Cartridge with Retaining Element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device, comprising: a liquid storage portion (92) for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an internal airflow path (14) extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; and a tubular internal unit (10) surrounding at least a portion of the airflow path, the internal unit comprising a tubular heater component (40) having a susceptor element (42), the susceptor element being located within the airflow path and configured to evaporate a liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion; and a distal end of the tubular internal unit comprising a retaining element (70) for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with 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 may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may include a heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or part of the cartridge.

[0003] Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in 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. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate out of the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate from a capillary component of a heating element. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may reduce or avoid leakage of droplets from the aerosol-forming substrate out of the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may improve the user experience. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may be more comfortably handled by a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] Figures 1a to 1c show a tubular inner unit of a cartridge for use with 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 with an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 4a and 4b show an aerosol generation system. [Figure 5] 5a and 5b show a heater component of a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] 6a and 6b show heater and airflow management components of a cartridge for use with 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may have an internal airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may further include a tubular internal unit surrounding at least a portion of the airflow path. The internal unit may include a tubular heater component. The tubular heater component may include a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be located within the airflow path and may be configured to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid reservoir. The distal end of the tubular internal unit may include a retaining element for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The retaining element may prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge further includes an internal airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. A tubular internal unit is present within the cartridge, the tubular internal unit surrounding at least a portion of the airflow path. The internal unit includes a tubular heater component including a susceptor element. The susceptor element is located within the airflow path and configured to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion. The distal end of the tubular internal unit includes a retention element for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

[0008] The cartridge may reduce or avoid leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Specifically, the cartridge may prevent leakage from a susceptor element that receives the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion due to the retaining element. The cartridge may also prevent leakage of droplets of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate that may recondense in the internal airflow path. Reducing leakage from the cartridge may enhance the user experience when handling the cartridge. Reducing leakage from the cartridge may also make it easier for users to handle the cartridge. The retaining element may be configured to reliably receive the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

[0009] 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 may be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom and top basal planes.

[0010] The bottom base of the tubular element lies in a bottom base plane. The top base of the tubular element lies in a top base plane. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be circular. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be non-circular, for example, elliptical, stadium-shaped, or rectangular. One or both of the bottom and top bases may be open.

[0011] 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 rectangular parallelepiped.

[0012] 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 be coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0013] The retaining element may comprise a closed distal end wall of the tubular inner unit, which may provide the retaining element with a particular suitability for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path of the cartridge.

[0014] The retaining element may be shaped as a trough, which may allow the retaining element to collect and receive a larger amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] The susceptor element may include a first planar major surface.

[0016] This may enhance the formation of aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as a large amount of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may evaporate over the first planar major surface located in the airflow path.

[0017] The susceptor element may include a second planar major surface, which may be opposite the first planar major surface.

[0018] Providing one or both of the first and second planar major surfaces of the susceptor element may increase the surface of the susceptor element available for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Providing one or both of the first and second planar major surfaces of the susceptor element may also increase the overall rate of formation of the aerosol.

[0019] As used herein, the term "planar major surface" refers to a plane of an object that is the planar surface of the object that has the largest area. A plane refers to a surface that lies in a two-dimensional plane or substantially flat surface in two dimensions.

[0020] For example, the shape of a flat rectangular metal sheet may typically be described by two parallel, opposing planar major surfaces and four smaller surfaces perpendicular to and extending between the two planar major surfaces, which may be equal in size and may be described as a first planar major surface and a second planar major surface.

[0021] The susceptor element may be a substantially planar susceptor element.The susceptor element may be a substantially planar susceptor element comprising opposed first and second planar major surfaces.

[0022] As used herein, the term "planar susceptor element" may refer to a three-dimensional object having two opposing planar major surfaces that define the length and width of the object. The thickness of the object is substantially less than the length and width of the object. For example, the thickness of the object may be no more than one-fifth of each of the length and width of the object. A slight curvature of one or both of the generally planar major surfaces may be acceptable. Small protrusions extending perpendicular to the major surfaces, such as side legs or curved end portions, may also be acceptable, as long as the overall extension of the length and width dimensions substantially exceeds the thickness of the object.

