Aerosol generating device including a susceptor arrangement having a liquid-retaining element - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement comprises an internal airflow channel extending along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement comprises a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow channel. The susceptor arrangement comprises an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and the liquid retention element. At least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element comprises a fluid permeable material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a susceptor arrangement.The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for producing an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the cartridge.

[0003] Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in a solid or liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a liquid reservoir and delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid reservoir may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device which may reduce or avoid formation of droplets due to condensation of vaporized components on the walls of the airflow channel. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device which may reduce or avoid entrainment of droplets which may be present on the walls of the airflow channel towards the mouth end of the device by a user's puff. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device which may improve the user experience. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement may comprise an internal airflow channel. The internal airflow channel may extend along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement may comprise a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow channel. The susceptor arrangement may comprise an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and the liquid retention element. At least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element may comprise a fluid permeable material.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement comprises an internal airflow channel extending along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the susceptor arrangement. The susceptor arrangement comprises a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow channel. The susceptor arrangement comprises an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and the liquid retention element. At least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element comprises a fluid permeable material.

[0007] The susceptor arrangement may provide an aerosol generating device that reduces or avoids leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor arrangement may provide an aerosol generating device that reduces or avoids formation of droplets due to condensation of vaporized components on the walls of the airflow channel. The susceptor arrangement may provide an aerosol generating device that reduces or avoids drawing droplets that may be present on the walls of the airflow channel towards the mouth end of the device by a user's puff. The susceptor arrangement may provide an aerosol generating device that may improve the user experience. The susceptor arrangement may provide an aerosol generating device with improved performance.

[0008] The liquid retention element may absorb droplets in the internal airflow channel. The liquid retention element may be heated by heat transfer from the susceptor element. Thus, liquid absorbed by the liquid retention element may be heated and vaporized and may contribute to the overall aerosolization.

[0009] The tubular susceptor element may comprise a proximal end region, a fluid permeable intermediate region, and a distal region. One or both of the proximal end region a and the distal region may be fluid impermeable.

[0010] The tubular susceptor element may be longer than the tubular liquid retention element.

[0011] A portion of the inner surface of the longer tubular susceptor element may be covered by the tubular liquid retaining element, and a portion of the inner surface of the longer tubular susceptor element may be uncovered. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may evaporate from the uncovered inner surface of the susceptor element towards the internal airflow channel. Additional design possibilities for tuning the aerosol formation may be provided.

[0012] The proximal end of the tubular liquid retention element may be positioned at a location within the intermediate region of the tubular susceptor element. The tubular liquid retention element may be disposed within the tubular susceptor element such that it extends from the distal region of the tubular susceptor element to a location within the intermediate region.

[0013] The inner diameter of the fluid-permeable intermediate region may exceed the inner diameter of one or both of the distal and proximal end regions. The inner diameters of the distal and proximal end regions may be substantially the same.

[0014] Due to the larger inner diameter at the fluid permeable intermediate region, an evaporation chamber may be provided within the internal airflow channel at the location of the fluid permeable intermediate region of the tubular susceptor element.

[0015] The susceptor arrangement may include one or more sealing members disposed coaxially surrounding the tubular susceptor element.

[0016] The susceptor arrangement may include one or both of a sealing member surrounding a proximal end region of the susceptor element and a sealing member surrounding a distal region of the susceptor element, preferably the proximal end of the distal region.

[0017] The sealing member may be a sealing ring, preferably an O-ring. The sealing member may include an elastomer. The elastomer may be one or more of PTFE, nitrile, neoprene, EPDM rubber, and fluorocarbon.

[0018] One or both of the liquid retention elements may comprise a porous material and the susceptor element may comprise a porous material. The porosity of one or both of the susceptor element and the liquid retention element may be 25% to 80%, preferably 55% to 75%, more preferably 65% ​​to 75%.

[0019] The porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element may be higher than the porosity of the porous material of the liquid retention element. When the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element is higher than the porosity of the porous material of the liquid retention element, better aerosolization results may be provided. The porosity of the liquid retention element may be 10% to 60%, preferably 35% to 55%, more preferably 40% to 50%, and may be lower than the porosity of the susceptor element.

