Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

An aerosol-generating material transfer component (200) for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. The aerosol-generating material transfer component comprises at least one electrically conductive portion (201) and at least one electrically insulating portion (202). An article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol-generating material transfer component and an aerosol-generating component (100) having planar heating sections (101) spaced apart along a connecting section (102).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-forming material transfer component for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, an article comprising the aerosol-forming material transfer component, and a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising the article. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that generate aerosols for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically include an aerosol-generating component that can convert an aerosolizable material into an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol, in which the aerosolizable material is first vaporized and then allowed to condense into an aerosol. In other examples, the aerosol generated is an aerosol resulting from atomization of the aerosolizable material. Such atomization can be induced mechanically, for example, by subjecting the aerosolizable material to vibration to form small particles of the material that are entrained in an airflow. Alternatively, such atomization can be induced electrostatically or in other ways, such as by using pressure.

[0003] Because such aerosol delivery systems are intended to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user, the characteristics of the aerosol generated should be considered, which may include the size of the aerosol particles, the total amount of aerosol generated, etc.

[0004] Control of these various characteristics is particularly important when the aerosol delivery system is used to simulate a smoking experience, for example, as an e-cigarette or similar product, as the user may expect a particular sensory experience to result from use of the system.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery system with improved control of these properties. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating material transfer component for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the aerosol-generating material transfer component comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the aerosol-generating material transfer component comprises at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion. In one embodiment, the exterior surface comprising the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion is continuous. In one embodiment, the exterior surface comprising the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion is substantially planar.

[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one conductive portion comprises several conductive portions.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one electrically insulating portion completely separates several conductive portions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion are arranged in alternating layers.

[0011] In one embodiment, the alternating layers alternate horizontally.

[0012] In one embodiment, the alternating layers alternate vertically.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed within a recess within the other of the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed within a recess in the at least one electrically conductive portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one conductive portion is disposed within a recess in the at least one electrically insulating portion. In one embodiment, each conductive portion is disposed within a respective recess in the at least one electrically insulating portion.

[0016] In one aspect, the aerosol-forming material transport component is porous. In one aspect, the aerosol-forming material transport component is a wick.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one electrically conductive portion is thermally conductive.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one electrically conductive portion has a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / mK at atmospheric pressure and 20°C.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one conductive portion includes or is formed of a metallic material.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system, the article comprising: an aerosol-generating material transfer component comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion; an aerosol-generating component; Equipped with an aerosol-generating material transfer component positioned to deliver the aerosolizable material to the aerosol-generating component; at least one electrically insulating portion is positioned to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the aerosol-generating material transport component; The goods are provided.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one electrically conductive portion is capable of or is positioned in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed between sections of at least one conductive portion that is capable of or disposed in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol generating component.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one conductive portion comprises several conductive portions, each of which is capable of or is positioned in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol generating component.

[0024] In one embodiment, the aerosol generation component comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, each of which may be disposed at a respective end of the aerosol generation component.

[0025] In one aspect (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion and a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component), the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transport component.

[0026] In one aspect (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion and a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component), the percentage reduction (X) from the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component to the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transfer component is defined by the following formula:

[0027] X=100*((R AGC -R AGTC ) / R AGC ) In the formula, R AGC is the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component, and R AGTCis the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transport component, and X is at least 5%.

[0028] In one aspect (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion and a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component), during use, the current path between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transport component is longer than the current path between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component.

[0029] In one aspect (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion and each portion of the aerosol-generating component), during use, the current path between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transport component is serpentine.

[0030] In one aspect, the aerosol-generating component is formed from an electrically conductive material.

[0031] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component has a viscosity of at least 1×10 at atmospheric pressure and 20° C. 5 It has a conductivity of S / m.

[0032] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component has a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / mK at atmospheric pressure and 20°C.

[0033] In one aspect, the aerosol-generating component includes or is formed of a metallic material.

[0034] In one aspect, the aerosol-generating component is substantially planar.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component comprises at least one elongated aperture.

[0036] The aerosol-forming material transfer component may be characterized according to any of the features of the aerosol-forming material transfer component of the above aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol supply system comprising: an article comprising an aerosol-generating material transfer component having at least one conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion; and an aerosol-generating component formed of a conductive material, wherein the aerosol-generating material transfer component is arranged to deliver aerosolizable material to the aerosol-generating component, and the at least one electrically insulating portion is arranged to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the aerosol-generating material transfer component; and a device for connecting to the article and delivering power to the aerosol-generating component, wherein the device comprises one or more of a power source and a controller.

[0038] The article may be characterized according to any of the features of the article of the above aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] Various embodiments will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating material transfer component of an article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating component of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating material transfer component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating component of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aerosol generation component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating material transfer component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating material transfer component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of an aerosol-generating component and an aerosol-generating material transfer component according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the aerosol-generation component of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are explained / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and will not be explained / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the articles and systems described herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0042] As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, non-combustion aerosol delivery systems and articles that generate aerosols from aerosol-generating materials (also referred to herein as aerosolizable materials) without burning the aerosol-generating materials. Examples of such systems include electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems, and hybrid systems (which generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials). In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement of the present disclosure. In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, in which one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials in such a hybrid system may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, hybrid systems include a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material, which may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0043] Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, however, it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustion aerosol (vapor) delivery systems or devices such as those described above.

[0044] In some examples, the present disclosure relates to consumables for holding aerosol-generating materials configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as "articles" throughout this disclosure.

[0045] A non-combustion aerosol delivery system typically includes a device portion (also referred to herein as a "device") and a consumable / item portion (also referred to herein as an "item"). The device portion typically includes a power source and a controller. The power source may typically be a power source, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0046] In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving or engaging the consumable / item, an aerosol generator (which may or may not be within the consumable / item), an aerosol-generating area (which may be within the consumable / item), a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0047] In some examples, consumables / items for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery systems may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (also referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosolizable material), an aerosol-generating material transport component (e.g., a wick such as a pad), an aerosol generator (also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating component), an aerosol-generating area (also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating chamber), a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0048] The systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporizing an aerosol-forming material, which may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0049] The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, an active agent and / or a fragrance. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0050] The term "active substance" as used herein may refer to a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, a dietary supplement, a nootropic, or a psychotropic drug. The active substance may be naturally derived or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical substance.

