Cartridge with airflow management and sealing elements

Abstract

the inner unit and the sleeve element are disposed adjacent to each other, the inner unit being configured to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor element; a tubular sleeve element surrounding at least a portion of the inner unit; and a liquid supply channel disposed between the inner unit and the sleeve element, the liquid supply channel being configured to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor element; the inner unit further comprising an airflow management element provided distal to the tubular heater element, the airflow management element comprising: at least one air inlet configured to provide air to the inner airflow path; a tubular sidewall of the airflow management element surrounding the inner airflow path; and a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall, the distal sealing element being configured to seal a distal end of the liquid supply channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] When the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a target temperature, it vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a liquid reservoir and delivered to the heating element via a capillary element. The liquid reservoir may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge. The cartridge may include a manually removable liquid reservoir sealing means, such as a removable sealing cap or a disposable sealing foil, to prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate before use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Vaporization may occur only partially. This may be due to insufficient air being delivered. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may evaporate incompletely. This may result in a poor user experience during consumption of the aerosol.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can improve the delivery of air for aerosol formation. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can improve evaporation of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can improve the formation of aerosol. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can improve the user experience. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can be handled more comfortably by the user. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can prevent or reduce oxidation of the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge before first use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1a to 1c show the tubular inner unit of a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2a and 2b show a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] Figures 3a and 3b show a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 4a and 4b show an aerosol generation system. [Figure 5] 5a and 5b show the heater component of a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] 6a and 6b show the heater and airflow management components of a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of different retention elements at the distal end of the airflow management component. [Figure 8]8a and 8b show a side perspective view and a front view of an airflow management component having protrusions for airflow directing elements and distal sealing elements. [Figure 9] 9a-9c show different airflow management components with various air inlets, as well as protrusions for the distal sealing element and airflow directing elements. [Figure 10] 10a and 10b show a different airflow management component having a distal end wall that includes an air intake port that directs airflow onto an airflow directing element of the airflow management component, which also includes a protrusion for a distal sealing element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may further include a tubular inner unit surrounding at least a portion of the inner airflow path. The inner unit may include a tubular heater component including a susceptor element disposed within the inner airflow path. The inner unit may include the tubular heater component. The tubular heater component may include a susceptor element disposed within the inner airflow path. The cartridge may further include a tubular sleeve element surrounding at least a portion of the inner unit. There may be a liquid supply channel disposed between the inner unit and the sleeve element. The liquid supply channel may be configured to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor element. The inner unit may further include an airflow management component provided distal to the tubular heater component. The airflow management component may include at least one air inlet configured to provide air to the inner airflow path. The airflow management component may include a tubular sidewall surrounding the inner airflow path. There may be a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall. The distal sealing element may be configured to seal a distal end of the liquid feed channel.

[0008] In another embodiment, a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge includes a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge includes an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge also includes a tubular inner unit surrounding at least a portion of the inner airflow path. The inner unit includes a tubular heater component including a susceptor element disposed within the inner airflow path. A tubular sleeve element surrounds at least a portion of the inner unit. A liquid supply channel is disposed between the inner unit and the sleeve element. The liquid supply channel is configured to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor element. The inner unit further includes an airflow management component provided distal to the tubular heater component. The airflow management component includes at least one air inlet configured to provide air into the inner airflow path. A tubular sidewall of the airflow management component surrounds the inner airflow path. A distal sealing element is disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall. The distal sealing element is configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel.

[0009] The distal end of the cartridge may be configured to engage with an aerosol generating device, and the distal portion of the cartridge may be configured to be received by the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The cartridge may provide a single component, an airflow management component, that provides both air to the inner airflow path and a sealing means for sealing the liquid supply channel, thereby allowing air to easily enter the inner airflow path, which also allows the liquid supply channel to be easily sealed.

[0011] The tubular sidewall of the airflow management component may coaxially surround the inner airflow path.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "tubular," "tubular unit," "tubular component," "tubular element," and "tubular shape" refer to a three-dimensional object and geometric shape that includes a bottom basal plane, a top basal plane, and a sidewall that encloses a hollow interior, the sidewall being disposed between the bottom and top basal planes. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis of the tubular element between the bottom and top basal planes. The longitudinal axis can be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom and top basal planes.

