HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR AEROSOL GENERATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Heater Assembly (130) for Aerosol Generation System (100) The heater assembly (130) comprises a heating element (140) and a receiving chamber (144) defined at least in part by the heating element (100). The receiving chamber (144) comprises an opening for receiving the wicking element (120) of the aerosol generation system (100). The receiving chamber (144) has a first configuration and a second configuration. The interior volume of the receiving chamber (144) is greater when the receiving chamber (144) is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber (144) is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the heating element (140) contacts the wicking element (120) when the wicking element (120) is received within the receiving chamber (144).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heater assemblies for aerosol generating systems, devices including heater assemblies, cartridges for use with the heater assemblies, aerosol generating systems including the devices and cartridges, and methods of using the heater assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generation systems configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Many known aerosol generation systems generate an aerosol by application of heat to the substrate by a heater assembly. In electrically operated aerosol generation systems, heat is applied to the substrate when the heater assembly is supplied with power from a power source. The generated aerosol can then be inhaled by a user of the device.

[0003] In many aerosol generating devices, the heater element of the heater assembly is configured to heat a quantity of aerosol-forming substrate contained in a porous material, such as a wick or capillary element, provided adjacent to or in contact with the heater element. The porous material is capable of transporting the aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form from a reservoir provided within the aerosol generating system. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the heater element that is vaporized during use of the aerosol generating system is continuously replenished.

[0004] Efficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the porous material is desirable to reduce the power requirements of the heater assembly. This is particularly important when the aerosol generating system is portable and includes a portable power source such as a battery. Heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the porous material can be efficient when there is direct contact between the porous material and the heater element. An example of such a heater assembly includes a resistive heating element in the form of a coil of wire wound around a wick. At least one end of the wick extends into the reservoir of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0005] One problem with aerosol generating systems in which the heater element is in direct contact with a porous material, such as a coil and wick type arrangement, is that over the course of many heating cycles, the porous material may deteriorate. Deterioration may be caused by heating of the porous material. Deterioration may also be caused by chemical interactions between the aerosol-forming substrate and the porous material, mechanical stress on the porous material, and particle accumulation on the surface of the porous material. Deterioration of the porous material may reduce the efficiency of heat transfer between the heating element and the porous material, and reduce the efficiency of the transfer of liquid from the reservoir towards the heater element by the porous material. Thus, the porous material has a limited useful life. The useful life of the porous material is typically significantly shorter than the life of other components of the aerosol generating system, such as the heater element. It is typically not possible to replace deteriorated porous materials without disassembling the system and heater assembly. This is not something that the average consumer can do or be inclined to do.

[0006] Some aerosol generating systems include a reusable aerosol generator and a disposable cartridge. The disposable cartridge includes an aerosol-forming substrate, and the cartridge can be replaced when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted. Such cartridges can include a heater element and a porous material, for example, the cartridge can include a coil and wick type arrangement. In such cases, the heater element and porous material are discarded with the remainder of the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge is depleted.

[0007] If the porous material is provided in a disposable cartridge, the problem of degradation of the porous material may be avoided because the porous material is typically discarded and replaced before significant degradation occurs, however, including both the heater element and the porous material in the cartridge increases the material cost and complexity of the cartridge.

[0008] More generally, high speed manufacturing of heater elements and porous material provided together and in contact with one another is difficult with at least some of the steps of the manufacturing process having to be performed by hand, particularly high speed manufacturing of coil and wick type arrangements, which further increases the cost of manufacturing cartridges that include heater elements and porous material.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide a heater assembly for an aerosol generating system in which efficient heating of an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a porous material is achieved during use. It would be desirable to provide such a heater assembly in which degradation of the system's components, particularly the heater assembly and the porous material, is reduced compared to prior art systems, particularly compared to coil and wick type arrangements. It would further be desirable to provide such a heater assembly that is cheaper and easier to manufacture. In the context of an aerosol generating system comprising a disposable cartridge, it would be desirable to provide a cartridge that is cheap, simple to manufacture, and has lower material costs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heater assembly for an aerosol generation system. The heater assembly may comprise a heating element. The heater assembly may comprise a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by the heating element. The receiving chamber may comprise an opening. The opening may be for receiving a wicking element of the aerosol generation system.

[0011] The receiving chamber may have a first configuration. The receiving chamber may have a second configuration. An interior volume of the receiving chamber may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the heating element may contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber.

[0012] A receiving chamber having a first and second configuration may advantageously provide a simple and effective means by which the heater assembly may be coupled or decoupled from a wicking element received within the receiving chamber. By providing two configurations in this manner, the heating element does not necessarily have to contact the wicking element received within the receiving chamber.

[0013] When the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, and when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber, contact between the heating element and the wicking element may advantageously provide efficient heating of the wicking element by the heating element. The aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wicking element may be efficiently heated when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Advantageously, efficient heating may be achieved because contact between the heating element and the wicking element allows for thermal conduction. Furthermore, contact between the heating element and the wicking element may draw liquid from the wicking element to the heating element.

[0014] When the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, and when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber, the heater assembly may be referred to as being coupled to the wicking element.

[0015] The wicking element may be receptive and removable from the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration. The larger internal volume of the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration may advantageously mean that the heating element is not in contact with the wicking element in the first configuration of the receiving chamber such that the heater assembly is not coupled to the wicking element and the wicking element is removable.

[0016] The heater assembly may advantageously be provided as a separate component to the wicking element. The wicking element received in the receiving chamber may advantageously be replaceable separately from the heater assembly. For example, the wicking element may be replaced when it deteriorates. In particular, the wicking element may advantageously be replaceable when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration, without the need to disassemble the heater assembly.

[0017] Because the heater assembly may be provided as a separate component to the wicking element, advantageously the two components may be manufactured separately. Rapid manufacturing techniques may therefore be used to manufacture the heater assembly separately from the wicking element, which may not be possible if the two components were manufactured together. For example, wrapping a wick around a capillary element is difficult to achieve in a rapid automated process.

[0018] Preferably, the heater assembly may be provided as part of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured for use with a cartridge including a wicking element. The wicking element may be configured to be receivable within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly. Thus, for use of the cartridge with the aerosol generating device, the wicking element may be insertable into the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration. In use of the heater assembly to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the receiving chamber may be in the second configuration.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may be reusable. The cartridge may be disposable. When the cartridge is to be discarded, the heater assembly may be separated from the wicking element simply by placing the receiving chamber in the first configuration, and the cartridge is discarded and replaced. The heater assembly may be reused. The material costs of such a cartridge are reduced compared to a cartridge including both a heater assembly and a wicking element.

[0020] Providing a heater assembly that can be coupled and decoupled from a wicking element may advantageously reduce degradation of at least one of the heating element and the wicking element received within the receiving chamber.

[0021] Deterioration of the heating element and the wicking element may be caused by contact between at least one heating element and the wicking element received within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly. A heater assembly including a receiving chamber having a first and second configuration may allow for reduced contact between at least one heating element and the wicking element received within the receiving chamber, as compared to a heater assembly in which there is permanent contact between the heating element and the wicking element. This may reduce deterioration of the wicking element.

[0022] For example, the receiving chamber may be disposed in the second configuration only during use of the aerosol generation system when a heating element is used to heat the wicking element. Otherwise, the receiving chamber may be disposed in the first configuration. In this manner, the heating element may contact the wicking element only during heating of the wicking element to ensure that efficient heating of the wicking element is achieved. This may significantly reduce the contact time between the heating element and the wicking element. This may advantageously extend the life of the wicking element.

[0023] The heating element may be movable or deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. The heating element may be moved or deformed in the second configuration relative to the first configuration so as to contact a wicking element received within the receiving chamber.

[0024] The heater assembly may include an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move or deform the heating element for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuator may be configured to move or deform the heating element to reversibly configure the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0025] The receiving chamber may be configured such that the wicking element is receivable within the receiving chamber along a longitudinal direction, which may define a central axis through the receiving chamber.

[0026] At least a first portion of the heating element may be closer to the central axis in the second configuration than in the first direction.

[0027] At least a first component of motion of the first portion of the heating element when the heating element is moved or deformed may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The actuator may be configured such that a first component of motion of the first portion of the heating element may be toward the central axis when the receiving chamber is reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0028] The heating element may include a second portion different from the first portion. In a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the second portion of the heating element may not contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber.

[0029] The second portion of the heating element may have a lower resistance per unit length than the first portion of the heating element, which may advantageously ensure that the second portion of the heating element remains at a lower temperature than the first portion of the heating element.