[0023] The internal unit may include an airflow management component. The airflow management component may be configured to manage airflow within the internal airflow path. Specifically, the airflow management component may be provided to direct airflow upstream of the susceptor element. The airflow management component may be provided distal to the tubular heater component. The distal airflow management component may include a tubular sidewall that surrounds a portion of the internal airflow path. The retaining element may form a distal end of the airflow management component.

[0024] Providing such airflow management components with the retaining element may allow for modular assembly of the cartridge, which may allow for easy integration of the retaining element as a component into the internal unit.

[0025] The tubular sidewall of the airflow management component may include at least one air inlet. The at least one air inlet may allow ambient air to enter the internal airflow path. This may allow ambient air to reach the susceptor element. This may allow aerosol generation from the ambient air and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporated from the susceptor element.

[0026] By providing at least one air inlet in the tubular side wall, leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the internal airflow path through the at least one air inlet may be reduced or avoided, for example, droplets that fall within the internal airflow path toward the distal end may not easily enter the air inlet provided in the tubular side wall.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one air inlet may be located spaced from the distal end of the airflow management component.

[0028] This may leave sufficient space at the distal end of the airflow management component to receive the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the retaining element, which may avoid interference between the retaining element and air entering the internal airflow path through the at least one air inlet.

[0029] The airflow management component may comprise an airflow directing element. The airflow directing element may be configured to direct airflow across the susceptor element. The airflow directing element may extend from a distal end of the airflow management component.

[0030] This may allow the airflow directing element to direct air over the susceptor element so as to enhance aerosol generation from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0031] This may enable the airflow directing element to reliably direct ambient air entering the internal airflow path through the at least one air inlet towards the susceptor element, which may also provide two separate troughs in the retaining element for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

[0032] The airflow directing element may be centrally located within the internal airflow path.

[0033] This may allow the airflow directing element to direct a large amount of air across the susceptor element.

[0034] The airflow directing element may comprise at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular sidewall into the interior airflow path.

[0035] This may allow the airflow directing element to sufficiently separate the airflow through the internal airflow path into two main airflows, which may be reliably directed across the susceptor element.

[0036] The airflow management component may be formed as a monolithic member.

[0037] This may allow the airflow management components to reliably direct air in the internal airflow path across the susceptor elements.

[0038] The cartridge may also include a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component, which may prevent leakage of additional liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge.

[0039] The distal end of the tubular inner unit may form the distal end of the cartridge, which may allow the tubular inner unit to surround a portion of the airflow path of the cartridge located at the distal end.

[0040] The cartridge may further include a tubular sleeve element surrounding at least a portion of the internal unit. The liquid supply channel may be disposed between the internal unit and the sleeve element. There may also be a wick element disposed to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

[0041] This may provide a particularly simple way to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir of the cartridge to the susceptor liquid supply channel.

[0042] 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 internal airflow path, The fluid-permeable wall portion may be formed by two slits in opposing side walls of the tubular heater element.

[0043] The cartridge may include a wick element arranged to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel to the susceptor element.

[0044] The heater component may include a wick element that may extend from the internal airflow path through two slits in opposing side walls of the tubular heater component and into the liquid feed channel.

[0045] The wick element may extend transversely through the internal airflow passage and may protrude from the internal airflow passage through a slit into the liquid feed channel.

[0046] This may allow the transfer of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element via capillary action.

[0047] The core element may include one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

[0048] The tubular heater component may include a tubular heater component internal sidewall. The tubular heater component internal sidewall may form a continuous internal sidewall with the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. The continuous internal sidewall may surround a portion of the internal airflow path between the at least one air inlet and the susceptor. The tubular internal unit may comprise a primarily continuous internal sidewall. The tubular internal unit may comprise a continuous internal sidewall.

[0049] The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may lie in a plane extending through the internal airflow path. The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may define a plane extending through the internal airflow path. The plane may be considered an open-ended plane. The plane may be considered a geometric construct extending beyond the physical ends of the susceptor element. The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may define a plane extending through the internal airflow path between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge. The plane may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular inner unit, the longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge.

[0050] If a second opposing planar major surface is present in the susceptor element, the plane may be defined as extending through the center of the susceptor element between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface.