[0013] The bottom base of the tubular element lies in a bottom base plane. The top base of the tubular element lies in an top base plane. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom base and top base may be circular. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom base and top base may be non-circular, for example, oval, stadium-shaped, or rectangular. One or both of the bottom base and top base may be open.

[0014] The tubular element may have the shape of a right circular hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a non-circular hollow cylinder, for example an elliptical hollow cylinder or a stadium-shaped hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a hollow cube.

[0015] The longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The central longitudinal axis of the tubular element may coincide with the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0016] The airflow management component may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. A distal sealing element may be disposed on the proximal portion of the airflow management component.

[0017] The distal sealing element may abut an inner wall of the tubular sleeve element, which may enable the sealing element to securely seal the distal end of the liquid feed channel.

[0018] At least one air inlet may be located in a distal portion of the airflow management component, which may enable the airflow management component to serve two different functions for the cartridge in the distal and proximal portions.

[0019] The proximal portion of the airflow management component may include a distal sealing element. The distal portion of the airflow management component may include at least one air inlet.

[0020] The outer surface of the proximal portion of the airflow management component may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the distal sealing element may be disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, which may enable the airflow management component to securely hold the distal sealing element in place.

[0021] The distal sealing element may also be permanently attached to the airflow management component by adhesive, in which case the first and second protrusions for holding the distal sealing element in place may be avoided.

[0022] The outer diameter of the distal portion of the airflow management component may be smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the airflow management component. A larger outer diameter of the proximal portion of the airflow management component may enable the liquid supply channel to seal reliably with the distal sealing element.

[0023] The distal portion of the airflow management component may include at least one air inlet. Thus, the distal portion does not necessarily have to have an outer diameter large enough to seal the liquid supply channel. Thus, the outer diameter of the distal portion of the airflow management component may be smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the airflow management component.

[0024] In the cartridge, a distal portion of the airflow management component may protrude from the distal end of the tubular sleeve element.

[0025] This may allow the distal portion of the airflow management component to be pushed into the cartridge when the cartridge is received by the cavity of the aerosol generation device, which may open the fluid connection between the liquid reservoir and the liquid supply channel, as further described below.

[0026] The airflow management component may include a distal end wall. The distal end wall may form the distal end of the tubular inner unit. The distal end wall may be part of a distal portion of the airflow management component that protrudes from the distal end of the tubular sleeve element. The distal end wall of the airflow management component may be pressed into the cartridge when the cartridge is received by the aerosol generation device.

[0027] The at least one air inlet may be located in the distal end wall, which may provide an easy way to introduce air through the at least one air inlet and into the internal airflow path of the cartridge.

[0028] The distal end wall can be a closed distal end wall, which can be configured as a retaining element for receiving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, which can prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path.

[0029] The at least one air inlet may be spaced from the distal end of the airflow management component, which may allow air to enter the internal airflow path of the cartridge through the at least one air inlet without interfering with the retaining element for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0030] The airflow management component may include a tubular sidewall. The at least one air inlet may be located within the tubular sidewall. Preferably, the at least one air inlet may be located in a distal portion of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.

[0031] At least two air inlets are preferably located within the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. The at least two air inlets may allow air to pass into the cartridge's internal airflow path from different directions. The at least two air inlets may provide air to different portions of the susceptor element.

[0032] The distal sealing element may be provided as a sealing lip or as an O-ring, which may provide a particularly reliable seal at the distal end of the liquid supply channel. An O-ring may provide a reliable seal between the inner wall of the tubular sleeve element and the tubular airflow management component.

[0033] The airflow management component can include an airflow directing element disposed within the inner airflow path, which can be configured to direct the airflow across a surface of the susceptor element, thereby enhancing the formation of an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporated from the susceptor element.

[0034] The airflow directing element can be located upstream of the susceptor element within the inner airflow path of the cartridge. The airflow directing element can be located downstream of at least one air inlet configured to provide air into the inner airflow path.

[0035] The airflow directing element may comprise at least one divider element extending from the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.

