Connectors that form electrical and mechanical connections between interchangeable units in aerosol delivery systems.

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol delivery device that allows a cartridge to be detachably and operably connected to a control device. [Solution] The aerosol delivery device comprises a battery 216, a control device 200 including a control component 234 and an outer housing 202 defining a receiving chamber, and a cartridge including a mouthpiece, a tank for containing a liquid composition, and a heater configured to heat the liquid composition. The cartridge and the control device each include at least one connector configured to provide magnetic and electrical connections between the cartridge and the control device so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, and at least one connector of the cartridge is located in the mouthpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 386,940, filed on April 17, 2019, entitled "Connectors for Forming Electrical and Mechanical Connections Between Interchangeable Units in an Aerosol Delivery System", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 744,978, filed on October 12, 2018, entitled "Aerosol Forming Device", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes) that can utilize electrically generated heat for the generation of an aerosol. The smoking article can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can incorporate a material made from or derived from tobacco or incorporate tobacco, and the precursor can form an inhalable substance for human consumption.

Background Art

[0003] Many smoking devices have been proposed over the years as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for use. Many of these devices provide a sensation associated with tobacco, cigar, or pipe smoking, but are intentionally designed not to deliver a significant amount of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from the combustion of tobacco. For this purpose, many smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile substances or provide the sensation of tobacco, cigar, or pipe smoking without significantly burning tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking products, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art of U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 by Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 by Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 by Sears et al., which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. For example, see also the various types of smoking products, aerosol delivery devices, and electric heat sources referenced by trade names and commercial sources in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 by Bless et al., which is incorporated entirely herein by reference. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device having advantageous utility features. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods for forming such devices, and elements of such devices. In particular, this disclosure may relate to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for removable use with aerosol delivery devices. In this regard, various embodiments of this disclosure provide aerosol delivery devices having advantageous utility features including a control device and a cartridge, wherein electrical and mechanical connections are provided between the cartridge and the control device, enabling the cartridge to be removable and operably connected to the control device. This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary implementations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Exemplary Implementation 1: Aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control device including an outer housing having a defined outer wall and a proximal and distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device further comprising a battery and control components; and a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece portion and a tank, the mouthpiece portion having a proximal and distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion having a defined outlet portal through it, the tank further defining a closed distal end, and configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge further comprising a heater configured to heat the liquid composition, wherein the cartridge and the control device each include at least one connector configured to provide magnetic and electrical connections between the cartridge and the control device so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, and at least one connector of the cartridge is located in the mouthpiece portion.

[0007] Exemplary Implementation 2: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame and below its upper flange and operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a metal plate positioned below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0008] Exemplary Implementation 3: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, in which the magnets of the inner frame of the control device are exposed on the upper surface of the upper flange such that when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnets of the inner frame of the control device are in direct contact with the metal plate of the cartridge.

[0009] Exemplary Implementation 4: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including a top, at least one mounting element disposed on the top surface of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins disposed on the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, at least one mounting element disposed on the flange of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between at least one mounting element of the control device and at least one mounting element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0010] Exemplary Implementation 5: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the flange of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the flange.

[0011] Exemplary Implementation 6: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the flange of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of metal plates spaced apart around the inclined surface of the flange.

[0012] Exemplary Implementation 7: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, the flange of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one mounting element comprises a metal ring having the inclined surface of the flange.

[0013] Exemplary Implementation 8: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a magnetic ring including an inclined surface having an upper part of an inner frame, the flange of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a metal ring including an inclined surface of the flange.

[0014] Exemplary Implementation 9: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper part and a pair of separate magnets comprising a portion of the upper part of the inner frame, the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, both magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the pair of separate magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of separate metal plates of the cartridge.

[0015] Exemplary Implementation 10: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein a pair of separate magnets on the inner frame of the control device include inclined surfaces, and a pair of metal plates on the flange of the cartridge include corresponding inclined surfaces.

[0016] Exemplary Implementation 11: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, a plurality of magnetic spheres disposed in the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins disposed in the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate having receiving stoppers at both ends thereof, the metal plates operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnetic spheres of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving stoppers of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0017] Exemplary Implementation 12: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, a pair of inclined magnets disposed within the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins disposed within the inner frame and below the pair of inclined magnets and operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates disposed within the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the inclined magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0018] Exemplary Implementation 13: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame and below its upper flange and operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a metal plate positioned below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0019] Exemplary Implementation 14: Aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein multiple cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of an inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange.

[0020] Exemplary implementation 15: The control device further includes an inner frame that defines a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, the cartridge including a flange disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, an aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementations.

[0021] Exemplary implementation 16: The plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, an aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementations.

[0022] Exemplary implementation 17: The control device further includes an inner frame that defines a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange and a pair of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the cylindrical magnets being operably connected to a battery, the cartridge including a flange disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, an aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementations. <OO00089><000OO90>Exemplary Implementation 18: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein a pair of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of an inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange.

[0024] Exemplary Implementation 19: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame comprising an upper flange, a pair of cylindrical magnets extending through the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive casings, each conductive casing substantially enclosing the sides of the respective magnets, with the upper edge of the casing substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, and operably connected to a battery; the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, and operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive casing of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0025] Exemplary Implementation 20: The control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a pair of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive casings, each conductive casing substantially surrounding the upper and side surfaces of a respective magnet and extending through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the upper surface of the casing is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, the conductive casing being operatively connected to a battery, and a cartridge further including a flange disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of a mouthpiece portion and a pair of metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operatively connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the conductive casing of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the magnet of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, an aerosol delivery device of any preceding exemplary implementation, or any combination of any preceding exemplary implementations.

[0026] Exemplary Implementation 21: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of magnets disposed within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of metal plates disposed within the upper flange of the inner frame, the upper surface of which of the metal plates is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, and the metal plate is operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a first and second pair of metal plates disposed below the flange, the first pair of metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0027] Exemplary Implementation 22: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of magnets disposed within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of metal plates disposed within the upper flange of the inner frame, the upper surfaces of the metal plates being substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange and operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates disposed below the flange and operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0028] Exemplary Implementation 23: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a pair of magnets disposed on the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of metal plates disposed on the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plates operably connected to a battery, the cartridge further comprising a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, the metal plates operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0029] Exemplary Implementation 24: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a pair of magnets disposed on the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of metal plates disposed on the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plates operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a metal ring comprising part of the flange, and a pair of conductive spring contacts operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal ring of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.

[0030] Exemplary Implementation 25: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive pins extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to a battery, the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates having a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates operably connected to a heater, and each metal plate including an integrated spring contact, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the integrated spring contacts of the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0031] Exemplary Implementation 26: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the inner frame and below its upper flange and operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0032] Exemplary Implementation 27: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including a top, at least one mounting element disposed on the top surface of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts disposed on the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts operably connected to a battery, the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, at least one mounting element disposed on the flange of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between at least one mounting element of the control device and at least one mounting element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0033] Exemplary Implementation 28: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, a plurality of magnetic spheres disposed in the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts disposed in the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts being operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate having receiving stoppers at both ends thereof, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnetic spheres of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving stoppers of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0034] Exemplary Implementation 29: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, a pair of inclined magnets disposed within the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts disposed within the inner frame and below the pair of inclined magnets, with conductive pins operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange disposed between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointed sliding metal plates disposed within the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the inclined magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0035] Exemplary Implementation 30: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts positioned on the inner frame and below its upper flange, with conductive pins operably connected to a battery, and the cartridge further comprises a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, a metal plate positioned below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0036] Exemplary Implementation 31: An aerosol delivery device of any prior exemplary implementation, or any combination of any prior exemplary implementation, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the inner frame including an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductive spring contacts extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to a battery, the cartridge further comprising a flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of a mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates operably connected to a heater, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, and when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0037] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the Disclosure will become apparent from reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the embodiments described above, and any combination of any two, three, four, or more features or elements described herein, whether such features or elements are expressly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The Disclosure is intended to be read in whole so that, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention should be considered as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] While the above general terms have been used to describe this disclosure, here we will refer to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1]This diagram shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a partial cross-section of the control device for the aerosol delivery device. [Figure 3A] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control system relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] This shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] This shows a partially exploded plan view of the inner frame of the control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] This shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] This shows a partially exploded plan view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] This shows an exploded partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 14C] This shows a partially transparent perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] This shows a plan view of the inner frame of the control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 16C] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge before it is fully coupled to the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B]This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 20A] This shows a partially transparent perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] This shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 20C] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 22A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 22B] This shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 22C] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 24A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 24B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 26A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 26B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 28A]This shows an exploded partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 28B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 30A] This shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 30B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 30C] This shows a bottom view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 32A] This shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 32B] This shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 32C] This shows a bottom view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] This shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 35A] This shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 35B] This shows a partially transparent perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 36A] This shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 36B]This shows a partially transparent perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 38A] This shows a partially transparent perspective view of the inner frame of a control device relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 38B] This shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 39] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] This shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] This disclosure is described more fully below with reference to its exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments are described so as to give thoroughness and completeness to this disclosure and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to satisfy the legal requirements to which this disclosure is applicable. Where used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural subjects unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context.

[0041] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices or vaporizers, and the terms herein are used interchangeably. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to a significant degree and / or without significantly chemically altering the material) to form an inhalable substance, and the components of such devices have the form of articles that are most preferably compact enough to be considered handheld devices. That is, the use of preferred aerosol delivery device components does not result in the generation of smoke—i.e., from byproducts of the combustion or thermal decomposition of tobacco—but rather, the use of their preferred systems results in the generation of vapor resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated inside. In preferred embodiments, the components of aerosol delivery devices can be characterized as e-cigarettes, which most preferably incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in aerosol form.

[0042] A particular aerosol-generating component of a preferred aerosol delivery device can provide many of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the act of inhaling and exhaling, the type of taste or flavor, the sensory stimulation effect, the physical feel, the act of use, the visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol) by igniting and burning the cigarette (and thus by inhaling the cigarette smoke) without any significant combustion of any of its components. For example, a user of the aerosol-generating component of the present disclosure can hold and use the component in the same way a smoker uses a traditional type of smoking product, inhale one end of the component to inhale the aerosol produced by the component, and smoke or puff on the cigarette at selected time intervals, etc.

[0043] The aerosol delivery devices of this disclosure can also be characterized as vapor products or drug delivery articles. Such articles or devices can therefore be configured to deliver one or more substances (e.g., fragrances and / or pharmacopoeias) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in aerosol form (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). For brevity, the term “aerosol” as used herein means including vapors, gases, and aerosols in forms or types suitable for human inhalation, whether visible and in a form that can be considered like smoke.

[0044] The aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferably comprise several combinations of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (means for operating, controlling, regulating and stopping power for heating, such as by controlling current from the power source to other components of the article—e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), a heater or heating element (e.g., an electrically resistive heating element or other component having one or more further elements alone or in combination, which may be commonly referred to as an "atomizer"), a liquid composition (e.g., an aerosol precursor composition liquid that can generally generate an aerosol by the application of sufficient heat, such as components commonly referred to as "smoke juice," "e-liquid," and "e-juice"), and a mouthpiece or mouth area (e.g., a defined airflow channel from which an article, such as the generated aerosol, can be recovered upon inhalation) that allows the aerosol delivery device to draw in the aerosol for aerosol inhalation.