[0051] At least one air inlet may be located at a position within the tubular sidewall that is rotated out of the plane. A rotation angle may be defined, which may describe the rotation of the position of the at least one air inlet out of the plane along the circumference of the tubular sidewall. At least one air inlet may be located at a position within the tubular sidewall that is rotated out of the plane by 20 to 90 degrees, optionally by 30 to 90 degrees, optionally by 40 to 90 degrees, optionally by 50 to 90 degrees, optionally by 60 to 90 degrees, optionally by 70 to 90 degrees, optionally by 80 to 90 degrees, optionally by about 90 degrees. At least one air inlet located at 0 degrees may be located in the plane. At least one air inlet located at 90 degrees may be located perpendicular to the plane.

[0052] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from the susceptor element may flow along the tubular sidewall toward the retaining element. The leaking liquid aerosol-forming substrate may flow along the plane and along the tubular sidewall. The leaking liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be less likely to leak through the at least one air inlet if the at least one air inlet is located at a position within the tubular sidewall that rotates out of the plane.

[0053] The two air inlets may be on opposite sides of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. A straight line, an "air inlet line," may be drawn through the centers of the two air inlets. This air inlet line may be perpendicular to the planar major surface of the susceptor component.

[0054] This may reduce or avoid leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the susceptor element through the two air inlets.

[0055] A straight line, a "slit line," may be drawn through the center of two slits in the opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component into the liquid feed channel. This slit line may be oriented perpendicular to the air inlet line. This may reduce or avoid leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the two air inlets from the wick element extending through the two slits.

[0056] The tubular inner unit may include at least one air inlet at a position distal to the susceptor element. The tubular inner unit may include two air inlets at a position distal to the susceptor element. The tubular inner unit may include two air inlets disposed at right angles on opposite sides of a plane. A line extending through both centers of the two air inlets may be disposed perpendicular to the plane. A line extending through both centers of the two air inlets may be disposed perpendicular to the planar main surface of the susceptor element.

[0057] A distal sealing element of the airflow management component may be configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel.

[0058] This may also provide a cartridge that may reduce or avoid leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the liquid reservoir and the liquid supply channel.

[0059] Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring, which may reliably seal the liquid supply channel located between the tubular sleeve element and the tubular inner unit.

[0060] 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 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 fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0061] Thus, movement of the internal unit relative to the sleeve element may allow the internal unit to move between a blocked position and an open position to block and enable fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0062] A distal end of the heater component may be connected to a proximal end of the airflow management component.A proximal end of the heater component may be connected to a distal end of the sealing component.

[0063] The sealing components, heater components, and airflow management components may be connected by plug connections.

[0064] The sealing components, heater components, and airflow management components may be connected along the longitudinal axis of the tubular inner unit.

[0065] The proximal sealing element may be provided as an O-ring. The tubular element may include guide means for holding 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 shut-off position.

[0066] The proximal sealing element may comprise a polymeric material, preferably an elastomeric material, which may be selected from one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber), and fluorocarbons.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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. Specifically, the proximal end portion of the cartridge may be formed as a mouthpiece.

[0069] 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, where the cartridge includes the mouthpiece and at least part of the liquid reservoir is included within the mouthpiece.

[0070] The liquid reservoir portion of the cartridge may surround a portion of the internal airflow path, which may allow for a compact design of the cartridge, with a portion of the tubular side wall surrounding the internal airflow path and also forming part of the liquid reservoir portion.

[0071] 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 comprise a connecting means configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device. The connecting means may be mechanical. The connecting means may comprise one or more springs. The one or more springs may be made of a plastic material, a metal material, or a combination thereof. The connecting means may comprise a magnetic connecting means.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may include a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol generation system also includes 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.

[0074] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein, the aerosol generation system further comprising an aerosol generator comprising a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge, the cavity being at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil.

[0075] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may be a heated chamber.

[0076] The inductor coil may be configured to heat a susceptor element contained within the cartridge, which may enable the generation of an aerosol formed from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and air.

[0077] 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 a retaining element of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

[0078] This may allow the internal unit of the cartridge to be moved 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 purchased, the retaining element 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 block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel when the cartridge is not inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0079] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may also be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The liquid reservoir may contain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0081] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavorant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed within the liquid reservoir portion of the cartridge.