[0036] The internal unit may further comprise a tubular sealing component provided proximal to the tubular heater component. The sealing component may comprise a tubular element surrounding a portion of the airflow path. The sealing component may comprise a proximal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element. The internal unit may be axially movable relative to the sleeve element from a blocking position in which the proximal sealing element is disposed to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. The internal unit may be axially movable relative to the sleeve element to an open position in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0037] Thus, when the internal unit moves relative to the sleeve element, the internal unit may be movable between a blocking position and an open position for blocking and enabling fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0038] The heater element may comprise a fluid-permeable wall portion arranged to allow movement of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel to the inner airflow path. The fluid-permeable wall portion may be formed by two slits in opposite side walls of the tubular heater element.

[0039] The cartridge may include a wick element arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel to the susceptor element.

[0040] The heater component may include a wick element that may extend from the inner airflow path through two slits in opposing side walls of the tubular heater component to the liquid supply channel.

[0041] The wick element may extend transversely through the inner airflow path and may protrude from the inner airflow path through a slit into the liquid feed channel.

[0042] This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be easily transferred from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element via capillary action.

[0043] The core element may include one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

[0044] The core element may be in direct contact with the susceptor element, or preferably, may be sandwiched between two layers of the susceptor element.

[0045] This may allow sufficient contact between the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the susceptor element, which may facilitate the easy formation of an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate by evaporating the substrate through the susceptor element.

[0046] The core element may be in the form of a sheet and the susceptor element may be U-shaped. The U-shaped susceptor element may be mounted on the core element within the airflow path.

[0047] This can provide a spatial arrangement between the wick element and the susceptor element with a large interface between both elements, which can enhance aerosol formation.

[0048] A distal end of the heater component can be connected to a proximal end of the airflow management component. A proximal end of the heater component can be connected to a distal end of the sealing component.

[0049] The sealing, heating, and airflow management components may be connected by plug connections.

[0050] The airflow management component and the tubular heater component may be configured as separate structural components. Additionally, the tubular sealing component may be configured as a separate structural component.

[0051] The sealing components, heater components, and airflow management components may be connected along the longitudinal axis of the tubular inner unit.

[0052] The proximal sealing element may be provided as an O-ring. The tubular element may include a guide means to hold the O-ring in place. The O-ring may exhibit a compression ratio of 15 to 25 percent, preferably 18 to 22 percent, and more preferably about 20 percent, when the inner unit is in the closed position.

[0053] The proximal sealing element may comprise a polymeric material, preferably an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be selected from one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber), fluorocarbon, silicone, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). The elastomeric material may comprise a soft polymer, such as one or both of LDPE and PP. The elastomeric material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The TPE may have a hardness of 30 to 90 Shore A.

[0054] The tubular element and the proximal sealing element of the sealing component may be made from the same material.The tubular element and the proximal sealing element of the sealing component may be constructed as a monolithic piece.

[0055] The proximal end portion of the cartridge may be configured as a mouthpiece. This may allow for a compact design of the cartridge without the need to attach a separate mouthpiece to the cartridge. In particular, the proximal end portion of the cartridge may be formed as a mouthpiece.

[0056] Preferably, the liquid reservoir is at least partially provided within the mouthpiece. In particular, part of the liquid reservoir may be formed as the mouthpiece. This may allow for an advantageous design of the cartridge, which includes the mouthpiece and at least part of the liquid reservoir is contained within the mouthpiece.

[0057] The liquid reservoir portion of the cartridge may surround a portion of the inner airflow path, which may allow for a compact design of the cartridge, with the portion of the tubular sidewall that surrounds the inner airflow path also forming part of the liquid reservoir portion.

[0058] The distal end of the cartridge may be configured to engage with an aerosol generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of the aerosol generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may include a connecting means configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device. The connecting means may be mechanical. The connecting means may include one or more springs. The one or more springs may be made of a plastic material or a metal material, or a combination thereof. The connecting means may include a magnetic connecting means.

[0059] The proximal end of the cartridge may be a mouth end. The proximal end of the cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece. The proximal end of the cartridge may comprise an air outlet.

[0060] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may include a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol generation system may also include an aerosol generator including a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The cavity may be at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil.

[0061] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein, the aerosol generation system further comprising an aerosol generator including a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge, the cavity being at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil.

[0062] The inductor coil can be configured to heat a susceptor element contained in the cartridge, which can enable the generation of an aerosol formed from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and air.