[0045] More specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery devices of this disclosure will become apparent in light of the further disclosures provided below. Furthermore, the selection and arrangement of components of various aerosol delivery devices can be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as representative products referenced in the background art section of this disclosure.

[0046] In various implementations, this disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices that provide a visual representation of one or more characteristics of the device. For example, in some implementations, the cartridge of the aerosol delivery device may contain a liquid composition containing a fragrance. This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices configured such that the cartridge is removably received within a control device, and when the cartridge is received within the control device, at least one characteristic of the cartridge, or at least one characteristic of the control device, or at least one characteristic of both the cartridge and the control device, provides a visual representation of a color associated with the fragrance.

[0047] An exemplary implementation of the aerosol delivery device 100 of this disclosure is shown in Figure 1. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a control device 200 and a removable cartridge 300. Although only one cartridge is shown in the illustrated implementation, it should be understood that in various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 may have an interchangeable system. For example, in one or more implementations, a single control device can be used with multiple different cartridges. Similarly, in one or more implementations, a single cartridge can be used with multiple different control devices.

[0048] In various implementations, the control device 200 includes an outer housing 202 defining an outer wall 204 including a distal end 206 and a proximal end 208. The aerosol delivery device 100 in the illustrated implementation also includes a display window 240 defined in the outer housing 202. Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 of Figure 1. As shown in the figure, the control device 200 also includes an inner frame 215 including a cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by an inner frame wall 214. The control device 200 further includes a battery 216 located within the outer housing 202 and also includes an external connection element 218. In the illustrated implementation, the external connection element 218 is located at the distal end 206 of the outer housing 202.

[0049] Various components of the aerosol delivery device relating to this disclosure can be selected from components described and commercially available in the art. Examples of batteries that can be used in accordance with this disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 by Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other power sources may be used in some implementations. For example, in various implementations, the power source may comprise a replaceable or rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and can therefore be combined with any type of charging technology, including connection to a wall charger, connection to an automotive charger (i.e., a cigarette lighter receptacle), connection to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes called a solar cell) or solar panel of a solar cell, chargers using inductive wireless charging (e.g., wireless charging compliant with the Qi wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or wireless chargers such as radio frequency (RF) based chargers. An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 by Sur et al., which is incorporated entirely herein by reference. In further implementations, the power supply may also include a capacitor. A capacitor can discharge faster than a battery and can be charged between puffs, so that the battery can be discharged to the capacitor at a lower rate than when used to directly power a heating element. For example, a supercapacitor, such as an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC), can be used separately from or in combination with a battery. When used alone, a supercapacitor can be recharged each time the item is used. Thus, the device may also include a charger component that can be attached to the smoking item between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. An example of a power supply including a supercapacitor is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112191 by Sur et al., which is incorporated entirely herein by reference.

[0050] In various implementations, the control device 200 may also include a light source 230 and at least one opening 232 (see Figure 1) defined in the outer wall 204 of the control device 200, which allows light from the light source 230 to be visible. In some implementations, the light source 230 may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light of one or more colors, for example. In some implementations, the light source may be configured to emit light of only one color, while in other implementations, the light source may be configured to emit light of various different colors. In yet another implementation, the light source may be configured to provide white light. As shown in Figure 2, the light source 230 may be placed directly on a control component 234 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) which may contain further control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components). In various implementations, the opening 232 may be provided in any desired shape, and may be located particularly near the distal end 206 of the control device 200. In some implementations, the opening 232 may be completely open, or it may be filled with a light guide material or the like, or it may be covered by a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the control device 200. The aerosol delivery device 100 may also include a control mechanism for controlling the amount of power supplied to the heating element during suction.Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their characteristics, and their general operating methods are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 by Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,947,874 by Brooks et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 by McCafferty et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 by Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 by Nguyen et al. and U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 by Pan; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0230117 by Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 by Collet et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0270727 by Ampolini et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0257445 by Henry et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0051] The electrical connector 220 may be located within the cartridge receiving chamber 212, and in the illustrated implementation, it is located on the side of the inner frame wall 214. In various implementations, the electrical connector 220 may be operably connected to a battery (e.g., directly to the battery or via a control component 234). As described in more detail below, the electrical connector can have various forms and may be located at various other locations on the inner frame 215. As also shown in Figure 2, the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202 includes an opening 210 that provides access to the cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by the inner frame 215. It should be noted that for the purposes of this disclosure, the term “operably connected” should be interpreted broadly to include components that are directly connected and / or connected via one or more additional components.

[0052] In various implementations, additional indicators (e.g., haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, etc.) may be included in addition to, or as a substitute for, the light source. Representative additional types of components that generate visual cues or indicators, such as light-emitting diode (LED) components, and their configurations and uses, are described by reference in U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 by Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,499,766 by Newton and U.S. Patent No. 8,539,959 by Scatterday; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0020825 by Galloway et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0216233 by Sears et al. It should be understood that not all illustrated elements are required. For example, LEDs may be omitted or replaced by different indicators, such as vibration indicators.

[0053] In various implementations, the device may include airflow sensors, pressure sensors, and the like. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the control device 200 may include a sensor 236 on the control component 234. The configuration of the printed circuit board and pressure sensor is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0245658 by Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various implementations, the sensor 236 can be located anywhere in the control device 200 to receive airflow and / or pressure changes that can signal suction in the device, and thus cause the battery 216 to power a heater in the cartridge 300. Alternatively, if there is no airflow sensor, the heater may be manually operated via a push button or the like which can be located in the control body 200 and / or cartridge 300. Further representative types of detection or detection mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components, and general methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 by Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 by McCafferty et al.; and International Publication No. 2010 / 003480 by Flick, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0054] In some implementations, input elements may be included in the aerosol delivery device (and may replace or supplement airflow or pressure sensors). Inputs may be included to allow a user to control the functions of the device and / or to output information to the user. Any components or combinations of components may be used as inputs to control the functions of device 100. For example, one or more push buttons may be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0245658 by Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, a touchscreen may be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application 14 / 643,626 by Sears et al., filed March 10, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As a further example, components adapted to gesture recognition based on specified movement of the aerosol delivery device may be used as inputs. See U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0158782 by Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0055] In some implementations, the input may comprise a computer or computing device such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device may be wired to a computer or other device via a USB cord or similar protocol, for example. The aerosol delivery device may also communicate with a computer or other device acting as an input via wireless communication. For example, see the system and method for controlling the device via read requests described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007561 by Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, an app or other computer program may be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control commands to the aerosol delivery device, such control commands including, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a particular composition by selecting the nicotine content and / or further flavoring content to be included.

[0056] Other implementations may differ, but in the illustrated implementation, the inner frame 215 is separated from the outer housing 202. In this way, the inner frame 215 defining the cartridge receiving chamber 212 may exist separately and independently of the outer housing 202. The opening of the chamber may coincide with the opening of the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202. Thus, in the illustrated implementation, the inner frame wall 214 can be a completely separate element attached to the outer housing 202. However, in other implementations, the inner frame wall and the outer housing may be formed continuously. In either case, the side walls forming the inner frame wall are located inside the outer housing and separated from the outer housing.

[0057] In various implementations, the outer housing 202 can be formed from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or glass. In some implementations, the inner frame 215 may be formed from a different material than the material used to form the outer housing 202. For example, in some implementations, the outer housing may be made of a metal material and the inner frame may be made of a plastic material. In other implementations, the same material may be used. The material selection described above can also extend to the outer housing for any further control devices included in the device.

[0058] Exemplary implementations of cartridge 300 for use in the aerosol delivery apparatus of the present disclosure are shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In particular, Figure 3A is a perspective view of the cartridge relating to the exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the cartridge 300 includes a tank 302 defined by an outer tank wall 304 including a proximal end 306 and a closed distal end 308. Thus, the tank 302 may be characterized in that the tank wall 304 is a continuous side wall around the tank, and the distal end 308 defines the bottom wall. The tank 302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 324 for vaporization (e.g., e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition), which may be configured as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes a mouthpiece 310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 312, which includes a proximal end 314 having an internally defined outlet portal 315 and a distal end 316 that engages with the proximal end 306 of the tank 302.

[0059] In the case of an aerosol delivery system characterized as an e-cigarette, the aerosol precursor composition may incorporate tobacco or tobacco-derived components. In one view, tobacco may be provided as part or fragments of tobacco, such as finely ground, crushed, or powdered tobacco flakes. This may include tobacco beads, pellets, or other solid forms, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0335070 by Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another view, tobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract incorporating many of the water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extract may be in the form of a relatively high nicotine content extract that also incorporates small amounts of other extractable components derived from tobacco. In yet another view, tobacco-derived components may be provided in relatively pure forms, such as certain tobacco-derived flavorings. In one view, a component derived from tobacco that can be used in a highly purified or essentially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical-grade nicotine).

[0060] In the illustrated implementation, the liquid composition, sometimes referred to as the aerosol precursor composition, vapor precursor composition, or "e-liquid," may contain a variety of components, including, for example, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and / or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,217,320 by Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 by Zheng et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 by Chong et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 by Collett et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 by Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 by Koller, as well as International Publication No. 2014 / 182736 by Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other usable aerosol precursors include aerosol precursors incorporated into products such as VUSE(R) by RJReynolds Vapor Company, BLU(TM) by Fontem Ventures BV, MISTIC MENTHOL by Mistic Ecigs, MARK TEN by Nu Mark LLC, JUUL by Juul Labs, Inc., and VYPE by CN Creative Ltd. So-called "smoke juice" for e-cigarettes, available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC., is also desirable.Further exemplary aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR.CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT.BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[0061] The amount of aerosol precursor incorporated into the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating component provides acceptable sensory characteristics and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is highly preferable to use a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and / or propylene glycol) to provide the generation of a visible mainstream aerosol that in many respects resembles the appearance of cigarette smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor in the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the desired number of puffs for each aerosol generating component. In one or more embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may include about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more.

[0062] In some implementations, a liquid composition may contain one or more fragrances. As used herein, "fragrance" refers to a compound or component that can be aerosolized and delivered to the user and that provides a sensory experience in terms of taste and / or aroma. Exemplary flavorings include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavorings including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rosehip, erbamate, guayusa, honeybush, rooibos, erbasanta, bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavorings and flavoring packages of types and characteristics traditionally used in tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco. Syrups such as high-fructose corn syrup may also be used. Appropriate exemplary plant-derived compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0152265 by Dube et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The selection of such further components is variable based on factors such as the desired sensory characteristics of the smoking product, and this disclosure is intended to include such further components that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, for example, Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp. (1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (1972). These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It should be noted that references to flavorings should not be limited to single flavorings as described above, but may actually represent combinations of one or more flavorings.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3B, the cartridge 300 further includes a heater 320 and a liquid transport element 322 extending between the heater and a liquid composition 324 contained in a tank 302. In various implementations, the heater 320 and the liquid transport element 322 may be configured as separate, fluid-connected elements or as a combined element. Furthermore, the heater 320 and the liquid transport element 322 may be formed from any structure as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325 configured to electrically connect the heater 320 to a battery 216 and / or a control component 234 of a control device 200.

