Heater and liquid transport for aerosol delivery system

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous usability features.SOLUTION: An aerosol delivery device may comprise a control device, and a cartridge 300 having a mouthpiece portion 310 and a tank portion 302 with respective proximal and distal ends, the tank portion being configured to contain a liquid composition 324, the cartridge further including a liquid transport element 321 and an atomizing member. At least a portion of the liquid transport element may be positioned proximate to the atomizing member, and at least a portion of the atomizing member may be positioned proximate to the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece portion. In other implementations, at least a portion of the atomizing member may be positioned above the proximal end 306 of the tank portion. In still other implementations, at least a portion of the atomizing member may be positioned between the proximal end of the tank portion and the distal end 308 of the tank portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 598,505, filed October 10, 2019, entitled "Heater and Liquid Transport for an Aerosol Delivery System," and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 744,978, filed October 12, 2018, entitled "Aerosol Forming Device," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices that can utilize electrical power for the generation of aerosols (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as e-cigarettes). The smoking articles can be configured to vaporize an aerosol precursor, which can incorporate tobacco-based or tobacco-derived materials or can incorporate tobacco, and the precursor can form an inhalable substance for human consumption. [Background technology]

[0003] Many smoking devices have been proposed over the years as an improvement or replacement for smoking products that require the burning of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are intentionally designed to provide the sensation associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from the burning of tobacco. For this purpose, many smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile substances, or to provide the sensation of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without significantly burning tobacco. For example, see the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art of U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. See also, for example, the various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat sources referenced by trade name and commercial source in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 170,838, filed February 3, 2014, by Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous utility characteristics. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 170,838 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. The present disclosure particularly relates to aerosol delivery devices. In this regard, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide aerosol delivery devices with advantageous utility features. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary implementations: [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Exemplary Implementation 1: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; and a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a tank portion, the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the tank portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including an atomizing member and a liquid transport element, a portion of the cartridge configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, at least a portion of the liquid transport element being positioned in proximity to the atomizing member, the atomizing member being configured to vaporize the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and at least a portion of the atomizing member being positioned above the proximal end of the tank portion.

[0007] Exemplary Implementation 2: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating member, and the heating member is configured to heat the liquid composition to generate the aerosol.

[0008] Exemplary Implementation 3: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the cartridge further includes a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element being configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element.

[0009] Exemplary Implementation 4: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein at least a portion of the heating member is disposed between the distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the tank portion.

[0010] Exemplary Implementation 5: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the cartridge further includes a collar portion disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion, and at least a portion of the heating element is disposed within the collar portion.

[0011] Exemplary Implementation 6: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with a curved transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0012] Exemplary Implementation 7: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, further comprising a curved hood feature, wherein the curvature of the hood feature is opposite to the curvature of the heating element.

[0013] Exemplary Implementation 8: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with a curved transverse portion, and the length of the transverse portion of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the longitudinal portion.

[0014] Exemplary Implementation 9: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, further comprising a curved hood feature, wherein the curvature of the hood feature is opposite to the curvature of the heating element.

[0015] Exemplary Implementation 10: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing legs, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0016] Exemplary Implementation 11: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing legs, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element surrounds both of the legs of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the legs of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the central portion of the first liquid transport element.

[0017] Exemplary Implementation 12: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0018] Exemplary Implementation 13: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

[0019] Exemplary Implementation 14: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, the second liquid transport element surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

[0020] Exemplary Implementation 15: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the first liquid transport element is hollow and comprises a ceramic material.

[0021] Exemplary Implementation 16: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the first liquid transport includes at least one of a cotton material and a silica material.

[0022] Exemplary Implementation 17: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating member is embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0023] Exemplary Implementation 18: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

[0024] Exemplary Implementation 19: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, the second liquid transport element surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

[0025] Exemplary Implementation 20: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a flat heating member, the second liquid transport element comprises a plurality of capillaries, the heating member and the first liquid transport element are substantially aligned with a transverse axis of the cartridge, and the plurality of capillaries are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0026] Exemplary Implementation 21: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises a pair of spaced apart capillaries.

[0027] Exemplary Implementation 22: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises five spaced apart capillaries arranged in a crossing pattern.

[0028] Exemplary Implementation 23: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a flat heating member, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0029] Exemplary Implementation 24: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the cartridge further includes a collar portion disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion.

[0030] Exemplary Implementation 25: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the atomizing member is at least partially disposed within the collar portion.

[0031] Exemplary Implementation 26: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating member configured to heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and further comprises a hood feature disposed in proximity to the heating member, the hood feature being at least partially disposed within the mouthpiece portion.

[0032] Exemplary implementation 27: An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; and a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a tank portion, the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the tank portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including a first liquid transport element, a second liquid transport element, and an atomizing member, wherein a portion of the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, the atomizing member is configured to vaporize the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, at least a portion of the atomizing member is positioned between the proximal end of the tank portion and the distal end of the tank portion, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element is positioned below the atomizing member, the second liquid transport element is positioned below the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element.

[0033] Exemplary Implementation 28: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating member, and the heating member is configured to heat the liquid composition to generate the aerosol.

[0034] Exemplary Implementation 29: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a flat heating member, the heating member being positioned proximate to the distal end of the tank portion.

[0035] Exemplary implementation 30: An aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; and a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a tank portion, the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the tank portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including an atomizing member and a liquid transport element, a portion of the cartridge configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, at least a portion of the liquid transport element being positioned in proximity to the atomizing member, the atomizing member being configured to vaporize the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and at least a portion of the atomizing member being positioned in proximity to the distal end of the mouthpiece portion.

[0036] Exemplary Implementation 31: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating member, and the heating member is configured to heat the liquid composition to generate the aerosol.

[0037] Exemplary Implementation 32: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the cartridge further includes a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element.

[0038] Exemplary Implementation 33: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with a curved transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0039] Exemplary Implementation 34: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, further comprising a curved hood feature, wherein the curvature of the hood feature is opposite to the curvature of the heater.

[0040] Exemplary Implementation 35: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with a curved transverse portion, and the length of the transverse portion of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the longitudinal portion.

[0041] Exemplary Implementation 36: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, further comprising a curved hood feature, wherein the curvature of the hood feature is opposite to the curvature of the heater.

[0042] Exemplary Implementation 37: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing leg portions, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0043] Exemplary Implementation 38: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing legs, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element surrounds both of the legs of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the legs of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the central portion of the first liquid transport element.

[0044] Exemplary Implementation 39: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating member is wrapped around at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0045] Exemplary Implementation 40: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

[0046] Exemplary Implementation 41: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, the second liquid transport element surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

[0047] Exemplary Implementation 42: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the first liquid transport element is hollow and comprises a ceramic material.

[0048] Exemplary Implementation 43: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the first liquid transport element includes at least one of a cotton material and a silica material.

[0049] Exemplary Implementation 44: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a coil heating member, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating member is embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0050] Exemplary Implementation 45: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

[0051] Exemplary Implementation 46: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, the second liquid transport element surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

[0052] Exemplary Implementation 47: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a flat heating member, the second liquid transport element comprises a plurality of capillaries, the heating member and the first liquid transport element are substantially aligned with a transverse axis of the cartridge, and the plurality of capillaries are substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0053] Exemplary Implementation 48: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises a pair of spaced apart capillaries.

[0054] Exemplary Implementation 49: The aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementation, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises five spaced apart capillaries arranged in a crossing pattern.

[0055] Exemplary implementation 50: An aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any exemplary implementation, wherein the heating member comprises a flat heating member, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the transverse portion.

[0056] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-described embodiments, as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a specific embodiment herein. The present disclosure, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, is intended to be read as a whole, such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention are intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0057] Having thus described the present disclosure in general terms above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows a partial cross-sectional front view of a control device of the aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 shows a partial enlarged cross-sectional side view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 1 shows a partial enlarged cross-sectional side view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 35] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 36] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 38] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 39] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 42] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 43] 1 illustrates a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 44] 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a portion of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 45] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional front view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices or vaporization devices, the terms being used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to vaporize (e.g., atomize, aerosolize, etc.) a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent and / or significantly chemically altering the material) to form an inhalable substance, and the components of such devices most preferably have the form of an article that is compact enough to be considered a handheld device. That is, the use of preferred aerosol delivery device components does not result in the production of smoke—i.e., from by-products of tobacco combustion or pyrolysis—but rather, the use of these preferred systems results in the production of vapor resulting from the volatilization or evaporation of an aerosol precursor composition. In preferred embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronic cigarette, which most preferably incorporates tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components and thus delivers tobacco-derived components in aerosol form.

[0061] Certain preferred aerosol delivery devices can provide many of the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking (e.g., the act of inhaling and exhaling, the type of taste or flavor, the sensory stimulating effect, the physical feel, the act of use, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) without any significant combustion of any of its components. For example, a user of an aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can hold and use the device as a smoker would use a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of the device to inhale the aerosol produced by the device, puff or inhale the tobacco for selected time intervals, etc.

[0062] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a vapor product or drug delivery article. Accordingly, such an article or device can be configured to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavorings and / or active pharmaceutical ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in any form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible and whether or not in a form that can be considered smoke-like.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure most preferably comprises some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., a means for activating, controlling, regulating, and terminating electrical power for aerosol generation, such as by controlling the power supply to other components of the article—e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), an atomization member (e.g., a piezoelectric vibrating element or heating element such as an electrical resistance heating element or other component, alone or in combination with one or more additional elements sometimes commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), a liquid composition (e.g., an aerosol precursor composition that can generate an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat or other energy, such as the components commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid,” and “e-juice”), and a mouthpiece or mouth area that allows for drawing by the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through which the article, such as the generated aerosol, can be withdrawn upon inhalation).

[0064] More specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure will become apparent in light of the further disclosure provided below. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of components of various aerosol delivery devices can be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as the representative products referenced in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0065] In various implementations, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device that includes one or more components configured to vaporize a liquid composition and one or more components configured to deliver a liquid to the one or more components configured to vaporize the liquid. In various implementations, the one or more vaporization components and the one or more liquid transport components may be disposed in various locations within the cartridge.

[0066] An exemplary implementation of an aerosol delivery device 100 of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a control device 200 and a removable cartridge 300. While only one cartridge is shown in the illustrated implementation, it should be understood that in various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include an interchangeable system. For example, in one or more implementations, a single control device may be used with multiple different cartridges. Similarly, in one or more implementations, a single cartridge may be used with multiple different control devices.

[0067] In various implementations, the control device 200 includes an outer housing 202 defining an outer wall 204 including a distal end 206 and a proximal end 208. The aerosol delivery device 100 of the illustrated implementation also includes a viewing window 240 defined in the outer housing 202. However, it should be noted that in some implementations, the viewing window may not be present. FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the control device 200 also includes an inner frame 215 including a cartridge-receiving chamber 212 defined by an inner frame wall 214. The control device 200 further includes a battery 216 disposed within the outer housing 202 and also includes an external connection element 218. In the illustrated implementation, the external connection element 218 is disposed at the distal end 206 of the outer housing 202. The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be selected from components described in the art and commercially available. An example of a battery that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] In various implementations, the control device 200 may also include a light source 230 and at least one opening 232 (see FIG. 1 ) defined in the exterior wall 204 of the control device 200 through which light from the light source 230 can be visible. In some implementations, the light source 230 may comprise, for example, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light of one or more colors. In some implementations, the light source may be configured to emit light in only one color, while in other implementations, the light source may be configured to emit light in a variety of different colors. In still other implementations, the light source may be configured to provide white light. As shown in FIG. 2 , the light source 230 may be disposed directly on a control component 234 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like), which may include additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components). In various implementations, the opening 232 may be provided in any desired shape, particularly near the distal end 206 of the control device 200. In some implementations, the opening 232 may be completely open, or may be filled with a light-guiding material or the like, or may be covered by a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass or plastic, or another material such as a fibrous polymer sheet material) on one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces of the exterior wall 204 of the control device 200. The aerosol delivery device 100 may also include a control mechanism for controlling the amount of power to the atomizing member during inhalation.Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their features, and their general method of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009 / 0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collet et al., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014 / 0270727 to Ampolini et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0257445 to Henry et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] An electrical connector 220 may be disposed within the cartridge-receiving chamber 212 and, in the illustrated implementation, resides on a side of the inner frame wall 214. In various implementations, the electrical connector 220 may be operably connected to a battery (e.g., connected to the battery directly or via a control component 234). The electrical connector may have a variety of forms and may be located in various other locations on the inner frame 215. As also shown in FIG. 2 , the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202 includes an opening 210 that provides access to the cartridge-receiving chamber 212 defined by the inner frame 215. It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the terms “connected” and “operably connected” should be interpreted broadly to encompass components that are directly connected and / or connected via one or more additional components.