[0020] As used herein, the term "porosity" is defined as the percentage of a unit volume that is completely free of material. Porosity may be derived using standard methods and equations, which may give a decimal value for porosity. By knowing the pore volume (Vp) of a defined volume of material and its total volume (Vt), the porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percentage, simply multiply the decimal by 100%. For example, Pt=0.51 is therefore 0.51×100%=51%.

[0021] The susceptor element may include a high-retention material. The liquid retention element may include a high-retention material. The high-retention material may be selected from one or both of a fiber-based high-retention material and a ceramic-based high-retention material. The high-retention material may include one or more of a porous silicon ceramic, paper, a paper-like material, and a non-woven carbon fiber.

[0022] The tubular liquid retention element may comprise a first tubular layer coaxially surrounded by a second tubular layer. The first tubular layer may have a wall thickness between 0.1 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. The second tubular layer may have a wall thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0023] The first tubular layer may comprise a fiber-based high retention material and the second tubular layer may comprise a ceramic-based high retention material.The first tubular layer may comprise a ceramic-based high retention material and the second tubular layer may comprise a fiber-based high retention material.

[0024] The length of the tubular susceptor element may be between 6 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 10 mm. The outer diameter of the tubular susceptor element may be between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm.

[0025] The length of the tubular liquid retention element may be between 3 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. The outer diameter of the tubular liquid retention element may be between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. The inner diameter of the tubular liquid retention element may be between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor coil coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement, the inductor coil being arranged to inductively heat a susceptor element of the susceptor arrangement.

[0027] The aerosol generating device may be adapted to engage with the cartridge, the cartridge comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may be adapted to receive the cartridge, the cartridge comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be replaceable.

[0028] The aerosol generating device may comprise a tubular cavity coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement. The tubular cavity may be arranged for insertion of a tubular cartridge into the cavity. The inductor coil may coaxially surround the tubular cavity. The tubular cavity may extend coaxially between the susceptor arrangement and the inductor coil and may be arranged for insertion of a tubular cartridge into the cavity.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may include an air inlet in fluid communication with an internal airflow channel of the susceptor arrangement.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein. The aerosol generation system comprises a tubular cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate surrounding an internal hollow channel. The aerosol generation system is arranged such that when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol generating device, the internal hollow channel of the cartridge coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the susceptor arrangement of the aerosol generating device.

[0031] The cartridge may not include a susceptor arrangement. The cartridge may not include a susceptor element. The cartridge may not include a susceptor material.

[0032] The cartridge may be releasably attachable to the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may be refillable.

[0033] The inner wall of the tubular cartridge may comprise a fluid-permeable opening which may be sealed by a sealing member prior to use, which may be removable.

[0034] The sealing member may be a sliding and sealing member that may be arranged to slide longitudinally along a hollow channel of the tubular cartridge when the susceptor arrangement is inserted into the hollow interior of the cartridge.

[0035] The cartridge may include a mouthpiece at its proximal end.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a susceptor arrangement as described herein for an aerosol generating device.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge as described herein for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0038] At least a portion of the wall of the tubular susceptor element may be fluid-permeable. The susceptor element may comprise a porous material. The fluid-permeable wall of the susceptor element may be made of a porous material. The fluid-permeable wall of the susceptor element may comprise perforations. The fluid-permeable wall of the susceptor element may be made of a non-porous material and comprise perforations.

[0039] The susceptor element may include a carbon-based material. The susceptor element may include a porous carbon-based material. The porous carbon-based material may include magnetic graphene. The porous carbon-based material may include one or more of magnetic carbon-based materials, such as irradiated graphite, nanocarbon, fullerene, oxygen-containing carbon, and graphene with point defects. The porous carbon-based material may include one or more carbon-based compounds with metallic structure dispersion, such as Fe3O4-graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composites that can be used to create porous sheets, perforated structures, or compressed granular structures to obtain a desired porosity.