[0082] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol and 1,3-butanediol). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin.

[0084] 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 may be an article that generates an aerosol that is inhalable by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device, or directly at the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. A cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0088] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generator with a cartridge, in which the aerosol generator and cartridge work together to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include two or more air inlets.

[0092] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

[0093] 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 for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The onset of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The onset may also be detected when the user activates a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0094] The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device, or a display that indicates the status of the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-forming substrate.

[0095] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply within an electrically operated or electric aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of a cartridge, aerosol generation device or system, or part or portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a cavity, the term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the area closest to the closed end.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device during use.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that heats when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may 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 positioned 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, thereby forming an aerosol.

[0099] The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features regarding susceptors may also 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 may 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 may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may 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 may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0100] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a steel layer.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in intimate contact to form a single, indestructible susceptor. In one particular embodiment, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0103] The intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanizing, and cladding.

[0104] The aerosol generating device may include a power source to power the heating element. The power source may include a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery). The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0105] 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). Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power source into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is provided to the induction coil.

[0106] The power supply may be adapted to supply power to the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequencies. For high frequency operation, a Class E power amplifier is preferred. 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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(s).

[0109] A power supply and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0110] The controller may be configured to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, so that the power supplied to the inductor coil may be controlled by conventional methods of duty cycle management.

[0111] 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 described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0112] Example E1. 1. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device, comprising: a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an internal airflow path extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge; a tubular inner unit surrounding at least a portion of the airflow path; the inner unit comprises a tubular heater element having a susceptor element, the susceptor element being positioned within the airflow path and configured to evaporate a liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid reservoir; A cartridge wherein the distal end of the tubular inner unit comprises a retaining element for receiving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path.

[0113] Example E2. A cartridge according to an embodiment according to embodiment E1, wherein the holding element comprises a closed distal end wall of the tubular inner unit.

[0114] Example E3. The cartridge according to any one of embodiments E1-E2, wherein the retaining element is formed as a trough.

[0115] Example E4. A cartridge according to any one of embodiments E1 to E3, wherein the internal unit comprises an airflow management component provided distally to the tubular heater component, the distal airflow management component comprising a tubular sidewall surrounding a portion of the internal airflow path, and the retaining element forms a distal end of the airflow management component.

[0116] Example E5. A cartridge according to any one of embodiments E1-E4, wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component is provided with at least one air intake port, preferably the at least one air intake port being located away from the distal end of the airflow management component.

[0117] Example E6. A cartridge according to either embodiment E4 or E5, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow directing element, the airflow directing element configured to direct airflow across the susceptor element, preferably the airflow directing element extending from a distal end of the airflow management component.

[0118] Example E7. The cartridge according to any one of embodiments E1-E6, wherein the airflow directing element is centrally located within the internal airflow path.

[0119] Example E8. A cartridge according to either embodiment E6 or E7, wherein the airflow directing element comprises at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular sidewall into the internal airflow path.

[0120] Example E9. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E4-E8, wherein the airflow management component is formed as a monolithic member.

[0121] Example E10. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E4-E9, comprising a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.

[0122] Example E11. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E1-E10, wherein the distal end of the tubular inner unit forms the distal end of the cartridge.

[0123] Example E12. 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 cartridge according to any of embodiments E1-11, further comprising a wick element arranged to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel to the susceptor element.

[0124] Example E13. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E1-E12, wherein the wick element comprises one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

[0125] Example E14. The cartridge according to embodiment E10 in combination with any of embodiments E12 or E13, wherein the distal sealing element is configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel, preferably the sealing element is an O-ring.

[0126] Example E15. the internal unit further comprises a 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 according to any of embodiments E12 to E14, 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 moves to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0127] Example E16. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E1-E15, wherein a proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece, and preferably the liquid reservoir is at least partially comprised within the mouthpiece.

[0128] Example E17. The cartridge according to any of embodiments E1-E16, wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds a portion of the internal airflow path.

[0129] Example E18. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments; 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.