[0070] In various implementations, additional indicators (e.g., haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, etc.) can be included in addition to or as an alternative to the light source. Additional exemplary types of components that generate visual cues or indicators, such as light-emitting diode (LED) components, and their configuration and use, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0020825 to Galloway et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0216233 to Sears et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. It should be understood that not all of the illustrated elements are required. For example, the LED may be absent or replaced by a different indicator, such as a vibration indicator.

[0071] In various implementations, an airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like may be included in the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 200 may include a sensor 236 on the control component 234. Printed circuit board and pressure sensor configurations are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various implementations, the sensor 236 may be located anywhere within the control device 200 to receive airflow and / or pressure changes that may signal inhalation of the device and therefore cause the battery 216 to power the nebulizing member within the cartridge 300. Alternatively, in the absence of an airflow sensor, the nebulizing member may be manually activated via a push button or the like, which may be located on the control body 200 and / or cartridge 300. Further exemplary types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; and WO 2010 / 003480 to Flick, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0072] In some implementations, an input element can be included in the aerosol delivery device (and can replace or supplement the airflow or pressure sensor). Inputs can be included to allow a user to control device functions and / or for outputting information to the user. Any component or combination of components can be utilized as an input for controlling device 100 functions. For example, one or more push buttons can be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, a touchscreen can be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 643,626, filed March 10, 2015, to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As a further example, a component adapted for gesture recognition based on designated movements of the aerosol delivery device can be used as an input. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0073] In some implementations, the input can include a computer or computing device such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device can be hardwired to a computer or other device, such as via a USB cord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device can also communicate with a computer or other device that serves as the input via wireless communication. See, for example, the system and method for controlling a device via a read request described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007561 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, an APP or other computer program can be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control instructions to the aerosol delivery device, including, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a specific composition by selecting the nicotine content and / or additional flavoring content to be included.

[0074] In the illustrated implementation, the inner frame 215 is separate from the outer housing 202, although other implementations may differ. In this manner, the inner frame 215, which defines the cartridge-receiving chamber 212, may exist independently and separately from the outer housing 202. The opening of the chamber may coincide with the opening in the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202. Thus, in the illustrated implementation, the inner frame wall 214 may be an entirely separate element attached to the outer housing 202. However, in other implementations, the inner frame wall and the outer housing may be formed continuously. In either case, the sidewalls forming the inner frame wall are internal to the outer housing and separate from it.

[0075] In various implementations, the outer housing 202 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. In some implementations, the inner frame 215 may be formed from a material different from the material used to form the outer housing 202. For example, in some implementations, the outer housing can include a metal material and the inner frame can include a plastic material. In other implementations, the same materials may be used. The material selection described above can also extend to the outer housing for any additional controls included in the device. For example, in some implementations, the housing and inner frame may be constructed from a molded polymeric material, such as a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof). In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), glass materials, ceramic materials (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), composite materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0076] An exemplary implementation of a cartridge 300 for use in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In particular, FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, cartridge 300 includes a tank portion 302 defined by an outer tank wall 304 including a proximal end 306 and a closed distal end 308. Thus, tank portion 302 can be characterized in that tank wall 304 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and distal end 308 defines a bottom wall. Tank portion 302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 324 (e.g., an e-liquid or an aerosol precursor composition) for vaporization, which can be configured as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes a mouthpiece portion 310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 312 including a proximal end 314 having an exit portal 315 defined therein and a distal end 316 that engages the proximal end 306 of the tank portion 302.

[0077] In the case of an aerosol delivery system characterized as an electronic cigarette, the aerosol precursor composition can incorporate tobacco or tobacco-derived components. In one aspect, the tobacco may be provided as tobacco parts or fragments, such as finely ground, crushed, or powdered tobacco flakes. It may also include tobacco beads, pellets, or other solid forms, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0335070 to Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another aspect, the tobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract incorporating many of the water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extract may have the form of a relatively high-nicotine extract that also incorporates small amounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In another aspect, the tobacco-derived component may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as a particular flavoring derived from tobacco. In one aspect, a component derived from tobacco that can be used in a highly purified or essentially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical-grade nicotine).

[0078] In the illustrated implementation, the liquid composition, sometimes referred to as an aerosol precursor composition or vapor precursor composition or "e-liquid," may include various ingredients including, by way of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and / or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al.; U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2013 / 0213417 to Chong et al.; U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al.; U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2015 / 0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, and WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include the aerosol precursors incorporated into VUSE® products by RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, BLU™ products by Fontem Ventures BV, MISTIC MENTHOL products by Mistic Ecigs, MARK TEN products by Nu Mark LLC, JUUL products by Juul Labs, Inc., and VYPE products by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are so-called "smoke juices" for e-cigarettes, available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.Further exemplary aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[0079] The amount of aerosol precursor incorporated into the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating device provides acceptable sensory characteristics and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is highly preferred to use a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and / or propylene glycol) to provide for the production of a visible mainstream aerosol that resembles in many respects the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor in the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired. In one or more embodiments, about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more of the aerosol precursor composition can be included.

[0080] In some implementations, the liquid composition 324 can include one or more flavorings. As used herein, reference to a "flavoring" refers to a compound or ingredient that can be aerosolized and delivered to a user and that provides a sensory experience in terms of taste and / or aroma. Exemplary flavorings include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rosehip, erbamate, guayusa, honeybush, rooibos, erba santa, bacopa monniera, ginkgo biloba, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavors and flavor packages of the type and characteristics traditionally used in tobacco, cigar, and pipe tobacco flavorings. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, can also be used. Exemplary plant-derived compositions that may be suitable are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0152265, both by Dube et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The selection of such additional components can vary based on factors such as the sensory characteristics desired in the smoking article, and the present disclosure is intended to encompass such additional components that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, for example, Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp. (1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (1972), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be noted that reference to flavor should not be limited to a single flavor as described above, but may actually refer to a combination of one or more flavors.

[0081] In various implementations, the entire cartridge 300 and / or the mouthpiece portion 310 and / or the tank portion 302 can be separately defined with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. As shown in FIG. 3B , the cartridge 300 further includes an atomizing member configured to vaporize the liquid composition. In the illustrated implementation, the atomizing member comprises a heating member 320. While the atomizing member in the illustrated implementation comprises a heating member configured to heat the liquid composition to vaporize the composition and form an aerosol, in other implementations, the atomizing member may comprise any device, element, or assembly configured to vaporize (e.g., atomize, aerosolize, etc.) the liquid composition to form an aerosol, including, for example, an atomizing nozzle device and a piezoelectric device such as a device configured to subject the liquid composition to vibrations (e.g., ultrasonic vibrations) that vaporize the composition and form an aerosol. In various implementations, such devices can utilize power from a power source for the generation of the aerosol. Some examples of piezoelectric vibration devices are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0319404 to Amir et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0082] The cartridge further includes a liquid transport element 321, at least a portion of which is disposed in proximity to (e.g., directly adjacent, adjacent, closely adjacent, or relatively close to) the heating member 320. The liquid transport element 321 in the illustrated implementation extends between the heating member 320 and the liquid composition 324 contained within the tank portion 302. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the heating member 320 is disposed above the proximal end 306 of the tank portion 302. It should be understood that for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "above" in this particular context should be interpreted to mean toward the proximal end 314 of the mouthpiece portion 310 in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis (L), as shown in FIG. 3B .

[0083] In various implementations, the heating member 320 and the liquid transport element 321 may be configured as separate fluidly connected elements or as a combined element. Furthermore, the heating member 320 and the liquid transport element 321 may be formed from any structure as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325 configured to electrically connect the heating member 320 with the battery 216 and / or the control component 234 of the controller 200. Note that in some implementations, the heating member and the liquid transport element may be combined into a single component. For example, in some implementations, the heating member may be integrated into the liquid transport element. Some examples of such components are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,364 to Buchberger and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0203057 to Buchberger, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0084] In various implementations, the liquid transport element 321 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, the liquid transport element can be formed from, for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, the liquid transport element 321 can be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, the liquid transport element 321 may be formed partially or completely from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid (eg, non-hollow) wick.

[0085] In various implementations, the heating element 320 can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In some implementations, the heating element 320 can be a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 320 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). Other types of heaters, such as laser diodes or microheaters, can also be utilized. The laser diode can be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelength band that can be tuned for vaporizing the aerosol precursor composition and / or for heating a liquid transport element to which the aerosol precursor composition can be provided for vaporization. The laser diode can be specifically positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation into a chamber, and the chamber can be configured to be a radiation trap (e.g., a black body or a white body). Suitable microheaters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The microheater can include, for example, a substrate (e.g., quartz, silica) having a heater trace thereon (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt / Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metal or metal alloy), which can be printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silica) can be provided on the heater trace. The heating element 320 can be particularly configured to be substantially flat.Some examples of such heaters are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0086] In the illustrated implementation, the outer tank wall 304 is configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 304 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 304, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 304, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., about 1 mm wide to about 20 mm wide, or about 2 mm wide to about 18 mm wide, or about 5 mm wide to about 15 mm wide) extending from the proximal end 306 of the tank portion 302 to the distal end 308 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 304 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured such that the liquid composition 324 in the tank portion 302 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0087] In some implementations, the control device 200 may be configured such that at least a portion of the tank portion 302 is visible when the cartridge 300 is engaged with the control device 200. As mentioned above, in some implementations, at least a portion of the outer tank wall 304 may be configured to be either at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside, and the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 may be configured to include a viewing window 240 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) through which a portion of the outer tank wall 304 and any liquid composition 324 present in the tank portion 302 can be visible when the cartridge 300 is engaged with the control device 200.

[0088] In one or more implementations, cartridge 300 may be configured such that mouthpiece wall 312 includes a flange disposed between its proximal end 314 and distal end 316. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , mouthpiece 310 includes flange 350 that extends circumferentially from mouthpiece wall 312 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 310. In some implementations, the distance that flange 350 extends from mouthpiece wall 310 may be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of mouthpiece 310. In other implementations (such as the illustrated implementation), the distance that flange 350 extends from mouthpiece wall 312 may vary at one or more points around the circumference of mouthpiece 310. Still other implementations may not include a flange.

[0089] In various implementations, electrical contact 325, when present in mouthpiece wall 312, can be longitudinally disposed between flange 350 and distal end 316 of mouthpiece portion 310. Further, in some implementations, flange 350 can be substantially aligned with interior top wall 332. Thus, flange 350 can be substantially parallel to interior top wall 332 and / or can be in substantially the same horizontal plane as interior top wall 332. In some implementations, flange 350 can be disposed above vaporization chamber 340 and above heating member 320 along the longitudinal axis (L) of mouthpiece portion 310.