[0040] The susceptor element may include one or both of a metal and an alloy. The susceptor element may include a ferromagnetic alloy material. The ferromagnetic alloy material may be perforated to provide a desired porosity. The alloy material may be a ferromagnetic Inox alloy.

[0041] The susceptor element may include at least one ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy. The susceptor element may include 304 stainless steel. The susceptor element may include one or more ferritic stainless steel alloys, such as those that are ferromagnetic and are used as magnetic components such as solenoid cores, pole pieces, and return paths. The susceptor element may include 410 stainless steel alloy.

[0042] The liquid retention element may comprise cotton.The liquid retention element may be made of cotton.

[0043] The liquid retention element may be a porous element. The liquid retention element may have the ability to absorb the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid retention element may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads, or other fine tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to convey liquid from a distal portion of the liquid retention element to a proximal portion of the liquid retention element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which liquid can be conveyed by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials, such as fibrous materials made of spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics). The capillary material may have any suitable capillary action and porosity to be used with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure that allow the liquid to be transported through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to transport the aerosol-forming substrate to the proximal portion of the liquid-retaining element and to the susceptor element. The capillary material may extend into the gaps in the susceptor element.

[0044] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The liquid reservoir may contain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0046] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavour / flavour-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed within the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0048] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin.

[0049] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, a cartridge may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device, or directly at the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. A cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of an aerosol generating device.

[0050] As used herein, the term "liquid storage" refers to a storage that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid storage may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] The liquid reservoir may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid reservoir may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid reservoir may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the liquid reservoir may be, for example, substantially circular, elliptical, square or rectangular. The liquid reservoir may form part of a cartridge.

[0052] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating article and / or a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0053] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device with a cartridge and / or an aerosol-generating article, in which the aerosol generating device and the aerosol-generating article and / or cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0054] The aerosol generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of between 30 mm and 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0055] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably lightweight and not brittle.

[0056] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include two or more air inlets.

[0057] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the one or more susceptors.

[0058] Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button and held for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predefined threshold. The start may also be detected upon the user activating a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0059] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, an electrically operated or charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply within an electric aerosol generating device.

[0061] As used herein, the term "proximal" of the aerosol generating device refers to the user end, or mouth end, or system or part or portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the area closest to the closed end.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0063] As used herein, the term "airflow path" means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0064] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced in the susceptor element. In use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or in thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received within an aerosol generating device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol.

[0065] The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features of the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge, the susceptor of the aerosol-generating device, and the susceptor of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material may include or consist of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, e.g., ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. A suitable susceptor material may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may contain more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0066] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a layer of steel.

[0067] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon. For example, the susceptor material may comprise a ceramic core or a metallic track formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

[0068] The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may include a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in intimate contact to form a single susceptor that cannot be disassembled. In one particular embodiment, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0069] The intimate contact between the first and second susceptor materials may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanizing, and cladding.

[0070] The aerosol generating device may include a power source to power the heating element. The power source may include a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0071] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 amp to 10 amps (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power source into an alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is provided to the induction coil.

[0072] The power source may be adapted to supply power to the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequencies. For operation at high frequencies, a class E power amplifier is preferred. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, and more preferably between 5 megahertz and 8 megahertz.

[0073] In alternative embodiments, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example 100 kHz to 400 KHz. In embodiments where class D or class C power amplifiers are used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

[0074] The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil, and therefore the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil.

[0075] A power source and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0076] The controller may be configured to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, thus controlling the power supplied to the inductor coil by conventional methods of duty cycle management.

[0077] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. EXAMPLES

[0078] Example 1: An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a susceptor arrangement, the susceptor arrangement comprising: an internal airflow channel extending along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the susceptor arrangement; a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow channel; an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and the liquid retaining element, at least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element comprising a fluid-permeable material.

[0079] Example 2: An aerosol generating device according to example 1, wherein the length of the tubular susceptor element exceeds the length of the tubular liquid retaining element.

[0080] Example 3: An aerosol generating device according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the tubular susceptor element comprises a proximal end region, a fluid permeable intermediate region, and a distal region.