[0030] The second portion of the heating element may comprise or consist of a material having a resistivity lower than that of the material of the first portion of the heating element. Providing such a material may advantageously result in the second portion of the heating element having a lower resistivity per unit length than the first portion of the heating element. The second portion of the heating element may comprise a coating. The coating may comprise a material having a resistivity lower than that of the material of the first portion of the heating element.

[0031] The second portion of the heating element may have a larger cross-sectional area than the first portion. This may advantageously result in the second portion of the heating element having a lower resistivity per unit length than the first portion of the heating element. In such a case, the second portion of the heating element may be made of the same material as the first portion of the heating element.

[0032] In the first configuration, the receiving chamber may be configured such that the wicking element is freely removable or receivable within the receiving chamber, which may be accomplished as a result of the heating element not contacting the wicking element received within the receiving chamber when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0033] In a second configuration, the receiving chamber may be configured to apply a retention force to the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber. The retention force may be applied at least in part by a heating element. The retention force may advantageously ensure that there is contact between the heating element and the wicking element received within the receiving chamber to provide efficient heating.

[0034] The heating element may include or consist of a resilient material. This may be particularly advantageous when the heating element is deformable to reduce the internal volume of the receiving chamber. The heating element may be deformed in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. A heating element including or consisting of a resilient material may advantageously return to the shape of the first configuration when released from the second configuration.

[0035] The internal volume of the receiving chamber may be at least 5% greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, preferably at least 10% greater, preferably at least 15% greater, preferably at least 20%, even more preferably at least 30%, and even more preferably at least 50% greater.

[0036] The receiving chamber preferably has an axisymmetric shape, at least in the first configuration. The axis of symmetry of the axisymmetric shape is preferably a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. The receiving chamber preferably is cylindrical, at least in the first configuration.

[0037] The receiving chamber may have an axisymmetric shape in the second configuration. The axis of symmetry of the axisymmetric shape is preferably a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. The receiving chamber is preferably cylindrical in the second configuration.

[0038] At least in the first configuration, the receiving chamber may have a width of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters, preferably 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters. If the receiving chamber is cylindrical, the width value corresponds to the diameter value of the cylindrical chamber.

[0039] The cross-sectional dimension of the receiving chamber may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The cross-sectional dimension may be the cross-sectional area or cross-sectional width of the receiving chamber. If the receiving chamber is cylindrical, the cross-sectional dimension may be the diameter of the receiving chamber.

[0040] The cross-sectional dimension of the receiving chamber may be at least 5% greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, may be at least 10% greater, may be at least 15% greater, preferably at least 20%, even more preferably at least 30%, and even more preferably at least 50% greater.

[0041] The cross-sectional dimension may be the dimension of a cross section of the receiving chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] The heating element may include a coil. The coil may be wound around a central axis. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by the coil.

[0043] The coil may have an electrical resistance between 0.4 ohms and 4 ohms.

[0044] The coil may be formed by a coil of wire. The wire may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The length of the wire may be 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0045] The coil may be deformable to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. The heater assembly may include an actuator configured to deform the coil for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0046] In a second configuration of the receiving chamber, at least a first portion of the coil may contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber.

[0047] The heating element may include a first end and a second end. The coil may be defined between the first end and the second end.

[0048] The first and second ends of the heating element may further comprise or form one or more contact portions. The first and second ends of the heating element do not have to be in the shape of a coil.

[0049] The first and second contact portions may advantageously be mechanically connected or connectable to an actuation means, which may be configured to deform the heating element by manipulating the first and second contact portions.

[0050] The first and second contact portions are preferably electrical contact portions. The first heater element may advantageously be connectable to a power source via the first and second electrical contact portions. The power source may be external to the heater assembly. For example, an aerosol generating device comprising the heater assembly may also comprise a power source.

[0051] The first end of the heating element may be movable relative to the second end of the heating element, reducing an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. The first end of the heating element may be rotatable relative to the second end of the heating element, preferably reducing an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. The first end of the heating element may be rotatable about a central axis relative to the second end of the heating element.

[0052] The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by a coil of a heating element, wherein rotation of the first end relative to the second end of the heater element may deform the coil.

[0053] The coil may be a helical coil. The helical coil may be axially symmetric about a helical axis. The helical axis may be parallel to the central axis. The helical axis may preferably correspond to the central axis. The helical coil may have a circular cross section.

[0054] The diameter of the coil may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The cross-section of the coil may be taken perpendicular to the helical axis of the coil.

[0055] The pitch of the coil may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the coil is in the second configuration.

[0056] As used herein, the "pitch" of a helical coil is the length of one complete helix turn measured along the helical axis of the helical coil.

[0057] The total number of turns of the coil may be less when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The total number of turns of the coil may increase by a non-integer number of turns between the first and second configurations of the receiving chamber. The number of turns may increase by a fraction of one turn between the first and second configurations of the receiving chamber.

[0058] The number of turns per unit length of the coil may be less when the coil is in the first configuration than when the coil is in the second configuration.

[0059] The length of the coil may be substantially the same when the coil is in the first configuration as when the coil is in the second configuration, in other words, the distance between the first and second ends of the coil along the central axis may be substantially the same when the receiving chamber is in both the first and second configurations.

[0060] The actuator of the heater assembly may be configured to move or rotate the first end of the coil relative to the second end of the coil for transitioning the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations. The actuator may be configured to move or rotate the first and second contact portions of the heating element, which in turn preferably causes movement or rotation of the first and second ends of the coil connected to the first and second contact portions, respectively.

[0061] The helical coil may be a left-handed helical coil or a right-handed helical coil. As used herein, whether a helical coil is "left-handed" or "right-handed" is defined along the length of the central axis in the direction from the first end to the second end of the heating element.

[0062] When the helical coil is left-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the coil in a clockwise direction relative to the second end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the coil in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0063] When the helical coil is right-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate a first end of the coil counterclockwise relative to a second end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate a second end of the coil clockwise relative to the first end of the coil to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. This may increase the total number of turns in the coil (although the increase may be by less than one turn).

[0064] The heating element may comprise a space configured to allow air to pass through the heating element at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The space may advantageously allow vaporized aerosol-forming substrate to escape from a wicking element received in the receiving chamber during use of the heater assembly. When the heating element is a helical coil, the space may be defined between successive turns of the helical coil at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0065] The heater assembly may include a heating element housing. The heating element may be at least partially contained within the heating element housing. At least a portion of the heating element may be surrounded by the heating element housing. The heating element housing may form a hollow body containing at least a portion of the heating element.

[0066] The heating element housing may include one or more engagement members. The one or more engagement members may be configured to engage corresponding engagement members of a cartridge including a wicking element received within the receiving chamber. The one or more engagement members may be configured such that the heating element housing is configured to engage with the cartridge. The one or more engagement members may be configured such that the heating element housing is configured to engage with the cartridge and to rotate the heating element housing relative to the cartridge.

[0067] The one or more engagement members may include one or more protrusions configured to be received within one or more corresponding slots of the cartridge.

[0068] Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more engagement members may comprise one or more slots configured to receive one or more corresponding protrusions of the cartridge.

[0069] The one or more engagement members may be configured to engage the heating element housing with the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The one or more engagement members may be configured to prevent the heating element housing from disengaging from the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. This may prevent damage to the heating element or the wicking element.

[0070] The actuator may comprise a user interface element and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to an input on the user interface element.

[0071] The actuation mechanism may be configured to translate movement of the user interface during input to move or deform the heating element. The user interface may preferably be movable between a first position and a second position. The actuation mechanism may be configured such that movement of the user interface from the first position to the second position reconfigures the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuation mechanism may be further configured such that movement of the user interface from the second position to the first position reconfigures the chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0072] The actuation mechanism may comprise a heating element housing. The heating element housing may include a first portion and a second portion. At least the first portion of the heating element housing may form a user interface element. The first portion of the heating element housing may be movable relative to the second portion. Preferably, the first portion of the heating element housing may be rotatable relative to the second portion. Even more preferably, the first portion of the heating element housing may be rotatable relative to the second portion about a central axis. Advantageously, rotation of the first portion of the heating element housing relative to the second portion of the heating element housing may move or deform the heating element due to a transition of the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations.

[0073] Alternatively, the actuator may be electrically operated and controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the actuator for transition of the receiving chamber from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, as appropriate. For example, at the beginning of a usage session of the device, a user may activate the system. Activation may include the user pressing a button or other user interface element of the device. Alternatively, activation may include the user drawing air through a mouthpiece of the system, which may be detected by a smoke detector arrangement. The control circuit may be configured for transition of the receiving chamber from the first position to the second position upon activation of the device. The control circuit may also be configured to provide power to the heater assembly.