[0090] In various implementations, the flange 350 can interact with a corresponding lip on the control device 200 to ensure proper connection between the cartridge 300 and the control device 200. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the control device 200 may be configured such that the opening 210 at its proximal end 208 includes a recess having a first inwardly-projecting lip 221. The recess may thus include a rim wall 222 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 100. The rim wall 222 may extend downwardly from the proximal end 208 a short distance, which may correspond substantially to the thickness of the flange 350 of the cartridge 300 and / or the thickness of additional elements that may be adjacent to the flange. For example, in some implementations, the rim wall 222 forming the downwardly-extending recess can have a height (i.e., as measured from the top surface of the inwardly-projecting lip 221 to the first proximal end 208) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. Inwardly-projecting lip 221 can have a width (i.e., the distance the lip extends inwardly from rim wall 222 to its terminus) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some implementations, inwardly-projecting lip 221 can have a substantially constant width around the entire circumference of opening 210. In other embodiments, inwardly-extending lip 221 can be discontinuous and thus formed from one or more inwardly-extending lips spaced around opening 210. In various implementations, flange 350 of mouthpiece portion 310 is configured to be at least partially received within a recess formed by rim wall 222 so as to contact inwardly-projecting lip 221. Thus, the bottom surface of flange 350 can substantially contact inwardly-projecting lip 221, and the outer edge of the flange can be substantially adjacent to rim wall 222.

[0091] In some implementations, the flange 350 and / or the inwardly-protruding lip 221 can be configured to bias the cartridge 300 into connection with the control device 200. For example, a magnetic connection can be utilized. As shown in FIG. 3B , the cartridge 300 can include a magnet 352 disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the first flange 350. In various implementations, the magnet 352 can extend substantially completely around the circumference of the mouthpiece portion 310 or can be discontinuous, configured as a single or multiple individual magnets. In various implementations, the magnet 352 can be glued to the mouthpiece wall 312, the flange 350, or both the mouthpiece wall 312 and the flange 350. The inwardly-protruding lip 221 can be formed from a metal or other material to which the magnet 352 is magnetically attracted. In further implementations, the magnet 352 can be disposed on the control device 200. Specifically, the magnet 352 can be glued to the inwardly-extending lip 221. In such implementations, flange 350 may be formed from a metal or other material to which magnet 352 is magnetically attracted. In further implementations, magnets may be present on cartridge 300 and control device 200. Thus, a magnet present adjacent the underside of flange 350 on cartridge 300 can be magnetically attracted to a magnet present adjacent the upper surface of inwardly protruding lip 221 on control device 200. If a magnet is present on mouthpiece portion 310, the combined thickness of the magnet and flange 350 is preferably substantially the same as the height of rim wall 222 of control device 200, such that the upper surface of the flange is substantially flush with proximal end 208 of the device when the cartridge and device are engaged.

[0092] In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may further include an external connector configured to electrically contact each of the device external connection elements (e.g., device external connection element 218). The external connector may include a first connector end and a second connector end interconnected by a union, which may be, for example, a variable length cord. In various implementations, the first connector end may be configured for electrical and, optionally, mechanical connection with the control device. In particular, the first connector end may include an insert wall that may be received within a well present at the distal end 206 of the control device 200. The external connector may include a plurality of electrical pins within the insert wall configured to provide a charging and / or information transfer connection with the device external connection element 218. In some implementations, the control device 200 may include a mechanical connector (e.g., mechanical connector 242) adjacent to the control device external connection element 218. In some implementations, the mechanical connector 242 may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) adapted for magnetic attraction to a magnet. The first connector end of the external connection portion can then similarly include a mechanical connection element that can be disposed between the inset wall and the electrical pin. In various implementations, the mechanical connection element can be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) that is magnetically attracted to a magnet. The second connector end can be configured to connect to a computer or similar electronic device or to a power source. For example, the second connector end can have a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. However, a different connection can be provided, and / or an adapter (e.g., a USB / AC adapter) can also be included. For example, an adapter including a USB connector on one end and a power unit connector on the opposite end is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] Still other features, controls, or components that may be incorporated into the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. ..., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 to Tucker et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 to Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 to DePiano et al.

[0094] In various implementations, the mouthpiece portion 310 of the cartridge 300 may be configured to engage with the reservoir portion 302. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B , the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece portion 310 may include a rim wall 330 at least partially inserted from the outer mouthpiece wall 312. The rim wall 330 may be configured to engage with the interior of the proximal end 306 of the outer reservoir wall 304. In some implementations, the rim wall 330 may have a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm, although other configurations are possible. In some implementations, the rim wall 330 may engage with the outer reservoir wall 304 solely via a friction fit, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer reservoir wall 304, such as by welding or bonding via one or more adhesives.

[0095] In some implementations, the mouthpiece portion 310 can define an open interior space in which the formed vapor can combine with air to form an aerosol that is output through the exit portal 315 of the mouthpiece portion 310. In one or more implementations, the mouthpiece 310 can include one or more additional interior walls that can be arranged to define one or more compartments within the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece can include an interior upper wall between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, and can also include an interior lower wall between the interior upper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 3B , the mouthpiece portion 310 can include an interior upper wall 332 between the proximal and distal ends 314 and 316 of the mouthpiece portion 310. Additionally, the mouthpiece portion 310 can include an interior lower wall 334 between the interior upper wall 332 and the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece portion 310.

[0096] In various implementations, two or more walls within the mouthpiece may be configured to define a vaporization chamber in which the heating element 320 can be disposed. As shown in FIG. 3B , the outer mouthpiece wall 312, the interior top wall 332, and the interior bottom wall 334 define the vaporization chamber 340 in which the heating element 320 is disposed. In some implementations, one or more electrical contacts 325 may be disposed within a portion of the outer mouthpiece wall 312 that defines the vaporization chamber 340. However, it will be understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heating element 320 to one or more electrical contacts disposed in different portions of the outer mouthpiece wall or disposed in the outer tank wall 304. One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for the passage of one or more additional elements of the cartridge 300 or the passage of the formed vapor / aerosol. For example, the interior top wall 332 may include a vapor opening 336 through which the vapor formed in the vaporization chamber 340 can pass toward the first exit portal 315. In some implementations, the vapor opening 336 of the interior top wall 332 may be substantially centrally located therein and may be substantially aligned with the heating member 320 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 300. As a further example, the interior bottom wall 334 may include a wick opening 338 through which a first liquid transport element 321 (e.g., a wick) can pass between the heating member 320 and the liquid composition 324 in the tank portion 302.

[0097] In various implementations, two or more walls within the mouthpiece may be configured to define a cooling chamber in which the formed aerosol can be allowed to expand and / or cool before passing through the exit portal. As shown in FIG. 3B , for example, outer mouthpiece wall 312 and interior top wall 332 define cooling chamber 342, which receives the formed vapor / aerosol from vaporization chamber 340. Thus, the vapor / aerosol formed by heating element 320 passes from vaporization chamber 340 through vapor opening 336 and into cooling chamber 342. In some implementations, vaporization chamber 340 and cooling chamber 342 may be configured to have a defined relative volume ratio. For example, in some implementations, the volume ratio between vaporization chamber 340 and cooling chamber 342 can be about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3, although other configurations are possible.

[0098] Optionally, mouthpiece 310 may also include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid therefrom. For example, in some implementations, all or a portion of the interior of mouthpiece wall 312 and / or interior top wall 332 defining cooling chamber 342 may be formed from or include an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to retain liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the interior of mouthpiece wall 312 and / or all or a portion of interior top wall 332 defining cooling chamber 342 may be configured to direct liquid back toward vaporization chamber 340, such as by the addition of microchannels or the like.

[0099] Thus, in some implementations, the entire cartridge 300 and / or mouthpiece 310 may be defined in terms of an overall length along the longitudinal axis (L), an overall width along the first transverse axis (T1), and an overall depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length may be greater than the width, and the width may be greater than the depth. The distance that the flange 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 312 may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in some implementations, the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance between opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2); the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2); or the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2). In certain implementations, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 312 and the outer edge of the flange 350 as measured along the second horizontal axis (T2) may be greater than the distance between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the flange as measured along the first horizontal axis (T1), particularly as measured approximately at the midpoint of each of the first horizontal axis (T1) and the second horizontal axis (T2).

[0100] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 310 and the tank portion 302 may be constructed from a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be constructed from other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece portion 310 is configured to be joined to the tank portion 302 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesives, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.), or any combination thereof, are possible.

[0101] 4, 5A, and 5B illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 500 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, FIG. 5A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 500, and FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 500. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 500 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 500 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 4 , the cartridge 500 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 502 defined by an outer tank wall 504 including a proximal end 506 and a distal end 508. The tank portion 502 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 504 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 508 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 502 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 524 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 500 also includes a mouthpiece portion 510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 512 including a distal end 516 and a proximal end 514, having an exit portal 515 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 500 also includes a collar portion 560 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 510 and the tank portion 502. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 560 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 510 and the tank portion 502 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (eg, via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0103] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 504 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 524 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 504 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 504, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 504, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 506 of the tank 502 to the distal end 508 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 504 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 524 within the tank 502 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 504 has a substantially opaque color.

[0104] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 502, collar portion 560, and tank portion 502 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cartridge 500 further includes a heating element 520 and a pair of electrical contacts 525A, 525B configured to electrically connect the heating element 520 to a battery and / or a control component of a control device. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 525A, 525B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 500 and are configured to be attached to a collar 560. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 525A, 525B are configured to be attached to the collar 560 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via an adhesive or an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 525A, 525B are made of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0106] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 520 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as a stainless steel material, including, but not limited to, 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating element 520 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 521. As mentioned above, other types of heating elements (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0107] The cartridge 500 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 500 includes a first liquid transport element 521 and a second liquid transport element 522. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 521 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 520. Furthermore, the second liquid transport element 522 in the illustrated implementation is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 521 and the liquid composition 524 contained in the tank 502 such that the second liquid transport element 522 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 521. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 522 has a T-shape with a transverse portion 527 intersecting a longitudinal portion 529. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length of the longitudinal portion 529 is greater than the length of the transverse portion 527.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the first liquid transport element 521 and the heating element 520 are disposed in a collar portion 560 of the cartridge 500. When installed in the cartridge, the heating element 520 of the illustrated implementation has a curved or arcuate shape. Furthermore, when installed in the cartridge, the first liquid transport element 521 of the illustrated implementation also has a curved or arcuate shape. In particular, the heating element 520 of the illustrated implementation comprises a flat heating element that has a curved or arcuate shape that corresponds to (e.g., similar to or substantially the same as) the curved shape of the upper surface of the first liquid transport element 521 (or vice versa in some implementations) when installed in the cartridge 500. In this way, the heating element 520 in the installed position contacts the upper surface of the first liquid transport element 521. In the illustrated implementation, the curved form of the flat heating element 520 can provide a large ratio of flow cross-sectional area to flow path length through the first liquid transport element 521. When installed, the curvature of the heating element 520 can provide a compressive force against the first liquid transport element 521. The installed curvature of the heating element 520 also biases the deflection of the heating element 520 toward the first liquid transport element 521, which can occur with thermal expansion, thus helping to maintain thermal contact between the heating element 520 and the first liquid transport element 521. Furthermore, when installed in the cartridge 500, the transverse portion 527 of the second liquid transport element 522 also has a curved or arcuate shape that corresponds to (e.g., similar to or approximately the same as) the curvature of the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 521. In this way, the top surface of the transverse portion 527 of the second liquid transport element 522 contacts the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 521. Therefore, one or more of these features can improve performance with respect to the delivery of a liquid composition to the first liquid transport element 521.

[0109] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 521 and the second liquid transport element 522 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 521 comprises a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport element 522 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 522 is configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 560, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid (e.g., non-hollow) wick.