[0130] Example E19. An aerosol generating system according to any of embodiments E1 to E18, wherein the aerosol generating device has a pin element protruding from the distal end face of the cavity and arranged to press against the retaining element of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

[0131] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0132] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0133] In the following, elements having the same functionality are designated with the same reference numerals throughout all figures.

[0134] 1-6 below, one embodiment of a cartridge is described, in which the internal unit comprises a proximal tubular sealing component, an intermediate heater component, and a distal airflow management component. Additionally, Figures 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of the airflow management component with different retention elements.

[0135] 1a shows the tubular inner unit 10 of an aerosol generating device in an exploded configuration. The inner unit 10 comprises a proximal tubular sealing component 20, an intermediate tubular heater component 40 with a susceptor element (not shown) within its hollow interior, and a distal tubular airflow management component 60.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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 held in place axially between first and second protrusions 66, 67 of airflow management component 60.

[0138] 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 plugs into the proximal end of the airflow management component 60. The proximal end of the heater component 40 plugs into the distal end of the sealing component 20. The plugging action is indicated by arrows in Figure 1a.

[0139] 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 internal airflow path 14 is surrounded by the tubular inner unit 10. The internal airflow path 14 passes through the susceptor 42 of the heater component 40.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The mouthpiece 90 includes a liquid reservoir 92 that surrounds a portion of the internal 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 internal 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.

[0143] 3a shows a cartridge 100 in which an air inlet 68 is located within the tubular sidewall 62 of the airflow management component 60. The air inlet 68 is therefore located spaced apart 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 the closed distal end wall of the airflow management component 60.

[0144] The inner unit 10 is axially movable with respect 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 moves 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 cartridge in the blocking position is available for purchase and is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0145] In the open position shown in Figure 3b, the proximal sealing element 24 moves away from the interior 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 into 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 and prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the liquid supply channel 82 at its distal end in the open position.

[0146] The distal portion of the inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 may slide within the proximal portion of the tubular element 22 of the sealing component 20 when the inner unit 10 moves axially from the closed position shown in Figure 3a to the open position shown in Figure 3b. This axial movement may occur when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0147] The heater element 40 includes a fluid-permeable wall portion 44 disposed to permit movement of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid feed channel 82 into the internal airflow path 14 and toward the susceptor element 42 .

[0148] 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.

[0149] The aerosol generating device 200 includes a pin element 230 protruding from a distal end surface 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. Specifically, the pin element 230 is arranged to push the retaining element 70 of the internal unit 10. 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 may move toward the susceptor 42.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4b, when the distal portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted into the cavity 210, the susceptor 42 of the cartridge 100 is positioned within the cavity 210, such that the alternating current applied to the inductor coil 220 induces a current in the susceptor 42, creating an alternating magnetic field that heats the susceptor 42.

[0151] Ambient air may enter the aerosol generation system via 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.

[0152] Airflow path 240 is shown as a dotted line in Figure 4b. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate located in proximity to or in contact with the heated susceptor 42 may volatilize due to the high temperature in the area of the susceptor 42. The volatilized material may be entrained by the airflow and may travel downstream along airflow path 240 and through the air outlet at the proximal end 94 of the cartridge 100, where the ripened aerosol may be inhaled by a user.

[0153] The distal end of the cartridge 100 may be provided with a connecting means (not shown), e.g., 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).

[0154] 5a and 5b show an 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 positioned to transfer 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 internal airflow path 14 is sandwiched by the susceptor element 42, describing a U-shape.

[0155] The core element 46 is planar. The U-shape includes a first planar major surface 42A of the susceptor element 42 provided on a first surface of the planar core element 46 and a second planar major surface of the susceptor element 42 provided on a second surface opposite the planar core element 46. The second planar major surface of the susceptor element 42 is not shown in FIG. 5A. The core element 46 and the susceptor element 42 together form a substantially flat or planar structure centrally disposed within the internal airflow path 14. FIG. 5A also shows a plane 102 defined by the center of the susceptor element 42 between the first planar major surface 42A and the second planar major surface. This plane 102 extends centrally through the internal airflow path 14 along the tubular sidewall.

