longitudinal chamber direction defined by the chamber 2108. Although the heating element 2102 in this embodiment is a tubular heating element, it may be replaced by two separate heating elements facing each other on opposite sides of the chamber 2108.

[0218] The heating element 2102 includes a heating surface that faces radially inward toward the center of the chamber 2108 of the apparatus 2100 .

[0219] The wicking element 2204 comprises an outer contact surface that contacts the heated surface of the heating element 2102 when the wicking element 2204 is in an engaged wicking element position. The counter element 2208 is essentially a mirrored version of the wicking element 2204 and includes an outer contact surface that contacts an opposing portion of the heated surface of the heating element 2102 when the counter element 2208 is in an engaged counter element position, as shown in FIG.

[0220] 2, the biasing means 2206 is provided by a resistance component in the form of a helical spring, although any suitable spring or other resistance component may be used. When the cartridge 2200 is engaged with the device 2100, the wicking element 2204 is pushed radially inward by the tubular heating element 2102 of the device 2100. This causes the helical spring to compress. The helical spring therefore resists this inward movement and biases the wicking element 2204 towards a disengaged wicking element position, exerting a force on the heating element 2102.

[0221] Similarly, the counter element biasing means 2210 is provided by a counter element resistance component and in the form of a helical spring. When the cartridge 2200 is engaged with the device 2100, the counter element 2208 is pushed radially inwards by the tubular heating element 2102 of the device 2100. The helical spring resists this inward movement. The helical spring therefore biases the counter element 2208 towards the disengaged counter element position, exerting a counter force on the heating element 2102.

[0222] When the wicking element 2204 is in an engaged wicking element position, the counter element 2208 is in an engaged counter element position and exerts a counter force on the heating element 2102 in a counter force direction opposite the force direction. The force exerted by the wicking element 2204 on the heating element 2102 is approximately 1 Newton. The counter force exerted by the counter element 2208 on the heating element 2102 is also approximately 1 Newton.

[0223] The wicking element 2204 includes a mesh. The counter element 2208 also comprises a mesh. The mesh of the wicking element 2204 and the counter element 2208 is a hybrid mesh formed by a network of interwoven wires and filaments. The wires are made of stainless steel and have a wire diameter of about 30 microns. The filaments are made of a liquid-retaining material, in particular woven viscose rayon yarn.

[0224] The meshes each define a plurality of openings, each of which is generally square and has an opening dimension, in this case the side length of the square, of about 50 microns.

[0225] The cartridge 2200 defines a cartridge longitudinal axis. The wicking element 2204 includes a first portion 2216 that extends along the cartridge longitudinal axis. The first portion extends into the reservoir 2212 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0226] The wicking element 2204 includes a protruding portion 2218 that protrudes transversely to the cartridge longitudinal axis from the first portion 2216. An outer contact surface of the wicking element 2204 is located on the protruding portion 2218 of the wicking element 2204.

[0227] The protruding portion 2218, including the outer contact surface, is curved. Specifically, the protruding portion 2218 curves away from the heating element direction as the protruding portion 2218 extends toward the heating element and as the protruding portion 2218 extends in a direction opposite the heating element direction.

[0228] The counter element 2208 similarly comprises a counter element first portion 2220 which extends along the cartridge longitudinal axis and into the reservoir 2212 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as well as a counter element protruding portion 2222 which curves away from the heating element direction as the counter element protruding portion 2222 extends towards the heating element and as the counter element protruding portion 2222 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

[0229] This curvature ensures that only a small area of ​​contact is maintained between the wicking element 2204 and the heating element 2102 , and between the counter element 2208 and the heating element 2102 .

[0230] Advantageously, the cartridges described herein can be used in devices for use with solid aerosol-forming substrates. The cartridge 1200 of the system 1000 of Fig. 1 can be used in a device 1100 with an internal heating element 1102 for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The cartridge 2200 of the system 2000 of Fig. 2 can be used in a device 2100 with an external heating element 2102 for heating the solid aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article from outside the article.

[0231] There are numerous options for the shape, construction, and materials of the wicking and counter elements of the cartridges described herein. Some options for the wicking elements are discussed below with reference to Figures 3-8. The vertical lines on the right side of each of Figures 3-8 represent the heating surface of the heating element and are included merely to illustrate the preferred orientation of the wicking element in use.

[0232] 3 shows a diagram of a first alternative wicking element 3000. The first alternative wicking element 3000 includes a plurality of filaments. The filaments are formed from a liquid-retaining material, particularly wool, although any suitable liquid-retaining material may be used. The plurality of filaments are intertwined to form a rope 3002.

[0233] The plurality of filaments is reinforced by a plurality of reinforcing wires 3004, 3006. The reinforcing wires 3004, 3006 are formed of non-magnetic stainless steel, specifically AISI 304 (American Iron and Steel Institute 304) stainless steel.

[0234] 4 shows a diagram of a second alternative wicking element 4000. The second alternative wicking element 4000 includes a first strip of mesh 4002 and a second strip of mesh 4004. Both strips of mesh 4002, 4004 are formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires have a diameter of about 60 microns and form substantially square openings, each opening having a dimension of about 90 microns.

[0235] A second alternative wicking element 4000 includes a liquid retention material 4006 sandwiched between two strips of mesh 4002, 4004. In this embodiment, the liquid retention material 4006 is cotton, although any suitable liquid retention material may be used.

[0236] The two strips of mesh 4002, 4004 may be fused together at one or more points to secure them together, or may be bonded by other means to the liquid retaining material 4006 or to each other.