[0063] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may be a heated chamber.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may include a pin element. The pin element may protrude from a distal end face of the cavity. The pin element may be a spring-loaded pin. The pin element may be a rigid pin. The pin element may be arranged to press against an airflow management component of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

[0065] This may allow the internal unit of the cartridge to move axially relative to the sleeve element to open the liquid supply channel for fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. When the cartridge is pulled up, a distal portion of the airflow management component of the cartridge may protrude from the sleeve element of the cartridge. In this position, the internal unit may be in a blocking position relative to the sleeve element. This may allow the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel to be blocked when the cartridge is not inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0066] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein relates to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in a liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The liquid reservoir may contain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0068] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavorant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be used within the liquid reservoir portion of the cartridge.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate). A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin.

[0071] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, a cartridge can be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device or on the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. A cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

[0072] As used herein, the term "liquid reservoir" refers to a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid reservoir may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0073] The liquid reservoir may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid reservoir may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid reservoir may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the liquid reservoir may be, for example, substantially circular, oval, square, or rectangular. The liquid reservoir may form part of a cartridge.

[0074] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0075] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generator and a cartridge, in which the aerosol generator and cartridge work together to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0076] The aerosol generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have a total length of 30 mm to 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0077] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and not brittle.

[0078] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include multiple air inlets.

[0079] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

[0080] The operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on / off button and maintained for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air inhaled by a user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device per hour. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The start may also be detected after the user activates a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for operating the aerosol generating device, for example, a button to initiate heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0082] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, an electrically operated or charging unit for recharging an on-board power source within an electric aerosol generating device.

[0083] As used herein, the terms "proximal end of the cartridge" and "distal end of the cartridge" may refer to opposite ends of the cartridge. The terms "proximal end" and "first end" may be used interchangeably. The terms "distal end" and "second end" may be used interchangeably.

[0084] As used herein, the term "proximal" generally refers to the user or mouth end of a cartridge or aerosol generating device or system or part or portion thereof, and the term "distal" generally refers to the end opposite the proximal end. The term "proximal," when referring to a cavity, refers to the area nearest the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the area nearest the closed end.

[0085] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to indicate the relative position of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0086] As used herein, the term "airflow path" means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0087] As used herein, the term "susceptor" or "susceptor element" refers to an element that heats when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This can be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in an aerosol-generating device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, and as a result, an aerosol is formed.

[0088] The susceptor material can be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features regarding susceptors can be applied to the susceptor element of the cartridge. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material can include or consist of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material can be or include aluminum. The susceptor material can include more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0089] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a steel layer.

[0090] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon, for example, the susceptor material may comprise a ceramic core or metallic tracks formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

[0091] The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel with a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may include a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0092] The intimate contact between the first and second susceptor materials can be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material can be plated, vapor-deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanizing, and cladding.

[0093] The aerosol generating device may include a power source for powering the heating element. The power source may comprise a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery). The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous operation of the heating element.

[0094] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). 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 source to alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

[0095] The power supply may be adapted to power the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequencies. A Class E power amplifier is preferred for high frequency operation. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, and more preferably between 5 megahertz and 8 megahertz.

[0096] In alternative embodiments, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example, 100 kHz to 400 kHz. In embodiments where a class D or class C power amplifier is used, a switching frequency in the lower kHz range is particularly advantageous.

[0097] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil and therefore the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil.

[0098] A power source and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0099] The control device may be configured to be able to interrupt the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, so that the power supplied to the inductor coil can be controlled by conventional methods of duty cycle management.