[0156] Figures 6a and 6b show an alternative embodiment of heater component 40 and airflow management component 60 in an exploded (Figure 6a) and assembled (Figure 6b) configuration. Unlike the embodiment of Figures 1a-1c, in the embodiment of Figures 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.

[0157] The U-shaped susceptor 42 (not shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b ) defines a plane extending centrally through the internal airflow pathway 14 between its proximal and distal ends. The plane extends through the center of the planar core element 46 and parallel to the first and second surfaces of the planar core element 46. The air inlet 68 is located at a location on the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component 60 that rotates out of that plane. Specifically, the air inlet 68 is located perpendicular to the plane. This may reduce the risk of leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the susceptor element and flowing distally along the internal sidewall through the air inlet 68.

[0158] 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 directing element 72. The airflow management component 60 separates the retaining element 70 into two separate troughs for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrates. The arrows labeled with reference numeral 61 indicate the flow of leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the susceptor element 42 and the internal airflow path 14 into the retaining element 70. Thus, the retaining element 70 can receive one or both of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the susceptor element 42 and condensed droplets of liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the internal airflow path 14. The retaining element 70 can be formed by the closed distal end wall of the tubular inner unit 10, specifically 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 internal airflow path 14 through the air inlet 68 across the surface of the susceptor element 42. The liquid passage 16, indicated by the hatched arrow, is sealed by the distal sealing element 64.

[0159] FIG. 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 retention element 70 but lacks an airflow directing element 72. The retention element 70 is configured to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrates that leak either from the susceptor element 42 or from the internal airflow path 14, as indicated by arrow 61. The plane 102 shown in FIG. 5A extends along the plane of the paper in FIG. 7B. Therefore, FIG. 7B shows a line 102A representing a cross section of the plane 102A shown in FIG. 5A. This cross section 102A shows that the plane 102 extends through the cross section of the susceptor element 42 along the internal airflow path 14. Both air inlets 68 are rotated out of the plane 102. Specifically, a line 104 extending through the center of both air inlets 68 is disposed perpendicular to the plane 102 spanned by the planar susceptor element. This is indicated in FIG. 7b by the angle 106 between line 102A and line 104 being 90 degrees. This positioning of the air inlets relative to the plane or susceptor may reduce or prevent leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the susceptor element and flowing distally along the interior sidewall through these air inlets. This is indicated by arrow 61 extending along cross section 102A of plane 102 toward retaining element 70.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an internal airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; a tubular inner unit surrounding at least a portion of the airflow path; the internal unit comprises a tubular heater element having a susceptor element, the susceptor element being positioned within the airflow path and configured to evaporate a liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion; a distal end of the tubular inner unit comprising a retaining element for receiving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the internal airflow path; the internal unit comprises an airflow management component provided distally to the tubular heater component, the airflow management component comprising a tubular sidewall surrounding a portion of the internal airflow path; A cartridge wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component comprises at least one air inlet.

2. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the susceptor element has a planar major surface, the planar major surface defining a plane through the internal airflow path, and the at least one air intake port is located at a position within the tubular side wall that rotates out of the plane.

3. 3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the at least one air inlet is located at a location within the tubular sidewall that is rotated 90 degrees out of the plane.

4. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining element comprises a closed distal end wall of the tubular inner unit.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retaining element is formed as a trough.

6. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retaining element forms the distal end of the airflow management component.

7. The cartridge of claim 6 , wherein the at least one air inlet is located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component.

8. 8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow directing element configured to direct airflow across the susceptor element, preferably the airflow directing element extending from the distal end of the airflow management component.

9. The cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the airflow directing element is centrally located within the internal airflow path.

10. 10. The cartridge of claim 8 or 9, wherein the airflow directing element comprises at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular side wall into the internal airflow path.

11. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distal end of the tubular inner unit forms the distal end of the cartridge.

12. 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 cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a wick element arranged to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

13. The cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the core element comprises one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

14. 14. A cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cartridge comprises a distal sealing element and the distal sealing element is configured to seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel, preferably the sealing element being an O-ring.

15. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece, preferably the liquid reservoir being at least partly comprised within the mouthpiece.

16. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds a portion of the internal airflow path.

17. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16; an aerosol generating device having a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge, the cavity being at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil;

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