[0237] 5 shows a diagram of a third alternative wicking element 5000. The third alternative wicking element 5000 includes a folded mesh strip 5002. The mesh strip 5002 is made of metal and is formed by stamping holes from a metal sheet. The third alternative wicking element 5000 also includes a liquid-retaining material 5004 between the folds of the folded mesh strip 5002. Specifically, the folded mesh strip 5002 is folded to provide a space between two substantially opposing surfaces, and the liquid-retaining material 5004 is located in the space between the opposing surfaces.

[0238] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a fourth alternative wicking element 6000. The fourth alternative wicking element 6000 includes a multi-fold mesh strip 6002. That is, the wicking element includes a mesh strip that includes two or more folds. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the multiple folded mesh strips 6002 include two folds. The multiple folded mesh strips 6002 are formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires have a diameter of about 60 microns and form substantially square openings, with each opening having a dimension of about 90 microns.

[0239] The fourth alternative wicking element 6000 also includes a first liquid retention material 6004 between first folds of the plurality of folded mesh strips 6002 and a second liquid retention material 6006 between second folds of the plurality of folded mesh strips 6002. In other words, the mesh strip is folded twice to provide two spaces between substantially opposing surfaces, with the first liquid retention material 6004 located within a first space between the two opposing surfaces created by the first folds and the second liquid retention material 6006 located within a second space between the two opposing surfaces created by the second folds.

[0240] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a fifth alternative wicking element 7000. The fifth alternative wicking element 7000 includes a scrolled mesh 7002. As shown in FIG. 7, the ends of the scrolled mesh appear substantially helical. The mesh that is scrolled to form the scrolled mesh 7002 is formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires have a diameter of about 60 microns and form substantially square openings, each opening having a dimension of about 90 microns. The liquid retention material 7004 is rolled or wound within the scrolled mesh 7002. The scrolled mesh 7002 is formed by placing a layer of liquid retention material 7004 on top of the mesh, then rolling the layer of liquid retention material 7004 and the mesh together, and then bending the mesh and liquid retention material 7004 into the shape shown in FIG. 7.

[0241] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a sixth alternative wicking element 8000. The sixth alternative wicking element 8000 includes a substantially tubular mesh 8002. The mesh that is wound to form the tubular mesh 8002 is a hybrid mesh formed from a network of interwoven wires 8006 of stainless steel and woven viscose rayon filaments 8008. The wires have a diameter of about 70 microns. The mesh forms a plurality of substantially square openings, each opening having a dimension of about 90 microns. The sixth alternative wicking element 8000 also includes a liquid retaining material 8004 that is retained within the substantially tubular mesh.

[0242] Each of the wicking elements shown in Figures 3-8 has a similar shape formed by longitudinally extending and protruding portions, similar to the wicking elements and counter elements shown in Figures 1 and 2, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other shapes are possible.

[0243] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10% of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device having a heating element; a cartridge comprising a housing, a wicking element, and a biasing means; the cartridge is engageable with and disengageable from the device by movement of the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device; and when the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element is in a disengaged wicking element position in which the wicking element is not in contact with the heating element; when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position different from the disengaged wicking element position relative to the housing, in which the wicking element contacts the heating element, the biasing means biasing the wicking element toward the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction that is non-parallel to the engagement direction, the force being a resulting total force applied by the wicking element to the heating element; The aerosol generating system, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh.

2. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the heating element has an outer heating surface, the wicking element has an outer contact surface, and when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the outer heating surface of the heating element abuts the outer contact surface of the wicking element.

3. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction.

4. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the force exerted by the wicking element on the heating element when the cartridge is engaged with the device is greater than 0.1 Newtons.

5. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element having a length extending in the heating element direction, and the force direction is non-parallel to the heating element direction.

6. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating element has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion, and when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element contacts the second portion of the heating element.

7. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device having a heating element, the cartridge comprising a wicking element, a housing, and a biasing means; the wicking element is movable relative to the housing between a disengaged wicking element position and an engaged wicking element position; when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position; the cartridge is configured to engage and disengage with the aerosol generation device by movement of the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device; The cartridge when the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wicking element is in the disengaged wicking element position and is not in contact with the heating element; when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position and in contact with the heating element, and the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position such that the wicking element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction that is non-parallel to the engagement direction, the force being a resulting total force applied to the heating element by the wicking element; The cartridge, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh.

8. 10. The cartridge or aerosol generating system of claim 1 or 7, wherein the cartridge comprises a counter element configured to contact the heating element and apply a counter force to the heating element in a counter force direction.

9. 9. The cartridge or aerosol generating system of claim 8, wherein the counter element is a second wicking element.

10. the wicking element includes a wicking element contact portion, and the counter element includes a counter element contact portion; when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter-element contact portion contact the heating element; 9. The cartridge or aerosol generation system of claim 8, wherein when the wicking element is in the disengaged wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are in contact or separated by a distance of less than 3 millimeters.

11. the wicking element comprising a wicking element contact portion configured to contact the heating element when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, and a curved outer portion adjacent the wicking element contact portion; 8. A cartridge or aerosol generation system as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein the curved outer portion curves away from the engagement direction as the curved outer portion extends in one or both of the engagement direction and a direction opposite to the engagement direction.

12. 10. A cartridge or aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the mesh comprises a plurality of wires defining a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of wires having a thickness of 10 to 200 microns.

13. 13. The cartridge or aerosol generation system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of openings has a dimension that is less than three times the thickness of each of the plurality of wires.

14. 8. A cartridge or aerosol generation system as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein the wicking element provides the biasing means such that when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element is elastically deformed and the elasticity of the wicking element biases the wicking element towards the disengaged wicking element position.

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