[0064] In various implementations, the liquid transport element 322 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid by capillary action or the like. In some implementations, the liquid transport element can be formed from, for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramics, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, the liquid transport element 322 can be any material including an open-hole network (i.e., multiple interconnected holes that allow fluid to flow through the element in multiple directions from one hole to another). As further described herein, some implementations of this disclosure may relate in particular to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements can be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 by Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261487 by Chapman et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0059780 by Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 by Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, various wicking materials, and the composition and operation of these wicking materials in certain types of e-cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 by Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some implementations, the liquid transport element 322 may be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith such as porous ceramic or porous glass. Exemplary monolithic materials suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0188626 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 by LaMothe, whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some implementations, the porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[0065] In various implementations, the heater 320 may include one or more different materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied. In some implementations, the heater 320 may be a wire coil. Examples of materials from which a wire coil can be formed include stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicate (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicate (Mo(Si,Al)2), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, silver-palladium alloys, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams or threads). In further implementations, the heater 320 may be formed from conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters, such as laser diodes or microheaters, may also be available. A laser diode can be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelength band, which can be tuned for vaporizing an aerosol precursor composition and / or for heating a liquid transport element to which the aerosol precursor composition can be supplied for vaporization. The laser diode can be specifically positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation into a chamber, which can be configured to be a radiation trap (e.g., a blackbody or a whitebody). A suitable microheater is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 by Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The microheater can include, for example, a substrate (e.g., quartz, silica) having a heater trace (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt / Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metal alloys) on which it is printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silica) can be provided on the heater trace. The heater 320 may be configured to be substantially flat, in particular.Such a heater is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0345633 by DePiano et al., which is incorporated entirely herein by reference.

[0066] In the illustrated implementation, the outer tank wall 304 is configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 304 may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, only one side of the outer tank wall 304 may be transparent or translucent, and the rest of the outer tank wall may be substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 304 may be substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., approximately 1 mm to 20 mm wide, or approximately 2 mm to 18 mm wide, or approximately 5 mm to 15 mm wide) extending from the proximal end 306 of the tank 302 to the distal end 308 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. In further implementations, the outer tank wall 304 may be colored. In some implementations, the color can be configured such that the liquid composition 324 in the tank 302 is still visible, for example, by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations, the tank wall can be configured such that the outer tank wall 304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0067] In various implementations, the control device 200 may be configured such that at least a portion of the tank 302 is visible when the cartridge 300 is engaged with the control device 200. As described above, in some implementations, at least a portion of the outer tank wall 304 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible from the outside, and the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 may be configured to include a display window 240 that allows a portion of the outer tank wall 304 and any liquid composition 324 present in the tank 302 to be visible when the cartridge 300 is engaged with the control device 200.

[0068] In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may further include an external connector configured to make electrical contact with each of the device external connection elements (e.g., device external connection element 218). The external connector may include a first connector end and a second connector end interconnected by a union which may be, for example, a variable-length cord. In various implementations, the first connector end may be configured for electrical and optionally mechanical connection with the control device. In particular, the first connector end may include an insertion wall which can be received in a well located at the distal end 206 of the control device 200. The external connector may include a number of electrical pins inside the insertion wall configured to make a charging and / or information transfer connection with the device external connection element 218. In some implementations, the control device 200 may include a mechanical connector (e.g., mechanical connector 242) adjacent to the control device external connection element 218. In some implementations, the mechanical connector 242 may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) adapted to magnetic attraction to a magnet. Next, the first connector end of the external connection may also include a mechanical connection element that can be positioned between the insertion wall and the electrical pins. In various implementations, the mechanical connection element may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) adapted to magnetic attraction to a magnet. The second connector end may be configured to connect to a computer or similar electronic device, or to a power supply. For example, the second connector end may have a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. However, different connections may be provided, and / or adapters (e.g., USB / AC adapters) may also be included. For example, an adapter having a USB connector at one end and a power unit connector at the other end is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0069] Further features, controls, or components that can be incorporated into the aerosol delivery apparatus of this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety by U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 by Harris et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 by Watkins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 by Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 by Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742 by Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 by Fernando et al. This is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 by [name omitted]; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 by Tucker et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 by Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 by Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 by DePiano et al.

[0070] In various implementations, the mouthpiece 310 of the cartridge 300 may be configured to engage with the tank 302. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310 may include a rim wall 330 that is at least partially inserted from the outer mouthpiece wall 312. The rim wall 330 may be configured to engage with the interior of the proximal end 306 of the outer tank wall 304. In some implementations, the rim wall 330 can have a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In some implementations, the rim wall 330 may engage with the outer tank wall 304 only via friction fitting, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer tank wall by welding or adhesive, etc.

[0071] In some implementations, the mouthpiece 310 may define an open internal space from which the formed vapor can combine with air to form an aerosol that is output through the outlet portal 315 of the mouthpiece 310. In one or more implementations, the mouthpiece 310 may include one or more additional internal walls that can be arranged to define one or more compartments within the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may include an internal upper wall between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, and an internal lower wall between the internal upper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as seen in Figure 3B, the mouthpiece 310 may include an internal upper wall 332 between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310. Furthermore, the mouthpiece 310 may include an internal lower wall 334 between the internal upper wall 332 and the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310.

[0072] In various implementations, two or more walls within the mouthpiece may be configured to define a vaporization chamber in which a heater can be located. As shown in Figure 3B, the outer mouthpiece wall 312, the inner upper wall 332, and the inner lower wall 334 define a vaporization chamber 340 in which a heater 320 is located. In some implementations, one or more electrical contacts 325 may be located within a portion of the outer mouthpiece wall 312 that defines the vaporization chamber 340. However, it is understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heater 320 to one or more electrical contacts located in different portions of the outer mouthpiece wall or in the outer tank wall 304. One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for the passage of one or more further elements of the cartridge 300 or for the passage of formed vapor / aerosol. For example, the inner upper wall 332 may include a vapor opening 336 through which vapor formed in the vaporization chamber 340 can pass toward a first outlet portal 315. In some implementations, the steam opening 336 of the internal upper wall 332 may be substantially centrally located therein and substantially aligned with the heater 320 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 300. In a further example, the internal lower wall 334 may include a wick opening 338 through which a first liquid transport element 322 (e.g., a wick) can pass between the heater 320 and the liquid composition 324 in the tank 302.

[0073] In various implementations, two or more walls within the mouthpiece may be configured to define a cooling chamber that can be expanded and / or cooled before the formed aerosol passes through the exit portal. As shown in Figure 3B, for example, the outer mouthpiece wall 312 and the inner upper wall 332 define the cooling chamber 342 that receives the vapor / aerosol formed from the vaporization chamber 340. Thus, the vapor / aerosol formed by the heater 320 enters the cooling chamber 342 from the vaporization chamber 340 through the vapor opening 336. In some implementations, the vaporization chamber 340 and the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to have a defined relative volume ratio. For example, in some implementations, the volume ratio of the vaporization chamber 340 to the cooling chamber 342 can be about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

[0074] If necessary, the mouthpiece 310 may also include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid from there. For example, in some implementations, all or part of the interior of the mouthpiece wall 312 and / or the interior upper wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 342 may be formed from or include an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to hold the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or part of the interior of the mouthpiece wall 312 and / or the interior upper wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to return the liquid towards the vaporization chamber 340, for example, by adding microchannels.

[0075] In one or more implementations, the cartridge 300 may be configured such that the mouthpiece wall 312 includes a flange positioned between its proximal end 314 and distal end 316. For example, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the mouthpiece 310 includes a flange 350 extending circumferentially from the mouthpiece wall 312 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 310. In some implementations, the distance the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 310 can be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 310. In other implementations (such as the illustrated implementation), the distance the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 312 may vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 310. The entire cartridge 300 or the mouthpiece 310 can be defined separately with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first transverse axis.

[0076] Therefore, in some implementations, the entire cartridge 300 and / or mouthpiece 310 may be defined with respect to the total length along the longitudinal axis (L), the total width along the first transverse axis (T1), and the total depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length may be greater than the width, and the width may be greater than the depth. The distance over which the flange 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 312 may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Therefore, in some implementations, the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 crossing the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance between opposing edges of the flange crossing the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 crossing the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between opposing edges of the flange crossing the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); or the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 crossing the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between opposing edges of the flange crossing the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In certain implementations, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 312 and the outer edge of the flange 350 when measured along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the flange when measured along the first transverse axis (T1). This distance may be measured, in particular, at approximately midpoints between the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

[0077] According to this disclosure, each cartridge and control unit includes at least one connector configured to provide magnetic and electrical connections between the cartridge and the control unit so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received within the cartridge receiving chamber of the control unit, the at least one connector of the cartridge being located on the mouthpiece. In various implementations, as described in more detail below, the at least one connector of the cartridge and control unit may have various different forms, shapes, sizes, positions, etc., to provide magnetic and electrical connections between the cartridge and the control unit. Furthermore, in various implementations, the same connector of the cartridge and / or control unit may provide either or both magnetic and electrical connections.

[0078] For example, Figure 4A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 4A shows a portion of the inner frame 415 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 415 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 412 and a flange 450 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 415 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 452 positioned close to the upper flange 450 of the inner frame 415. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, and 452D, each having a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape, but in other implementations, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, and 452D are positioned at approximately equal intervals around the outside of the inner frame 415 and below its upper flange 450, and each of the plurality of magnets is positioned inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 453, which is an extension of the upper flange 450 in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, and 452D in the illustrated implementation can be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 453 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0080] In various implementations of this disclosure, the magnets described above, or any other magnets described herein, may include many different types of magnets, including rare earth magnets. For example, in some implementations, one or more magnets may be neodymium magnets (also known as NdFeB, NIB, or Neo magnets). In various implementations, different grades of neodymium magnets may be used, for example, including N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, and / or N52 grades. In other implementations, one or more magnets may be samarium cobalt magnets (also known as SmCo magnets). In yet another implementation, one or more magnets may be ceramic / ferrite magnets. In yet another implementation, one or more magnets may be aluminum-nickel-cobalt (AlNiCo) magnets. In any of the aforementioned implementations, one or more magnets may be plated and / or coated. For example, in some implementations, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel. In other implementations, one or more magnets may be coated with one or more of zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and / or gold. In some implementations, one or more magnets may be coated with a combination of these materials. For example, in one implementation, one or more magnets may again be coated with nickel, copper, and nickel. In another implementation, one or more magnets may be coated with a top coating of nickel, copper, nickel, and gold.

[0081] The inner frame 415 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 420A, 420B located within the inner frame 415 and below its upper flange 450. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 420A, 420B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. The conductive pins 420A, 420B in the illustrated implementation are spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 412 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 420A, 420B include gold-plated metal pins. However, other materials or combinations of materials are also possible, which may also include coatings and / or plating of conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 420A, 420B have a rounded profile, but other profiles are also possible to facilitate the bending of the conductive pins 420A, 420B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 412. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 420A, 420B may be mounted inside the inner frame 415 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces.