[0051] The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol former material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0052] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0053] As used herein, the term "component" refers to a part, section, unit, module, assembly, or the like of an electronic cigarette or similar device, possibly incorporating several smaller parts or elements within an outer housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or constructed from one or more such components, which may be removably or separably connectable to one another or may be permanently joined to one another during manufacturing to define the entire electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable (but not limited to) to systems comprising two components removably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable / item component (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomizer) capable of holding an aerosol-generating material, and as a device / control unit having a battery for providing power to operate the elements for generating vapor from the aerosol-generating material.

[0054] 1 is a highly schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exemplary non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as an e-cigarette 10. The e-cigarette 10 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components: a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a device), and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an "article," "consumable," "cartomizer," or "cartridge") that operates as a vapor-generating component.

[0055] The cartridge assembly 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to herein as a reservoir) 3 that contains aerosolizable material, including (for example) a liquid formulation, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g., containing nicotine. By way of example, the aerosolizable material may contain approximately 1-3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder approximately propylene glycol, and possibly other ingredients such as water or flavorings. The storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, a container or receptacle that can store the aerosolizable material such that the aerosolizable material moves and flows freely (if liquid) within the tank only. Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material, such as wadding or glass fiber, that holds the aerosolizable material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be filled and sealed during manufacture so that it is disposable after consumption, or it may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosolizable material can be added. The cartridge assembly 30 also includes an electrical aerosol-generation component 4 positioned outside the reservoir tank 3 for generating an aerosol by vaporizing the aerosol-generating material. In many examples, the aerosol-generation component may be a heating element (heater) that is heated by the passage of an electric current (by resistive or inductive heating) to increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material until it evaporates. An aerosol-generating material-transporting component, such as a wick or other porous element (not shown), may be provided to deliver the aerosol-generating material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol-generating component 4. The wick may have one or more portions positioned inside the storage compartment 3 that can absorb the aerosol-generating material and transport it by wicking or capillary action to other portions of the wick that contact the aerosol-generating component 4. This vaporizes the aerosol-generating material and replaces it with new aerosol-generating material transported by the wick to the aerosol-generating component 4.

[0056] The combination of a heater and wick, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same function, is sometimes called an atomizer or atomizer assembly. Various designs are possible in which the parts may be arranged differently compared to the highly schematic illustration of FIG. 1. For example, the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol-generation component, or the aerosol-generation component may be configured to be porous and capable of performing the wicking function directly (e.g., by taking the form of a suitable electrically resistive mesh or capillary body).

[0057] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material transfer component for delivering liquid for vapor generation may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes, or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol-generating component that are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid from the storage compartment and deliver the source liquid for vaporization. In general, an atomizer can be considered to be an aerosol-generating component that can generate vapor from an aerosolizable material delivered to it, and a liquid conduit (pathway) that can deliver or transport liquid from the storage compartment or similar liquid reservoir to the aerosol-generating component by capillary forces.

[0058] Typically, the aerosol-generating components are positioned at least partially within an aerosol-generating chamber that forms part of the airflow channel through the electronic cigarette / system. Vapor generated by the aerosol-generating components is forced into this chamber, and as air flows through the chamber and over and around the aerosol-generating components, the aerosol-generating components collect and condense the generated vapor to form the required aerosol.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 1, cartridge assembly 30 also includes mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by aerosol generation component 4 and delivered through the airflow channel.

[0060] The power component 20 includes a cell 5 (also referred to herein as a battery, which may be rechargeable) for powering the electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, particularly the aerosol-generating component 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and / or other electronics or circuitry for overall control of the e-cigarette. The control electronics / circuitry connects the vapor-generating component 4 to the battery 5 in response to a signal from an air pressure or airflow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 when vapor is needed, e.g., while air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the power component 20 and flows along an airflow channel. When the aerosol-generating component 4 receives power from the battery 5, it vaporizes the aerosolizable material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user through an opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along an airflow channel (not shown) connecting the air inlet 26 to the air outlet when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. Thus, an airflow path through the electronic cigarette is defined from the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be in the power component) to the atomizer and onto the air outlet at the mouthpiece. During use, the airflow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet; thus, the atomizer may be described as being downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.

[0061] In this particular example, the power section 20 and cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts that can be separated from one another by separating them in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as shown by the solid arrows in FIG. 1 . The components 20, 30 are joined together by cooperating engaging elements 21, 31 (e.g., threaded, magnetic, or bayonet fittings) that provide mechanical and electrical connections between the power section 20 and cartridge assembly 30 when the device 10 is in use. However, this is merely an exemplary arrangement, and various components may be distributed differently between the power section 20 and cartridge assembly section 30, and other components and elements may be included. The two sections may be connected to one another end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration, as shown in FIG. 1 , or in a different configuration, such as a parallel side-by-side arrangement. The system may or may not be generally cylindrical and / or may have a generally longitudinal shape. Either or both sections may be intended to be disposed of or replaced when depleted (e.g., when the reservoir is empty or the battery is dead), or may be intended to allow for multiple uses by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomizer. Alternatively, the e-cigarette 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable / rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are contained within a single body or housing. Examples of the present invention are applicable to any of these configurations, as well as others as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0062] As mentioned above, types of aerosol-generating components, such as heating elements, that may be utilized within the atomizing portion of an electronic cigarette (the portion configured to generate vapor from a source liquid) combine the functions of heating and liquid delivery by being both electrically conductive (electrically resistive) and porous. Note that reference to being electrically conductive (electrically resistive) refers to a component that has the property of generating heat in response to the flow of electric current therethrough. Such flow may be imparted via so-called resistive or inductive heating. One example of a suitable material for this purpose is a conductive material, such as a metal or metal alloy, formed in sheet form, i.e., a planar shape having a thickness many times smaller than the length or width of the material. Examples of this include meshes, webs, and grills. Meshes may be formed from metal wires or fibers woven together or may be aggregated into a nonwoven structure. For example, fibers may be aggregated by sintering, in which heat and / or pressure are applied to a collection of metal fibers to compress them into a single porous mass. It is possible for a planar aerosol generating component to define a curved plane, and in these instances, references to a planar aerosol generating component that forms a plane refer to an imaginary flat plane that forms a best fit plane through the component.