[0081] Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to example 3, wherein the proximal end of the tubular liquid retaining element is positioned at a position within the intermediate region of the tubular susceptor element.

[0082] Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to Example 4, wherein the tubular liquid retaining element is disposed within the tubular susceptor element such that the tubular liquid retaining element extends from a distal region of the tubular susceptor element to a position within the intermediate region.

[0083] Example 6: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the inner diameter of the fluid-permeable intermediate region exceeds the inner diameter of one or both of the distal region and the proximal end region, and preferably, the inner diameters of the distal region and the proximal end region are substantially identical.

[0084] Example 7: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 3-5, wherein the susceptor arrangement comprises one or both of a sealing member surrounding the proximal end of the distal region and a sealing member surrounding the proximal end region.

[0085] Example 8: An aerosol generating device according to example 7, wherein the sealing member is a sealing ring.

[0086] Example 9: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the liquid retaining element comprises a porous material and the susceptor element comprises a porous material, preferably the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element is higher than the porosity of the porous material of the liquid retaining element.

[0087] Example 10: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the liquid retention element comprises a high-retention material, preferably the high-retention material is selected from one or both of a fiber-based high-retention material and a ceramic-based high-retention material.

[0088] Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the tubular liquid retention element comprises a first tubular layer coaxially surrounded by a second tubular layer.

[0089] Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to a combination of Examples 10 and 11, wherein the first tubular layer comprises a fiber-based high-retention material and the second tubular layer comprises a ceramic-based high-retention material, or vice versa.

[0090] Example 13: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the length of the tubular susceptor element is 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters, preferably 8 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and the outer diameter of the tubular susceptor element is 1 millimeter to 6 millimeters, preferably 2 millimeters to 4 millimeters.

[0091] Example 14: An aerosol generation apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 13, comprising an inductor coil coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement.

[0092] Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to Example 14, comprising a tubular cavity extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement and the inductor coil and arranged for the insertion of a tubular cartridge into the cavity.

[0093] Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 1 to 15, comprising an air inlet in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel of the susceptor arrangement.

[0094] Example 17: An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, An aerosol generation system comprising: a tubular cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate surrounding an internal hollow channel, the system being arranged such that the internal hollow channel of the cartridge coaxially surrounds at least a portion of a susceptor arrangement when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol generation device.

[0095] Example 18: An aerosol generating system according to Example 17, wherein the inner wall of the tubular cartridge is provided with a fluid-permeable opening which is sealed by a sealing member prior to use.

[0096] Example 19: An aerosol generating system according to Example 18, wherein the sealing member is a sliding and sealing member and is arranged to slide longitudinally along the hollow channel of the cartridge when the susceptor arrangement is inserted into the hollow interior of the tubular cartridge.

[0097] Example 20: An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 17-19, wherein the cartridge is provided with a mouthpiece at its proximal end.

[0098] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0099] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0100] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a susceptor arrangement for an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] 2 a and 2 b show a tubular liquid retention element 20 . [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generation system. [Figure 6] 6a and 6b show an aerosol generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0101] FIG. 1 illustrates, in cross-section, a susceptor arrangement 10 for an aerosol generating device.

[0102] The susceptor arrangement 10 includes an internal airflow channel 12 extending along a longitudinal central axis 14 between a proximal end 16 and a distal end 18 of the susceptor arrangement 10. The susceptor arrangement 10 includes a tubular liquid retention element 20 coaxially surrounding a portion of the internal airflow channel 12. The susceptor arrangement 10 includes an outer tubular susceptor element 22 coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel 12 and the liquid retention element 20. The tubular susceptor element 22 includes a proximal end region 24, a fluid permeable intermediate region 26, and a distal region 28.

[0103] The length of the tubular susceptor element 22 exceeds the length of the tubular liquid retention element 20. The tubular liquid retention element 20 is disposed within the tubular susceptor element 22 such that it extends from a distal region 28 of the tubular susceptor element 22 to a position within the intermediate region 26. The proximal end 21 of the tubular liquid retention element 20 is located at a position within the intermediate region 26.