[0082] Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 4B shows a cartridge 500 including a tank 502 defined by an outer tank wall 504 including a proximal end 506 and a closed distal end 508. In many embodiments, the cartridge 500 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0083] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 500 includes a mouthpiece 510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 512, which includes a proximal end 514 having an internally defined outlet portal 515 and a distal end 516 that engages with the proximal end 506 of tank 502. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 512 includes a flange 550 positioned between its proximal end 514 and distal end 516. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 500 also includes a metal plate 552 positioned below the flange 550. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plate 552 is attached to the bottom of the flange 550 of the mouthpiece 510 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In various implementations, the metal plate 552 may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof. The cartridge 500 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 525A, 525B positioned on both sides of the mouthpiece 510 and below the flange 550 and metal plate 552. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 510 of the cartridge 500 via adhesive, but other implementations may also include other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B are operably connected to the heater 520 of the cartridge 500 (see Figure 5). In various implementations, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0084] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 500 in Figure 4B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 412 of the inner frame 415 in Figure 4A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 500 coupled to the inner frame 415 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the multiple magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, and 452D located on the inner frame 415 of the control device and the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. Furthermore, when the cartridge 500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 415, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of conductive pins 420A and 420B of the inner frame 415 of the control device and the conductive plugs 525A and 525B of the cartridge 500. Thus, when the cartridge 500 is received in the inner frame 415 of the control device, the heater 520 of the cartridge 500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 500 is coupled to the inner frame 415 of the control device, the cartridge 500 is mechanically biased to connect with the inner frame 415 of the control device so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device is maintained.

[0085] It should be noted that in this implementation and / or any other implementation described herein, the magnets may facilitate the proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device. For example, in some implementations, the cartridge may be installed in the control device in any rotational orientation; in other implementations, the geometric shape of the cartridge and / or the control device may facilitate the proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device; and in yet another implementation, the magnets in the cartridge and the magnets in the control device may facilitate the proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device. For example, when similar poles of the magnets in the cartridge are placed near similar poles of the magnets in the control device (e.g., the north pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the north pole of the magnet in the control device, or the south pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the south pole of the magnet in the control device), the magnets repel each other. However, when opposing poles are placed close to each other (e.g., the north pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the south pole of the magnet in the control device, or the south pole of the magnet in the cartridge and the north pole of the magnet in the control device), the magnets attract each other. As a result, the polarity positioning of the magnets in the cartridge and control unit can be configured such that the opposing poles of the magnets attract each other in the appropriate rotational direction of the cartridge relative to the control unit, and repel each other in other rotational directions of the cartridge relative to the control unit.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame 615 of a control according to another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, the inner frame 615 of the illustrated implementation includes a flange 650 defined at its upper end and a number of magnets 652 positioned close to the upper flange 450 of the inner frame 615. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D. In various implementations, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D are configured to facilitate a magnetic connection between the inner frame 615 of the control device and a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 500 in Figure 4B). Thus, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D of the illustrated implementation are similar to the magnets described with respect to Figure 4A. For example, the illustrated implementation has four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D, each having a substantially block-like or rectangular prism shape, although more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referenced. The inner frame 615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 620A, 620B located within the inner frame 615 and below its upper flange 650. Similar to the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the illustrated implementation are similar to the conductive pins of the implementation in Figure 4A. For example, the conductive pins 620A and 620B in the illustrated implementation comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 612 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. The possible materials for the conductive pins described above are referenced. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 620A and 620B may be mounted inside the inner frame 615 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can flex outward against the spring force.

[0087] Figure 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 500 coupled to the inner frame 615. In the illustrated configuration, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the outside of the inner frame 615, with each magnet positioned inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 653 (see Figure 6). Although other methods are possible, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D in the illustrated configuration can be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 653 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process. However, unlike the implementation in Figure 4A, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D in the illustrated implementation are exposed on the upper surface of the upper flange 650 of the inner frame 615 so that when the cartridge 500 is coupled to the inner frame 615 of the control device, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, and 652D make direct contact with the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. In this way, when using a similar magnet configuration, the magnetic connection between the cartridge 500 and the inner frame 615 in the implementation of Figure 7 can be stronger than the magnetic connection in the implementation of Figure 5.

[0088] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 8B shows a partially exploded plan view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 8A and 8B show an inner frame 815 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 815 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 812 and a plurality of flange mechanisms 856 extending outward from the upper part 858 of the inner frame 815. Although other configurations are possible, the flange mechanisms 856 of the illustrated implementation are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the upper part 858 of the inner frame 815. The upper part 858 of the inner frame 815 also defines an inclined surface 860 that slopes downward and inward with respect to its upper edge. The inner frame 815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 852 arranged on the inclined surface 860. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D, each having a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape, but in other implementations, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In the illustrated implementation, magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815. Although other methods are possible, magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D in the illustrated implementation can be fixed to the inside of the inclined surface 860 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0090] Furthermore, the inner frame 815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B (not shown in Figure 8A) located within the inner frame 815 and adjacent to its upper part 858. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 820A, 820B are spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 812 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 820A, 820B have a rounded contour; however, other contours are possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 820A, 820B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 812. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 820A and 820B may be mounted inside the inner frame 815 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 820A and 820B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 820A and 820B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0091] Figure 8C shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 8C shows a cartridge 700 including a tank 702 defined by an outer tank wall 704 including a proximal end 706 and a closed distal end 708. In many embodiments, the cartridge 700 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0092] The illustrated implementation includes a mouthpiece 710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 712, which includes a proximal end 714 having an internally defined outlet portal 715 and a distal end 716 that engages with the proximal end 706 of a tank 702. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 712 includes a flange 750 positioned between its proximal end 714 and distal end 716. The flange 750 in the illustrated implementation also includes an inclined surface 760 defined on its upper lower side. The illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 752 positioned on the inclined surface 760. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, and 752D, each having a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape, but in other implementations, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referenced. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, and 752D are positioned at approximately equal intervals around the inclined surface 760 of the flange 750 of the cartridge 700. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, and 752D in the illustrated implementation can be fixed to the inside of the inclined surface 760 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0093] Although not shown in the figure, cartridge 700 also includes a pair of conductive plugs similar to those described above with respect to cartridge 500 in Figure 4B. In particular, the conductive plugs are located on both sides of the mouthpiece 710 and below the flange 750. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 710 of cartridge 700 via adhesive, but other implementations may also include other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs are operably connected to the heater 720 of cartridge 700 (see Figure 9). In various implementations, the conductive plugs may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0094] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 700 in Figure 8C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 812 of the inner frame 815 in Figures 8A and 8B, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 700 coupled to the inner frame 815 of the control device. In the illustrated implementation, the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815 is configured to complement the inclined surface 760 of the flange 750 of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the multiple magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, and 852D located on the inclined surface 860 of the inner frame 815 of the control device and the multiple magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, and 752D located on the inclined surface 760 of the cartridge 700. Furthermore, when the cartridge 700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 815, an electrical connection is formed between a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B of the inner frame 815 of the control unit and the conductive plug of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 is received by the inner frame 815 of the control unit, the heater 720 of the cartridge 700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 815 of the control unit, the cartridge 700 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 815 of the control unit via a magnetic connection so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit. Note that in other implementations, either the multiple magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the inner frame 815 of the control unit or the multiple magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of the cartridge (or a combination of both) may be replaced by a metal plate to achieve a magnetic connection between the cartridge 700 and the inner frame 815 of the control unit.

[0095] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 10B shows a partially exploded plan view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 10A and 10B show an inner frame 1015 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0096] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 1015 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and a plurality of flange mechanisms 1056 extending outward from the upper part 1058 of the inner frame 1015. Although other configurations are possible, the flange mechanisms 1056 of the illustrated implementation are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the upper part 1058 of the inner frame 1015. The upper part 1058 of the inner frame 1015 also defines an inclined surface 1060 that slopes downward and inward with respect to its upper edge. The inner frame 1015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 1052 arranged on the inclined surface 1060. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, and 1052D, each having a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape, but in other implementations, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In the illustrated implementation, magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, and 1052D are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, and 1052D in the illustrated implementation can be fixed to the inside of the inclined surface 1060 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0097] Furthermore, the inner frame 1015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 1020A, 102B (not shown in Figure 10A) positioned within the inner frame 1015 and adjacent to its upper part 1058. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B have a rounded contour; however, other contours are also possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 1012. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1020A and 1020B may be mounted inside the inner frame 1015 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1020A and 1020B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 1020A and 1020B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0098] Figure 10C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 10C shows a cartridge 900 including a tank 902 defined by an outer tank wall 904 including a proximal end 906 and a closed distal end 908. In many embodiments, the cartridge 900 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0099] The illustrated implementation includes a mouthpiece 910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 912, which includes a proximal end 914 having an internally defined outlet portal 915 and a distal end 916 that engages with the proximal end 906 of a tank 902. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 912 includes a flange 950 positioned between its proximal end 914 and distal end 916. In the illustrated implementation, the flange 950 of the cartridge 900 also includes a metal ring 952 defining an inclined surface 960. In the illustrated implementation, the metal ring 952 is attached to the bottom of the flange 950 of the mouthpiece 910 via adhesive, but other implementations may include other attachment methods, such as an insert molding process. In various implementations, the metal ring 952 may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0100] Although not shown in the figure, cartridge 900 also includes a pair of conductive plugs similar to those described above with respect to cartridge 500 in Figure 4B. In particular, the conductive plugs are located on both sides of the mouthpiece 910 and below the flange 950. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 910 of cartridge 900 via adhesive, but other implementations may also include other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs are operably connected to the heater 920 of cartridge 900 (see Figure 11). In various implementations, the conductive plugs may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0101] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 900 in Figure 10C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 of the inner frame 1015 in Figures 10A and 10B, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 900 coupled to the inner frame 1015 of the control device. In the illustrated implementation, the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 is configured to complement the inclined surface 960 of the metal ring 952 of the flange 950 of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 1015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the multiple magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, and 1052D positioned on the inclined surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 of the control device and the metal ring 952 comprising a portion of the flange 950 of the cartridge 900. Furthermore, when the illustrated cartridge 900 is coupled to the inner frame 1015, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of conductive pins 1020A and 102B of the inner frame 1015 of the control unit and the conductive plug of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 is received by the inner frame 1015 of the control unit, the heater 920 of the cartridge 900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 900 is coupled to the inner frame 1015 of the control unit, the cartridge 900 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1015 of the control unit so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0102] Figure 12A shows an exploded partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 12A shows an inner frame 1215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0103] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 1215 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1212 and a magnetic ring 1252 defining the upper part 1258 of the inner frame 1215. In the illustrated implementation, the magnetic ring 1252 defines an inclined surface 1260 that slopes downward and inward with respect to its upper edge. In the illustrated implementation, the magnetic ring 1252 is fixed to the inner frame 1215 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, such as via an insert molding process. The possible magnetic materials described above are referenced.