[0110] In the illustrated implementation, cartridge 500 further includes hood feature 562 (which in the illustrated implementation is a curved hood feature), a portion of which is configured to be disposed above (e.g., downstream of) heating member 520 and within collar portion 560. In the illustrated implementation, hood feature 562 is configured to direct aerosol, collect condensation, and / or shield liquid and high temperatures directly from cartridge 500. In the illustrated implementation, hood feature 562 may be constructed from a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, the hood feature may be composed of other materials, including, for example, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), glass materials, ceramic materials (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), composite materials, and / or any combination thereof. The hood feature 562 in the illustrated implementation has a curvature opposite to that of the heating member 520. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the heating member 520 has a concave curvature (relative to the mouthpiece end of the longitudinal axis shown in FIG. 3A ), while the hood feature 562 has a convex curvature. In the illustrated implementation, the heating member 520 and the hood feature 562 define at least a portion of the vaporization chamber 540. As described above, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 540 when the heating member 520 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 521. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, aerosol from vaporization chamber 540 can be diverted by hood feature 562 and delivered to the user through exit portal 515 of mouthpiece portion 510.

[0111] 6, 7A, and 7B illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 700 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, FIG. 7A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 700, and FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 700. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 700 is configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 700 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configuration and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configuration and component variations).

[0112] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 700 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 702 defined by an outer tank wall 704 including a proximal end 706 and a distal end 708. The tank portion 702 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 704 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 708 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 702 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 724 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 700 also includes a mouthpiece portion 710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 712 including a distal end 716 and a proximal end 714, with an exit portal 715 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 700 also includes a collar portion 760 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 710 and the tank portion 702. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 760 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 710 and the tank portion 702 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (eg, via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0113] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 704 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 724 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 704 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 704, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 704, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 706 of the tank 702 to the distal end 708 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 704 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 724 within the tank 702 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 704 has a substantially opaque color.

[0114] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 710, collar portion 760, and tank portion 702 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 6 , cartridge 700 further includes a heating element 720 and a pair of electrical contacts 725A, 725B configured to electrically connect heating element 720 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 725A, 725B are located on opposite sides of cartridge 700 and are configured to be attached to collar 760. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 725A, 725B are configured to be attached to collar 760 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, electrical contacts 725A, 725B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0116] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 720 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as a stainless steel material, including, but not limited to, 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element can be constructed from different materials, such as stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating element 720 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 721. As mentioned above, other types of heating elements can also be utilized.

[0117] The cartridge 700 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 700 includes a first liquid transport element 721 and a second liquid transport element 722. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 721 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 720. Furthermore, the second liquid transport element 722 in the illustrated implementation is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 721 and the liquid composition 724 contained in the tank 702 such that the second liquid transport element 722 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 721. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 722 has a T-shape with a transverse portion 727 that intersects with a longitudinal portion 729. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length of the transverse portion 727 is longer than the length of the longitudinal portion 729.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the first liquid transport element 721, the second liquid transport element 722, and the heating element 720 are disposed in a collar portion 760 of the cartridge 700. When installed in the cartridge, the heating element 720 of the illustrated implementation has a curved or arcuate shape. Furthermore, when installed in the cartridge, the first liquid transport element 721 of the illustrated implementation also has a curved or arcuate shape. In particular, the heating element 720 of the illustrated implementation comprises a flat heating element that has a curved or arcuate shape that corresponds to (e.g., similar to or substantially the same as) the curved shape of the upper surface of the first liquid transport element 721 (or vice versa in some implementations) when installed in the cartridge 700. In this way, the heating element 720 in the installed position contacts the upper surface of the first liquid transport element 721. In the illustrated implementation, the curved form of the flat heating element 720 can provide a large ratio of flow cross-sectional area to flow path length through the first liquid transport element 721. When installed, the curvature of the heating element 720 can provide a compressive force against the first liquid transport element 721. The installed curvature of the heating element 720 also biases the deflection of the heating element 720 toward the first liquid transport element 721, which can occur with thermal expansion, thus helping to maintain thermal contact between the heating element 720 and the first liquid transport element 721. Furthermore, when installed in the cartridge 700, the transverse portion 727 of the second liquid transport element 722 also has a curved or arcuate shape that corresponds to (e.g., similar to or approximately the same as) the curvature of the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 721. In this way, the top surface of the transverse portion 727 of the second liquid transport element 722 contacts the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 721. Therefore, one or more of these features can improve performance with respect to the delivery of a liquid composition to the first liquid transport element 721.

[0119] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 721 and the second liquid transport element 722 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 721 comprises a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport element 722 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 722 is configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 760, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0120] In the illustrated implementation, cartridge 700 further includes a hood feature 762 (which in the illustrated implementation is a curved hood feature), a portion of which is configured to be disposed above heating element 720 and within collar 760. In the illustrated implementation, hood feature 762 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, the hood feature may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloy, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. Hood feature 762 in the illustrated implementation has a curvature opposite to that of heating element 720. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the heating member 720 has a concave curvature (relative to the mouthpiece end of the longitudinal axis shown in FIG. 3A ), while the hood feature 762 has a convex curvature. In the illustrated implementation, the heating member 720 and the hood feature 762 define at least a portion of the vaporization chamber 740. As described above, when the heating member 720 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 721, an aerosol is generated within the vaporization chamber 740. In the illustrated implementation, the hood feature 762 is configured to direct the aerosol, collect condensation, and / or shield the liquid and high temperatures exiting the cartridge 700 directly. Thus, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 740 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 715 of the mouthpiece portion 710.

[0121] 8 and 9 illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 900 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 900. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 900 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 900 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0122] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 900 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 902 defined by an outer tank wall 904 including a proximal end 906 and a distal end 908. The tank portion 902 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 904 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 908 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 902 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 924 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 900 also includes a mouthpiece portion 910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 912 including a distal end 916 and a proximal end 914, with an exit portal 915 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 900 also includes a collar portion 960 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 910 and the tank portion 902. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 960 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 910 and the tank portion 902 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (eg, via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0123] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 904 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 924 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 904 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 904, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 904, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 906 of the tank 902 to the distal end 908 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 904 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 924 within the tank 902 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 904 has a substantially opaque color.

[0124] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 910, collar portion 960, and tank portion 902 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0125] As shown, cartridge 900 further includes a heating element 920 and a pair of electrical contacts 925A, 925B configured to electrically connect heating element 920 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 925A, 925B are located on opposite sides of cartridge 900 and are configured to be attached to collar 960. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 925A, 925B are configured to be attached to collar 960 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, electrical contacts 925A, 925B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0126] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 920 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heater 920 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 920 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 921. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0127] The cartridge 900 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 900 includes a first liquid transport element 921 and a second liquid transport element 922. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating member 920 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 921. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 922 is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 921 and the liquid composition 924 contained in the tank 902 such that the second liquid transport element 922 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 921. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 922 has a T-shape with a transverse portion 927 that intersects with a longitudinal portion 929. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length of the longitudinal portion 929 is longer than the length of the transverse portion 927. The second liquid transport element 922 in the illustrated implementation also serves to seal the collar portion 960 from the liquid composition 924 .

[0128] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 900 also includes an upper frame portion 931, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 920 and the first liquid transport element 921. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 931 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 931 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together) of the ends of the heating member 920 to the respective electrical contacts 925A, 925B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the upper frame portion 931, the heating member 920, the first liquid transport element 921, and one or more of the electrical contacts 925A, 925B are housed within a collar portion 960. When installed in the cartridge, the first liquid transport element 921 has a U-shape with a lateral central portion 933 and two longitudinal legs 935A, 935B extending intersectingly downward from the central portion 933. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length of the lateral central portion 933 is longer than the length of the longitudinal legs 935A, 935B. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of each of the legs 935A, 935B contact the upper surface of the lateral portion 927 of the second liquid transport element 922. In this way, the second liquid transport element 922 can facilitate delivery of the liquid composition 924 to the first liquid transport element 921.

[0129] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 921 and the second liquid transport element 922 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 921 comprises a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport element 922 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 922 is configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 960, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0130] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 920 is wrapped around a lateral central portion 933 of the first liquid transport element 921. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 940 is disposed in the region around the first liquid transport element 921 around which the heating member 920 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 931 and the second liquid transport element 922. As described above, when the heating member 920 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 921, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 940. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 940 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 915 of the mouthpiece portion 910.

[0131] 10 and 11 show a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 1100 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1100. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1100 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1100 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0132] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 1100 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 1102 defined by an outer tank wall 1104 and including a proximal end 1106 and a distal end 1108. The tank portion 1102 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 1104 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 1108 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 1102 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 1124 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 1100 also includes a mouthpiece portion 1110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1112 and including a distal end 1116 and a proximal end 1114 having an exit portal 1115 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1100 also includes a collar portion 1160 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 1110 and the tank portion 1102. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 1160 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 1110 and the tank portion 1102 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0133] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 1104 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 1124 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 1104 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 1104, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 1104, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 1106 of the tank 1102 to the distal end 1108 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 1104 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 1124 within the tank 1102 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 1104 has a substantially opaque color.

[0134] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 1110, collar portion 1160, and tank portion 1102 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0135] As shown, the cartridge 1100 further includes a heating element 1120 and a pair of electrical contacts 1125A, 1125B configured to electrically connect the heating element 1120 to a battery and / or a control component of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1125A, 1125B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 1100 and are configured to be attached to the collar 1160. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1125A, 1125B are configured to be attached to the collar 1160 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via an adhesive or an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 1125A, 1125B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0136] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 1120 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heater 1120 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 1120 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 1121. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0137] The cartridge 1100 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 1100 includes a first liquid transport element 1121 and a second liquid transport element 1122. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating member 1120 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 1121. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1122 is disposed below the first liquid transport element 1121 and is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1121. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1122 has a relatively flat shape.

[0138] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1100 also includes an upper frame portion 1131 including various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 1120 and the first liquid transport element 1121. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 1131 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of one or more of the upper frame portion 1131, the heating member 1120, the first liquid transport element 1121, the second liquid transport element 1122, and the electrical contacts 1125A, 1125B are housed within a collar portion 1160. When installed within the cartridge, the first liquid transport element 1121 has a U-shape with a lateral central portion 1133 and two longitudinal legs 1135A, 1135B extending downwardly from the central portion 1133. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length of the longitudinal legs is longer than the length of the lateral center portions. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of each of the legs 1135A, 1135B extend downward into the tank portion 1102 so as to extend into the liquid composition 1124. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the ends of the longitudinal legs 1135A, 1135B extend to (e.g., adjacent to) the bottom wall of the tank portion 1102.

[0139] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 1121 and the second liquid transport element 1122 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1121 comprises a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport element 1122 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1122 is configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 1160, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, one or both liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0140] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 1120 is wrapped around a lateral central portion 1133 of the first liquid transport element 1121. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 1140 is disposed in the region around the first liquid transport element 1121 around which the heating member 1120 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 1131 and the second liquid transport element 1122. As described above, when the heating member 1120 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 1121, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 1140. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 1140 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 1115 of the mouthpiece portion 1110.