[0074] The control circuitry may be configured for transition of the receiving chamber from the second position to the first position at the end of a usage session or when the device is otherwise shut down.

[0075] As mentioned above, the heating element may comprise a coil wound about a central axis and may further comprise a first end and a second end with the coil defined between the first end and the second end. The first end of the heating element may be engaged with a first portion of the heating element housing. The first end of the heating element may preferably be permanently secured to the first portion of the heating element housing. The second end of the heating element may be engaged with a second portion of the heating element housing. The second end of the heating element may preferably be permanently secured to the second portion of the heating element housing.

[0076] Engaging or permanently fixing the heating element to the heating element housing at the first and second ends may advantageously constrain the coil such that rotation of the first portion of the heating element housing relative to the second portion deforms the heating element and reduces the internal volume. This may be because rotational motion of the first portion of the heating element housing relative to the second portion of the heating element housing may be transferred to the heating element, resulting in the first end of the heating element rotating relative to the second end of the heating element due to the transition of the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations. Furthermore, the separation of the first end of the heating element relative to the second end of the heating element along the central axis may be maintained substantially constant in both the first and second configurations. In this way, the length of the coil may be maintained substantially constant in both the first and second configurations. Thus, rotation of the two ends of the heating element relative to each other may change the diameter, pitch, and number of turns per unit length of the helical coil.

[0077] Whether rotation of the heating element housing reconfigures the receiving chamber between the first and second configurations depends on whether the coil is left-handed or right-handed and the direction that the first portion of the heating element housing rotates relative to the first portion of the heating element housing.

[0078] Preferably, the coil may not be engaged or secured to the element housing other than at the first and second ends, thus allowing the coil to advantageously be free to deform between the first and second ends.

[0079] In a first configuration, the coil of the heating element may be in contact with the element housing along the length of the coil.

[0080] In the second configuration, the coil of the heating element may not contact the heating element housing.In the second configuration, the heating element may not contact the heating element housing except at the first and second ends.

[0081] An airflow path may be defined between the element housing and the heating element when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by a first side of the heating element. The airflow path may be at least partially defined on a second side of the heating element opposite the first side when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0082] An aerosol-generation chamber may be defined between the element housing and the heating element when at least the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Thus, the heater assembly may comprise a heating chamber, the heating chamber comprising the receiving chamber and the aerosol-generation chamber.

[0083] When the heating element comprises a coil, the receiving chamber may be defined on an inner surface of the coil, so that if the coil is a helical coil having a cylindrical cross-section, the receiving chamber may also be cylindrical, and the airflow path may be at least partially defined on an outer surface of the coil opposite the inner surface of the coil, at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0084] The heater assembly may include an actuator configured to move at least the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0085] The heater assembly has been described as including a heating element. Thus, the heater assembly may include further heating elements. For example, the heater assembly may include a first heating element and a second heating element. The heater assembly may include a third heating element. The heater assembly may include a fourth heating element.

[0086] Each of the heating elements may have characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the heating element. For example, each of the heating elements may contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber and the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Each of the heating elements may be movable or deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. An actuator of the heater assembly may be configured to move or deform each of the heating elements for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0087] When the heating element comprises a coil, one or more of the further heating elements may also comprise a coil having features corresponding to the coil of the heating element. For example, each of the one or more further heating elements may comprise a coil, a first end and a second end. Each coil may be a helical coil. In other words, the heater assembly may include multiple coils.

[0088] The helical axes of each of the plurality of coils may be parallel to each other. The helical axis of each of the plurality of coils may be a central axis.

[0089] One or more of the multiple coils may overlap another coil.

[0090] The multiple coils may be distributed along the central axis. The multiple coils may be spaced apart along the length of the central axis.

[0091] Where the heating element includes a coil between the first and second ends, the actuator may be configured to move or rotate the first end of the coil relative to the second end of the coil for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration. Preferably, the actuator may be configured to move or rotate the first and second contact portions of the heating element.

[0092] When the helical coil is left-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the heating element in a clockwise direction relative to the second end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration. The actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the heating element in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first end of the coil for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration.

[0093] When the helical coil is right-handed, the actuator may be configured to rotate the first end of the heating element in a counterclockwise direction relative to the second end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration. The actuator may additionally or alternatively be configured to rotate the second end of the heating element in a clockwise direction relative to the first end of the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first or second configuration to the third configuration.

[0094] As mentioned above, the actuator may be electrically operated and controlled by a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration and then actuate the receiving chamber to the second configuration. This may cause the aerosol-forming substrate to be pushed out of the wicking element as described above. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration before powering the heater assembly to heat the aerosol-forming substrate or at the beginning of a use session. As mentioned above, this may increase the amount of aerosol generated at the beginning of a puff. The control circuit is configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration at the end of a use session. As mentioned above, this may advantageously reduce or minimize cross-contamination.

[0095] The control circuitry may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the third configuration and then actuate the receiving chamber from the third configuration to the second configuration, which may be particularly advantageous at the start of a use session.

[0096] The control circuitry may then be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and back to the second configuration, which may advantageously pump the wicking element as described above. The control circuitry may be configured to repeatedly actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and back to the second configuration multiple times.

[0097] The control circuit may be configured to actuate the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the third configuration and then actuate the receiving chamber from the third configuration to the first configuration, which may be particularly advantageous at the end of a use session.

[0098] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, which may be an electrically heated aerosol generating device, and which may include the heater assembly of the first aspect.

[0099] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device which interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a cartridge. Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a cartridge according to the third aspect below.

[0100] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0101] The term "aerosol-forming material" as used herein refers to a material that has the ability to release a volatile compound when heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise or be composed of an aerosol-forming material.

[0102] The device may include a device housing, which may form the heating element housing.

[0103] The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may be contained within the device housing. The power source may be electrically connected to the heating element.

[0104] When the heating element comprises a coil wound around a central axis and first and second ends, a power source may be connected or connectable to an electrical contact portion formed by the first and second ends.

[0105] The power source may be a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of about 2.5 watts to about 45 watts). The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more uses of the aerosol generating device. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow for a predetermined number of puffs, or for discontinuous activation.

[0106] The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped and undoped ceramics.

[0107] The power supply may be configured to supply electrical current to the resistive heating element during use.

[0108] An aerosol generator that includes a resistive heating element may be described as a resistively heated aerosol generator.

[0109] Alternatively, the aerosol generator may be an inductively heated aerosol generator. The inductively heated aerosol generator may comprise an inductor coil. The inductor coil may be connected or connectable to a power source.

[0110] When the aerosol generation device comprises an inductor coil, the aerosol generation device may be configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current may preferably be a high frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). In use, the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil may generate a varying magnetic field.

[0111] If the power supply is configured to provide alternating current, the aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power supply into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D or class E power amplifier. The power supply may be configured to provide alternating current.

[0112] The inductor coil may surround or be adjacent to the heating element of the heater assembly, in which case the heating element may be the susceptor element.

[0113] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an electrically conductive element that heats up when subjected to a varying magnetic field generated by an inductor coil. This may be the result of eddy currents or hysteresis losses (or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses) induced within the susceptor element. Possible materials for the susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and virtually any other electrically conductive element.

[0114] The aerosol generating device may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) or other electronic control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater assembly. The controller of the device may be configured to control the actuator when the actuator is electrically operated.

[0115] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge. The cartridge may be for use in a heater assembly as defined in the first aspect. Preferably, the cartridge may be for use in an aerosol-generating device as defined in the second aspect. The cartridge may comprise a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may define a reservoir. The reservoir may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be in a condensed form at room temperature. Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid at room temperature. The cartridge may further comprise a wicking element. The wicking element may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0116] A first portion of the wicking element may extend from the reservoir. The first portion of the wicking element may be configured to be received within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly of the first aspect. The wicking element may be configured to be received within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly such that in the second configuration, the receiving chamber contacts the wicking element.

[0117] The wicking element of the cartridge configured to be received within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly of the first aspect advantageously provides a simple and effective means by which the heater assembly can be coupled or decoupled to the wicking element. When the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly and the receiving chamber is in the second configuration, contact between the heating element and the wicking element can advantageously provide efficient heating of the wicking element by the heating element.

[0118] In a first configuration of the heater assembly, the wicking element may be receivable and removable from the receiving chamber.