[0104] Furthermore, the inner frame 1215 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B positioned within the inner frame 1215 and adjacent to its upper part 1258. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B are spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1212 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B have a rounded contour; however, other contours are possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 1220 when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 1212. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1220A and 1220B may be mounted inside the inner frame 1215 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1220A and 1220B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 1220A and 1220B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0105] Figure 12B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 12B shows a cartridge 1100 including a tank 1102 defined by an outer tank wall 1104 including a proximal end 1106 and a closed distal end 1108. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1100 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0106] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1100 includes a mouthpiece 1110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1112, which includes a proximal end 1114 having an internally defined outlet portal 1115 and a distal end 1116 that engages with the proximal end 1106 of tank 1102. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1112 includes a flange 1150 positioned between its proximal end 1114 and distal end 1116. In the illustrated implementation, the flange 1150 of cartridge 1100 also includes a metal ring 1152 defining an inclined surface 1160. In various implementations, the metal ring 1152 may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0107] The cartridge 1100 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B positioned on both sides of the mouthpiece 1110 and below the metal plate 1152 of the flange 1150. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 1110 of the cartridge 1100 via adhesive, but other implementations may also include other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B are operably connected to the heater 1120 of the cartridge 1100 (see Figure 13). In various implementations, the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0108] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1100 in Figure 12B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 1212 of the inner frame 1215 in Figure 12A, so that a magnetic and electrical connection is formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1100 coupled to the inner frame 1215 of the control device. In the illustrated implementation, the inclined surface 1260 of the magnetic ring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 is configured to complement the inclined surface 1160 of the metal ring 1152 of the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100, but in other implementations, the contact surfaces may be flat (for example, thus forming a substantially right-angle interface between the surfaces). Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 1215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnetic ring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 of the control device and the metal ring 1152 comprising a portion of the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100. Furthermore, when the illustrated cartridge 1100 is coupled to the inner frame 1215, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B of the inner frame 1215 of the control unit and the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B of the cartridge 1100. Thus, when the cartridge 1100 is received by the inner frame 1215 of the control unit, the heater 1120 of the cartridge 1100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 1100 is coupled to the inner frame 1215 of the control unit, the cartridge 1100 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1215 of the control unit so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0109] Figure 14A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 14A shows an inner frame 1415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0110] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 1415 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1412 and a pair of separate magnets 1452A, 1452B that define a portion of the upper part 1458 of the inner frame 1415. In the illustrated implementation, the upper part 1458 of the inner frame 1415 (defined by the pair of separate magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portion of the inner frame 1415 between the magnets 1452A, 1452B) defines an inclined surface 1460 that slopes downward and inward with respect to the upper edge. In the illustrated implementation, the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B have an arc shape and are attached to the inner frame 1415 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, such as via an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described below. The possible magnetic materials mentioned above are referenced.

[0111] Figure 14B shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 14C shows a partial transmission perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 14B and 14C show a cartridge 1300 including a tank 1302 defined by an outer tank wall 1304 including a proximal end 1306 and a closed distal end 1308. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1300 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0112] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1300 includes a mouthpiece 1310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1312, which includes a proximal end 1314 having an internally defined outlet portal 1315 and a distal end 1316 that engages with the proximal end 1306 of tank 1302. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1312 includes a flange 1350 positioned between its proximal end 1314 and distal end 1316. In the illustrated implementation, the flange 1350 of cartridge 1300 includes a pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B. In the illustrated implementation, the pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B and the portion of the flange 1350 between the metal plates 1352A, 1352B define an inclined surface 1360 that slopes downward and inward. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 1352A and 1352B have an arrowhead shape and are fixed to the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300 via adhesive or an insert molding process, although other mounting methods are possible. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 1352A and 1352B are operably connected to the heater 1320 of the cartridge 1300 (see Figures 14C and 15). In various implementations, the metal plates 1352A and 1352B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0113] In various implementations, portions of the cartridge 1300 in Figures 14B and 14C are configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 1412 of the inner frame 1415 in Figure 14A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1300 coupled to the inner frame 1415 of the control device. In the illustrated implementation, the inclined surfaces 1460 of the separate magnets 1452A and 1452B and portions of the inner frame 1415 are configured to complement the inclined surfaces 1360 of the separate metal plates 1352A and 1352B and portions of the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300, although in other implementations, the contact surfaces may be flat (for example, thus forming a substantially right-angle interface between the surfaces). Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 1300 is coupled to the inner frame 1415 of the control unit, magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B of the inner frame 1415 of the control unit and the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B comprising a portion of the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 is received by the inner frame 1415 of the control unit, the heater 1320 of the cartridge 1300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the illustrated cartridge 1300 is coupled to the inner frame 1415 of the control unit, the cartridge 13200 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1415 of the control unit so as to maintain an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0114] Figure 16A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 16B shows a plan view of the inner frame of the control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 16A and 16B show a portion of the inner frame 1615 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0115] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 1615 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1612 and an upper section 1658 defined at the upper end of the inner frame 1615. The inner frame 1615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 1652 positioned close to the upper section 1658. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, and 1652D, each having a substantially spherical shape, but in other implementations, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, and 1652D are positioned around the outside of the inner frame 1615 and spaced close to its upper section 1658, with each of the plurality of magnets positioned inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 1653. In the illustrated implementation, each magnet receiving feature 1653 comprises a compartment in which each magnet 1652 is captured. Each magnet receiving feature 1653 further defines an opening 1654 extending into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612. In various implementations, the magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, and 1652D are configured to move within the receiving feature 1653 so that in one direction, at least a portion of each magnet 1652 extends through its respective opening 1654, and in the opposite direction, each magnet can move away from the opening 1654.

[0116] Furthermore, the inner frame 1615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B positioned within the inner frame 1615 and adjacent to its upper part 1658. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B are spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B have a rounded contour; however, other contours are also possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 1612. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1620A and 1620B may be mounted inside the inner frame 1615 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1620A and 1620B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 1620A and 1620B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0117] Figure 16C shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 16C shows a cartridge 1500 including a tank 1502 defined by an outer tank wall 1504 including a proximal end 1506 and a closed distal end 1508. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1500 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0118] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1500 includes a mouthpiece 1510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1512, which includes a proximal end 1514 having an internally defined outlet portal 1515 and a distal end 1516 that engages with the proximal end 1506 of tank 1502. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1512 includes a flange 1550 positioned between its proximal end 1514 and distal end 1516. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1500 also includes a pair of metal plates 1552A, 1552B, each positioned below the flange 1550 and on either side of the mouthpiece 1510. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B are fixed to the mouthpiece 1510 via adhesive or an insert molding process, although other mounting methods are possible in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 1552A and 1552B includes a pair of return stops 1555 positioned at both ends. In various implementations, the return stops 1555 are configured to receive portions of the spherical magnets 1652 of the cartridge 1600. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 1552 are also operably connected to the heater 1520 (see Figure 5) of the cartridge 1500. In various implementations, the metal plates 1552A and 1552B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as a variety of ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, steel alloys, and / or any combination thereof.

[0119] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1500 in Figure 16C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 of the inner frame 1615 in Figures 16A and 16B, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1500 coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 1500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the multiple magnets 1652 located in the inner frame 1615 of the control device and the metal plate 1652 of the cartridge. In particular, when the cartridge 1500 is coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control device, the multiple magnets 1652 are located within the respective stoppers 1555 of the metal plates 1552A and 1552B. Furthermore, when the illustrated cartridge 1500 is coupled to the inner frame 1615, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B of the inner frame 1615 of the control unit and the metal plates 1552A, 1552B of the cartridge 1500. Thus, when the cartridge 1500 is received by the inner frame 1615 of the control unit, the heater 1520 of the cartridge 1500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 1500 is coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control unit, the cartridge 1500 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1615 of the control unit so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0120] Figure 18A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 18A shows a portion of the inner frame 1815 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0121] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 1815 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1812 defining its upper part 1858. The inner frame 1815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 1852A, 1852B positioned on the outer wall of the control device and above the upper part 1858 of the inner frame 1815. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 1852A, 1852B are positioned on both sides of the control device, and each magnet 1852 has a wedge shape defining an undercut surface 1857. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 1852A, 1852B can be fixed to the control device via adhesive, but in other implementations, other mounting methods are also possible, including, for example, an insert molding process. The possible magnet materials described above are referenced.

[0122] Furthermore, the inner frame 1815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B positioned within the inner frame 1815 adjacent to its upper part 1858. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1812 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B have a rounded contour; however, other contours are also possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 1812. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1820A and 1820B may be mounted inside the inner frame 1815 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 1820A and 1820B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 1820A and 1820B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0123] Figure 18B shows a perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 18B shows a cartridge 1700 including a tank 1702 defined by an outer tank wall 1704 including a proximal end 1706 and a closed distal end 1708. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1700 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0124] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1700 includes a mouthpiece 1710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1712, which includes a proximal end 1714 having an internally defined outlet portal 1715 and a distal end 1716 that engages with the proximal end 1706 of tank 1702. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1712 includes a flange 1750 positioned between its proximal end 1714 and distal end 1716. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1700 also includes a pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B positioned within the flange 1750. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 1752 has a pointed structure defining a peak region 1759 and is configured to slide outward by spring force and inward against spring force. The extent to which the metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outward is limited by the structure of the flange 1750. The cartridge 1700 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B positioned on both sides of the mouthpiece 1710 and below the flanges 1750 and metal plates 1752A, 1752B. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 1710 of the cartridge 1700 via adhesive, but other implementations may also include other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B are operably connected to the heater 1720 of the cartridge 1700 (see Figures 19A and 19B). As described above, in various implementations, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various implementations, the metal plates 1752A and 1752B may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.In various implementations, the conductive plugs 1725A and 1725B can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0125] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1700 in Figure 18B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 1812 of the inner frame 1815 in Figure 18A, so that a magnetic and electrical connection is formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 19A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 before it is fully coupled to the inner frame 1815 of the control device, and Figure 19B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 after it has been coupled to the inner frame 1815 of the control device. When the cartridge 1700 is inserted into the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the pointed sliding metal plates first bend inward until the peak region 1759 of the metal plates 1752A, 1752B passes the upper edge of the control device magnets 1852A, 1852B, at which point the sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outward relative to the undercut surface 1857 of the magnets 1852A, 1852B until the cartridge is received in the inner frame 1815. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when the illustrated cartridge 1700 is coupled to the inner frame 1815 of the control unit, a magnetic connection is formed between a pair of magnets 1857 located in the control unit and a pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B of the cartridge. In addition, when the illustrated cartridge 1700 is coupled to the inner frame 1815, an electrical connection is formed between a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B of the inner frame 1815 of the control unit and conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B of the cartridge 1700. Thus, when the cartridge 1700 is received by the inner frame 1815 of the control unit, the heater 1720 of the cartridge 1700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the illustrated cartridge 1700 is coupled to the inner frame 1815 of the control unit, the cartridge 1700 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1815 of the control unit so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0126] Figure 20A shows a partial transparency perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the Disclosure, and Figure 20B shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the Disclosure. In particular, Figures 20A and 20B show portions of the inner frame 2015 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to and not repeated here.