[0063] These structures can provide appropriately sized voids and gaps between the metal fibers to create capillary forces for liquid wicking. Therefore, these structures can also be considered porous, allowing for liquid uptake and distribution. Furthermore, the presence of voids and gaps between the metal fibers allows air to permeate the structure. Metals are also electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat. However, this type of structure is not limited to metals. Other electrically conductive materials can be formed into fibers to create mesh, grill, or web structures. Examples include ceramic materials, which may or may not be doped with substances intended to adjust the physical properties of the mesh.

[0064] This type of planar sheet-like porous aerosol-generating component can be positioned within an electronic cigarette within an aerosol-generating chamber that forms part of the airflow channel. The aerosol-generating component can be oriented within the chamber so that airflow through the chamber can flow in a surface direction, i.e., substantially parallel to the plane of the generally planar sheet-like aerosol-generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in International Publication Nos. 2010 / 045670 and 2010 / 045671, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Thus, air can flow over the heating element and collect vapor, resulting in highly effective aerosol generation. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating component can be oriented within the chamber so that airflow through the chamber can flow substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the plane of the generally planar sheet-like aerosol-generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in International Publication No. 2018 / 211252, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0065] The aerosol-generating component may have and / or be formed of any one of the following structures: woven or fabric structure, mesh structure, fabric structure, open-pore fibrous structure, open-pore sintered structure, open-pore foam, or open-pore deposited structure. The structures are particularly suited to providing an aerosol-generating component with a high degree of porosity. A high degree of porosity can ensure that the heat generated by the aerosol-generating component is primarily used to evaporate the liquid, resulting in high efficiency. A porosity of more than 50% may be assumed by the structure. In one embodiment, the porosity of the aerosol-generating component is 50% or more, 60% or more, or 70% or more. The open-pore fibrous structure may, for example, consist of a nonwoven fabric, which may optionally be compressed and further sintered to improve cohesion. The open-pore sintered structure may, for example, consist of a granular, fibrous, or cotton-like sintered composite fabricated by a film casting process. The open-pore deposited structure may, for example, be fabricated by a CVD process, a PVD process, or flame spraying. Open-pore foams are in principle commercially available and can also be obtained in thin pore designs.

[0066] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component has at least two layers, and the layer comprises at least one of the following structures: plate, foil, paper, mesh, woven structure, fabric, open-pore fibrous structure, open-pore sintered structure, open-pore foam, or open-pore stack structure. For example, the aerosol-generating component may be formed by an electrical heating resistor made of a metal foil combined with a structure containing a capillary structure. When the aerosol-generating component is considered to be formed from a single layer, such a layer may be formed from a metal wire cloth or a nonwoven metal fiber cloth. The individual layers are preferably, but not necessarily, connected to each other by a heat treatment such as sintering or welding. For example, the aerosol-generating component may be designed as a sintered composite made from one or more layers of stainless steel foil and stainless steel wire cloth (e.g., AISI 304 or AISI 316 material). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating component may be designed as a sintered composite made from at least two layers of stainless steel wire cloth. The layers may be connected to each other by spot welding or resistance welding. The individual layers may also be mechanically connected to one another. For example, a double-layer wire cloth can be fabricated by simply folding a single layer. Instead of stainless steel, for example, a heating conductor alloy may be used, particularly the NiCr and CrFeAl alloys "Kanthal," which have even higher electrical resistivity than stainless steel. The material connection between the layers is achieved by heat treatment, so that the layers remain in contact with one another even under adverse conditions, such as during heating by the aerosol-generating component and the resulting thermal expansion. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating component may be formed by sintering multiple individual fibers together. Thus, the aerosol-generating component may be composed of sintered fibers, such as sintered metal fibers.

[0067] The aerosol-generating component may comprise a thin, electrically conductive layer of an electrically resistive material, such as platinum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, or tantalum, applied to the vaporizer surface by a PVD or CVD process or any other suitable process. In this case, the aerosol-generating component may comprise an electrically insulating material, such as a ceramic. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include stainless steels such as AISI 304 or AISI 316, and heating conductor alloys, particularly NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys "Kanthal," such as DIN material numbers 2,4658, 2,4867, 2,4869, 2,4872, 1,4843, 1,4860, 1,4725, 1,4765, and 1,4767.

[0068] As mentioned above, the aerosol-generating component may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material, and may be in the form of a sheet. This type of material can be thought of as a mesh or irregular grid, created by sintering together a randomly aligned arrangement or array of spaced apart metal fibers or wires. A single layer of fibers, or several layers, e.g., up to five layers, may be used. By way of example, the metal fibers may have a diameter of 8-12 μm, be arranged into a sheet 0.16 mm thick, and be 150 g / m². 2 ~1000g / m 2 , 200g / m 2 ~500g / m 2 , or 200-250g / m 2 100g / m 2 ~1500g / m 2The fibers may be spaced apart to create a material density of 0.1 mm and a porosity of 84%. The sheet thickness may also be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, such as 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. Specific thicknesses include 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm, or 0.1 mm. Generally, the aerosol-generating component has a uniform thickness. However, it will be understood from the following description that the thickness of the aerosol-generating component may vary. This may be due, for example, to portions of the aerosol-generating component undergoing compression. Different fiber diameters and thicknesses may be selected to vary the porosity of the aerosol-generating component. For example, the aerosol-generating component may have a porosity of 66% or more, or 70% or more, or 75% or more, or 80% or more, or 85% or more, or 86% or more.

[0069] The aerosol-generating components may form a generally planar structure with first and second surfaces. The generally planar structure may take the form of any two-dimensional shape, such as a circle, semicircle, triangle, square, rectangle, and / or polygon.

[0070] The width and / or length of the aerosol-generating component can be from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. For example, the width and / or length of a vaporizer can be from 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. The width can generally be smaller than the length of the aerosol-generating component. It will be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol-generating component can be varied.