[0119] At least a first portion of the wicking element may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of a receiving chamber of the heater assembly in which the wicking element is configured to be received. Preferably, at least a first portion of the wicking element has an axisymmetric shape. Preferably, at least a first portion of the wicking element is cylindrical.

[0120] At least a portion of the wicking element received within the receiving chamber may have a length of between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, preferably between 5 and 10 millimeters.

[0121] The wicking element may have a width of 1 millimeter to 12 millimeters, preferably 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters. If the wicking element is cylindrical, the width value corresponds to the diameter value of the cylindrical wicking element.

[0122] The first portion of the wicking element may include a first end. The first end may be exposed to ambient air. The second end of the wicking element may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate within the reservoir. The second end of the wicking element may be opposite the first end.

[0123] In use, and when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly, a first portion of the wicking element may be heated by a heating element. An aerosol-forming substrate contained at the first end of the wicking element may be vaporized. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element may advantageously be continuously replenished by a liquid contained within the reservoir. The liquid may be transported from the second end to the first end by the wicking element.

[0124] A cartridge according to the present disclosure may advantageously be simple to manufacture. Preferably, the cartridge may not include a heater assembly. In particular, the cartridge may not include the features of a heater assembly as defined in the first aspect. As such, the material cost and complexity of a cartridge according to the present disclosure may be lower than prior art cartridges that include both a heating element and a porous material, for example cartridges that include a coil and wick type arrangement.

[0125] The cartridge housing may comprise a wall extending from the reservoir and surrounding the wicking element. The wall may extend from the reservoir to at least a first portion of the wicking element. The wall may be a downward facing wall. The wall may advantageously protect the wicking element.

[0126] The wall of the cartridge housing may define a cavity having an open end. A first portion of the wicking element may be positioned within the cavity.

[0127] The walls may be configured such that at least a portion of the heater assembly is receivable within a cavity defined by the walls. In this manner, when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly, a portion of the heater assembly is received within the cavity defined by the walls of the cartridge. At least a portion of the heating element is preferably received within the cavity. If the heater assembly comprises a heating element housing, at least a portion of the heating element housing may be received within the cavity.

[0128] The cavity defined by the wall may be closed by a deformable membrane. A first portion of the wicking element may be enclosed between the wall and the membrane. The combination of the membrane and the wall may advantageously protect the wicking element before the cartridge is used in a heater assembly or aerosol generating device.

[0129] The membrane and wall combination may advantageously seal the wicking element. This may prevent exposure of the wicking element, and the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wicking element, to air. Sealing the wicking element may also prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate during transport of the cartridge.

[0130] The membrane may be a non-fluid permeable membrane.

[0131] The membrane may include or consist of a flexible material.The membrane may include or consist of a deformable material.

[0132] The membrane may comprise a plurality of elements that close together the ends of the walls of the cartridge housing. Advantageously, this may protect the wicking element. Each of the plurality of elements may be deformable. The membrane may be configured such that when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber, the heater assembly deforms the plurality of elements to expose the wicking element.

[0133] The membrane may be initially provided as a single frangible element. The single frangible element may include a line of weakness. The membrane may advantageously be frangible along the line of weakness. Multiple elements of the membrane may be defined by the line of weakness. Such a membrane may be preferred where the purpose of the membrane is to seal the wicking element. The membrane may be configured such that when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber, the heater assembly breaks the membrane to expose the wicking element.

[0134] The wicking element may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The wicking element preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the wicking element may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads or other fine tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to transport the liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the wicking element may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the wicking element may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the liquid can be transported by capillary action. The wicking element may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are spongy or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials made of spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics). The wicking element may have any suitable capillarity and porosity to be used with different liquid physical properties. A liquid has physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point and vapor pressure, that enable it to be transported through a capillary device by capillary action.

[0135] The wicking element may be a ceramic wick. The ceramic wick may comprise, or preferably consist of, a ceramic material. Preferably, when the wicking element is a ceramic wick, the wicking element may comprise a porous ceramic. The porous ceramic wick may comprise an open porosity ceramic. The ceramic wick may be rigid. The ceramic wick may not deform when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0136] Preferably, the wicking element may comprise or consist of an elastic material, which may advantageously return to its original shape after being compressed.

[0137] An airflow path may be defined through the cartridge. The airflow path may extend through the cartridge from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0138] The cartridge may include a mouthpiece portion. The mouthpiece portion may be provided at an end of the cartridge opposite the first portion of the wicking element. The air outlet may be formed in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge. In this manner, a user of the cartridge may draw air through the airflow path by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion.

[0139] The air inlet may be annular in shape. The annular air inlet may surround the wicking portion.

[0140] At least a portion of the airflow path may extend through the reservoir portion. At least a portion of the airflow path that extends through the reservoir portion may be annular in shape. At least a portion of the airflow path that extends through the reservoir portion may be defined by the cartridge housing.

[0141] At least a portion of the airflow path may be defined by an outer surface of the wicking element. In this manner, vapor generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wick may be emitted directly into air flowing through the airflow path.

[0142] The aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge is a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be solid or liquid, or can contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a gel. The gel can be solid at room temperature. In this context, "solid" means that the gel has a stable size and shape and does not flow. In this context, room temperature means 25 degrees Celsius.

[0143] The second aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a liquid.

[0144] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non-tobacco-containing material.

[0145] 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 system. 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.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin). The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents.

[0146] The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support, which may be separate from the wicking element.

[0147] The aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a reservoir, which may have any suitable shape and size, depending on the requirements of the aerosol generation system.

[0148] The cartridge may include one or more engagement members configured to engage the cartridge with a housing of the heater assembly.

[0149] The one or more engagement members may be adjacent the wicking element.

[0150] The one or more engagement members may be configured such that the cartridge is configured to engage with the heater assembly by rotating the cartridge relative to the heater assembly. When the heater assembly comprises a heating element housing, the engagement members may be configured to engage with the heating element housing. When the heating element housing comprises a first part rotatable relative to a second part, the engagement members may be configured to engage with the heater assembly by rotating the cartridge about the same axis of rotation as the first and second parts rotatable relative to the heater assembly. This may advantageously mean that the cartridge may be engaged with the heater assembly and the receiving chamber may be reconfigured from a first position to a second position in a single operation.

[0151] The one or more engagement members may include one or more protrusions configured to be received within one or more corresponding slots in the element housing.

[0152] Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more engagement members may include one or more slots configured to receive one or more corresponding protrusions on the element housing.

[0153] The one or more engagement members may be configured to engage the heating element housing with the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. The one or more engagement members may be configured to prevent the heating element housing from disengaging from the cartridge when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. This may prevent damage to the heating element or the wicking element.

[0154] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may be an aerosol generation device as defined in the second aspect. The aerosol generation system may comprise a cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a wicking element configured to be received or receivable within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly.

[0155] The cartridge may be a cartridge as defined in the third aspect.

[0156] At least a portion of the wicking element may be received or receivable within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly.

[0157] In a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the heating element may contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber.

[0158] The heating element may be configured to deform the wicking element when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

[0159] The cartridge may be removably connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0160] The heater assembly may include an element housing. The cartridge may be connectable to the element housing.

[0161] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using a heater assembly as defined in the first aspect. The method may comprise receiving a wicking element in a receiving chamber of the heater assembly while the receiving chamber is in a first configuration. The method may further comprise transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to a second configuration such that the heating element contacts the wicking element. The wicking element may be a wicking element of a cartridge as defined in the third aspect. The heater assembly may be a heater assembly that is part of an aerosol generating device as defined in the second aspect.

[0162] The step of transitioning the receiving chamber may include moving or deforming the heating element.

[0163] The heating element may include a first end, a second end, and a coil wound about a central axis. Translating the receiving chamber may include rotating the first end relative to the second end.

[0164] The method may further include transitioning the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration. The method may further include removing a wicking element received within the receiving chamber while the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0165] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using the heater assembly defined in the first aspect. The method may comprise transitioning the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration. The method may further comprise removing a wicking element received within the receiving chamber while the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0166] The step of transitioning the receiving chamber may include moving or deforming the heating element.

[0167] The heating element may include a first end, a second end, and a coil wound about a central axis. Translating the receiving chamber may include rotating the first end relative to the second end.

[0168] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generating device as defined in the second aspect. The aerosol generating device may comprise an electrically operated actuator controlled by a control circuit. The method of controlling the aerosol generating device may comprise the step of configuring the receiving chamber in a second configuration. The method may comprise providing power to the heating element to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The step of configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration may be performed prior to the step of providing power to the heating element.