[0127] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 2015 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2012 and an upper flange 2050. The inner frame 2015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 2052 positioned close to the upper flange 2050 of the inner frame 2015. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, and 2052D, each pair positioned on either side of the inner frame 2015 and extending close to its upper flange 2050, with each of the plurality of magnets positioned inside a corresponding magnet receiving feature 2053, which in the illustrated implementation is an extension of the upper flange 2050. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, and 2052D of the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 2053 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0128] Furthermore, the inner frame 2015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B located within the inner frame 2015 and below its upper flange 2050. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased inward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 and is configured to flex outward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B have a rounded profile; however, other profiles are also possible so as to facilitate the flexing of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B when the cartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 2012. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 2020A and 202B may be mounted inside the inner frame 2015 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can bend outward against spring forces. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 2020A and 2020B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 2020A and 2020B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0129] Figure 20C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 20C shows a cartridge 1900 including a tank 1902 defined by an outer tank wall 1904 including a proximal end 1906 and a closed distal end 1908. In many embodiments, the cartridge 1900 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0130] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1900 includes a mouthpiece 1910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1912, which includes a proximal end 1914 having an internally defined outlet portal 1915 and a distal end 1916 that engages with the proximal end 1906 of tank 1902. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1912 includes a flange 1950 positioned between its proximal end 1914 and distal end 1916. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 1900 also includes a metal plate 1952 positioned below the flange 1950. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plate 1952 is attached to the bottom of the flange 1950 of mouthpiece 1910 via adhesive, but other mounting methods, including, for example, an insert molding process, are also possible in other implementations. The cartridge 1900 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B positioned on both sides of mouthpiece 1910 and below the flange 1950 and the metal plate 1952. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plug may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 1910 of cartridge 1900 via adhesive, but other implementations may also involve other mounting methods, such as an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive plugs 1925A and 1925B are operably connected to the heater 1920 of cartridge 1900 (see Figure 21). In various implementations, the conductive plug may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various implementations, the metal plate 1952 may be made of any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof. In various implementations, conductive plugs 1925A and 1925B can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0131] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1900 in Figure 20C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 of the inner frame 2015 in Figures 20A and 2B, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 21 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1900 coupled to the inner frame 2015 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 1900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between a number of magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, and 2052D located on the inner frame 2015 of the control device and the metal plate 1952 of the cartridge 1900. Furthermore, when the cartridge 1900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2015, an electrical connection is formed between a pair of conductive pins 2020A and 2020B of the inner frame 2015 of the control device and the conductive plugs 1925A and 1925B of the cartridge 1900. Therefore, when the cartridge 1900 is received into the inner frame 2015 of the control unit, the heater 1920 of the cartridge 1900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 1900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2015 of the control unit, the cartridge 1900 is mechanically biased to connect with the inner frame 2015 of the control unit so as to maintain an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0132] Figure 22A shows a partial transparency perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the Disclosure, and Figure 22B shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the Disclosure. In particular, Figures 22A and 22B show a portion of the inner frame 2215 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0133] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 2215 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2212 and an upper flange 2250. The inner frame 2215 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 2252 positioned close to the upper flange 2250 of the inner frame 2215. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, and 2252D, each pair positioned on either side of the inner frame 2215 and extending close to its upper flange 2250, with each of the plurality of magnets positioned inside a corresponding magnet receiving feature 2253, which in the illustrated implementation is an extension of the upper flange 2250. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, and 2252D of the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 2253 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections or via an insert molding process.

[0134] Furthermore, the inner frame 2215 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B positioned within the inner frame 2215 and adjacent to its upper flange 2250. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B are spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins), each of which is biased upward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends through the upper flange 2250 and is configured to flex downward against the force of an integrated spring; however, other types of conductive elements may be used in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, the ends of the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B have a rounded profile, but other profiles are also possible. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B may be mounted inside the inner frame 2015 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable components of the conductive pins can flex upward against the spring force. In the illustrated implementation, conductive pins 2220A and 2220B are operably connected in sequence to the control unit's battery to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, conductive pins 2220A and 2220B can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0135] Figure 22C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 22C shows a cartridge 2100 including a tank 2102 defined by an outer tank wall 2104 including a proximal end 2106 and a closed distal end 2108. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2100 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0136] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2100 includes a mouthpiece 2110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2112, which includes a proximal end 2114 having an internally defined outlet portal 2115 and a distal end 2116 that engages with the proximal end 2106 of tank 2102. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2112 includes a flange 2150 positioned between its proximal end 2114 and distal end 2116. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2100 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B that comprise part of the flange 2150. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 2152A, 2152B are fixed to the flange 2150 of mouthpiece 2110 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 2152A and 2152B are operably connected to the heater 2120 of the cartridge 2100 (see Figure 23). In various implementations, the metal plates 2152A and 2152B include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, including but not limited to a variety of ferromagnetic materials, such as alloys of iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0137] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2100 in Figure 22C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 2212 of the inner frame 2215 in Figures 22A and 22B, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 23 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2100 coupled to the inner frame 2215 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 2100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2215 of the control device, magnetic connections are formed between the multiple magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, and 2252D located on the inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A and 2152B of the cartridge 2100. Furthermore, when the cartridge 2100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2215, electrical connections are formed between the pair of conductive pins 2220A and 2220B of the inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A and 2152B of the cartridge 2100. Therefore, when the cartridge 2100 is received into the inner frame 2215 of the control unit, the heater 2120 of the cartridge 2100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2215 of the control unit, the cartridge 2100 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 2215 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0138] Figure 24A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 24A shows a portion of the inner frame 2415 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0139] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 2415 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2412 and an upper flange 2450. The inner frame 2415 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B positioned close to the upper flange 2450 of the inner frame 2415. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2452A, 2452B positioned on both sides of the inner frame 2415 and extending through its upper flange 2450. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. Other configurations are possible, but in the illustrated implementation, the upper surfaces of the magnets 2452A, 2452B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 2450. In the illustrated implementation, each of the magnets is positioned inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 2453, which is an extension of the upper flange 2450 in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2452A and 2452B in the illustrated implementation can be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 2453 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process. Although not shown, in the illustrated implementation, the magnets 2452A and 2452B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit.

[0140] Figure 24B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 24B shows a cartridge 2300 including a tank 2302 defined by an outer tank wall 2304 including a proximal end 2306 and a closed distal end 2308. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2300 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0141] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2300 includes a mouthpiece 2310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2312, which includes a proximal end 2314 having an internally defined outlet portal 2315 and a distal end 2316 that engages with the proximal end 2306 of tank 2302. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2312 includes a flange 2350 positioned between its proximal end 2314 and distal end 2316. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2300 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B that comprise part of the flange 2350. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B are fixed to the flange 2350 of mouthpiece 230 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 2352A and 2352B are operably connected to the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 (see Figure 23). In various implementations, the metal plates 2352A and 2352B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0142] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2300 in Figure 24B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 2412 of the inner frame 2415 in Figure 24A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 25 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2300 coupled to the inner frame 2415 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 2300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located on the inner frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. Furthermore, when the cartridge 2300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2415, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B of the inner frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. Therefore, when the cartridge 2300 is received into the inner frame 2415 of the control unit, the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 2300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2415 of the control unit, the cartridge 2300 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 2415 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0143] Figure 26A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 26A shows a portion of the inner frame 2615 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0144] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 2615 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2612 and an upper flange 2650. The inner frame 2615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 2652A, 2652B positioned adjacent to the upper flange 2650 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2652A, 2652B positioned on both sides of the inner frame 2615, with each of the magnets 2652A, 2652B positioned inside the corresponding conductive casings 2620A, 2620B, and each magnet / casing (2652A, 2620A, 2652B, 2620B) assembly extending through its upper flange 2650. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. Furthermore, each of the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B and the magnets 2652 are positioned inside the corresponding receiving feature section 2653. Although other methods are possible, the magnet 2652 in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B via adhesive and / or press-fit connections, and the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B (or conductive casing and magnet assembly (2620A, 2652A, 2620B, 2652B)) in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the receiving feature portion 2653 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections or via an insert molding process. Although not illustrated, the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B are operably connected to the battery of the control device. In various implementations, the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0145] Figure 26B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 26B shows a cartridge 2500 including a tank 2502 defined by an outer tank wall 2504 including a proximal end 2506 and a closed distal end 2508. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2500 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0146] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2500 includes a mouthpiece 2510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2512, which includes a proximal end 2514 having an internally defined outlet portal 2515 and a distal end 2516 that engages with the proximal end 2506 of tank 2502. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2512 includes a flange 2550 positioned between its proximal end 2514 and distal end 2516. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2500 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B that comprise part of the flange 2550. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B are fixed to the flange 2550 of mouthpiece 2510 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 2552A and 2552B are operably connected to the heater 2520 of cartridge 2500 (see Figure 27). In various implementations, the metal plates 2552A and 2552B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0147] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2500 in Figure 26B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 2612 of the inner frame 2615 in Figure 26A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 27 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2500 coupled to the inner frame 2615 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 2500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between a pair of magnets 2652 located in the inner frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A and 2552B of the cartridge 2500. Furthermore, when the cartridge 2500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2615, an electrical connection is formed between the conductive casings 2620A and 2620B of the inner frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A and 2552B of the cartridge 2500. Therefore, when the cartridge 2500 is received into the inner frame 2615 of the control unit, the heater 2520 of the cartridge 2500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 2500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2615 of the control unit, the cartridge 2500 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 2615 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0148] Figure 28A shows an exploded partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 268 shows a portion of the inner frame 2815 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0149] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 2815 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2812 and an upper flange 2850. The inner frame 2815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B positioned adjacent to the upper flange 2850 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2852A, 2852B positioned on both sides of the inner frame 2815, with the respective top and side surfaces of each magnet 2852A, 2852B substantially enclosed by corresponding conductive casings 2820A, 2820B, and each magnet / casing (2852A, 2820A, 2852B, 2820B) assembly extending through its upper flange 2850. The possible magnet materials described above are referenced. Other configurations are possible, but in the illustrated implementation, the upper surfaces of the conductive casings 2820A and 2820B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 2850. Furthermore, each of the conductive casings 2820 and magnets 2852 is positioned inside the corresponding receptacle portion 2853, which is an extension of the flange in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2852A and 2852B in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the conductive casings 2820A and 2820B via adhesive and / or press-fit connections, and the conductive casings 2820A and 2820B (or the conductive casing and magnet assembly (2820, 2852)) in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside the receptacle portion 2853 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections or via an insert molding process. Although not shown, the conductive casings 2820A and 2820B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit. In various implementations, the conductive casings 2820A and 2820B can be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0150] Figure 28B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 28B shows a cartridge 2700 including a tank 2702 defined by an outer tank wall 2704 including a proximal end 2706 and a closed distal end 2708. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2700 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0151] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2700 includes a mouthpiece 2710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2712, which includes a proximal end 2714 having an internally defined outlet portal 2715 and a distal end 2716 that engages with the proximal end 2706 of tank 2702. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2712 includes a flange 2750 positioned between its proximal end 2714 and distal end 2716. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2700 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B that comprise part of the flange 2750. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B are fixed to the flange 2750 of mouthpiece 2710 via adhesive, but other mounting methods, including, for example, an insert molding process, are also possible in other implementations. In the illustrated implementation, separate metal plates 2752A and 2752B are operably connected to the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 (see Figure 29). In various implementations, the metal plates 2752A and 2752B may include any conductive material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0152] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2700 in Figure 28B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 2812 of the inner frame 2813 in Figure 28A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 29 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2700 coupled to the inner frame 2815 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 2700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2813 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located in the inner frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. Furthermore, when the cartridge 2700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2815, an electrical connection is formed between the conductive casings 2820A, 2820B of the inner frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. Therefore, when the cartridge 2700 is received into the inner frame 2815 of the control unit, the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 2700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 2815 of the control unit, the cartridge 2700 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 2815 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0153] Figure 30A shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 31 shows a portion of the inner frame 3015 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0154] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 3015 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3012 and a flange 3050 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 3052 positioned close to the upper flange 3050 of the inner frame 3015. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, and 3052D, each having a substantially block-like or rectangular prism shape, although other implementations may use more or fewer individual magnets, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, and 3052D are positioned around the outside of the inner frame 3015 and below its upper flange 3050 at approximately equal intervals. Each of the multiple magnets is positioned inside the corresponding magnet-receiving feature 3053, which is an extension of the upper flange 3050 in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, and 3052D in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside their respective magnet-receiving features 3053 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0155] Furthermore, the inner frame 3015 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B positioned on the upper flange 3050 of the inner frame 3015, which are exposed through an opening in the upper flange 3050. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to coincide with a portion of the upper flange 3050, and the upper surfaces of the magnets 3020A, 3020B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 3050. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described below. In various implementations, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B may be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0156] Figure 30B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 30C shows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 30B and 30C show a cartridge 2900 including a tank 2902 defined by an outer tank wall 2904 including a proximal end 2906 and a closed distal end 2908. In many embodiments, the cartridge 2900 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0157] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2900 includes a mouthpiece 2910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2912, which includes a proximal end 2914 having an internally defined outlet portal and a distal end 2916 that engages with the proximal end 2906 of tank 2902. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2912 includes a flange 2950 positioned between its proximal end 2914 and distal end 2916. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 2900 also includes two pairs of metal plates. In particular, cartridge 2900 includes a pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B extending around opposing corners of the flange 2950 of cartridge 2900, and a pair of long metal plates 2952A, 2952B extending around the other opposing corner of the flange 2950 and terminating close to the ends of the pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B. In the illustrated implementation, each of the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B has a curved shape configured to match a portion of the flange 2950, ​​and each of the second pair of metal plates 2952A, 2952B has a curved shape configured to match another portion of the flange 2950. In the illustrated implementation, the first and second pairs of metal plates 2925A, 2925B, 2952A, 2952B are fixed to the bottom of the flange 2950 of the mouthpiece 2910 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B are operably connected to the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 (see Figure 31). In various implementations, the short metal plates 3020A and 3020B may be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various implementations, the long metal plates 2952A and 2952B may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0158] In various implementations, portions of the cartridge 2900 in Figures 30B and 30C are configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 3012 of the inner frame 3015 in Figure 30A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 30A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 2900 coupled to the inner frame 3015 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 2900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3015 of the control device, magnetic connections are formed between the multiple magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, and 3052D located in the inner frame 3015 of the control device and the second pair of metal plates 2952A and 2952B of the cartridge 2900. Furthermore, when the illustrated cartridge 2900 is coupled to the inner frame 3015, an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B of the inner frame 3015 of the control unit and the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B of the cartridge 2900. Thus, when the cartridge 2900 is received in the inner frame 3015 of the control unit, the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Therefore, when the illustrated cartridge 2900 is coupled to the inner frame 3015 of the control unit, the cartridge 2900 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 3015 of the control unit so as to maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0159] Figure 32A shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 32A shows a portion of the inner frame 3215 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0160] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 3215 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3212 and a flange 3250 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3215 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 3252 positioned close to the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3215. In the illustrated implementation, there are four individual magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D, each having a substantially block-like or rectangular prism shape, but other implementations may use more or fewer individual magnets, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In the illustrated implementation, the magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D are positioned around the outside of the inner frame 3215 and below its upper flange 3250 at approximately equal intervals. Each of the multiple magnets is positioned inside the corresponding magnet-receiving feature 3253, which is an extension of the upper flange 3250 in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside their respective magnet-receiving features 3253 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0161] Furthermore, the inner frame 3215 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of metal plates 3220A, 3220B positioned at opposing corners of the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3215, which are exposed through an opening in the upper flange 3250. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to coincide with a portion of the upper flange 3250, and the upper surfaces of the magnets 3220A, 3220B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 3050. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described below. In various implementations, the metal plates 3220A, 3220B may be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0162] Figure 32B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 32C shows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 32B and 32C show a cartridge 3100 including a tank 3102 defined by an outer tank wall 3104 including a proximal end 3106 and a closed distal end 3108. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3100 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0163] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3100 includes a mouthpiece 3110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3112, which includes a proximal end 3114 having an internally defined outlet portal and a distal end 3116 that engages with the proximal end 3106 of tank 3102. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3112 includes a flange 3150 positioned between its proximal end 3114 and distal end 3116. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3100 also includes a pair of separate metal plates. In particular, cartridge 3100 includes a pair of metal plates 3152A, 3152B positioned on either side of cartridge 3100. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 3152A, 3152B has a curved shape configured to coincide with a portion of flange 3150. In particular, each plate 3152A, 3152B begins near a first corner of flange 3150, extends around that corner and a second corner of flange 3150, and ends near the corner of the flange opposite the first corner. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are fixed to the bottom of flange 3150 of mouthpiece 3110 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are operably connected to heater 3120 of cartridge 3100 (see Figure 33). In various implementations, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or combinations thereof.