[0141] 12 and 13 illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 1300 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1300. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1300 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1300 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0142] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 1300 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 1302 defined by an outer tank wall 1304 including a proximal end 1306 and a distal end 1308. The tank portion 1302 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 1304 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 1308 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 1302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 1324 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 1300 also includes a mouthpiece portion 1310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1312 including a distal end 1316 and a proximal end 1314 having one or more exit portals 1315 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1300 also includes a collar portion 1360 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 1310 and the tank portion 1302. In the illustrated implementation, collar portion 1360 is configured to be joined to mouthpiece portion 1310 and tank portion 1302 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0143] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 1304 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 1324 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 1304 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 1304, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 1304, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 1306 of the tank 1302 to the distal end 1308 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 1304 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 1324 within the tank 1302 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 1304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0144] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 1310, collar portion 1360, and tank portion 1302 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0145] As shown, the cartridge 1300 further includes a heating element 1320 and a pair of electrical contacts 1325A, 1325B configured to electrically connect the heating element 1320 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1325A, 1325B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 1300 and are configured to be attached to a collar 1360. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1325A, 1325B are configured to be attached to the collar 1360 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via an adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 1325A, 1325B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0146] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 1320 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heater 1320 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 1320 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 1321. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0147] The cartridge 1300 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 1300 includes a first liquid transport element 1321 and a second liquid transport element 1322. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating member 1320 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 1321. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1322 is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 1321 and the liquid composition 1324 contained in the tank 1302 such that the second liquid transport element 1322 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 1321. In the illustrated implementation, the first and second liquid transport elements 1321, 1322 have a substantially solid (e.g., non-hollow) cylindrical shape and are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 1322 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 1321, and the length of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element 1321. The second liquid transport element 1322 in the illustrated implementation also serves to seal the collar portion 1360 from the liquid composition 1324.

[0148] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1300 also includes an upper frame portion 1331, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 1320 and the first liquid transport element 1321. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 1331 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 1331 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together) of the ends of the heating member 1320 to the respective electrical contacts 1325A, 1325B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of one or more of the upper frame portion 1331, the heating member 1320, the first liquid transport element 1321, and the electrical contacts 1325A, 1325B are housed within a collar portion 1360. In the illustrated implementation, the distal end of the first liquid transport element 1321 contacts the proximal end of the second liquid transport element 1322. In that way, the second liquid transport element 1322 can facilitate the delivery of the liquid composition 1324 to the first liquid transport element 1321, as described above.

[0149] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 1321 and the second liquid transport element 1322 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1321 comprises a ceramic material, and the second liquid transport element 1322 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1321 is configured to be captured between the mouthpiece portion 1310 and the collar portion 1360. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1321 and the second liquid transport element 1322 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 1360, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material containing an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Exemplary types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0150] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 1320 is wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 1321. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 1340 is disposed in the area around the first liquid transport element 1321 around which the heating member 1320 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame member 1331. As described above, when the heating member 1320 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 1321, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 1340. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 1340 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 1315 of the mouthpiece portion 1310.

[0151] FIG. 14 illustrates a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 14 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1500 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1500 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1500 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0152] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 1500 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 1502 defined by an outer tank wall 1504 including a proximal end 1506 and a distal end 1508. The tank portion 1502 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 1504 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 1508 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 1502 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 1524 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 1500 also includes a mouthpiece portion 1510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1512 including a distal end 1516 and a proximal end 1514 having one or more exit portals 1515 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1500 also includes a collar portion 1560 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 1510 and the tank portion 1502. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 1560 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 1510 and the tank portion 1502 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0153] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 1504 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 1524 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 1504 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 1504, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 1504, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 1506 of the tank 1502 to the distal end 1508 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 1504 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 1524 within the tank 1502 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 1504 has a substantially opaque color.

[0154] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 1510, collar portion 1560, and tank portion 1502 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0155] As shown, the cartridge 1500 further includes a heating element 1520 and a pair of electrical contacts 1525A, 1525B configured to electrically connect the heating element 1520 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1525A, 1525B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 1500 and are configured to be attached to a collar 1560. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1525A, 1525B are configured to be attached to the collar 1560 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via an adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 1525A, 1525B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0156] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 1520 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 1520 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 1520 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 1521. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0157] The cartridge 1500 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 1500 includes a first liquid transport element 1521 and a second liquid transport element 1522. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating element 1520 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 1521. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1522 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1521 has a substantially solid (e.g., non-hollow) cylindrical shape and is also substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1521 extends through the second liquid transport element 1522 such that both the first liquid transport element 1521 and the second liquid transport element 1522 extend to the bottom of the tank portion 1502. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1522 is configured to surround at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1521 and extends between the collar portion 1560 and the liquid composition 1524 contained in the tank 1502 such that the second liquid transport element 1522 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 1521. In the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 1522 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 1521, and the length of the first liquid transport element 1521 is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element 1522. The second liquid transport element 1522 in the illustrated implementation also serves to seal the collar portion 1560 from the liquid composition 1524.

[0158] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1500 also includes an upper frame portion 1531, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 1520 and the first liquid transport element 1521. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 1531 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 1531 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together, etc.) to the respective electrical contacts 1525A, 1525B at the ends of the heating member 1520. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the upper frame portion 1531, the heating member 1520, the first liquid transport element 1521, and one or more of the electrical contacts 1525A, 1525B are housed within a collar portion 1560.

[0159] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 1521 and the second liquid transport element 1522 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1521 comprises a ceramic material, and the second liquid transport element 1522 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1521 is configured to be captured between the mouthpiece portion 1510 and the collar portion 1560. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1521 and the second liquid transport element 1522 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 1560, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material containing an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Exemplary types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0160] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 1520 is wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 1521. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 1540 is disposed in the area around the first liquid transport element 1521 around which the heating member 1520 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 1531. As described above, when the heating member 1520 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 1521, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 1540. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 1540 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 1515 of the mouthpiece portion 1510.

[0161] 15 and 16 illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 1700 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 16 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1700 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1700 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0162] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 1700 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 1702 defined by an outer tank wall 1704 including a proximal end 1706 and a distal end 1708. The tank portion 1702 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 1704 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 1708 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 1702 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 1724 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 1700 also includes a mouthpiece portion 1710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1712 including a distal end 1716 and a proximal end 1714 having an exit portal 1715 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1700 also includes a collar portion 1760 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 1710 and the tank portion 1702. In the illustrated implementation, collar portion 1760 is configured to be joined to mouthpiece portion 1710 and tank portion 1702 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0163] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 1704 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 1724 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 1704 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 1704, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 1704, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 1706 of the tank 1702 to the distal end 1708 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 1704 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 1724 within the tank 1702 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 1704 has a substantially opaque color.

[0164] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 1710, collar portion 1760, and tank portion 1702 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0165] As shown, the cartridge 1700 further includes a heating element 1720 and a pair of electrical contacts 1725A, 1725B configured to electrically connect the heating element 1720 to a battery and / or a control component of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1725A, 1725B are disposed on opposite sides of the cartridge 1700 and are configured to be attached to a collar 1760. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1725A, 1725B are configured to be attached to the collar 1760 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via an adhesive or an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 1725A, 1725B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0166] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 1720 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 1720 may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). As mentioned above, other types of heating elements (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0167] The cartridge 1700 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 1700 includes a first liquid transport element 1721 and a second liquid transport element 1722. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating element 1720 is configured to be embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1721. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1722 is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 1721 and the liquid composition 1724 contained within the tank 1702 such that the second liquid transport element 1722 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 1721. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1722 has a substantially solid cylindrical shape and is also substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 1722 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 1721, and the length of the second liquid transport element 1722 is longer than the length of the first liquid transport element 1721. The second liquid transport element 1722 in the illustrated implementation also serves to seal the collar portion 1760 from the liquid composition 1724.

[0168] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1700 also includes an upper frame portion 1731, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 1720 and the first liquid transport element 1721. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 1731 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 1731 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together) of the ends of the heating member 1720 to the respective electrical contacts 1725A, 1725B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of one or more of the upper frame portion 1731, the heating member 1720, the first liquid transport element 1721, and the electrical contacts 1725A, 1725B are housed within a collar portion 1760. In the illustrated implementation, the distal end of the first liquid transport element 1721 contacts the proximal end of the second liquid transport element 1722. In that way, the second liquid transport element 1722 can facilitate the delivery of the liquid composition 1724 to the first liquid transport element 1721 .

[0169] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 1721 and the second liquid transport element 1722 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1721 comprises a ceramic material, and the second liquid transport element 1722 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1721 is configured to be captured between the mouthpiece portion 1710 and the collar portion 1760. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1721 and the second liquid transport element 1722 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 1760, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material containing an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Exemplary types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0170] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 1720 is embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1721. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 1740 is disposed in an area inside the first liquid transport element 1721, as well as in an area surrounding the first liquid transport element 1721 proximate to the heating member 1720. The vaporization chamber 1740 may also be defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 1731. As described above, when the heating member 1720 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 1721, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 1740. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 1740 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 1715 of the mouthpiece portion 1710.

[0171] FIG. 17 illustrates a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1900 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1900 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1900 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configuration and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configuration and component variations).

[0172] 17 , the cartridge 1900 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 1902 defined by an outer tank wall 1904 including a proximal end 1906 and a distal end 1908. The tank portion 1902 can thus be characterized in that the tank wall 1904 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 1908 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 1902 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 1924 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 1900 also includes a mouthpiece portion 1910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1912 including a distal end 1916 and a proximal end 1914 having an exit portal 1915 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1900 also includes a collar portion 1960 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 1910 and the tank portion 1902. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 1960 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 1910 and the tank portion 1902 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0173] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 1904 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 1924 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 1904 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 1904, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 1904, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 1906 of the tank 1902 to the distal end 1908 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 1904 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 1924 within the tank 1902 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 1904 has a substantially opaque color.

[0174] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 1910, collar portion 1960, and tank portion 1902 may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0175] As shown, the cartridge 1900 further includes a heating element 1920 and a pair of electrical contacts 1925A, 1925B configured to electrically connect the heating element 1920 to a battery and / or a control component of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1925A, 1925B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 1900 and are configured to be attached to the collar 1960. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 1925A, 1925B are configured to be attached to the collar 1960 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via an adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 1925A, 1925B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0176] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 1920 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 1920 may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). As mentioned above, other types of heating elements (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0177] The cartridge 1900 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. Specifically, the cartridge 1900 includes a first liquid transport element 1921 and a second liquid transport element 1922. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating element 1920 is configured to be embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1921. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1922 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1921 extends through the second liquid transport element 1922 such that both the first liquid transport element 1921 and the second liquid transport element 1922 extend to the bottom of the tank portion 1902. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 1922 is configured to surround at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1921 and extends between the collar portion 1960 and the liquid composition 1924 contained in the tank 1902 such that the second liquid transport element 1922 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 1921. In the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 1922 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 1921, and the length of the first liquid transport element 1921 is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element 1922. The second liquid transport element 1922 in the illustrated implementation also serves to seal the collar portion 1960 from the liquid composition 1924.

[0178] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 1900 also includes an upper frame portion 1931, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 1920 and the first liquid transport element 1921. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 1931 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 1931 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together, etc.) of the ends of the heating member 1920 to the respective electrical contacts 1925A, 1925B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the upper frame portion 1931, the heating member 1920, the first liquid transport element 1921, and one or more of the electrical contacts 1925A, 1925B are housed within a collar portion 1960.

[0179] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 1921 and the second liquid transport element 1922 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1921 comprises a ceramic material, and the second liquid transport element 1922 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1921 is configured to be captured between the mouthpiece portion 1910 and the collar portion 1960. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 1921 and the second liquid transport element 1922 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 1960, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material containing an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Exemplary types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0180] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 1920 is embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 1921. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 1940 is disposed in an area inside the first liquid transport element 1921 as well as in an area surrounding the first liquid transport element 1921 proximate to the heating member 1920. The vaporization chamber 1940 may also be defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 1931. As described above, when the heating member 1920 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 1921, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 1940. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 1940 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 1915 of the mouthpiece portion 1910.

[0181] 18 and 19 show a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 2100 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 19 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2100. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2100 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2100 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0182] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 2100 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 2102 defined by an outer tank wall 2104 including a proximal end 2106 and a distal end 2108. The tank portion 2102 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 2104 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 2108 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 2102 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 2124 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 2100 also includes a mouthpiece portion 2110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2112 including a distal end 2116 and a proximal end 2114 having an exit portal 2115 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2100 also includes a collar portion 2160, at least a portion of which is disposed between the mouthpiece portion 2110 and the tank portion 2102. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2160 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 2110 and the tank portion 2102 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0183] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 2104 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 2124 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 2104 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 2104, or a portion (or sections) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 2104, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, with a strip extending from the proximal end 2106 of the tank 2102 to the distal end 2108 of the tank being transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 2104 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 2124 within the tank 2102 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 2104 has a substantially opaque color.