[0104] The inner diameter of the fluid permeable intermediate region 26 exceeds the inner diameter of both the distal region 28 and the proximal end region 24. The inner diameters of the distal region 28 and the proximal end region 24 are substantially the same.

[0105] The susceptor arrangement 10 includes a sealing member surrounding the proximal end of the distal region 28 and a sealing member surrounding the proximal end region 24. The sealing member is shaped as an O-ring 30.

[0106] Figures 2a and 2b show a tubular liquid retention element 20 in a perspective view (Figure 2a) and in a cross-sectional view (Figure 2b). The tubular liquid retention element 20 of Figures 2a and 2b may be used as the tubular liquid retention element 20 in the susceptor arrangement 10 of Figure 1. The tubular liquid retention element 20 comprises a first tubular layer 32 coaxially surrounded by a second tubular layer 34. The first tubular layer 32 coaxially surrounds the airflow channel 12.

[0107] The length 36 of the tubular liquid retention element 20 is between 3 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm. The outer diameter 38 of the tubular liquid retention element 20 is between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. The inner diameter 40 of the tubular liquid retention element 20 is between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The thickness 42 of the first tubular layer 32 is between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0108] 3 shows in cross-section a subsection of an aerosol generation device 50. The aerosol generation device 50 comprises the susceptor arrangement 10 of FIG.

[0109] The aerosol generating device 50 includes an inductor coil 56 that coaxially surrounds the susceptor arrangement 10. The inductor coil 56 is housed within a casing 58.

[0110] The aerosol generator 50 comprises a tubular cavity 60 extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement 10 and the inductor coil 56 and disposed for insertion of a tubular cartridge into the cavity 60. The aerosol generator 50 further comprises an annular cartridge connection port 62.

[0111] The aerosol generating device 50 includes an air inlet 64 that is in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel 12 of the susceptor arrangement 10 .

[0112] The aerosol generating device 50 further comprises a controller 66 in wired connection 68 with both the inductor coil 56 and a power source 70, preferably a rechargeable battery. In Figure 3, a distal portion of the aerosol generating device 50, including a distal portion of the power source 70, has been cut away and is not shown in its entirety. Thus, Figure 3 shows a subsection of the aerosol generating device 50 of Figure 1.

[0113] FIG. 4 illustrates in cross-section a tubular cartridge 80 for use with an aerosol generation device 10, for example, for use with the aerosol generation device 10 of FIG.

[0114] The cartridge 80 comprises a mouthpiece 82 at its proximal end. The mouthpiece comprises an air outlet 84 in fluid communication with an internal hollow channel 86. The internal hollow channel 86 is coaxially surrounded by a tubular liquid reservoir that holds a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 88. The inner wall of the tubular cartridge 80 comprises a fluid-permeable opening 90, which is sealed by a sealing member prior to use. The sealing member is a sliding and sealing member 92. The sliding and sealing member 92 is arranged to slide longitudinally along the hollow channel 86 of the cartridge 80 when the susceptor arrangement 10 is inserted into the hollow interior of the tubular cartridge 90. The cartridge 80 further comprises an annular connection port 94 for releasably connecting with the cartridge connection port 62 of the aerosol generating device 50.

[0115] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device 50 of FIG. 3 and the cartridge 80 of FIG. 4 in an installed configuration.

[0116] The aerosol generation system is arranged in an installed configuration such that the internal hollow channel 86 of the cartridge 80 coaxially surrounds a proximal portion of the susceptor arrangement 10 of the aerosol generation device 50. A continuous airflow path is established extending from the air inlet 64, through the airflow channel 12 and the internal hollow channel 86, to the air outlet 84.

[0117] Upon inserting the proximal portion of the susceptor arrangement 10 into the hollow channel 86, the sliding and sealing member 92 is caused to slide longitudinally along the hollow channel 86 in a direction toward the proximal end of the cartridge 80. Thus, the sliding and sealing member 92 no longer covers and seals the fluid-permeable opening 90. The fluid-permeable intermediate region 26 of the tubular susceptor element 22 of the susceptor arrangement 10 coincides with the fluid-permeable opening 90. The fluid-permeable opening 90 coaxially surrounds the fluid-permeable intermediate region 26. As a result, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 88 may move from the liquid storage portion toward and into the fluid-permeable intermediate region 26. The O-ring 30 may prevent uncontrolled movement of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 88 into the airflow path at a location proximal or distal to the fluid-permeable intermediate region 26.