[0071] If the aerosol-generating component is formed from an electrically resistive material, an electric current can be passed through it to generate heat (so-called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol-generating component can be selected appropriately. For example, the aerosol-generating component can have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, such as 1.0 ohms or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less. Parameters of the aerosol-generating component, such as its material, thickness, width, length, porosity, etc., can be selected to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, a relatively lower resistance facilitates higher power draw from the power source, which may be preferable for achieving high-speed aerosolization. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low as to compromise the integrity of the aerosol generator. For example, the resistance should not be lower than 0.5 ohms. The aerosol generating component may have a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may be disposed at opposite ends of the aerosol generating component. An electrical resistance may be between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. Each of the electrical connectors may be for connecting to an electrical contact so that the aerosol generating component can be energized.

[0072] Planar aerosol-generating components, such as heating elements, suitable for use in the systems, devices, and articles disclosed herein can be formed by stamping or cutting (e.g., laser cutting) the required shape from a larger sheet of porous material. This can involve punching, cutting, or otherwise removing material to create openings in the aerosol-generating component. These openings can affect both the ability of air to pass through the aerosol-generating component and the tendency for electrical current to flow through certain areas.

[0073] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating component 100 for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 10, the aerosol-generating component 100 defining an axis X and comprising a plurality of generally planar heating sections 101 arranged along the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100 and spaced apart from one another, the plane of each heating section 101 being inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100.

[0074] Exemplary aerosol-generating components 100 are shown in Figures 2 through 8. The aerosol-generating components 100 are the same in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8. The aerosol-generating component 100 in Figure 6 is the same as that in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, except that the bevel angle has been changed in Figure 6, as described herein.

[0075] The inventors have discovered that, thanks to the obliquely inclined heating section 101, the aerosol-generating component 100 can be configured to effectively control the direction of airflow during use. For example, the aerosol-generating component 100 can be configured to divert airflow to a specific location or component during use (e.g., an aerosol-generating material transfer component or specific regions thereof). By effectively controlling airflow during use, improvements in aerosol generation and / or aerosol characteristics have been observed.

[0076] As used herein, "obliquely inclined" means an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°. The oblique angle (denoted as θ in the figures) may be at least 20°. The oblique angle may be at least 30°. The oblique angle may be at least 40°. The oblique angle may be at least 50°. The oblique angle may be at least 60°. The oblique angle may be at least 70°. The oblique angle may be at least 75°. The oblique angle may be 85° or less. The oblique angle may be 80° or less.

[0077] The axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100 may be selected from the longitudinal axis X of the aerosol-generating component 100, the lateral axis of the aerosol-generating component, and the axis X of the aerosol-generating component 100 along which air flows during use. In the embodiments of Figures 2 to 6, the axis X corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating component 100 and the axis of the aerosol-generating component 100 along which air flows during use. Those skilled in the art will understand that the definition of axis X may be varied.

[0078] The aerosol-generating component 100 may have opposing ends 100e, as shown in Figures 2 to 8. In this context, "end" may correspond to the point on the aerosol-generating component 100 where the longest dimension of the aerosol-generating component 100 terminates (see, e.g., Figures 3 and 5). In this context, "end" may correspond to the outermost edge of the outermost heating section 101 (see, e.g., Figures 3 and 5). For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, airflow can flow from a relatively central region of the aerosol-generating component 100 to and beyond the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component during use.

[0079] Heating section 101 may be positioned to divert the direction of airflow during use. The direction may be toward a particular location or component during use. For example, the direction may be toward aerosol-generating material transport component 200 (or a particular region thereof).

[0080] The heating section 101 may be inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X towards a particular direction. The heating section may be inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X towards the end 100e of the aerosol generation component 100.

[0081] For example, in the aerosol-generation component 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating section 101 includes a series of heating sections 101. The heating sections 101 may be arranged one after the other along the axis X. The series of heating sections 101 may be inclined obliquely relative to the axis X in a common direction. In particular, the series of heating sections 101 may be inclined obliquely relative to the axis X toward the same end 100e of the aerosol-generation component. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating sections 101 may be considered to form a "louver-like" configuration. During use, in the aerosol-generation component 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the series of heating sections 101 may be arranged to divert airflow toward the same end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 (i.e., toward the letter "X" in FIG. 2). The direction of the airflow is indicated by the curved arrows in FIG. 3. In the aerosol-generation component 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the oblique angles is the same. However, it will be appreciated that the oblique angle may be varied.

[0082] For example, in Figures 4 to 8, the heating section 101 includes a first series 101a of heating sections 101 and a second series 101b of heating sections 101. The heating sections 101 may be arranged consecutively one after the other along the axis X. The first series of heating sections 101a may be obliquely inclined relative to the axis X in a common direction. The second series of heating sections 101b may be obliquely inclined relative to the axis X in a common direction that may be opposite to the direction in which the first series of heating sections 101a are obliquely inclined. In particular, the first series 101a of heating sections 101 may be obliquely inclined relative to the axis X toward an end 100e of the aerosol generation component 100, and the second series 101b of heating sections 101 may be obliquely inclined relative to the axis X toward the opposite end 100e of the aerosol generation component 100. Thus, in Figures 4 to 8, the heating sections 101 may be considered to form a "chevron" configuration. In use, in Figures 4 to 8, the first series 101a of heating sections 101 can be arranged to divert airflow towards the end 100e of the aerosol generation component 100 (towards the letter "X"). In use, in Figures 4 to 8, the second series 101a of heating sections 101 can be arranged to divert airflow towards the opposite end 100e of the aerosol generation component 100 (away from the letter "X"). In Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, each of the bevel angles is the same. However, it will be understood that the bevel angle may be varied.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the aerosol generation component 100 may further comprise one or more connection sections 102. For example, the aerosol generation component 100 may comprise two connection sections 102. Opposing edges of each heating section 101 may be connected to a respective connection section 102. The connection sections 102 may be elongated or substantially linear. In this context, “connected” may mean “integrally connected” or “integrally formed.” The or each connection section 102 may extend in the direction of an axis X defined by the aerosol generation component 100. For example, the or each connection section 102 may be aligned with the axis X defined by the aerosol generation component 100. For example, the or each connection section 102 may be substantially parallel to the axis X defined by the aerosol generation component 100. Preferably, the connection section(s) 102 provide support for the heating section(s).