[0100] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0101] Example 1: 1. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device, comprising: a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an inner airflow path extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge; a tubular inner unit surrounding at least a portion of the inner airflow path, the inner unit comprising a tubular heater component comprising a susceptor element disposed within the inner airflow path; a tubular sleeve element surrounding at least a portion of the inner unit; a liquid supply channel disposed between the inner unit and the sleeve element, the liquid supply channel configured to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor element; The cartridge, wherein the internal unit further comprises an airflow management component provided distal to the tubular heater component, the airflow management component comprising at least one air inlet configured to provide air to the inner airflow path, a tubular side wall of the airflow management component surrounding the inner airflow path, and a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular side wall, the distal sealing element configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel. Example 2: 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the airflow management component comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, and wherein the distal sealing element is disposed in the proximal portion of the airflow management component, preferably wherein the distal sealing element abuts an inner wall of the tubular sleeve element. Example 3: 3. The cartridge of Example 2, wherein the outer surface of the proximal portion of the airflow management component comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the distal sealing element is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Example 4: The cartridge of any one of Examples 2 or 3, wherein an outer diameter of a distal portion of the airflow management component is smaller than an outer diameter of a proximal portion of the airflow management component. Example 5: The cartridge of any of Examples 2-4, wherein a distal portion of the airflow management component protrudes from a distal end of the tubular sleeve element. Example 6: 6. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the airflow management component comprises a distal end wall, preferably the distal end wall forming a distal end of the tubular inner unit. Example 7: 7. The cartridge of example 6, wherein the at least one air inlet is located in the distal end wall. Example 8: 7. The cartridge of Example 6, wherein the distal end wall is a closed distal end wall, preferably configured as a retaining element for receiving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path. Example 9: 9. A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein at least one air intake port is located within the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component, and preferably at least two air intake ports are located within the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. Example 10: 10. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the distal sealing element is provided as a sealing lip; or wherein the distal sealing element is provided as an O-ring. Example 11: the internal unit comprises a tubular sealing component provided proximal to the tubular heater component, the sealing component comprising a tubular element surrounding a portion of the airflow path and a proximal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element; A cartridge described in any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the internal unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element from a blocking position in which the proximal sealing element is arranged to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel, to an open position in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. Example 12: 12. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the airflow management component and the tubular heater component are configured as separate structural components connected along the longitudinal axis of the inner unit, preferably wherein the airflow management component is connected to the tubular heater component via a plug connection. Example 13: Example 12. The cartridge of Example 12, further dependent on Example 11, wherein the tubular sealing component is configured as a separate structural component, and the tubular sealing component is connected with the tubular heater component along a longitudinal axis of the inner unit. Example 14: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein a proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece, and preferably the liquid storage portion is configured as a mouthpiece. Example 15: The cartridge of any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds a portion of the inner airflow path. Example 16: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device having a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of a cartridge, the cavity being at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil. Example 17: 17. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 16, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a pin element protruding from a distal end face of the cavity and arranged to press against the airflow management component when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

[0102] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0103] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0104] In the following, elements having the same functionality are designated with the same reference numerals throughout all figures.

[0105] In the following Figures 1-6, certain embodiments of a cartridge are described, in which the internal unit includes a proximal tubular sealing component, an intermediate heater component, and a distal airflow management component. Further Figures 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of various airflow management components with different retention elements. Further Figures 8-10 show various embodiments of airflow management components with airflow directing elements.

[0106] 1a shows the tubular inner unit 10 of the aerosol generating device in a disassembled configuration. The inner unit 10 comprises a proximal tubular sealing component 20, an intermediate tubular heater component 40 having a susceptor element within its hollow interior (not shown), and a distal tubular airflow management component 60.

[0107] The sealing component 20 comprises a tubular element 22 and a proximal sealing element 24 disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element 22. The proximal sealing element 24 is provided as a continuous protrusion disposed circumferentially around the tubular element 22 of the sealing component 20. The proximal sealing element 24 is provided as a sealing lip.

[0108] Airflow management component 60 includes a tubular sidewall 62 and a distal sealing element 64 provided as an O-ring disposed on the outer surface of tubular sidewall 62. The O-ring is axially held in place between first and second protrusions 66, 67 of airflow management component 60. Distal sealing element 64 is configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel, as described further below.

[0109] Figure 1b shows the tubular inner unit 10 of Figure 1a in an assembled configuration. The sealing component 20, heater component 40, and airflow management component 60 are connected in series along the longitudinal axis 12. The distal end of the heater component 40 is plugged into the proximal end of the airflow management component 60. The proximal end of the heater component 40 is plugged into the distal end of the sealing component 20. The plugging action is indicated by the arrows in Figure 1a.

[0110] 1c shows the assembled tubular inner unit 10 of FIG. 1b in cross-section. The airflow management component 60 includes an air inlet 68 that allows air to enter the hollow tubular interior of the tubular inner unit 10. The air inlet 68 is spaced from the distal end of the airflow management component, which includes a retention element 70. An inner airflow path 14 is surrounded by the tubular inner unit 10. The inner airflow path 14 passes through the susceptor 42 of the heater component 40.