[0169] Configuring the receiving chamber in the second configuration can include transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0170] The method may include reconfiguring the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration after the step of supplying power to the heating element.

[0171] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided. The cartridge may be for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may comprise a heater assembly as defined in the first aspect. That is, the cartridge may comprise a wicking element in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a heating element. The cartridge may comprise a receiving chamber at least partially defined by the heating element. The wicking element may be received within the receiving chamber, the receiving chamber having a first configuration and a second configuration. An internal volume of the receiving chamber may be greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the heating element may be in contact with the wicking element.

[0172] The cartridge may include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may define a reservoir containing the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form. The cartridge may include a wicking element in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate. A first portion of the wicking element may extend from the reservoir. The first portion of the wicking element may be configured to be received in a receiving chamber of the heater assembly such that in the second configuration, the receiving chamber contacts the wicking element. Providing a cartridge that includes both a wicking element and a heater assembly with a receiving chamber means that the heater assembly and the wicking element may be coupled to each other in the second configuration, but are not coupled in the first configuration. This may reduce degradation of the wicking element or the heater assembly compared to when there is constant contact between the wicking element and the heating element. In the first configuration, it may be simple to replace the wicking element of the cartridge.

[0173] Features described with respect to one aspect may be applied to other aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, advantageous or optional features described with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure may be applied to the second, third, fourth and eighth aspects of the present invention. For example, advantageous or optional features of the smoke puff sensor assembly, and in particular the heat transfer element of the smoke puff sensor assembly, described with respect to the aerosol generating device of the first aspect may be applied to the aerosol generating device of the fourth aspect.

[0174] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein. EXAMPLES

[0175] Example 1. 1. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating system, the heater assembly comprising: A heating element; a receiving chamber defined at least in part by the heating element, the receiving chamber including an opening for receiving a wicking element of the aerosol generation system; the receiving chamber has a first configuration and a second configuration, an interior volume of the receiving chamber being greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration; In a second configuration, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating system, wherein the heating element contacts the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber. Example 2. 2. The heater assembly of example 1, wherein the heating element is movable or deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. Example 3. 3. The heater assembly of example 1 or 2, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to move or deform the heating element for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. Example 4. 4. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein in a first configuration, the receiving chamber is configured such that the wicking element is freely removable or receivable within the receiving chamber. Example 5. In a second configuration, the heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the receiving chamber is configured to apply a retaining force to the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber. Example 6. 6. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the heating element comprises or consists of an elastic material. Example 7. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein an internal volume of the receiving chamber is at least 2% greater, preferably at least 3% greater, 4% greater, or 5% greater, when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 8. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the receiving chamber is cylindrical in at least the first configuration. Example 9. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the receiving chamber is greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 10. The heater assembly of example 9, wherein the cross-sectional dimension is a cross-sectional area. Example 11. 10. The heater assembly of example 9, wherein the receiving chamber is cylindrical and the cross-sectional dimension is the diameter of the receiving chamber. Example 12. A heater assembly described in any one of Examples 9-11, wherein the wicking element is receivable within the receiving chamber along the longitudinal axis direction and the cross-sectional dimension is a cross-sectional dimension of the receiving chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction. Example 13. 13. The heater assembly of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the heater assembly comprises a coil wound around a central axis. Example 14. 14. The heater assembly of example 13, wherein the coil is deformable to reduce an interior volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. Example 15. 15. The heater assembly of example 13 or 14, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to deform the coil for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. Example 16. 16. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 13-15, wherein the wicking element is receivable within the receiving chamber in a direction parallel to the central axis. Example 17. A heater assembly described in any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein in a second configuration of the receiving chamber, at least a first portion of the coil contacts the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber. Example 18. 18. The heater assembly of example 17, wherein the coil comprises a second portion different from the first portion. Example 19. 19. The heater assembly of example 18, wherein in a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the second portion of the coil does not contact the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber. Example 20. 20. The heater assembly of example 18 or 19, wherein the second portion of the coil comprises a coating material having a lower resistivity than a material of the first portion of the coil. Example 21. 21. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 18-20, wherein the second portion of the coil has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the first portion. Example 22. 22. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 13-21, wherein the coil is a helical coil. Example 23. 23. The heater assembly of example embodiment 22, wherein the helical coil is axially symmetric. Example 24. 25. The heater assembly of example 23 or 24, wherein the helical coil has a circular cross-section. Example 25. 25. The heater assembly of example 24, wherein a diameter of the heating element is greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 26. 26. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 13-25, wherein the heating element comprises a first end and a second end. Example 27. 27. The heater assembly of example embodiment 26, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the heating element is not in the shape of a coil. Example 28. 28. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 26-27, wherein the first end is rotatable relative to the second end to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration. Example 29. A heater assembly described in any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to rotate the first end relative to the second end for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. Example 30. 30. The heater assembly of any of Examples 13-29, wherein the heating element is a helical coil and the number of turns per unit length of the heating element is greater when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration. Example 31. 30. The heater assembly of Example 29, wherein a distance between the first end and the second end of the heating element along the central axis is substantially the same when the receiving chamber is in both the first configuration and the second configuration. Example 32. 32. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-31, wherein at least the heating element comprises a space configured to allow air to pass through the heating element. Example 33. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-32, wherein the wicking element is a ceramic wick. Example 34. 34. The heater assembly of example embodiment 33, wherein the wicking element is a porous ceramic wick. Example 35. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-34, wherein the wicking element is cylindrical. Example 36. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-35, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a heating element housing. Example 37. 37. The heater assembly of Example 36, wherein at least the heating element is at least partially contained within the heating element housing. Example 38. 38. The heater assembly of example 36 or 37, wherein an airflow path is defined between the heating element housing and the heating element at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 39. A heater assembly as described in Example 38, wherein the receiving chamber is at least partially defined by a first side of the heating element, and the airflow path is at least partially defined by a second side of the heating element opposite the first side, at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 40. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 36-39, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a user interface element configured to actuate the receiving chamber between the first configuration and the second configuration. Example 41. 41. The heater assembly of Example 40, wherein at least a first portion of the heating element housing forms a user interface element. Example 42. 42. The heater assembly of embodiment 41, wherein the heating element comprises a coil wound around a central axis having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heating element being secured to a first portion of the heating element housing. Example 43. 43. The heater assembly of example 42, wherein the heating element is not secured to a first portion of the element housing other than the first end. Example 44. 44. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 41-43, wherein the heating element housing has a second portion, and the first portion of the heating element housing is movable relative to the second portion of the heating element housing. Example 45. 45. The heater assembly of embodiment 44, wherein the first portion of the heating element housing is rotatable relative to the second portion of the housing. Example 46. 46. ​​The heater assembly of example 44 or 45, wherein the heating element is a coil wound around a central axis having a first end and a second end, the second end of the coil being secured to the second portion of the heating element housing. Example 47. 47. The heater assembly of example 46, wherein the heating element is not secured to the second portion of the element housing other than the second end. Example 48. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 44-47, wherein the first and second portions of the housing together form a hollow body containing at least a portion of the heating element. Example 49. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-48, wherein the heating element is a planar heating element.