[0084] Each of the generally planar heating sections 101 may define an axis Y (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The axis Y may be the longitudinal axis Y of the heating section 101 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or the transverse axis of the heating section 101. The axis Y may be substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the aerosol generation component 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the definition of the axis Y may be varied.

[0085] The aerosol-generation component 100 in Figure 6 is the same as that in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, except that the bevel angles have been changed in Figure 6. For example, in Figure 6, the bevel angles (see, e.g., θ1) of the heating sections 101 closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 are different from the bevel angles (see, e.g., θ2) of the heating sections 101 further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100. For example, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 in the first series 101a closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 are different from the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 in the first series 101a further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100, and the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 in the second series 101b closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 are different from the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 in the second series 101b further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100. 6, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100 are smaller than the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100. More specifically, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the first series 101a closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100 are smaller than the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the first series 101a further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100, and the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the second series 101b closer to the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100 are smaller than the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the second series 101b further from the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100.

[0086] In some embodiments, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 gradually decrease as the proximity of the heating sections 101 to the end 101e of the aerosol-generation component 100 increases (see, for example, θ1 compared to θ2 in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the first series 101a gradually decrease as the proximity of the heating sections 101 to the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 increases. In some embodiments, the bevel angles of the heating sections 101 of the second series 101b gradually decrease as the proximity of the heating sections 101 to the end 100e of the aerosol-generation component 100 increases.

[0087] Advantageously, the use of various oblique angles can help direct airflow preferentially toward outer sections of the aerosol-generating component 100, such as toward outer sections of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. This can promote aerosol generation particularly in such outer sections of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. This, in turn, can result in improved and / or more consistent aerosol generation.

[0088] The aerosol-generating component 100 may include or be formed from one or more of a woven or textile structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fibrous structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam, and an open-pore deposited structure.

[0089] The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise or be formed of an electrically conductive material. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may include or be formed from an electrically resistive material. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may include or be formed from a metallic material. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may include or be formed from a metal. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may include or be formed from a metal alloy. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may include or be formed from stainless steel (such as stainless steel 316). The aerosol generating component 100 may be an electrically resistive heating element. The aerosol generating component 100 may be an inductive heating element.

[0090] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article 30 for use as part of an aerosol delivery system 10, the article 30 comprising: a housing having an airflow channel; and an aerosol-generating component 100 defining an axis X and comprising a plurality of generally planar heating sections 101, the generally planar heating sections 101 being arranged along the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100 and spaced apart from one another, the plane of each heating section 101 being inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100, the aerosol-generating component 100 being disposed within the airflow channel.

[0091] At least a portion of the airflow channel may be non-parallel (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the plane of the aerosol-generating component 100. As used herein, the plane of a generally planar aerosol-generating component 100 may be considered a best-fit plane through the aerosol-generating component 100. This allows for some curvature in the aerosol-generating component 100.

[0092] The aerosol-generation component 100 may be disposed within an aerosol-generation chamber. An airflow channel may extend through the aerosol-generation chamber.

[0093] Article 30 may include an aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4). Aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be as defined herein. Aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., spaced apart from) aerosol-generating component 100. Aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be capable of or positioned in direct contact with aerosol-generating component 100. For example, aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be positioned such that, during use, the aerosol-generating component can volatilize aerosolizable material within aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. Aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be supported by aerosol-generating component 100 or by other means.

[0094] The aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 may be porous. For example, the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 may be a wick.

[0095] During use, airflow entering the airflow channel can be diverted in one or more directions by the heating sections 101. For example, the airflow can be diverted by the heating sections 101 toward the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component and / or toward an outer section of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the airflow can be diverted by the first series 101a of heating sections 101 toward the end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100 and / or toward an outer section of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200, and the airflow can be diverted by the second series 101b of heating sections 101 toward the opposite end 100e of the aerosol-generating component 100 and / or toward the opposite outer section of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 (e.g., FIGS. 4 to 6).

[0096] The aerosol-generating component 100 may be characterized by any of the features of the aerosol-generating component 100 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0097] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol supply system 10 comprising: an article 30 comprising: a housing having an airflow channel; an aerosol generation component 100 defining an axis and comprising a plurality of generally planar heating sections 101, the heating sections 101 being arranged along the axis defined by the aerosol generation component 100 and spaced apart from one another, the plane of each heating section 101 being inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X defined by the aerosol generation component 100; and a device for connecting to the aerosol generation component 100 and delivering power to the aerosol generation component, the device comprising one or more of a power source and a controller.

[0098] The device can be configured to at least partially receive the article 30. For example, the device can include an opening for receiving the article 30.

[0099] Article 30 may be characterized by any of the features of article 30 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0100] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating component 100 for use as part of an aerosol delivery system (such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 10), the aerosol-generating component 100 defining an axis X and comprising a plurality of generally planar heating sections 101, the heating sections 101 being arranged along the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100 and spaced apart from one another, the plane of each heating section 100 being inclined obliquely with respect to the axis X defined by the aerosol-generating component 100, the method comprising cutting a generally planar sheet to define a plurality of blanks and twisting the blanks to provide the plurality of generally planar heating sections 101.

[0101] The aerosol-generating component 100 may be characterized by any of the features of the aerosol-generating component 100 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0102] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 is provided for use as part of an aerosol delivery system 10, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 comprising at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202.

[0103] Exemplary aerosol-generating material transfer components are shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9.

[0104] The inventors have discovered that during use of an article in which a conductive portion of an aerosol-generating material transfer component may come into direct contact with respective portions of the aerosol-generating component under certain conditions, there may be a risk of an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the conductive portion of the aerosol-generating material transfer component, which may degrade or damage the performance of the article and / or its components.