[0111] Figure 2a shows the cartridge 100 in an exploded configuration. The cartridge 100 comprises the inner unit 10 of Figures 1a to 1c. The cartridge 100 comprises a tubular sleeve element 80 and a mouthpiece 90.

[0112] Figure 2b shows the cartridge 100 of Figure 2a in a cross-sectional view in an assembled configuration. A tubular sleeve element 80 surrounds a portion of the inner unit 10. A liquid supply channel 82 is formed by the empty space between the inner unit 10 and the sleeve element 80. A distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 is configured to close and seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel 82.

[0113] The mouthpiece 90 includes a liquid reservoir 92 that surrounds a portion of the inner airflow path 14. The liquid reservoir 92 is provided by an empty space between an inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90, which coaxially surrounds the inner airflow path 14, and an outer tubular wall portion 98 of the mouthpiece 90, which coaxially surrounds the liquid reservoir 92. A proximal end 94 of the mouthpiece 90 includes an air outlet. A distal end 99 of the mouthpiece 90 is attached to the proximal end 84 of the sleeve element 80. For example, permanent attachment may be achieved by ultrasonic welding.

[0114] 3a shows a cartridge 100 in which an air inlet 68 is located within the tubular sidewall 62 of the airflow management component 60. Thus, the air inlet 68 is spaced from the distal end of the airflow management component 60. The airflow management component 60 thereby comprises a retaining element 70 provided at the distal end of the airflow management component 60, the retaining element 70 comprising a closed distal end wall of the airflow management component 60.

[0115] The inner unit 10 is axially movable relative to the sleeve element 80 from a blocking position, shown in FIG. 3 a, in which the proximal sealing element 24 is disposed to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82, to an open position, shown in FIG. 3 b, in which the proximal sealing element 24 is moved to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. In the blocking position, shown in FIG. 3 a, the proximal sealing element 24 contacts the inner wall of the sleeve element 80 to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. The airflow management component allows air to enter the inner airflow path 14 through two air inlets 68, as indicated by dashed arrows 14. Additionally, the distal sealing element 64 of the distal airflow management component seals the distal end of the liquid supply channel 82. The cartridge in the blocking position can be withdrawn and configured to be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol generation device.

[0116] In the open position shown in Figure 3b, the proximal sealing element 24 is moved away from the inner wall, opening the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. In the open position shown in Figure 3b, a liquid passageway 16 is formed, allowing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to move from the liquid storage portion 92 to the liquid supply channel 82. The distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 seals the distal end of the liquid supply channel 82, preventing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the liquid supply channel 82 at its distal end in the open position.

[0117] The distal portion of the inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 can slide within the proximal portion of the tubular element 22 of the sealing component 20 when the inner unit 10 is moved axially from the closed position shown in Figure 3a to the open position shown in Figure 3b. This axial movement can occur when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0118] The heater element 40 includes a fluid-permeable wall portion 44 disposed to allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to move from the liquid supply channel 82 into the inner airflow path 14 and toward the susceptor element 42 .

[0119] 4a and 4b show, in cross-section, an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge, such as cartridge 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3, and an aerosol generation device 200. The aerosol generation device 200 comprises a cavity 210 arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge 100. The cavity 210 is at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil 220.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 200 includes a pin element 230 protruding from the distal end face of the cavity 210. The pin element 230 is arranged to push the internal unit 10 of the cartridge 100 from the closed position to the open position when the distal portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted into the cavity 210. In particular, the pin element 230 is arranged to push the retaining element 70 of the internal unit 10. If the retaining element 70 is not present in the distal airflow management component 60, the distal portion of the airflow management component can be pushed by the pin element 230. FIG. 4b shows a configuration in which the distal portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted into the cavity 210 and the internal unit 10 is in the open position. As a result, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can move toward the susceptor 42.

[0121] Further, as shown in FIG. 4b, with the distal portion of the cartridge 100 inserted into the cavity 210, the susceptor 42 of the cartridge 100 is positioned within the cavity 210 such that an alternating current applied to the inductor coil 220 generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the susceptor 42 and heats the susceptor 42.