[0184] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 2110, collar portion 2160, and tank portion 2102 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0185] As shown, the cartridge 2100 further includes a heating element 2120 and a pair of electrical contacts 2125A, 2125B configured to electrically connect the heating element 2120 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2125A, 2125B are disposed on opposite sides of the cartridge 2100 and are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2160. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2125A, 2125B are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2160 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2120 is disposed proximate the distal end 2108 of the tank portion 2102. Thus, the electrical contacts 2125A, 2125B extend downwardly such that their corresponding ends contact the heating element 2120. In various implementations, the heating element 2120 may be retained by the collar portion 2160 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible, including, for example, via an adhesive or insert molding process, or being captured by the collar portion 2160 against the bottom of the tank portion 2102 (e.g., captured between the collar portion 2160, one or more liquid transport elements, and the bottom of the tank portion 2102). In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 2125A, 2125B are constructed from an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one electrically conductive material or may be plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0186] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2120 comprises a substantially flat heating element and can be constructed from a metallic material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel material, including 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 2120 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 2121. As mentioned above, other types of heating members can also be utilized.

[0187] The cartridge 2100 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 2100 includes a first liquid transport element 2121 and a second liquid transport element 2122. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 2121 is configured to be disposed proximate to the heating member 2120. Furthermore, the second liquid transport element 2122 in the illustrated implementation is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 2121 and the bottom of the tank portion 2102 such that the second liquid transport element 2122 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 2121. In the illustrated implementation, the first and second liquid transport elements 2121, 2122 have a flat shape, the first liquid transport element 2121 is disposed below the heating member 2120, and the second liquid transport element 2122 is disposed below the first liquid transport element 2121.

[0188] As shown, the collar portion 2160 of the illustrated implementation extends downward such that a portion of the collar portion 2160 is positioned proximate the distal end 2108 of the tank portion 2102 and is configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 2120, the first liquid transport element 2121, and the second liquid transport element 2122. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2120 in the installed position contacts the top surface of the first liquid transport element 2121, and the top surface of the second liquid transport element 2122 contacts the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 2121. Thus, one or more of these features can improve performance with respect to delivery of a liquid composition to the first liquid transport element 2121.

[0189] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 2121 and the second liquid transport element 2122 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0190] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2100 further includes a hood feature 2162 configured to be disposed proximate the distal end 2116 of the mouthpiece portion 2110. In the illustrated implementation, the hood feature 2162 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, the hood feature may be composed of other materials including, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloy, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. The hood feature 2162 in the illustrated implementation has a block shape with a solid top surface and openings defined in the bottom and sides. In the illustrated implementation, the evaporation chamber 2140 is disposed above the heating member 2120 and is at least partially defined by the collar portion 2160. The collar portion 2160 of the illustrated implementation also defines a vapor channel 2145 that begins proximate the evaporation chamber 2140 and extends upward to the hood feature 2162. As described above, when the heating member 2120 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 2121, an aerosol is generated in the evaporation chamber 2140. In the illustrated implementation, the hood feature 2162 is configured to direct the aerosol, collect condensate, and / or shield the liquid and high temperatures exiting directly from the cartridge 2100. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the evaporation chamber 2140 travels through the vapor channel 2145, is diverted by the hood feature 2162, and can be delivered to the user via the exit portal 2115 of the mouthpiece portion 2110.

[0191] FIG. 20 illustrates a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 20 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of cartridge 2300. In various implementations, a portion of cartridge 2300 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, cartridge 2300 and corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configuration and component variations) to those of cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configuration and component variations).

[0192] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 2300 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 2302 defined by an outer tank wall 2304 including a proximal end 2306 and a distal end 2308. The tank portion 2302 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 2304 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 2308 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 2302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 2324 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 2300 also includes a mouthpiece portion 2310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2312 including a distal end 2316 and a proximal end 2314 having an exit portal 2315 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2300 also includes a collar portion 2360, at least a portion of which is disposed between the mouthpiece portion 2310 and the tank portion 2302. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2360 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 2310 and the tank portion 2302 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0193] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 2304 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 2324 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 2304 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 2304, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 2304, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 2306 of the tank 2302 to the distal end 2308 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 2304 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 2324 within the tank 2302 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 2304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0194] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 2310, collar portion 2360, and tank portion 2302 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0195] As shown, the cartridge 2300 further includes a heating element 2320 and a pair of electrical contacts 2325A, 2325B configured to electrically connect the heating element 2320 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2325A, 2325B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 2300 and are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2360. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2325A, 2325B are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2360 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2320 is located proximate the distal end 2308 of the tank portion 2302. Thus, the electrical contacts 2325A, 2325B extend downwardly such that their corresponding ends contact the heating element 2320. In various implementations, the heating element 2320 may be retained by the collar portion 2360 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible, including, for example, via an adhesive or insert molding process, or being captured by the collar portion 2360 against the bottom of the tank portion 2302 (e.g., captured between the collar portion 2360, one or more liquid transport elements, and the bottom of the tank portion 2302). In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 2325A, 2325B are constructed from an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one electrically conductive material or may be plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0196] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2320 comprises a substantially flat heating element and can be constructed from a metallic material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, including 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element can be constructed from different materials, such as stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 2320 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 2321. As mentioned above, other types of heating members can also be utilized.

[0197] The cartridge 2300 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 2300 includes a first liquid transport element 2321 and a second liquid transport element 2322. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 2321 is configured to be disposed proximate to the heating member 2320. Furthermore, the second liquid transport element 2322 in the illustrated implementation is configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 2321 and the bottom of the tank portion 2302 such that the second liquid transport element 2322 is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element 2321. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 2321 has a flat shape, and the first liquid transport element 2321 is disposed below the heating member 2320, and the second liquid transport element 2322 is disposed below the first liquid transport element 2321.

[0198] As shown, the collar portion 2360 in the illustrated implementation extends downward such that a portion of the collar portion 2360 is disposed between the proximal end 2306 and the distal end 2308 of the tank portion 2302. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2360 is configured to retain at least a portion of the heating member 2320, the first liquid transport element 2321, and the second liquid transport element 2322. In the illustrated implementation, the heating member 2320 is disposed between the proximal end 2306 and the distal end 2308 of the tank portion 2302, specifically in a third portion midway along the length of the tank portion 2302. In the illustrated implementation, the heating member 2320 in the installed position contacts the top surface of the first liquid transport element 2321, and the top surface of the second liquid transport element 2322 contacts the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 2321. Thus, one or more of these features may provide improved performance with respect to delivery of the liquid composition to the first liquid transport element 2321.

[0199] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 2321 and the second liquid transport element 2322 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0200] In the illustrated implementation, cartridge 2300 further includes a hood feature 2362 configured to be disposed at the bottom of mouthpiece portion 2310. In the illustrated implementation, hood feature 2362 may be constructed from a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, hood feature 2362 may be constructed from other materials including, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloy, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. Hood feature 2362 in the illustrated implementation has a block shape with a solid top surface and openings defined in the bottom and sides. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 2340 is disposed above the heating member 2320 and is at least partially defined by the collar portion 2360. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2360 defines a vapor channel 2345 that begins proximate the vaporization chamber 2340 and extends upward to the hood feature 2362. As described above, when the heating member 2320 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 2321, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 2340. In the illustrated implementation, the hood feature 2362 is configured to direct the aerosol, collect condensation, and / or shield the liquid and high temperatures exiting the cartridge 2300 directly. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 2340 travels through the vapor channel 2345, is diverted by the hood feature 2362, and can be delivered to the user via the exit portal 2315 of the mouthpiece portion 2310.

[0201] 21 and 22 show a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 21 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 2500 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 22 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2500. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2500 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2500 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0202] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 2500 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 2502 defined by an outer tank wall 2504 including a proximal end 2506 and a distal end 2508. The tank portion 2502 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 2504 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 2508 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 2502 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 2524 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 2500 also includes a mouthpiece portion 2510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2512 including a distal end 2516 and a proximal end 2514 having an exit portal 2515 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2500 also includes a collar portion 2560, at least a portion of which is disposed between the mouthpiece portion 2510 and the tank portion 2502. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2560 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 2510 and the tank portion 2502 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0203] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 2504 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 2524 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 2504 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 2504, or a portion (or sections) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 2504, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 2506 of the tank 2502 to the distal end 2508 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 2504 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 2524 within the tank 2502 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 2504 has a substantially opaque color.

[0204] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 2510, collar portion 2560, and tank portion 2502 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0205] As shown, the cartridge 2500 further includes a heating element 2520 and a pair of electrical contacts 2525A, 2525B configured to electrically connect the heating element 2520 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2525A, 2525B are disposed on opposite sides of the cartridge 2500 and are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2560. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2525A, 2525B are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2560 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2520 is disposed proximate the distal end 2508 of the tank portion 2502. Thus, the electrical contacts 2525A, 2525B extend downwardly such that their corresponding ends contact the heating element 2520. In various implementations, the heating element 2520 may be held by the collar portion 2560 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible, including, for example, via an adhesive or insert molding process, or being captured by the collar portion 2560 against the bottom of the tank portion 2502. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 2525A, 2525B are constructed from an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one electrically conductive material and plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0206] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2520 comprises a substantially flat heating element and can be constructed from a metallic material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel material, including 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 2520 may be integrated with the liquid transport element 2521. As mentioned above, other types of heating members can also be utilized.

[0207] The cartridge 2500 in the illustrated implementation also includes a liquid transport element 2521. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the liquid transport element 2521 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 2520. In the illustrated implementation, the liquid transport element 2521 is positioned below the heating member 2520 and extends between the heating member 2520 and the bottom of the tank portion 2502. As shown, the collar portion 2560 in the illustrated implementation extends downward such that a portion of the collar portion 2560 is positioned proximate to the distal end 2508 of the tank portion 2502 and is configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 2520 and the liquid transport element 2521. In the illustrated implementation, the heating member 2520 in the installed position contacts the top surface of the liquid transport element 2521.

[0208] In various implementations, the liquid transport element 2521 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, the liquid transport element may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic or porous glass. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0209] In the illustrated implementation, cartridge 2500 further includes a hood feature 2562 configured to be disposed at the bottom of mouthpiece portion 2510. In the illustrated implementation, hood feature 2562 may be constructed from a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, hood feature 2562 may be constructed from other materials including, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloy, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. Hood feature 2562 in the illustrated implementation has a block shape with a solid top surface and openings defined in the bottom and sides. In the illustrated implementation, the evaporation chamber 2540 is disposed above the heating member 2520 and is at least partially defined by the collar portion 2560. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2560 also defines a vapor channel 2545 that begins proximate the evaporation chamber 2540 and extends upward to the hood feature 2562. As described above, when the heating member 2520 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the liquid transport element 2521, an aerosol is generated in the evaporation chamber 2540. In the illustrated implementation, the hood feature 2562 is configured to direct the aerosol, collect condensation, and / or shield the liquid and high temperatures exiting the cartridge 2500 directly. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the evaporation chamber 2540 travels through the vapor channel 2545, is diverted by the hood feature 2562, and can be delivered to the user via the exit portal 2515 of the mouthpiece portion 2510.