[0105] At least one electrically insulating portion 201 of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may provide an article (e.g., 30) in which the risk of an electrical short circuit between each portion of the aerosol-generating component 100 via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 is reduced or prevented. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the at least one electrically insulating portion 201 increases the electrical resistance of the current path between each portion of the aerosol-generating component 100 via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 compared to when the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 is formed solely of a conductive material (e.g., when there is direct contact between the at least one conductive portion and each portion of the aerosol-generating component). For example, the at least one electrically insulating portion 201 may be positioned to block the current path between each portion via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. In such an arrangement, the current path cannot traverse each portion via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 without being blocked by the at least one insulating portion 201. For example, at least one electrically insulating portion may be arranged such that the current path between each portion through aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 is serpentine. By increasing the electrical resistance of the current path between each portion through aerosol-forming material transfer component 200, the risk of an electrical short circuit between each portion through aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 can be reduced or prevented.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9, the outer surface of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 can include at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202. For example, the outer surface including the at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202 can be continuous. For example, the outer surface including the at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202 can be substantially planar. For example, the outer surface including the at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202 can be substantially flat. An imaginary flat plane can form a best-fit plane passing through the outer surface 102 including the at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202. Advantageously, these arrangements can facilitate improved delivery of aerosolizable material from the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 and the aerosol-generating component 100 during use.

[0107] An outer surface comprising at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 of the article 30. An outer surface comprising at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be positioned to face the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 of the article 30.

[0108] 2, 4, and 8, the at least one conductive portion 201 can include several conductive portions 201. For example, in each of Figures 2, 4, and 8, the at least one conductive portion 201 includes eight conductive portions 201. In some embodiments, the at least one electrically insulating portion can include several electrically insulating portions 202 (see, for example, Figure 2).

[0109] 2 and 4, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 completely separates the conductive portions 201. In this manner, a current path cannot extend between the conductive portions 201 without being interrupted by at least one electrically insulating portion 202. For example, the electrically insulating portion 202 may completely separate adjacent conductive portions 201. These arrangements are particularly effective in reducing or preventing short circuits during use.

[0110] The at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be arranged in alternating layers, as shown, for example, in Figures 2, 4, 7, and 9. With reference to Figures 2 and 4, the alternating layers may alternate horizontally. In contrast, with reference to Figures 7 and 9, the alternating layers may alternate vertically. Both arrangements can be used to reduce or prevent short circuits.

[0111] 7 to 9, one of the at least one conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be disposed within a recess within the other of the at least one conductive portion 201 and the at least one electrically insulating portion 202. That is, (A) at least one conductive portion 201; and (B) At least one electrically insulating portion 202 One of them is (A) at least one conductive portion 201, and (B) At least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be disposed within a recess within the other of the two.

[0112] 7 and 9, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be disposed within a recess of at least one conductive portion 201. For example, a (e.g., single) electrically insulating portion 202 may be disposed within a recess of a (e.g., single) conductive portion 201. When several electrically insulating portions 202 are present, each electrically insulating portion 202 may be disposed within a respective recess in at least one (e.g., single) conductive portion 201.

[0113] 8 and 9, at least one conductive portion 201 may be disposed within a recess of at least one electrically insulating portion 202. For example, if there are several conductive portions 201, each conductive portion 201 may be disposed within a respective recess of at least one (e.g., a single) electrically insulating portion 202. The conductive portions 201 may be disposed at intervals from one another.

[0114] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 can be porous. For example, the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 can be a wick. The aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 can be suitable for transferring the aerosolizable material by capillary action.

[0115] At least one conductive portion 201 has a resistance of at least 1×10 at atmospheric pressure and 20° C. 5 S / m (Siemens per meter), at least 2 x 10 5 S / m, at least 5 × 10 5 S / m, at least 1 × 10 6 S / m, at least 1.2 × 10 6 S / m, at least 1.4 × 10 6 S / m, or at least 1.4 × 10 6 It may have a conductivity of S / m.

[0116] The aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 can be thermally conductive. In this manner, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 can effectively distribute (and / or dissipate) heat so as to avoid or reduce the risk of localized "hot spots" forming during use. In contrast, localized "hot spots" can occur in aerosol-generating material transfer components with relatively low thermal conductivity, such as cotton. In cotton, these localized "hot spots" can unintentionally form carbonyls.

[0117] The aerosol-generating material transport component 200 may have a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / mK (watt per meter per Kelvin), at least 2 W / mK, at least 4 W / mK, at least 5 W / mK, at least 8 W / mK, at least 10 W / mK, at least 12 W / mK, at least 14 W / mK, or at least 15 W / mK at atmospheric pressure and 20°C.

[0118] At least one conductive portion 201 may include a metallic material. At least one conductive portion 201 may be formed of a metallic material. The metallic material may be a metal. The metallic material may be a metal alloy. The metal alloy may be stainless steel, for example, stainless steel 316.

[0119] 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the length (left to right) and depth (top to bottom) of aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that the width of aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 is substantially the same as the width of aerosol-generating component 100. Furthermore, it should be understood that the cross-section of aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 shown in these figures is constant throughout aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape and dimensions of aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may vary.

[0120] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an article 30 for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 10 is provided, the article comprising: an aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 comprising at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202; an aerosol-generating component 100; Equipped with an aerosol-generating material transfer component arranged to deliver aerosolizable material to the aerosol-generating component, and at least one electrically insulating portion arranged to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the aerosol-generating material transfer component; An item 30 is provided.

[0121] Exemplary aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 and aerosol-generating component 100 are shown together in Figures 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 can be as described according to any other embodiment of the present disclosure. Aerosol-generating component 100 can be as described according to any other embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In some embodiments, the at least one conductive portion 201 is capable of or is positioned in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100. The respective portions of the aerosol-generating component 100 are circled in FIG. 2 (but not in other figures). As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 4, 7, and 8, the at least one conductive portion 201 may be capable of direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100. By "capable of direct contact," we mean that the at least one conductive portion 201 can, but need not, be in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100. In other words, the at least one conductive portion 201 may be positioned at a distance from a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100 such that an empty space is provided between the at least one conductive portion 201 and the respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100. In this manner, direct contact between the at least one conductive portion 201 and the respective portions of the aerosol-generating component 100 may occur, for example, through normal use of the article 30, which may cause relative movement of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 and / or the aerosol-generating component 100. In contrast, "direct contact" between the at least one conductive portion 201 and the respective portions of the aerosol-generating component 100 is shown in FIG.