[0176] Example 50. The heater assembly of Example 49, wherein the heating element is in the form of a sheet. Example 51. 51. The heater assembly of example 49 or 50, wherein the heating element is fluid permeable. Example 52. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 49-51, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of conductive filaments, a mesh, or a sheet containing a plurality of holes. Example 53. 53. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 49-52, wherein the heating element is movable to reduce an internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. Example 54. 54. The heater assembly of Example 53, wherein the heating element is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the wicking element is receivable within the receiving chamber. Example 55. A heater assembly described in any one of Examples 49 to 54, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to move at least the heating element to transition the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration. Example 56. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 49-55, further comprising a second planar heating element at least partially defining the receiving chamber. Example 57. 57. The heater assembly of example 56, wherein the heating element in the second plane is movable relative to the heating element in the first plane. Example 58. 58. The heater assembly of embodiment 56 or 57, wherein the heating element in the second planar surface is opposite the heating element in the first planar surface. Example 59. 59. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 56-58, wherein the distance between the heating element in the first plane and the heating element in the second plane is greater in the first configuration of the receiving chamber than in the second configuration of the receiving chamber. Example 60. 60. The heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-59, wherein at least the heating element is a susceptor element configured to be inductively heatable. Example 61. An aerosol generating device comprising a heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 60. Example 62. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 61, further comprising a power source. Example 63. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 62, wherein the power source is electrically connectable to at least one heating element. Example 64. 64. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 61 to 63, wherein the device comprises a device housing. Example 65. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 64, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a heating element housing, at least a portion of the heating element housing being formed by the device housing. Example 66. 66. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 61 to 65, wherein the device further comprises an inductor coil. Example 67. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 66, wherein the induction coil surrounds or is adjacent to the heating element of the heater assembly. Example 68. The cartridge is a cartridge housing defining a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form; a wicking element in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate; A cartridge for use with a heater assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 67, wherein a first portion of the wicking element extends from the reservoir and, in a second configuration, is configured to be received within a receiving chamber of the heater assembly such that the receiving chamber contacts the wicking element. Example 69. 69. A cartridge as described in Example 68, wherein a first end of the wicking element is exposed to ambient air and a second end of the wicking element opposite the first end is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 70. 70. The cartridge of example 68 or 69, wherein the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece portion. Example 71. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68 to 70, wherein the cartridge does not include a heating element. Example 72. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68-71, wherein the cartridge housing includes a wall extending from the reservoir and surrounding the wicking element. Example 73. The cartridge of example 72, further comprising a deformable membrane that closes the end of the wall of the cartridge housing such that the wicking element is surrounded by the wall and the membrane. Example 74. The cartridge of Example 73, wherein the membrane is a non-fluid permeable membrane. Example 75. 75. The cartridge of example 73 or 74, wherein the membrane is a flexible and deformable membrane. Example 76. 76. The cartridge of any one of Examples 73 to 75, wherein the membrane comprises a line of weakness along which the membrane can be broken. Example 77. A cartridge described in any one of Examples 73 to 75, wherein the membrane comprises multiple elements that close together the ends of the walls of the cartridge housing. Example 78. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68-77, wherein the wicking element is a ceramic wick. Example 79. The cartridge of example 78, wherein the wicking element is a porous ceramic wick. Example 80. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68 to 77, wherein the wicking element is formed from an elastic material. Example 81. A cartridge described in any one of Examples 68 to 80, wherein the wicking element is cylindrical. Example 82. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68 to 81, wherein an airflow pathway is defined through the cartridge. Example 83. The cartridge of example 82, wherein the airflow pathway extends through the cartridge from the air inlet to the air outlet. Example 84. The cartridge of Example 83, wherein the air outlet is formed in a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge. Example 85. The cartridge of Example 83 or 84, wherein the air inlet is annular in shape. Example 86. The cartridge of example 85, wherein the annular air intake surrounds the wicking portion. Example 87. The cartridge of any one of Examples 83 to 86, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path extends through the reservoir portion and is annular in shape. Example 88. The cartridge of example 87, wherein a portion of the airflow path extending through the reservoir portion is defined by the cartridge housing. Example 89. A cartridge described in any one of Examples 83 to 88, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by an outer surface of the wicking element. Example 90. The cartridge according to any one of Examples 68 to 89, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid. Example 91. The cartridge of any one of Examples 68-90, wherein the cartridge further comprises one or more engagement members configured to engage the cartridge with a housing of the heater assembly. Example 92. 92. The cartridge of example 91, wherein the one or more engagement members are adjacent to the wicking element. Example 93. The cartridge of example 91 or 92, wherein the one or more engagement members are configured such that the cartridge is configured to engage with the heater assembly housing by rotating the cartridge relative to the heater assembly housing. Example 94. The cartridge of any one of Examples 91-93, wherein the engagement means includes one or more protrusions configured to be received within a slot in the heater assembly housing. Example 95. The cartridge of any one of Examples 91-93, wherein the engagement means comprises one or more slots configured to respectively receive one or more protrusions of the heater assembly housing. Example 96. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 61 to 67 and a cartridge including a wicking element configured to be received or receivable within a receiving chamber of a heater assembly. Example 97. The aerosol generating system described in Example 96, wherein the cartridge is a cartridge described in any one of Examples 68 to 95. Example 98. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 96 or 97, wherein at least a portion of the wicking element is received or is receivable within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly. Example 99. An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 96 to 98, wherein in a second configuration of the receiving chamber, the heating element contacts the wicking element when the wicking element is received in the receiving chamber. Example 100. An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 96 to 99, wherein the heating element is configured to deform the wicking element when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration. Example 101. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 96 to 100, wherein the cartridge is removably connected to the aerosol generating device. Example 102. An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 96 to 101, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heating element housing and the cartridge is connectable to the heating element housing. Example 103. The method is receiving a wicking element within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly while the receiving chamber is in a first configuration; A method of using the heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-60, comprising transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration such that the heating element is in contact with the wicking element. Example 104. 107. The method of example 106, wherein the step of transitioning the receiving chamber comprises deforming a heating element. Example 105. The method of example 106 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises a first end, a second end, and a coil wound around a central axis, and the step of transitioning the receiving chamber comprises rotating the first end relative to the second end. Example 106. The method is reconfiguring the receiving chamber from the second configuration to the first configuration; A method of using the heater assembly of any one of Examples 1-62, comprising removing the wicking element received in the receiving chamber while the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0177] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0178] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system. [Figure 2A-2B] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the resistive heating element and wicking element of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1, where in FIG. 2A the resistive heating element is decoupled from the wicking element and in FIG. 2B the resistive heating element is coupled to the wicking element. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a heater assembly of the aerosol generation system of FIG. [Figure 4A-4B] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of the heater assembly and wicking element of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1, where in FIG. 4A the resistive heating element is decoupled from the wicking element and in FIG. 4B the resistive heating element is coupled to the wicking element. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge of the aerosol generation system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a first method of using the aerosol generating system of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a second method of using the aerosol generation system of FIG. [Figure 8A-8B] 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of a cartridge for use in a second embodiment of an aerosol generation system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an aerosol generation system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge including a heater assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0179] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating system 100. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises a cartridge 110. The cartridge 110 includes a reservoir 112 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116. The reservoir 112 is defined by a cartridge housing 111. The cartridge 110 further comprises an internal passageway 113. A portion of the internal passageway 113 is annular. At one end, the cartridge 110 comprises a mouthpiece portion 114. The cartridge 110 includes a wicking element 120. The wicking element 120 is fluidly connected with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 of the reservoir 112. The wicking element 120 is cylindrical in shape. A first portion 121 of the wicking element extends from the reservoir 112 defined by the cartridge housing 111. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 includes a first end. A second end of the wicking element opposite the first end is received in the cartridge housing 111 and is in fluid communication with the reservoir 112 .

[0180] The aerosol generating system 100 also includes an aerosol generating device 150. The aerosol generating device 150 includes a controller 154 and a power source 156 in the form of a rechargeable battery. A device housing 152 of the aerosol generating device 150 contains both the controller 154 and the power source 156. The device housing 152 includes an air inlet 158 ​​and a device airflow passageway 115 extending from the air inlet 158.

[0181] The aerosol generating device 150 further comprises a heater assembly 130. The heater assembly 130 comprises a resistive heating element 140 configured to heat the wicking element 120. The resistive heating element 140 is formed of an electrically conductive material configured to increase in temperature when an electric current is passed therethrough. The resistive heating element 140 comprises a wire wound around a central axis to form a helical coil 141. The helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 defines a receiving chamber 144. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 of the cartridge 110 is received within the receiving chamber 144. The wicking element 120 is receivable within and removable from the receiving chamber 144 along a longitudinal axis corresponding to the central axis.

[0182] The heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 has two configurations. In the first configuration, the resistive heating element 140 is decoupled from the wicking element 120. In the second configuration, the resistive heating element 140 is coupled to the wicking element 120. This is shown in Figures 2A and 2B, and 4A and 4B. The interior volume of the receiving chamber 144 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

[0183] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a resistive heating element and a wicking element of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system.

[0184] 2A shows how the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 is formed by wire wound around a central axis to form a helical coil. A heater assembly chamber 144 is defined by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140. The cylindrical wicking element 120 of the cartridge is received within the heater assembly chamber 140 such that at least a first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is surrounded by the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 and is received by the heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141. The helical coil 141 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is a left-handed helical coil, however, the helical coil 141 may alternatively be a right-handed helical coil.