[0122] Ambient air may enter the aerosol generation system through a gap between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device 200. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generation device 200 may include an air inlet (not shown) in fluid communication with the cavity 210.

[0123] Airflow path 240 is shown by the dotted line in Figure 4b. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate located in proximity to or in contact with the heated susceptor 42 may be vaporized due to the high temperature in the area of the susceptor 42. The vaporized material may be entrained by the airflow and travel downstream along airflow path 240 through the air outlet at the proximal end 94 of the cartridge 100, and the ripened aerosol may be inhaled by the user.

[0124] The distal end of the cartridge 100 may be provided with a connecting means (not shown), for example a magnetic connecting means configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device 200. The aerosol generating device 200 may be provided with a corresponding connecting means (not shown).

[0125] 5a and 5b show one embodiment of a heater component 40 in a perspective view (FIG. 4a) and a front view (FIG. 4b). A fluid-permeable wall portion 44 is formed by two slits in opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component 40. A wick element 46 extends between and through the slits. The wick element 46 is disposed to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel 82 to the susceptor element 42 when the heater component 40 is disposed within the sleeve element 80. A central portion of the wick element 46 within the inner airflow path 14 is sandwiched by the susceptor element 42, which exhibits a U-shape.

[0126] 6a and 6b show alternative embodiments of heater component 40 and airflow management component 60 in disassembled (FIG. 6a) and assembled (FIG. 6b) configurations. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1c, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, a sealing element 64, provided as an O-ring, is held axially in place between a first protrusion 48 that is part of heater component 40 and a second protrusion 67 that is part of airflow management component 60.

[0127] FIG. 7a shows an enlarged cutaway view of a cross section of the distal airflow management component 60 located within the tubular sleeve component 80. The distal airflow management component 60 includes a retaining element 70 having an airflow management element 72. The airflow management component separates the retaining element into two separate troughs for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrates. The arrows indicated by reference numeral 61 indicate the flow of leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the susceptor element 42 and the inner airflow path 14 into the retaining element 70. Thus, the retaining element 70 can receive liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the susceptor or condensed droplets of liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the inner airflow path. The retaining element 70 can be formed by a closed distal end wall of the tubular inner unit, particularly the closed distal end wall of the distal airflow management component 60. The airflow directing element 72 is configured to direct ambient air entering the inner airflow path 14 through the air inlet 68 across the surface of the susceptor element 42. The distal sealing element 64 seals the distal end of the liquid supply channel such that the liquid passage 16 is sealed.

[0128] 7b shows an enlarged cutaway view of a cross section of another distal airflow management component 60 located within a tubular sleeve component 80. In this embodiment, the distal airflow management component 60 includes only a retaining element 70 but lacks an airflow management element 72. The retaining element 70 is configured to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate that leaks from the susceptor element 42 or from the inner airflow path 14, as indicated by arrow 61. A distal sealing element 64 seals the liquid supply channel, similar to the distal airflow management component of FIG. 7a.

[0129] FIG. 8a shows a side view of airflow management component 60, including air inlet openings 68 in sidewall 62. Airflow management component 60 also includes first and second protrusions 66, 67 that can hold a distal sealing element in place (distal sealing element not shown). FIG. 8b shows a top view of airflow management component 60 of FIG. 8a. This top view shows that an airflow directing element 72, having an inner sidewall 62, resides within inner airflow path 14 of airflow management component 60. The top view also shows second protrusion 67. Airflow directing element 72 is configured to direct airflow in a targeted manner onto the surface of susceptor element 42, which is part of heating component 40 of cartridge 100.

[0130] 5a and 5b, the sandwich structure of the susceptor element 42 and the core element 46 may also have a flat, elongated configuration similar to that of the airflow directing element 72. This may enable the airflow directing element 72 to direct airflow onto both opposing major surfaces of the susceptor element 42.

[0131] FIG. 9a shows a side view of the airflow management component 60 in the top view portion, including two air inlets 68 on a first side of the tubular sidewall 62. Two additional air inlets 68 are present on the other side of the tubular sidewall 62, not shown. The central view of FIG. 9a shows an isometric front perspective view of the airflow management component 60. A first partition wall element 72a and an opposing second partition wall element 72b are visible, forming an airflow directing element and extending from the tubular sidewall 62 to the inner airflow path 14. The first and second partition wall elements are configured to direct ambient air entering the inner airflow path through the air inlets 68 toward the susceptor element 42. The bottom view portion of FIG. 9a shows a cross-sectional view of the airflow path indicated by the arrows, with air entering the inner airflow path 14 through the four air inlets 68. This airflow is further directed towards the susceptor element 42 by the first and second partition wall elements.