[0164] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3100 in Figures 32B and 32C is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 3212 of the inner frame 3215 in Figure 32A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 33 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3100 coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 3100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control device, magnetic connections are formed between the multiple magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D located on the inner frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A and 3152B of the cartridge 3100. Furthermore, when the cartridge 3100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3215, electrical connections are formed between the metal plates 3220A and 3220B of the inner frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A and 3152B of the cartridge 3100. Therefore, when the cartridge 3100 is coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control unit, the heater 3120 of the cartridge 3100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 3100 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control unit, the cartridge 3100 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 3215 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0165] Figure 34 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 34 shows a portion of the inner frame 3415 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0166] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 3415 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3412 and a flange 3450 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3415 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 3452A, 3452B on either side of the flange 3450. In the illustrated implementation, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B has a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In other implementations, more or fewer magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. In the illustrated implementation, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B is located below the upper surface of the flange 3450 and inside the respective magnet receiving feature 3453, which in the illustrated implementation is an extension of the upper flange 3450. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3452A and 3252B in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside their respective magnet receiving features 3453 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0167] Furthermore, the inner frame 3415 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of metal plates 3420A and 3420B positioned on either side of the upper flange 3450 of the inner frame 3215, which are exposed through an opening in the upper flange 3450. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 3420A and 3420B is positioned inside their respective receiving features 3455, which in the illustrated implementation comprises a portion of the upper flange 3450. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the metal plates have a substantially block-like or rectangular prism shape, and the upper surfaces of the metal plates 3420A and 3420B are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange 3450. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3420A and 3420B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described below. In various implementations, the metal plates 3420A and 3420B can be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0168] Figure 35A shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and Figure 35B shows a partial transmission perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figures 35A and 35B show a cartridge 3300 including a tank (not shown) defined by an outer tank wall including a proximal end and a closed distal end. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3300 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, refer to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components).

[0169] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3300 includes a mouthpiece 3310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3312, which includes a proximal end 3314 having an internally defined outlet portal 3315 and a distal end (not shown) that engages with the proximal end of a tank. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3312 includes a flange 3350 positioned between its proximal end 3314 and distal end. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3300 also includes a pair of metal plates. In particular, cartridge 3300 includes metal plates 3352A and 3352B that extend around each adjacent side of the flange 3350 of the cartridge, extending around a set of opposing corners of the flange 3350 but not around other sets of opposing corners of the flange 3350. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 3352A and 3352B has a curved J-shape that matches a portion of the flange 3350 as described above and is configured to operably connect to the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3352A and 3352B are fixed to the bottom of the flange 3350 of the mouthpiece 3310 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In various implementations, the metal plates 3352A and 3352B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel, and / or combinations thereof.

[0170] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3300 is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 3412 of the inner frame 3415 so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figures 35A and 35B show partial perspective views of the cartridge 3300 coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control device. As shown in the figures, when the cartridge 3300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control device, magnetic connections are formed between the magnets 3452A and 3452B located in the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A and 3352B of the cartridge 3300. Furthermore, when the cartridge 3300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3415, electrical connections are formed between the metal plates 3420A and 3420B of the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A and 3352B of the cartridge 3300. Therefore, when the cartridge 3300 is coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control unit, the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 3300 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control unit, the cartridge 3300 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 3415 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0171] Figure 36A shows a partial perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 36A shows a portion of the inner frame 3615 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0172] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 3615 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3612 and a flange 3650 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of magnets 3652A, 3652B on either side of the flange 3650. In the illustrated implementation, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B has a substantially blocky or rectangular prism shape. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. In other implementations, more or fewer magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. In the illustrated implementation, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B is located inside their respective magnet receiving features 3653, which are below the upper surface of the flange 3650 and are extensions of the upper flange 3650 in the illustrated implementation. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 3652A and 3652B in the illustrated implementation may be fixed inside their respective magnet receiving features 3653 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections, or via an insert molding process.

[0173] Furthermore, the inner frame 3615 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of metal plates 3620A, 3620B positioned on either side of the upper flange 3650 of the inner frame 3615. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 3620A, 3620B is positioned below the upper surface of the flange 3650 and inside the respective receiving feature portions 3655, which in the illustrated implementation comprise a portion of the upper flange 3650. Although other configurations are possible, in the illustrated implementation, the metal plates have a substantially block-like or rectangular prism shape. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B are operably connected to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described below. In various implementations, the metal plates 3620A and 3620B can be composed of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0174] Figure 36B shows a partial transmission perspective view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 36B shows a cartridge 3500 including a tank 3502 defined by an outer tank wall 3504 including a proximal end 3506 and a closed distal end 3508. In many embodiments, the cartridge 3500 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) are referred to.

[0175] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3500 includes a mouthpiece 3510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3512, which includes a proximal end 3514 having an internally defined outlet portal 3515 and a distal end 3516 that engages with the proximal end 3506 of tank 3502. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3512 includes a flange 3550 positioned between its proximal end 3514 and distal end 3516. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3500 also includes a metal plate 3552 positioned below the flange 3550. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plate 3552 is fixed to the bottom of the flange 3550 of the mouthpiece 3510 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process, press-fit connections, and heat-screw connections. The cartridge 3500 also includes a pair of conductive springs 3525A, 3525B positioned on either side of the mouthpiece 3510. In the illustrated implementation, each of the conductive springs includes contact surfaces 3565A, 3565B that are exposed through the respective openings of the mouthpiece 3510 below the flange 3550. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B may be attached to the inside of the mouthpiece 3510 of the cartridge 3500 via adhesive, but other mounting methods are also possible in other implementations, including, for example, an insert molding process. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B are operably connected to the heater 3520 of the cartridge 3500 (see Figure 37). In various implementations, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B may be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various implementations, the metal plate 3552 may include any material configured to be attracted by magnets, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys of iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel.

[0176] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3500 is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 3612 of the inner frame 3615 so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 37 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3500 coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 3500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets 3652A and 3652B located in the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the metal plate 3552 of the cartridge 3500. Furthermore, when the cartridge 3500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3615, an electrical connection is formed between the metal plates 3620A and 3620B of the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the conductive springs 3525A and 3525B of the cartridge 3500. Therefore, when the cartridge 3500 is coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control unit, the heater 3520 of the cartridge 3500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 3500 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control unit, the cartridge 3500 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 3615 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0177] Figure 38A shows a partially transparent perspective view of the inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 38A shows a portion of the inner frame 3815 for use with the corresponding control device. In many embodiments, the control device may have a configuration similar to the control device 200 described above and may include similar components (and variations of similar configurations and components). Accordingly, a suitable description of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components) is referred to and not repeated here.

[0178] As shown in the figure, the inner frame 3815 of the illustrated implementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3812 and an upper flange 3850. The inner frame 3815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 3852 positioned close to the upper flange 3850 of the inner frame 3815. In particular, the illustrated implementation includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, and 3852D, each pair positioned on either side of the inner frame 3815 and extending close to its upper flange 3850, with each of the plurality of magnets positioned inside a corresponding magnet receiving feature 3853, which in the illustrated implementation is an extension of the upper flange 3850. The possible magnet materials described above are referred to. Although other methods are also possible, the magnets 3852 of the illustrated implementation can be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 3853 via press-fit and / or adhesive connections or via an insert molding process.