[0185] The heater assembly chamber 144 defined by the helical coil 141 has a first configuration and a second configuration. FIG. 2A illustrates the heater assembly chamber 144 in the first configuration. FIG. 2B illustrates the heater assembly chamber 144 in the second configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the interior volume of the receiving chamber defined by the helical coil 141 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration. Notably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heater assembly chamber 144 is larger in the first configuration than in the second configuration, while the length of the heater assembly chamber remains substantially constant. The cross-sectional area of ​​the heater assembly chamber 144 is a cross-section of the receiving chamber taken perpendicular to the helical axis of the helical coil 141.

[0186] The pitch of the helical coil 141 is greater when the helical coil is in the first configuration than when the helical coil is in the second configuration. The number of turns per unit length of the helical coil 141 is less when the helical coil is in the first configuration than when the helical coil is in the second configuration. However, the length of the helical coil is substantially the same when the helical coil is in the first configuration as when the helical coil is in the second configuration.

[0187] When the heater assembly chamber is in the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 2A , the resistive heating element 140 is not in contact with the wicking element 120. In other words, the resistive heating element 140 is decoupled from the wicking element 120, and the wicking element 120 is freely receivable or removable from the heater assembly chamber 144. When the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B , the resistive heating element 140 is in contact with the wicking element 120. In other words, the resistive heating element 140 is coupled to the wicking element 120. In particular, the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 is coupled to the first portion 121 of the wicking element 120.

[0188] 2A and 2B, the resistive heating element 140 includes a first end 142 and a second end 143. The first end 142 and the second end 143 protrude at a right angle to a central axis of the helical coil 141. The first end 142 and the second end 143 comprise a material having a resistance per unit length that is lower than the resistance per unit length of the material of the helical coil 141. Thus, the first end 142 and the second end 143 advantageously do not heat up as much as the helical coil 141 when power is supplied to the resistive heating element 140.

[0189] The heater assembly chamber 144 is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by deforming the resistive heating element 140. In particular, a first pair of opposing rotational forces 148, represented by arrows at a first end 142 and a second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140, can be applied to the first end 142 and the second end 143 to reversibly deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the heater assembly chamber 144 is reconfigurable from the first configuration to the second configuration. A second pair of opposing rotational forces acting in a direction opposite to that of the first pair of opposing rotational forces 148 can be applied to the first end 142 and the second end 143 to reversibly deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the heater assembly chamber 144 is reconfigurable from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0190] 2A and 2B show how opposing rotational forces 148 are applied to the first and second ends of the resistive heating element 140 to define the receiving chamber 144, but transitions of the receiving chamber may apply a rotational force to only one of the first end 142 or the second end 143. A rotational force applied to only one of the ends of the resistive heating element 140 will still rotate one of the first end 142 or the second end 143 relative to the other.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 1, the heater assembly 130 further comprises an upper actuator element 132 and a lower actuator element 134. The upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 together form a housing having a hollow body that encloses the heating element 140. The heater assembly including the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 is shown separately from the rest of the aerosol generating system 100 in a schematic perspective view of FIG. 3. A first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 engages the upper actuator element 132. In particular, the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 passes through an opening defined in the upper actuator element 132. A second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 engages the lower actuator element 134. In particular, the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 passes through an opening defined in the lower actuator element 134.

[0192] The upper actuator element 132 is axially rotatable relative to the lower actuator element 134. In particular, the actuator element 132 is axially rotatable relative to the lower actuator element 134 about the heating element's helical axis, represented by the dashed line in FIG. 3. By rotating the upper actuator element 132 relative to the lower actuator element 134, the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 rotates relative to the second end 143, elastically deforming the resistive heating element 140 and reconfiguring the receiving chamber 144 between the first and second configurations. The rotational forces applied to the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 for transitioning the receiving chamber 144 between the first and second configurations are indicated by arrows 192, 194, respectively. Although FIG. 3 shows both the lower actuator element 132 and the upper actuator element 134 as rotatable, it is sufficient if only one of the actuator elements is rotatable relative to the other.

[0193] Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of Figure 3, but with the wicking element 120 received within the heater assembly chamber 144. In Figure 4A, the heater assembly chamber 144 is in a first configuration. The upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134 surround the resistive heating element 140. A second end portion 143 protrudes from the lower actuator element 134. Because Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view, only the second end is visible.

[0194] FIG. 4B shows the heater assembly with the heater assembly chamber 144 in a second configuration. As shown in FIG. 2B, the wicking element 120 is received within the heater assembly chamber in a second configuration 146, with the resistive heating element 140 in contact with the wicking element 120. The airflow path 147 is defined by the annular space between the helical coil 141 and the lower actuator element 134, and then between the helical coil 141 and the upper actuator element 132. The annular space between the helical coil 141 and the lower actuator element 134, and then between the helical coil 141 and the upper actuator element 132 itself defines an aerosol-generation chamber. During use of the heater assembly, vaporized aerosol-forming substrate enters the aerosol-generation chamber and escapes from the wicking element 120. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate mixes with air in the airflow path 147, cools, and condenses into an aerosol, which is then delivered to the user.

[0195] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the cartridge 110 separate from the aerosol generating device. The wicking element 120 is received within a wicking element cavity 301 defined by a wicking element wall 303. The wicking element wall 303 is integrally formed with the cartridge housing 111. A second end of the wicking element 120 is in fluid communication with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 contained within a reservoir 112. The reservoir 112 is defined by the cartridge housing 111. An internal passageway 113 is defined by the cartridge housing 111 and the wicking element wall 303. A first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 protrudes from the cartridge housing 111 such that the first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is outside the boundary formed by the cartridge housing 111. Thus, the first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 may be receivable and removable from the receiving chamber 144 of the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 .

[0196] 6 shows a schematic diagram of a first method of using the aerosol generation system 100. The method includes step 801 of receiving the wicking element 120 within the heater assembly chamber 144 in a first configuration. As described above, in the first configuration, the wicking element 120 is freely receivable and removable from the resistive heating element 140 in the first configuration, and the wicking element 120 and the resistive heating element 140 are not coupled. Therefore, it is simple to receive the wicking element 120 in the heater assembly chamber 144 when the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the first configuration.

[0197] The method further includes step 802 of rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 to deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the resistive heating element 140 contacts the wicking element 120. Thus, the wicking element 120 is within the heater assembly chamber 144 in the second configuration. Thus, in step 802, the heater assembly chamber 144 is reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0198] The method further includes step 803 of using the aerosol generation system 100 while the heater assembly chamber 144 is in the second configuration. Step 802 of transitioning the heater assembly chamber 144 from the first configuration to the second configuration automatically sends an activation signal to the controller 154 to activate the device 150. Activation of the device 150 provides power to the resistive heating element 140 from the battery 156. The battery 156 is connected to the first end 142 and the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 via wires and suitable electrical contacts, not shown. This causes a current to flow through the resistive heating element 140, thereby resistively heating the resistive heating element 140.

[0199] In other embodiments, the device 150 is not immediately activated in response to the heater assembly chamber 144 being reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration. Instead, a user may press a button (not shown) on the aerosol generating device 150 to send an activation signal to the controller 154. In other embodiments, an airflow or pressure sensor is located within the aerosol generating system 100 and electrically connected to the controller 154. The airflow or pressure sensor detects that a user is drawing on the mouthpiece portion 114 and sends a signal to the controller 154 to power the resistive heating element 140.

[0200] During step 803, the user can puff on the mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110. When the user puffs on the mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110, air is drawn into the air inlet 158. An airflow path is defined between the air inlet 158 ​​and the mouthpiece portion 114, passing through the device airflow passage 115, the heater assembly 130, and the internal passage 113 of the cartridge 110. In particular, the airflow path passes through the wicking element 120. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the reservoir 112 is drawn into the wicking element 120 by capillary forces. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the wicking element 120 is then heated and vaporized by the resistive heating element 140 to generate a vapor. The airflow entrains the vapor formed by the resistive heating element 140 heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 into the wicking element 120. The entrained vapor then cools and condenses to form an aerosol, which is then drawn from the system by the user through the internal passageway 113 and mouthpiece portion 114 of the cartridge 110.

[0201] Because the resistive heating element 140 is in contact with the wicking element 120 in the second configuration, the wicking element 120 (and therefore the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 ) is efficiently heated by the resistive heating element 140 .

[0202] The method further includes a fourth step 804 of transitioning the heater assembly chamber 144 from the second configuration to the first configuration. After the fourth step 804, the resistive heating element 140 is separated from the wicking element 120. As such, the cartridge 110 may be removed from the aerosol generating device 150 and replaced after step 804. Alternatively, steps 802-804 may be repeated for subsequent usage sessions until the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 of the cartridge 110 is depleted.