[0123] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be arranged between sections of at least one conductive portion 201 that are capable of or arranged in direct contact with the respective portions of the aerosol generating component 100.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, the at least one conductive portion 201 may include several conductive portions 201. Each of the several conductive portions 201 may be in direct contact or may be arranged to be in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol generation component 100. For example, in FIG. 2, the at least one conductive portion 201 includes eight conductive portions 201, each section of which is in direct contact or is arranged in direct contact with a respective heating section 101. For example, in FIG. 4, the at least one conductive portion 201 includes eight conductive portions 201, each section of which is in direct contact or is arranged in direct contact with a respective heating section 101a, 101b. Similarly, in FIG. 8, the at least one conductive portion 201 includes eight conductive portions 201, each section of which is in direct contact or is arranged in direct contact with a respective heating section 101a, 101b.

[0125] 7 and 9, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 comprises a single conductive portion 201. Each section of this conductive portion 201 may be directly contactable (as shown in FIG. 7) or may be positioned to be in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100 (as shown in FIG. 9).

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may completely separate the conductive portions 201. In this manner, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 may be arranged to block a current path between each portion of the aerosol-generating component 100 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. In such an arrangement, a current path cannot cross each portion through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 without being blocked by at least one insulating portion 202. This can significantly reduce the risk of or prevent a short circuit between each portion through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. For example, in FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 includes seven electrically insulating portions 202, each stacked between adjacent conductive portions 201 such that each adjacent conductive portion 201 is completely separated by the electrically insulating portion 202. For example, in Figure 4, the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 includes seven electrically insulating portions 202 (not all of which are numbered), with each electrically insulating portion 202 stacked between each adjacent conductive portion 201 (not all of which are numbered) such that each adjacent conductive portion 201 is completely separated by the electrically insulating portion 202. In Figure 8 (and Figure 9), the aerosol-generating material transfer component includes a single electrically insulating portion 202, with a section of the electrically insulating portion 202 extending between each adjacent conductive portion 201 such that each adjacent conductive portion 201 is completely separated by the electrically insulating portion 202.

[0127] Such separation is not present in Figures 7 and 9. Rather, in some embodiments, such as Figures 7 and 9, at least one electrically insulating portion 202 is arranged so that the current path between each portion through the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 is serpentine. For example, in Figures 7 and 9, the current path between each portion of the aerosol-generating element 100 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be bridge-shaped (e.g., in Figure 7, if the outermost heating section 101 is displaced so that the electrically conductive portion 201 contacts the left and right sides of the electrically insulating portion 202, respectively).

[0128] In some embodiments, at least one electrically conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202 are arranged in alternating layers (e.g., as described above). For example, in Figure 2, four electrically conductive portions 201 and three electrically insulating portions 202 are arranged in alternating layers. For example, in Figure 4, eight electrically conductive portions 201 (not all are numbered) and seven electrically insulating portions 202 (not all are numbered) are arranged in alternating layers. The layers may alternate along the axis (e.g., longitudinal axis or lateral axis) of the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200.

[0129] The aerosol-generation component 100 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material by heating. For example, the heating section 101 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material by heating.

[0130] The aerosol generation component 100 may include a first electrical connector 103 and a second electrical connector 104. The electrical connectors 103, 104 may take any form that allows for electrical connection with electrical contacts. For example, the electrical connectors 103, 104 may simply contact the electrical contacts to form an electrical connection, or may include fastening means for secure connection to the electrical contacts. Each electrical connector 103, 104 may be located at a respective end of the aerosol generation component 100.

[0131] The aerosol-generating component 100 may comprise at least one elongated opening 105 (see FIG. 10 ), such as a plurality of elongated openings (apertures). As used herein, "opening" requires a through-hole. The elongated openings 105 may be spaced apart from one another. For example, the elongated openings 105 may be spaced apart from one another along the axis (e.g., longitudinal axis) of the aerosol-generating component 100. The elongated openings 105 may be arranged parallel to one another. The elongated openings may be slots or slits. The elongated openings 105 may open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 100.

[0132] The aerosol generation component 100 (eg, heating section 101) is configured to be heated to an aerosolization temperature to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0133] In some embodiments (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion 201 and the respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100), the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through only the aerosol-generating component 100 is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200. In some embodiments (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion 201 and the respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100), during use, the current path between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 104 may be longer than the current path between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through only the aerosol-generating component 100. In some embodiments (e.g., when there is direct contact between at least one conductive portion 201 and a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component 100), during use, the current path between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 may be serpentine.

[0134] These concepts are illustrated in Figure 9, where the current path between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating component 100 alone is shown by the dotted arrow "A," and the current path between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 is shown by the dotted arrow "B." The current path herein is the path of least electrical resistance, either through the aerosol-generating component 100 alone or through the aerosol-generating component 100 via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200.

[0135] As used herein, "the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through only the aerosol-generating component 100 is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200" means that the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 103 through a current path that traverses only the aerosol-generating component 100 is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through any current path that traverses the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200.

[0136] As used herein, "between first electrical connector 103 and second electrical connector 104 via aerosol-generating material transfer component 200" can mean from first electrical connector 103, through an upstream section of aerosol-generating component 100, through at least a portion of aerosol-generating material transfer component 200, through a downstream section of aerosol-generating component 100 to the second electrical connector. "Upstream" and "downstream" in this context relate to the direction of current flow.

[0137] The rate of reduction (X) from the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating component 100 alone to the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 can be defined by the following equation:

[0138] X=100*((R AGC -R AGTC ) / R AGC ) In the formula, R AGC is the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol generation component 100 only, and R AGTC is the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200, and X is at least 5%.

[0139] X can be at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 12%, at least 14%, at least 16%, at least 18%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50%.

[0140] The aerosol-generating component 100 may be substantially planar.

[0141] The aerosol-generating component 100 may comprise or be formed of an electrically conductive material.

[0142] The aerosol-generating component 100 has a viscosity of at least 1×10 at atmospheric pressure and 20° C. 5 S / m (Siemens per meter), at least 2 x 10 5 S / m, at least 5 × 10 5 S / m, at least 1 × 10 6 S / m, at least 1.2 × 10 6 S / m, at least 1.4 × 10 6 S / m, or at least 1.4 × 10 6 It may have a conductivity of S / m.