[0118] During use, alternating current applied to the inductor coil 56 induces currents in the tubular susceptor element 22. As a result, the tubular susceptor element 22 heats up. The heat is distributed to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 88 within or in close proximity to the fluid-permeable intermediate region 26, which consequently vaporizes. Ambient air entering via the air inlet 64 may pick up the vaporized substrate, which may further condense to form an aerosol on its way to the air outlet 84, which may be inhaled by the user.

[0119] Droplets of the aerosol-forming substrate 88 that are accidentally condensed in the airflow path may be entrained in the tubular liquid retention element 20. The tubular liquid retention element 20 may be heated by thermal transfer from the tubular susceptor element 22. Thereby, the accidentally condensed aerosol-forming substrate 88 that is entrained by the liquid retention element 20 may eventually evaporate and participate in aerosol formation.

[0120] Figures 6a and 6b show an aerosol generation system in perspective views. A cartridge 80 is releasably attached to an aerosol generation device 50. The cartridge 80 may be the cartridge 80 of the embodiment of Figure 4. The aerosol generation device 50 may be the aerosol generation device 50 of the embodiment of Figure 3. Figure 6a shows the cartridge 80 and the aerosol generation device 50 in a detached configuration. Figure 6b shows an attached configuration, with the cartridge 80 connected to the aerosol generation device 50.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a susceptor arrangement, the susceptor arrangement comprising: an internal airflow channel extending along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the susceptor arrangement; a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of said internal airflow channel; an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and the liquid retention element, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element comprises a fluid-permeable material; The aerosol generating device comprises an air inlet in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel of the susceptor arrangement.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the length of the tubular susceptor element exceeds the length of the tubular liquid retention element.

3. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the tubular susceptor element comprises a proximal end region, a fluid-permeable intermediate region, and a distal region.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the proximal end of the tubular liquid retaining element is positioned at a position within the intermediate region of the tubular susceptor element, and preferably the tubular liquid retaining element is disposed within the tubular susceptor element and extends from the distal region to a position within the intermediate region of the tubular susceptor element.

5. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the inner diameter of the fluid-permeable intermediate region exceeds the inner diameter of one or both of the distal region and the proximal end region, and preferably the inner diameters of the distal region and the proximal end region are substantially identical.

6. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the susceptor arrangement comprises one or both of a sealing member surrounding the proximal end of the distal region and a sealing member surrounding the proximal end region.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the liquid holding element comprises a porous material and the susceptor element comprises a porous material, and preferably the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element is higher than the porosity of the porous material of the liquid holding element.

8. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the liquid retention element comprises a high-retention material, preferably selected from one or both of a fiber-based high-retention material and a ceramic-based high-retention material.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the tubular liquid retention element comprises a first tubular layer coaxially surrounded by a second tubular layer.

10. An aerosol generating device as described in a combination of claims 8 and 9, wherein the first tubular layer comprises a fibrous high-retention material and the second tubular layer comprises a ceramic high-retention material, or vice versa.

11. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the tubular susceptor element is between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters and 10 millimeters, and the outer diameter of the tubular susceptor element is between 1 millimeter and 6 millimeters, preferably between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters.

12. an inductor coil coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement; 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a tubular cavity extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement and the inductor coil and arranged for insertion of a tubular cartridge into the cavity.

13. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1; An aerosol generation system comprising: a tubular cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate surrounding an internal hollow channel, the system being arranged such that the internal hollow channel of the cartridge coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the susceptor arrangement when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol generation device.

14. The aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the inner wall of the tubular cartridge has a fluid-permeable opening that is sealed by a sealing member before use, and preferably the sealing member is a sliding and sealing member arranged to slide longitudinally along the hollow channel of the cartridge when the susceptor arrangement is inserted into the hollow interior of the tubular cartridge.

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