[0210] 23 and 24 illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 2700 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 24 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2700. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2700 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2700 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0211] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 2700 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 2702 defined by an outer tank wall 2704 including a proximal end 2706 and a distal end 2708. The tank portion 2702 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 2704 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 2708 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 2702 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 2724 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 2700 also includes a mouthpiece portion 2710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2712 including a distal end 2716 and a proximal end 2714 having an exit portal 2715 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2700 also includes a collar portion 2760, at least a portion of which is disposed between the mouthpiece portion 2710 and the tank portion 2702. In the illustrated implementation, collar portion 2760 is configured to be joined to mouthpiece portion 2710 and tank portion 2702 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0212] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 2710, collar portion 2760, and tank portion 2702 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0213] As shown, the cartridge 2700 further includes a heating element 2720 and a pair of electrical contacts 2725A, 2725B configured to electrically connect the heating element 2720 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2725A, 2725B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 2700 and are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2760. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 2725A, 2725B are configured to be attached to the collar portion 2760 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2720 is located proximate the distal end 2708 of the tank portion 2702. Thus, the electrical contacts 2725A, 2725B extend downwardly such that their corresponding ends contact the heating element 2720. In various implementations, the heating element 2720 may be retained by the collar portion 2760 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible, including, for example, via an adhesive or insert molding process, or being captured by the collar portion 2760 (e.g., captured between the collar portion 2760 and one or more liquid transport elements). In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 2725A, 2725B are constructed from an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one electrically conductive material and plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0214] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2720 comprises a substantially flat heating element and can be constructed from a metallic material such as, but not limited to, a stainless steel material, including 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 2720 may be integrated with the liquid transport element 2721. As mentioned above, other types of heating members can also be utilized.

[0215] The cartridge 2700 in the illustrated implementation also includes a liquid transport element 2721. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the liquid transport element 2721 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 2720. In the illustrated implementation, the liquid transport element 2721 is positioned above the heating member 2720 and extends between the heating member 2720 and the metering plate 2735. The metering plate 2735 in the illustrated implementation comprises a flat feature including a plurality of openings. In the illustrated implementation, the metering plate 2735 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, the metering plate may be constructed from other materials including, for example, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), glass materials, ceramic materials (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), composite materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0216] In the installed position, the heating element 2720 of the illustrated implementation contacts the bottom surface of the liquid transport element 2721, and the top surface of the liquid transport element 2721 contacts the bottom surface of the metering plate 2735. In the illustrated implementation, the metering plate 2735 is positioned below the liquid composition 2724 within the tank 2702. Thus, the metering plate 2735 is configured to deliver the liquid composition from the tank 2702 to the liquid transport element 2721. As shown, the collar portion 2760 of the illustrated implementation extends downward such that a portion of the collar portion 2760 is positioned proximate the distal end 2708 of the tank portion 2702 and is configured to hold the heating element 2720, the liquid transport element 2721, and the metering plate 2735. Furthermore, when installed, a gap 2747 is formed between the collar portion 2760 and the inner surface of the tank portion 2702, which is configured as the aerosol pathway.

[0217] In various implementations, the liquid transport element 2721 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, the liquid transport element can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, the liquid transport element may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic or porous glass. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0218] In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 2740 is formed below the heating member 2720 and proximate the distal end 2708 of the tank portion 2702. In particular, the vaporization chamber 2740 is defined, at least in part, by the collar portion 2760 and the distal end 2708 of the tank portion 2702. As described above, when the heating member 2720 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the liquid transport element 2721, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 2740. Based on the features of the cartridge 2700, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol formed in the vaporization chamber 2740 extends outward and then travels through an aerosol pathway between the collar portion 2760 and the tank portion 2702, where it is delivered to the user via the exit portal 2715 of the mouthpiece portion 2710.

[0219] FIG. 25 illustrates a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 25 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of cartridge 2900. In various implementations, a portion of cartridge 2900 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, cartridge 2900 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and variations of some similar configurations and components) to those of cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components).

[0220] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 2900 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 2902 defined by an outer tank wall 2904 including a proximal end 2906 and a distal end 2908. The tank portion 2902 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 2904 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 2908 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 2902 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 2924 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 2900 also includes a mouthpiece portion 2910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2912 including a distal end 2916 and a proximal end 2914 having one or more exit portals 2915 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2900 also includes a collar portion 2960 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 2910 and the tank portion 2902. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 2960 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 2910 and the tank portion 2902 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0221] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 2904 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 2924 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 2904 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 2904, or a portion (or sections) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 2904, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 2906 of the tank 2902 to the distal end 2908 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 2904 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 2924 within the tank 2902 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 2904 has a substantially opaque color.

[0222] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of mouthpiece portion 2910, collar portion 2960, and tank portion 2902 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0223] As shown, cartridge 2900 further includes a heating element 2920 and a pair of electrical contacts 2925A, 2925B configured to electrically connect heating element 2920 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 2925A, 2925B are located on opposite sides of cartridge 2900 and are configured to be attached to collar 2960. In the illustrated implementation, contacts 2925A, 2925B are configured to be attached to collar 2960 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, electrical contacts 2925A, 2925B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0224] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 2920 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 2920 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 2920 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 2921. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0225] The cartridge 2900 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 2900 includes a first liquid transport element 2921 and a second liquid transport element 2922. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating member 2920 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 2921 within the region of the collar portion 2960. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 2922 has a relatively flat shape including an opening configured to surround a portion of the first liquid transport element 2921 such that the second liquid transport element 2922 forms a seal around the first liquid transport element 2921. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 2921 has a substantially cylindrical, hollow shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 2921 extends through the second liquid transport element 2922 and the liquid composition 2924 to the bottom of the tank portion 2902. In the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 2922 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 2921, and the length of the first liquid transport element 2921 is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element 2922.

[0226] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 2900 also includes an upper frame portion 2931, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 2920 and the first liquid transport element 2921. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 2931 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 2931 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together, etc.) of the ends of the heating member 2920 to the respective electrical contacts 2925A, 2925B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the upper frame portion 2931, heating member 2920, first liquid transport element 2921, second liquid transport element 2922, and one or more of the electrical contacts 2925A, 2925B are contained within a collar portion 2960.

[0227] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 2921 and the second liquid transport element 2922 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 2921 comprises a ceramic material, and the second liquid transport element 2922 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 2921 and the second liquid transport element 2922 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 2960, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material containing an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Exemplary types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be formed partially or completely from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0228] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 2920 is wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 2921. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 2940 is disposed in the area around the first liquid transport element 2921 around which the heating member 2920 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 2931. As described above, when the heating member 2920 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 2921, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 2940. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 2940 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 2915 of the mouthpiece portion 2910.

[0229] FIG. 26 illustrates a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 26 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3100. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3100 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge-receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3100 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configuration and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configuration and component variations).

[0230] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 3100 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 3102 defined by an outer tank wall 3104 including a proximal end 3106 and a distal end 3108. The tank portion 3102 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 3104 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 3108 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 3102 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 3124 configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 3100 also includes a mouthpiece portion 3110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3112 including a distal end 3116 and a proximal end 3114 having one or more exit portals 3115 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 3100 also includes a collar portion 3160 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 3110 and the tank portion 3102. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 3160 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 3110 and the tank portion 3102 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0231] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 3104 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 3124 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 3104 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 3104, or a portion (or sections) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 3104, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 3106 of the tank 3102 to the distal end 3108 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 3104 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition 3124 within the tank 3102 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 3104 has a substantially opaque color.

[0232] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 3110, collar portion 3160, and tank portion 3102 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0233] As shown, the cartridge 3100 further includes a heating element 3120 and a pair of electrical contacts 3125A, 3125B configured to electrically connect the heating element 3120 to a battery and / or control components of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 3125A, 3125B are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 3100 and are configured to be attached to a collar 3160. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts 3125A, 3125B are configured to be attached to the collar 3160 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other implementations allow for other forms of attachment, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts 3125A, 3125B are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, electrically conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be constructed from one conductive material and may be plated with another conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0234] In various implementations, the heating element can include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 3120 comprises a wire coil. Examples of materials from which the wire coil can be formed include, for example, stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloy, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element 3120 can be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element can be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 3120 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 3121. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0235] The cartridge 3100 in the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 3100 includes a first liquid transport element 3121 and a second liquid transport element 3122. In the illustrated implementation, a portion of the heating member 3120 is configured to be wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 3121 within the region of the collar portion 3160. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 3122 has a relatively flat shape including an opening configured to surround a portion of the first liquid transport element 3121 such that the second liquid transport element 3122 forms a seal around the first liquid transport element 3121. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 3121 has a substantially cylindrical, solid (e.g., non-hollow) shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 3121 extends through the second liquid transport element 3122 and the liquid composition 3124 to the bottom of the tank portion 3102. In particular, one end of the first liquid transport element 3121 is attached to the mouthpiece portion 3110 via a retaining ring 3137, and the other end of the first liquid transport element 3121 extends to the bottom of the tank portion 3102. In the illustrated implementation, the outer diameter of the second liquid transport element 3122 is larger than the outer diameter of the first liquid transport element 2921, and the length of the first liquid transport element 3121 is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element 3122.

[0236] In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 3100 also includes an upper frame portion 3131, which can include various features configured to hold at least a portion of the heating member 3120 and the first liquid transport element 3121. In the illustrated implementation, the upper frame portion 3131 is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone material, although other materials are possible. The upper frame portion 3131 in the illustrated implementation is also configured to facilitate connection (e.g., by pressing together, etc.) to the respective electrical contacts 3125A, 3125B at the ends of the heating member 3120. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the upper frame portion 3131, heating member 3120, first liquid transport element 3121, second liquid transport element 3122, and one or more of the electrical contacts 3125A, 3125B are housed within a collar portion 3160.

[0237] In various implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 3121 and the second liquid transport element 3122 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 3121 comprises a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport element 3122 comprises a semi-rigid material. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 3122 and the retaining ring 3137 are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 3160, although other attachment methods are possible. Thus, in various implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As further described herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like.Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0238] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 3120 is wrapped around a portion of the first liquid transport element 3121. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 3140 is disposed in the area around the first liquid transport element 3121 around which the heating member 3120 is wrapped, and is defined, at least in part, by the upper frame portion 3131. As described above, when the heating member 3120 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 3121, an aerosol is generated in the vaporization chamber 3140. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 3140 can be delivered to the user through the exit portal 3115 of the mouthpiece portion 3110.

[0239] 27 and 28 show a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 27 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 3300 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 28 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3300. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3300 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3300 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0240] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 3300 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 3302 defined by an outer tank wall 3304 including a proximal end 3306 and a distal end 3308. The tank portion 3302 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 3304 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 3308 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 3302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 3300 also includes a mouthpiece portion 3310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3312 including a distal end 3316 and a proximal end 3314 having one or more exit portals 3315 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 3300 also includes a collar portion 3360 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 3310 and the tank portion 3302. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 3360 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 3310 and the tank portion 3302 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0241] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 3304 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 3304 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 3304, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 3304, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 3306 of the tank 3302 to the distal end 3308 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 3304 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition within the tank 3302 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 3304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0242] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 3302, collar portion 3360, and tank portion 3302 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0243] As shown, the cartridge 3300 further includes a heating element 3320 and a pair of electrical contacts (not shown) configured to electrically connect the heating element 3320 to a battery and / or a control component of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 3300 and are configured to attach to a collar 3360. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts are configured to attach to the collar 3360 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be comprised of one electrically conductive material or may be plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0244] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 3320 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as a stainless steel material, including, but not limited to, 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 3320 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 3321. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0245] The cartridge 3300 in the illustrated implementation also includes multiple liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 3300 includes a first liquid transport element 3321 and a pair of second transport elements 3322A, 3322B. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 3321 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 3320. Furthermore, the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B in the illustrated implementation are configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 3321 and the bottom of the tank portion 3302. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B include capillaries configured to deliver the liquid composition to the first liquid transport element 3321 by capillary effect. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B have a substantially cylindrical and hollow shape, although other configurations are possible.