[0143] The aerosol-generating component 100 may be formed from a thermally conductive material.

[0144] The aerosol-generating component 100 may have a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / mK (watt per meter per Kelvin), at least 2 W / mK, at least 4 W / mK, at least 5 W / mK, at least 8 W / mK, at least 10 W / mK, at least 12 W / mK, at least 14 W / mK, or at least 15 W / mK at atmospheric pressure and 20°C.

[0145] The aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 may be characterized by any of the features of the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0146] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an article 30 for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol supply system 10 is provided, the article 30 comprising: an aerosol-generating material transfer component 200 having at least one conductive portion 201 and at least one electrically insulating portion 202; and an aerosol-generating component 100 having a first electrical connector 103 and a second electrical connector 104, wherein the at least one conductive portion 201 is capable of or is arranged to be in direct contact with each portion of the aerosol-generating component 100, and when there is direct contact between the at least one conductive portion 201 and each portion of the aerosol-generating component 100, the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 through the aerosol-generating component 100 alone is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 104 via the aerosol-generating material transfer component 200.

[0147] The aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 may be characterized by any of the features of the aerosol-forming material transfer component 200 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0148] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an article (30) comprising an aerosol-generating material transfer component (200) comprising at least one electrically conductive portion (201) and at least one electrically insulating portion (202); and an aerosol-generating component (100), wherein the at least one electrically conductive portion (201) is capable of or is arranged to be in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component (100), and the at least one electrically insulating portion (202) is arranged to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between the respective portions of the aerosol-generating component (100) via the aerosol-generating material transfer component (200); a device 20 for connecting to the article 30 and delivering power to the aerosol generating component 100, the device 20 comprising one or more of a power source and a controller; A non-combustion aerosol delivery system 10 is provided comprising:

[0149] Article 30 may be characterized by any of the features of article 30 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0150] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an article (30) comprising: an aerosol-generating material transfer component (100) comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion; and an aerosol-generating component (100) comprising a first electrical connector (103) and a second electrical connector (104), wherein the at least one electrically conductive portion is capable of or is arranged to be in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component, and when there is direct contact between the at least one electrically conductive portion (201) and a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component (100), the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector (103) and the second electrical connector (104) through the aerosol-generating material transfer component (200) alone is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector (103) and the second electrical connector (104) through the aerosol-generating material transfer component (200); a device 20 for connecting to the article 30 and delivering power to the aerosol generating component 100, the device 20 comprising one or more of a power source and a controller; A non-combustion aerosol delivery system 10 is provided comprising:

[0151] The device can be configured to at least partially receive the article 30. For example, the device can include an opening for receiving the article 30.

[0152] Article 30 may be characterized by any of the features of article 30 of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure.

[0153] Any aspect of the present disclosure may be defined in relation to any of the other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, a feature of one aspect of the present disclosure may be as defined in relation to a feature of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

[0154] The figures herein are schematic and not drawn to scale. The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating material transfer component for use as part of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the aerosol-generating material transfer component comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion.

2. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the aerosol-generating material transfer component comprises the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion.

3. The aerosol-forming material transfer component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one conductive portion comprises several conductive portions.

4. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of claim 3 , wherein the at least one electrically insulating portion completely separates the several electrically conductive portions.

5. The aerosol-forming material transfer component of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one electrically conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion are arranged in alternating layers.

6. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of claim 5 , wherein the alternating layers alternate horizontally.

7. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of claim 5 , wherein the alternating layers alternate vertically.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, wherein one of the at least one conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed within a recess within the other of the at least one conductive portion and the at least one electrically insulating portion.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating component of claim 8, wherein the at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed within a recess in the at least one electrically conductive portion.

10. 9. The aerosol-generating material transfer component of claim 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein each electrically conductive portion is disposed within a respective recess in the at least one electrically insulating portion.

11. The aerosol-forming material transfer component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-forming material transfer component is porous.

12. The aerosol-forming material transfer component of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-forming material transfer component is thermally conductive.

13. The aerosol-forming material transfer component of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one conductive portion comprises or is formed of a metallic material.

14. 1. An article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system, said article comprising: an aerosol-forming material transfer component comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion; an aerosol-generating component; Equipped with the aerosol-generating material transfer component is positioned to deliver an aerosolizable material to the aerosol-generating component; the at least one electrically insulating portion is positioned to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the aerosol-generating material transfer component; Goods.

15. 15. The article of claim 14, wherein the at least one conductive portion is directly contactable with or positioned in direct contact with the respective portion of the aerosol-generating component.

16. 16. The article of claim 15, wherein the at least one electrically insulating portion is disposed between sections of the at least one conductive portion that are capable of or disposed in direct contact with the respective portions of the aerosol-generating component.

17. 17. The article of claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one conductive portion comprises several conductive portions, each of which is capable of or is positioned in direct contact with a respective portion of the aerosol-generating component.

18. The article of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the aerosol-generating component comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector.

19. 20. The article of claim 18, wherein the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component is less than the electrical resistance between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transfer component.

20. 20. The article of claim 18 or 19, wherein, during use, a current path between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through the aerosol-generating material transfer component is longer than a current path between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector through only the aerosol-generating component.

21. The article of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the aerosol-generating component is substantially planar.

22. The article of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the aerosol-generating component comprises at least one elongated aperture.

23. The article of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the aerosol-forming material transfer component is characterized according to any one of claims 2 to 13.

24. an article comprising: an aerosol-generating material transfer component comprising at least one electrically conductive portion and at least one electrically insulating portion; and an aerosol-generating component, wherein the aerosol-generating material transfer component is arranged to deliver aerosolizable material to the aerosol-generating component, and the at least one electrically insulating portion is arranged to reduce the risk of or prevent an electrical short circuit between respective portions of the aerosol-generating component via the aerosol-generating material transfer component; a device for connecting to the article and delivering power to the aerosol generation component, the device comprising one or more of a power source and a controller; A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising:

25. 25. The aerosol delivery system of claim 24, wherein the article is characterized according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

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