[0203] The heater assembly chamber 144 has been described as having a first configuration and a second configuration. The heater assembly chamber 144 also has a third configuration (not shown). In the third configuration, the receiving chamber 144 has a smaller interior volume than both the first and second configurations. As such, the resistive heating element 140 exerts a compressive force on the wicking element 120 when the receiving chamber 144 is in the third configuration. In some embodiments, the wicking element 120 includes a compressible material. As such, in the third configuration, the compressible material of the wicking element is compressed.

[0204] Thus, in some embodiments, method step 802 includes rotating a first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to a second end 143 of the resistive heating element to deform the heating element such that the receiving chamber is in a third configuration, and then rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element to deform the resistive heating element such that the resistive heating element contacts the wicking element.

[0205] Configuring the heater assembly chamber 144 in the third configuration prior to the second configuration forces the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wicking element 120 out of the wicking element 120. This aerosol-forming substrate is then rapidly heated and vaporized during step 803.

[0206] In some embodiments, step 802 includes repeatedly rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 to configure the heater assembly chamber 144 from the second configuration to the third configuration and back again. This advantageously creates a pumping effect whereby the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 is drawn from the second end of the wicking element 120, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir 112, to the first end of the wicking element 120 received within the heater assembly chamber 144.

[0207] In some embodiments, method step 803 includes rotating the first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to the second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 to deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the heater assembly chamber 144 is in a third configuration. This is performed towards the end of step 803 to force any remaining substrate contained within the wicking element 120 out of the wicking element 120 and vaporize it. This can reduce or minimize cross-contamination of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the cartridge 110 when the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 is replaced.

[0208] 7 shows a schematic diagram of a second method of using a heater assembly according to the present invention. The method includes a first step 901 of rotating a first end 142 of the resistive heating element 140 relative to a second end 143 of the resistive heating element 140 to deform the resistive heating element 140 such that the resistive heating element 140 is not in contact with the wicking element 120. Thus, the wicking element 120 is in the heater assembly chamber 144 in a first configuration. Thus, the first step 901 includes transitioning the heater assembly chamber 144 from the second configuration to the first configuration. The method further includes a second step 902 of removing the wicking element 120 received in the heater assembly chamber 144 while the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

[0209] 8A and 8B show schematic diagrams of a cartridge 110 according to the present invention. The cartridge 110 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3 and will therefore only be described with respect to the different features. The cartridge housing 111 further comprises a cartridge housing wall 171 extending downward from the reservoir 112 and to an opposite end of the cartridge relative to the mouthpiece portion 114. The cartridge housing wall 171 extends further downward than the wicking element 120 and partially defines a cavity 172. The cartridge housing wall 171 is integrally formed with the remainder of the cartridge housing 111. The first portion 121 of the wicking element 120 is received within the cavity 172. The cavity 172 is configured such that a portion of the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 can be received within the cavity 172. When a portion of the heater assembly 130 is received within the cavity 130, the cartridge housing wall 171 surrounds the heater assembly 130.

[0210] The cartridge 110 further includes a membrane 170. The membrane 170 also partially defines a cavity 172. As shown in FIG. 8A, the membrane 170 closes an end of the cavity 172. The combination of the membrane 170 and the cartridge housing wall 171 protects the wicking element before the cartridge is coupled to the heater assembly 130.

[0211] The membrane 170 comprises a plurality of flexible elements 173. When a portion of the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 is received within the cavity 172, the plurality of flexible elements deform upwardly into the cavity 172 toward the reservoir 112. When the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 is removed from the cartridge housing wall cavity 172, e.g., when the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 is depleted, the plurality of flexible elements 173 return to their undeformed state, as shown in FIG.

[0212] Alternatives to the membrane 170 for protecting the wicking element 120 may also be provided. For example, the membrane 170 may instead be a frangible membrane that breaks or deforms when the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 is received within the cartridge housing wall cavity 172. Such a frangible membrane does not return to an undeformed state when the heater assembly 130 of the aerosol generating device 150 is removed from the cartridge housing wall cavity 172.

[0213] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 700 according to the invention. The aerosol generating system 700 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and will therefore only be described with respect to the different features. The heater assembly 730 of the aerosol generating device 750 further comprises an inductor coil 795. Instead of a resistive heating element, the heater assembly 730 of the aerosol generating device 750 further comprises a susceptor element 740. The susceptor element 740 comprises a helical susceptor coil of the same form as the helical coil 141 of the resistive heating element 140 of FIGS. 1-4, including the ends that protrude through the upper actuator element 132 and the lower actuator element 134. However, instead of being directly resistively heated, the susceptor element 740 is heated by induction. An alternating current is applied to the inductor coil 795, which generates a magnetic field. The susceptor element 740 is heated by eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced by the generated magnetic field.

[0214] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge 810 with a heater assembly 830 in accordance with the present invention.

[0215] A portion of the cartridge 810 is similar to the cartridge 110 described with respect to the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 1 . That is, the cartridge 810 includes a reservoir 112 defined by a cartridge housing 111 and containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116. The cartridge 810 further includes an internal passage 113. A portion of the internal passage 113 is annular. At one end, the cartridge 810 includes a mouthpiece portion 114. The cartridge 810 includes a wicking element 820. The wicking element 820 is fluidly connected to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 116 in the reservoir portion 112. The wicking element 820 is cylindrical in shape. A first portion 821 of the wicking element extends from the reservoir 112 defined by the cartridge housing 811. The first portion 821 of the wicking element 820 includes a first end. A second end of the wicking element opposite the first end is received in the cartridge housing 111 and is in fluid communication with the reservoir 112 .

[0216] If this cartridge 810 differs from the cartridge 110 described with respect to the aerosol generation system shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 810 further comprises a heater assembly 830. The heater assembly 830 is the same as that disclosed in the first embodiment of the present disclosure and described with respect to the aerosol generation system shown in FIG. 1. That is, the heater assembly 830 comprises a resistive heating element 140 configured to heat the wicking element 820. The resistive heating element 140 is formed of a conductive material configured to increase in temperature when an electric current is passed therethrough. The first portion 821 of the wicking element 820 of the cartridge 810 is received within a receiving chamber defined by the helical coil of the resistive heating element 840. The wicking element 820 may be removed from or inserted into the heater assembly 830 by a user when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge, the aerosol generation device comprising a heater assembly, the heater assembly comprising: A heating element; a receiving chamber defined at least in part by the heating element, the receiving chamber including an opening for receiving a wicking element of the aerosol generation system; the receiving chamber has a first configuration and a second configuration, an interior volume of the receiving chamber is greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration; In the second configuration, the heating element contacts the wicking element when the wicking element is received within the receiving chamber; the aerosol generating device further comprises a power source electrically connectable to at least one heating element; An aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge comprises the wicking element configured to be received or receivable within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly.

2. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the heating element is movable or deformable to reduce the internal volume of the receiving chamber in the second configuration relative to the first configuration.

3. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to move or deform the heating element for transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

4. 4. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a helical coil.

5. 5. The aerosol generation system of claim 4, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an actuator configured to deform the coil for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

6. 6. The aerosol generation system of claim 5, wherein the heating element further comprises a first end and a second end, and the actuator is configured to rotate the first end relative to the second end for transition of the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration.

7. The aerosol generation system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a heating element housing, and an airflow path is defined between the heating element housing and the heating element, at least when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration.

8. The cartridge comprises: a cartridge housing defining a reservoir containing the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form; 8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the wicking element is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate.

9. 9. The aerosol generation system of claim 8, wherein the cartridge housing comprises a wall extending from the reservoir and surrounding the wicking element.

10. 10. The aerosol generation system of claim 9, further comprising a deformable membrane closing an end of the wall of the cartridge housing such that the wicking element is surrounded by the wall and the membrane.

11. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the cartridge further comprises one or more engagement members configured to engage the cartridge with a housing of the heater assembly.

12. The method further comprising: receiving the wicking element within the receiving chamber of the heater assembly while the receiving chamber is in a first configuration; A method of using the aerosol generation system described in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising transitioning the receiving chamber from the first configuration to the second configuration so that the heating element contacts the wicking element.

13. 1. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing defining a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form; a wicking element in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate; A heating element; a receiving chamber defined at least in part by the heating element; The wicking element is received within the receiving chamber; the receiving chamber has a first configuration and a second configuration, an interior volume of the receiving chamber being greater when the receiving chamber is in the first configuration than when the receiving chamber is in the second configuration; In the second configuration, the heating element is in contact with the wicking element.

Images