[0246] As shown, the first liquid transport element 3321 and heating element 3320 are disposed on a collar portion 3360 of the cartridge 3300. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 3320 comprises a flat heating element, and the first liquid transport element 3321 comprises a relatively flat element having a substantially block shape. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length and width of the first liquid transport element 3321 are greater than its thickness. As such, the heating element 3320 in the installed position contacts the top surface of the first liquid transport element 3321. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and are spaced apart from each other so that the top surfaces of the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B contact the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 3321 and the bottom surfaces of the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B are close to (and in the illustrated implementation slightly spaced apart from)) the bottom of the tank portion 3302.

[0247] In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 3321 may include a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metal material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. In still other implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 3321 and the second liquid transport elements 3322A, 3322B may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid by capillary action, etc. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, a fibrous material (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport element 3322A, 3322B is configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 3360. Thus, in some implementations, the liquid transport element can be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some implementations of the present disclosure can specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements can be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized.Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0248] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 3320 is disposed within the collar portion 3360. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 3340 is disposed in a region above the heating member 3320 and is at least partially defined by the mouthpiece portion 3310. As described above, when the heating member 3320 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 3321, an aerosol is generated within the vaporization chamber 3340. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 3340 can be delivered to the user via the exit portal 3315 of the mouthpiece portion 3310.

[0249] 29 and 30 show a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 29 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 3500 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 30 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3500. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3500 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3500 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0250] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 3500 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 3502 defined by an outer tank wall 3504 including a proximal end 3506 and a distal end 3508. The tank portion 3502 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 3504 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 3508 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 3502 is also configured to contain a liquid composition configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 3500 also includes a mouthpiece portion 3510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3512 including a distal end 3516 and a proximal end 3514 having an exit portal 3515 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 3500 also includes a collar portion 3560 disposed between the mouthpiece portion 3510 and the tank portion 3502. In the illustrated implementation, the collar portion 3560 is configured to be joined to the mouthpiece portion 3510 and the tank portion 3502 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) or any combination thereof are possible.

[0251] In some implementations, the outer tank wall 3504 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 3504 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 3504, or a portion (or portions) of one or more sides, may be transparent or translucent, with the remainder of the outer tank wall being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 3504, or a portion thereof, may be substantially opaque, and a strip extending from the proximal end 3506 of the tank 3502 to the distal end 3508 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 3504 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured so that the liquid composition within the tank 3502 is still visible, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 3504 has a substantially opaque color.

[0252] In the illustrated implementation, one or more of the mouthpiece portion 3510, collar portion 3560, and tank portion 3502 may be composed of a molded polymeric material such as, for example, a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof.

[0253] The cartridge 3500 further includes a heating element 3520 and a pair of electrical contacts (not shown) configured to electrically connect the heating element 3520 to a battery and / or a control component of a controller. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 3500 and are configured to attach to a collar 3560. In the illustrated implementation, the contacts are configured to attach to the collar 3560 via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​attachment, although other forms of attachment are possible in other implementations, such as via adhesive or via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the electrical contacts are comprised of an electrically conductive material. Examples of electrically conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more of the electrical contacts may be comprised of one electrically conductive material or may be plated with another electrically conductive material, such as nickel and / or gold.

[0254] In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 3520 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as a stainless steel material, including, but not limited to, 304, 304L, 316, or 316L stainless steel. In other implementations, the heating element may be constructed from different materials, such as stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further implementations, the heating element may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramic (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). In other implementations, the heating element may be printed on, embedded within, or integrated with the porous element. For example, in some implementations, the heating member 3520 may be integrated with the first liquid transport element 3521. As mentioned above, other types of heating members (e.g., laser diodes, microheaters, etc.) can also be utilized.

[0255] The cartridge 3500 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of liquid transport elements. In particular, the cartridge 3500 includes a first liquid transport element 3521 and a plurality of second transport elements. Although other configurations are possible, the illustrated implementation includes five second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, and 3522E. In the illustrated implementation, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 3521 is configured to be positioned proximate to the heating member 3520. Furthermore, the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, and 3522E of the illustrated implementation are configured to extend between the first liquid transport element 3521 and the bottom of the tank portion 3502. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E comprise capillaries configured to deliver the liquid composition by capillary effect to the first liquid transport element 3521. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E have a substantially cylindrical and hollow shape, although other configurations are possible.

[0256] As shown, the first liquid transport element 3521 and heating element 3520 are disposed on a collar portion 3560 of the cartridge 3500. In the illustrated implementation, the heating element 3520 comprises a flat heating element, and the first liquid transport element 3521 comprises a relatively flat element having a substantially block shape. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the length and width of the first liquid transport element 3521 are greater than its thickness. As such, the heating element 3520 in the installed position contacts the top surface of the first liquid transport element 3521. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and are spaced apart from one another so that the top surfaces of the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E contact the bottom surface of the first liquid transport element 3521 and the bottom surfaces of the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E are close to (and in the illustrated implementation slightly spaced apart from)) the bottom of the tank portion 3502.

[0257] In the illustrated implementation, the first liquid transport element 3521 may comprise a fibrous material, and the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E may be composed of a molded polymeric material, such as a molded plastic material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide (nylon), high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, copolyester, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof), although other materials are possible. In other implementations, one or more of these components may be composed of other materials, including, for example, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, etc.), a glass material, a ceramic material (e.g., alumina, silica, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, etc.), a composite material, and / or any combination thereof. In still other implementations, one or both of the first liquid transport element 3521 and the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid by capillary action or the like. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements can be formed from, for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. In the illustrated implementation, the second liquid transport elements 3522A, 3522B, 3522C, 3522D, 3522E are configured to be press-fit into the collar portion 3560. Thus, in some implementations, the liquid transport element may be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple pores interconnected so that fluid can flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some implementations of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fiber transport elements. Thus, fiber transport elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fiber and non-fiber transport elements may be utilized.Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials and the configuration and operation of these wicking materials within particular types of electronic cigarettes are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, one or both of the liquid transport elements may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like. Exemplary monolithic materials that may be suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0258] As shown, at least a portion of the heating member 3520 is disposed within the collar portion 3560. In the illustrated implementation, the vaporization chamber 3540 is disposed in a region above the heating member 3520 and is at least partially defined by the mouthpiece portion 3510. As described above, when the heating member 3520 heats at least a portion of the liquid composition contained in the first liquid transport element 3521, an aerosol is generated within the vaporization chamber 3540. Thus, when a user inhales on the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol from the vaporization chamber 3540 can be delivered to the user via the exit portal 3515 of the mouthpiece portion 3510.

[0259] 31 and 32 illustrate a cartridge according to another implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 3700 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 32 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3700. In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3700 is configured to be removably coupled with a cartridge receiving chamber of a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3700 and the corresponding control device may have some similar configurations and may include some similar components (and some similar configurations and component variations) to those of the cartridge 300 and control device 200 described above, which may not be repeated here. Therefore, reference is made to the appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and configurations and component variations).

[0260] Referring to the figure, the cartridge 3700 of the illustrated implementation includes a tank portion 3702 defined by an outer tank wall 3704 including a proximal end 3706 and a distal end 3708. The tank portion 3702 can therefore be characterized in that the tank wall 3704 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 3708 defines a bottom wall. The tank portion 3702 is also configured to contain a liquid composition configured for vaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition as described above). The cartridge 3700 also includes a mouthpiece portion 3710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3712 including a distal end 3716 and a proximal end 3714 having an exit portal 3715 defined therein. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 3700 also includes an inner frame member 3764 disposed below the distal end 3716 of the mouthpiece portion 3710 and between the proximal end 3706 and distal end 3708 of the reservoir portion 3702. In the illustrated implementation, the inner frame member 3764 includes a main portion 3765 and a sealing portion 3767. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece portion 3710 and the reservoir portion 3702 are configured to join together via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. However, in other implementations, other attachment methods (e.g., via adhesive, heat staking / welding, ultrasonic...

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a reservoir portion, the mouthpiece portion and the reservoir portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the reservoir portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including an atomizing member and a liquid transport element; Equipped with An aerosol delivery device, wherein a portion of the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiving chamber of a control device, at least a portion of the liquid transport element is positioned in proximity to an atomizing member, the atomizing member is configured to vaporize a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and at least a portion of the atomizing member is positioned above the proximal end of the tank portion.

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a collar portion disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the reservoir portion.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the atomizing member is at least partially disposed within the collar.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating element configured to heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and further comprises a hood feature positioned in proximity to the heating element, the hood feature being at least partially positioned within the mouthpiece portion.

5. 1. An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a reservoir portion, the mouthpiece portion and the reservoir portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the reservoir portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including a first liquid transport element, a second liquid transport element, and an atomizing member; Equipped with An aerosol delivery device, wherein a portion of the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiving chamber of a control device, an atomizing member is configured to vaporize a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, at least a portion of the atomizing member is positioned between a proximal end of a tank portion and a distal end of the tank portion, at least a portion of a first liquid transport element is positioned below the atomizing member, a second liquid transport element is positioned below the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element is configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element.

6. 1. An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control device including an outer housing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further including a power source and control components; a cartridge including a mouthpiece portion and a reservoir portion, the mouthpiece portion and the reservoir portion having respective proximal and distal ends, the reservoir portion configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further including an atomizing member and a liquid transport element; Equipped with An aerosol delivery device, wherein a portion of the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiving chamber of a control device, at least a portion of the liquid transport element is positioned in proximity to an atomizing member, the atomizing member is configured to vaporize a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and at least a portion of the atomizing member is positioned in proximity to a distal end of a mouthpiece portion.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, or the aerosol delivery device of claim 5, or the aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the atomizing member comprises a heating member, and the heating member is configured to heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is disposed between the distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the reservoir portion.

9. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the cartridge further includes a collar portion disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion, and wherein at least a portion of the heating element is disposed within the collar portion.

10. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element, the heating element being positioned adjacent to the distal end of the tank portion.

11. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the cartridge further comprises a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element configured to transport liquid to the first liquid transport element.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or claim 11, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the curved transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the transverse portion.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, further comprising a curved hood feature, the curvature of the hood feature being opposite to the curvature of the heater.

14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or claim 11, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element arranged in a curved orientation, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the curved transverse portion, and the length of the transverse portion of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the longitudinal portion.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, further comprising a curved hood feature, the curvature of the hood feature being opposite to the curvature of the heater.

16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a coil heating element, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing legs, a portion of the heating element is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second transport element is longer than the length of the transverse portion.

17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a coil heating element, the first liquid transport element has a U-shape defining a central portion and two opposing legs, a portion of the heating element is wrapped around at least the central portion of the first liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element surrounds both of the legs of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the legs of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the central portion of the first liquid transport element.

18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or the aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a coil heating element, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating element is wrapped around at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

19. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

20. 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

21. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the first liquid transport element is hollow and comprises a ceramic material.

22. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the first liquid transport element comprises at least one of a cotton material and a silica material.

23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or the aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a coil heating element, the first liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a portion of the heating element is embedded within at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element has a cylindrical shape and is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery device of claim 23, wherein the second liquid transport element is substantially solid and the length of the second liquid transport element is greater than the length of the first liquid transport element portion.

25. 24. The aerosol delivery device of claim 23, wherein the second liquid transport element is hollow, surrounds at least a portion of the first liquid transport element, and the length of the first liquid transport element is longer than the length of the second liquid transport element.

26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or the aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element, the second liquid transport element comprises a plurality of capillaries, the heating element and the first liquid transport element are substantially aligned with the transverse axis of the cartridge, and the plurality of capillaries are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises a pair of spaced apart capillaries.

28. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises five spaced apart capillaries arranged in a crossing pattern.

29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or the aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a flat heating element, the second liquid transport element defines a longitudinal portion that intersects with the transverse portion, and the length of the longitudinal portion of the second liquid transport element is longer than the length of the transverse portion.

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