[0179] Furthermore, the inner frame 3815 of the illustrated implementation also includes a pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B located within the inner frame 3815 and adjacent to its upper flange 3850. In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B include cylindrical metal pins located on both sides of the inner frame 3815 and extending through the upper flange 3850. Other configurations are possible, but in the illustrated implementation, the upper surfaces of the metal pins 3820A, 3820B extend above the upper surface of the upper flange 3850 (for example, slightly upward). In the illustrated implementation, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B are operably connected in sequence to the battery of the control unit to supply power to the heater of the inserted cartridge, as described later. In various implementations, the conductive pins 3820A and 3820B can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0180] Figure 38B shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge relating to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 38B shows a cartridge 3700 including a tank 3702 defined by an outer tank wall 3704 including a proximal end 3706 and a closed distal end (not shown). In many embodiments, the cartridge 3700 may have a similar configuration and may include a configuration similar to that of the cartridge 300 described above (and variations of similar configurations and components), which are not repeated here. Accordingly, refer to appropriate descriptions of these configurations and components (and variations of configurations and components).

[0181] The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3700 includes a mouthpiece 3710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3712, which includes a proximal end 3714 having an internally defined outlet portal (not shown) and a distal end 3716 that engages with the proximal end 3706 of tank 3702. In the illustrated implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3712 includes a flange 3750 positioned between its proximal end 3714 and distal end 3716. The illustrated implementation of cartridge 3700 also includes a pair of separate metal plates 3752A, 3752B that comprise part of the flange 3750. In the illustrated implementation, each of the metal plates 3752A, 3752B includes integrated spring contacts 3765A, 3765B that extend below the flange 3750. In the illustrated implementation, the metal plates 3752A and 3752B are fixed to the flange 3750 of the mouthpiece 3710 via adhesive, but other implementations may involve other mounting methods, such as insert molding processes, press-fit connections, or heat-screw connections. In the illustrated implementation, the separate metal plates 3752A and 3752B are operably connected to the heater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 (see Figure 39). In various implementations, the metal plates 3752A and 3752B may include any material that is conductive and configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel. In some implementations, one or both of the metal plates may be composed of a bimetallic material, such as a bimetallic plate, and one or more portions of the plate configured to contact the conductive pins may include a conductive spring material, and one or more portions of the plate configured to contact the magnet may include different materials suitable for magnetic attraction.

[0182] In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3700 in Figure 38B is configured to be coupled to the cartridge receiving chamber 3812 of the inner frame 3815 in Figure 38A, so that magnetic and electrical connections are formed between the cartridge and the control device. In particular, Figure 39 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 3700 coupled to the inner frame 3815 of the control device. As shown in the figure, when the cartridge 3700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3815 of the control device, magnetic connections are formed between the multiple magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, and 3852D located on the inner frame 3815 of the control device and the metal plates 3752A and 3752B of the cartridge 3700. Furthermore, when the cartridge 3700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3815, electrical connections are formed between the pair of conductive pins 3820A and 3820B of the inner frame 3815 of the control device and the integrated spring contacts 3765A and 3765B of the cartridge 3700. Therefore, when the cartridge 3700 is received into the inner frame 3815 of the control unit, the heater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit. Thus, when the cartridge 3700 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 3815 of the control unit, the cartridge 3700 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 3815 of the control unit so that an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit is maintained.

[0183] It should be noted that in various implementations, some components of the control unit, cartridge, or both the control unit and cartridge may be replaced by other components that have similar functions but different structures. For example, some of the above implementations describe the use of spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric pogo pins) in the inner frame of the control unit, which are connected to the battery of the control unit. In various alternative implementations, one or both of the electric pogo pins used in those implementations may be replaced by a metal plate including a formed contact surface. An example of such an implementation is shown in Figure 40, which shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to the inner frame of a control unit according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 40 shows a cartridge 3900 coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control unit. In the illustrated implementation, the spring-loaded electric pins are replaced by a metal plate 4020 including a round deflection contact area 4065 configured to engage with the electric contacts of the cartridge. In various implementations, the metal plate 4020 can be made of any conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. Thus, as shown in the figure, when the cartridge 3900 of the illustrated implementation is coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control unit, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet of the control unit and the metal plate 3952 of the cartridge 3900, and an electrical connection is formed between the contact area 4065 of the metal plate 4020 on the inner frame 4015 of the control unit and the electrical contact 3925 of the cartridge 3900 connected to the heater 3920. Thus, when the cartridge 3900 is coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control unit, the heater 3920 of the cartridge 3900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control unit.

[0184] Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications and other embodiments of this disclosure have the benefit of teaching shown in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limitation.

Claims

1. an aerosol delivery device, said aerosol delivery device, A control device comprising an outer housing that defines an outer wall and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the control device defines a cartridge receiving chamber, and the control device further comprises a battery and control components, A cartridge comprising a mouthpiece portion and a tank, wherein the mouthpiece portion has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion has an outlet portal defined through it, the tank further defines a closed distal end and is configured to contain a liquid composition, and the cartridge further comprises a heater configured to heat the liquid composition, Equipped with, Aerosol delivery device, wherein the cartridge and control device each include at least one connector configured to provide magnetic and electrical connections between the cartridge and the control device so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, and at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

2. The control device further, It has an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, The inner frame, Upper flange and Multiple magnets are spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame, It includes a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame and below its upper flange and operably connected to a battery, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A metal plate positioned below the flange, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater and Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin on the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

3. The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnets of the inner frame of the control device are exposed on the upper surface of the upper flange such that the magnets of the inner frame of the control device are in direct contact with the metal plate of the cartridge.

4. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper part, At least one mounting element positioned on the upper surface of the inner frame, A pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, At least one mounting element positioned on the flange of the cartridge, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater and Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between at least one mounting element of the control device and at least one mounting element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between a conductive pin of the inner frame of the control device and a conductive plug of the cartridge.

5. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, and the flange of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the flange.

6. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, the flange of the cartridge includes a corresponding inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of metal plates spaced apart around the inclined surface of the flange.

7. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the inner frame of the control device includes an inclined surface, at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the inclined surface of the inner frame, the flange of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one mounting element comprises a metal ring having the inclined surface of the flange.

8. The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one mounting element of the control device comprises a magnetic ring including an inclined surface that has an upper part of the inner frame, the flange of the cartridge includes an inclined surface, and at least one mounting element of the cartridge comprises a metal ring that has an inclined surface on the flange.

9. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper part, A pair of separate magnets comprising a portion of the upper part of the inner frame, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a part of the cartridge flange and a metal plate operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, both magnetic and electrical connections are formed between a pair of separate magnets on the inner frame of the control device and a pair of separate metal plates on the cartridge.

10. The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a pair of separate magnets on the inner frame of the control device include inclined surfaces, and a pair of metal plates on the flange of the cartridge include corresponding inclined surfaces.

11. The control device further, An inner frame defining the cartridge receiving chamber, Multiple magnetic spheres arranged in the inner frame, A pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame, the conductive pins operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, It comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate including receiving stoppers at both ends, and the metal plates are operably connected to a heater. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnetic sphere of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving stopper of the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

12. The control device further, An inner frame defining the cartridge receiving chamber, A pair of inclined magnets positioned within the inner frame, A pair of spring-loaded conductive pins are located within the inner frame and below a pair of inclined magnets, and are operably connected to a battery. Equipped with, The cartridge, further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of pointed sliding metal plates positioned inside the flange, A pair of conductive plugs, one conductive plug operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the inclined magnet of the inner frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

13. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of spring-loaded conductive pins positioned on the inner frame and below its upper flange and operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A metal plate positioned below the flange, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater and Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin on the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

14. The aerosol apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange.

15. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of spring-loaded conductive pins extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, a metal plate operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

16. The aerosol apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange.

17. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, A pair of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the cylindrical magnets being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, a metal plate operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, both a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

18. The aerosol apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a pair of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of an inner frame such that the upper surfaces of the magnets are substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange.

19. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, A pair of cylindrical magnets extending through the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive casings, each conductive casing substantially enclosing the sides of its respective magnet, extending through the upper flange of an inner frame such that the upper edge of the casing is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, and operably connected to a battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, a metal plate operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive casing of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

20. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, A pair of cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive casings, each substantially enclosing the top and sides of its respective magnet, extending through the upper flange of an inner frame such that the top surface of the casing is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange, and operably connected to a battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, the metal plate being operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive casing of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

21. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple magnets are placed inside the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of metal plates positioned within the upper flange of the inner frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange and is operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates, first and second, positioned below the flange, wherein the first pair of metal plates is operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

22. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple magnets are placed inside the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of metal plates positioned within the upper flange of the inner frame, wherein the upper surface of the metal plates is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper flange, and the metal plates are operably connected to the battery. Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates positioned below the flange, one of which is operably connected to the heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates on the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates on the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates on the cartridge.

23. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, A pair of magnets positioned within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of metal plates positioned within the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plate being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates, the metal plate comprising a portion of the cartridge flange and a metal plate operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates on the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the pair of metal plates on the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates on the cartridge.

24. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, A pair of magnets positioned on the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of metal plates positioned on the upper flange of the inner frame, a metal plate operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A metal ring comprising part of a flange, A pair of conductive spring contacts, the spring contacts being operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between a magnet on the inner frame of the control device and a metal ring on the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between a pair of metal plates on the inner frame of the control device and a pair of conductive spring contacts on the cartridge.

25. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive pins extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, wherein the metal plates are operably connected to a heater, and each metal plate includes an integrated spring contact, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive pin on the inner frame of the control device and the integrated spring contact on the metal plate of the cartridge.

26. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple magnets are spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts are located on the inner frame and below its upper flange and are operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A metal plate positioned below the flange, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contact on the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

27. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper part, At least one mounting element positioned on the upper surface of the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts arranged in the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, At least one mounting element positioned on the flange of the cartridge, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between at least one mounting element of the control device and at least one mounting element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between a conductive spring contact of the inner frame of the control device and a conductive plug of the cartridge.

28. The control device further, An inner frame defining the cartridge receiving chamber, Multiple magnetic spheres arranged in the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts arranged in the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts being operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, It comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate including receiving stoppers at both ends, and the metal plates are operably connected to a heater. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnetic sphere of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving stopper of the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contact of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

29. The control device further, An inner frame defining the cartridge receiving chamber, A pair of inclined magnets positioned within the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts are located within the inner frame and below a pair of inclined magnets, with conductive pins operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of pointed sliding metal plates positioned inside the flange, A pair of conductive plugs, one conductive plug operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the inclined magnet of the inner frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contact of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

30. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts are located on the inner frame and below its upper flange, with conductive pins operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A metal plate positioned below the flange, A pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contact on the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge.

31. The control device further, An inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, comprising an inner frame including an upper flange, Multiple cylindrical magnets extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, A pair of conductive spring contacts extending within the upper flange of the inner frame, with conductive pins operably connected to the battery, Equipped with, The cartridge is further, A flange positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, A pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of a flange, the metal plate being operably connected to a heater, Equipped with, The aerosol delivery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is formed between the magnet on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is formed between the conductive spring contact on the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge.

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