[0132] Figure 9b shows in its upper view portion a side view of a different airflow management component 60, which, in contrast to the airflow management component shown in Figure 9a, includes only one air inlet 68 on one side of the tubular side wall 62. A second air inlet is present on the other side of the tubular side wall 62 (not shown in Figure 9b). The airflow directing elements, including first and second partition wall elements 72a and 72b, are identical to those in Figure 9a, as shown in the central portion of the figure. The lower portion of Figure 9b shows that the airflow through the air inlet 68, indicated by the arrows, is directed toward the first and second partition wall elements and further onto the susceptor element 42.

[0133] FIG. 9c illustrates an embodiment of an airflow management component 60 similar to the airflow management component 60 illustrated in FIG. 9b. In contrast to FIGS. 9a and 9b, a single airflow directing element 72 extends between opposing wall portions of the tubular sidewall 62. This airflow directing element 72 forms a continuous bridge between the opposing wall portions of the tubular sidewall 62, thus dividing the airflow within the inner airflow pathway 14 into two separate portions. The distal sealing element is not shown in either view of FIG. 9, although first and second protrusions for retaining the distal sealing element are. The distal sealing element, e.g., an O-ring, may simply be disposed between both protrusions.

[0134] Both embodiments of the airflow management component 60 shown in Figure 10 include distal end walls. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10a, two air inlets 68 are present in the distal end wall configured to allow air to enter the inner airflow pathway 14 toward the airflow directing element 72. Only one air inlet 68 is present in the distal end wall of the airflow management component 60 shown in Figure 10b.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generator, A liquid storage section for holding the liquid aerosol forming substrate, An inner airflow path extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge, The internal unit comprises a tubular internal unit surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow path, and includes a tubular heater component having a susceptor element disposed within the internal airflow path, A tubular sleeve element surrounding at least a portion of the internal unit, A liquid supply channel disposed between the internal unit and the sleeve element, configured to supply the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the susceptor element, comprising: The cartridge further comprises an internal unit and an airflow control component provided distal to the tubular heater component, the airflow control component comprising at least one air intake configured to provide air to the inner airflow path, a tubular side wall of the airflow control component surrounding the inner airflow path, and a distal sealing element disposed on the outer surface of the tubular side wall, the distal sealing element configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the cartridge is configured to be received by an aerosol generator.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge faces the distal end.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the airflow management component comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, and the distal sealing element is disposed in the proximal portion of the airflow management component.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the outer surface of the proximal portion of the airflow management component comprises a first projection and a second projection, and the distal sealing element is disposed between the first projection and the second projection.

6. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the outer diameter of the distal portion of the airflow management component is smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the airflow management component.

7. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the distal portion of the airflow management component protrudes from the distal end of the tubular sleeve element.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the airflow management component comprises a distal end wall.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein at least one air intake is located within the distal end wall.

10. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the distal end wall is a closed distal end wall.

11. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least one air intake is located within the tubular side wall of the airflow management component.

12. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the distal sealing element is provided as a sealing lip, or the distal sealing element is provided as an O-ring.

13. The internal unit comprises a tubular sealing component provided proximal to the tubular heater component, the sealing component comprising a tubular element surrounding a portion of the airflow path, and a proximal sealing element disposed on the outer surface of the tubular element, The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the internal unit is axially movable with respect to the sleeve element from a blocked position in which the proximal sealing element is disposed to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel, to an open position in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

14. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the airflow management component and the tubular heater component are configured as separate structural components connected along the longitudinal axis of the internal unit.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14, referencing claim 11, wherein the tubular sealing component is configured as a separate structural component, and the tubular sealing component is connected to the tubular heater component along the longitudinal axis of the internal unit.

16. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece.

17. an aerosol generation system, The cartridge according to claim 1, Aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device having a cavity disposed to receive at least the distal portion of the cartridge, wherein the cavity is at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil.

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