Aerosol generator and cartridge with movable seal

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge includes an internal airflow channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge, a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate, a fluid-permeable wall portion configured to allow fluid communication between the storage portion and the internal airflow channel, and a heating assembly disposed within the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly includes an airflow passage in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly includes a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element disposed proximal to the susceptor member. The heating assembly is slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position, wherein in the sealing position the fluid-permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member and in the operating position the fluid-permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes, thereby forming an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a liquid reservoir or delivered to the heating element via a capillary element. The liquid reservoir may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge.

[0004] The cartridge may include a removable or pierceable sealing element for sealing the liquid reservoir prior to first use. Manually removed sealing components may generate additional waste and negatively impact the user experience. Prickable sealing elements may run the risk of losing small fragments when pierced. These small fragments may contaminate the airflow path, for example, and negatively impact the function of the device.

[0005] It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may avoid a separate disposable sealing means. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge that has a lower environmental impact. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that may improve the user experience. It may be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that is more comfortable for the user to handle.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an inductively heated aerosol generation system with a cartridge sealing mechanism that does not interfere with the performance of the induction coil.It would be desirable to provide an inductively heated aerosol generation system with a cartridge sealing mechanism that allows for desirable aerosolization and airflow characteristics when the cartridge is installed in an aerosol generator.

[0007] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can be configured for use with different types of cartridges.It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that has reduced complexity.It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that has reduced manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include an internal airflow channel. The internal airflow channel may extend between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may include a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include a fluid-permeable wall portion configured to allow fluid communication between the storage portion and the internal airflow channel. The cartridge may include a heating assembly disposed within the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly may include an airflow passage in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly may include a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element disposed proximal to the susceptor member. The heating assembly may be slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position. In the sealing position, the fluid-permeable wall portion may be separated from the susceptor member. In the operating position, the fluid-permeable wall portion may be in fluid communication with the susceptor member.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge includes an internal airflow channel. The internal airflow channel extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge includes a fluid-permeable wall portion configured to allow fluid communication between the storage portion and the internal airflow channel. The cartridge includes a heating assembly disposed within the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly includes an airflow passage in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel. The heating assembly includes a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element disposed proximal to the susceptor member. The heating assembly is slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position. In the sealing position, the fluid-permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member. In the operating position, the fluid-permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member.

[0010] A cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided that can reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided that can avoid a separate disposable sealing means. A cartridge that can reduce the environmental burden is provided. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided that can improve the user experience. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device that is more comfortable for users to handle is provided. A cartridge for an induction heated aerosol generating system is provided that has a sealing mechanism that can avoid or reduce inhibition of induction coil performance. A cartridge for an induction heated aerosol generating system is provided that has a sealing mechanism that can enable desirable aerosolization and airflow characteristics when the cartridge is attached to an aerosol generating device.

[0011] The cartridge may be configured such that in the sealed position the fluid-permeable wall portion is spatially separated from the susceptor member. The cartridge may be configured such that in the sealed position the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the proximal sealing element. The cartridge may be configured such that in the sealed position the fluid-permeable wall portion is fluidly separated from the susceptor member. The cartridge may be configured such that in the operating position the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the susceptor member. The fluid-permeable wall portion and the susceptor member may be coaxially disposed.

[0012] The sealed position may be a pre-use configuration of an unused cartridge. When an unused cartridge is purchased, the heating assembly may be in the sealed position. In this position, the interior of the reservoir portion may be sealed by the proximal sealing element, which seals against the fluid-permeable wall portion. For example, the proximal sealing element may block the fluid-permeable wall portion such that fluid communication between the reservoir portion and the internal airflow channel is prevented by the proximal sealing element.

[0013] The sealed position may further reduce or prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. Exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate to oxygen may further reduce or prevent exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate to high humidity. A cartridge is provided which may provide a longer shelf life.

[0014] In the sealed position, the susceptor element of the susceptor member may be fluidly isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate within the reservoir portion by the proximal sealing element. Oxidation of the susceptor element of the cartridge prior to first use may be further reduced or prevented prior to first use of the cartridge. A cartridge is provided that may provide a longer shelf life.

[0015] The cartridge may be configured to automatically move the heating assembly from the sealed position to the operative position upon engagement of the cartridge with the aerosol generating device, thereby allowing the cartridge to be handled comfortably by a user.

[0016] The cartridge may be configured such that all mechanically moving parts of the cartridge are disposed entirely within the internal airflow channel. The cartridge may include an outer housing. All moving parts of the cartridge may be disposed entirely within the outer housing. A compact cartridge may be provided. A robust cartridge may be provided.

[0017] The cartridge may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be provided at a proximal end of the cartridge. The heating assembly may be slidably movable relative to the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be integral with the reservoir portion.

[0018] The cartridge may include an air inlet at a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may include an air outlet at a proximal end of the cartridge. The internal airflow channel can extend between the air inlet and the air outlet. The internal airflow channel may extend along a central longitudinal axis of the cartridge between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge. The internal airflow channel and the heating assembly may be coaxially disposed. The storage portion may at least partially surround the internal airflow channel. The storage portion may coaxially surround the internal airflow channel.

[0019] At least a portion of the susceptor member may be fluid permeable. The susceptor member may be tubular. At least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular susceptor member may be fluid permeable. The susceptor member may comprise a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be tubular. At least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular susceptor element may be fluid permeable.

[0020] The fluid permeability of the tubular susceptor member or element may be provided by one or more openings or perforations in the sidewall. For example, the tubular susceptor member or element may be formed from a metal sheet that is provided with a plurality of openings and bent into a tubular shape.

[0021] The fluid permeability of the tubular susceptor member or element may be provided by the inherent porosity of the porous material that forms the sidewall of the tubular susceptor member or element, for example, the porous material may be a porous ceramic or a porous carbon-based material.

[0022] The susceptor element may comprise a metal and / or an alloy. The susceptor element may comprise a ferromagnetic alloy material. The ferromagnetic alloy material may be perforated to provide a desired porosity. The alloy material may be a ferromagnetic Inox alloy.

[0023] The susceptor element may comprise one or more of a ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy, a magnetic carbon-based material, and a carbon-based compound with a metallic structural dispersion.

[0024] The ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy may comprise one or more of 304 stainless steel and 410 stainless steel. The magnetic carbon-based material may comprise one or more of irradiated graphite, nanocarbon, fullerene, oxygen-containing carbon, and point-defect graphene. The carbon-based compound with a metallic structure dispersion may comprise an Fe3O4-graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite.

[0025] The susceptor member may include a wick element. The wick element may be disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the susceptor element. At least a portion of a wall of the wick element may be fluid permeable. The wick element may have a tubular shape. The wick element may surround at least a portion of the susceptor element. The wick element may coaxially surround the susceptor element.

[0026] The wick element may comprise a ceramic material. The ceramic material may be porous. The ceramic material may be a porous silica ceramic. The wick element may comprise one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, a porous graphite-based material, and a glass fiber sheet material.

[0027] The wick element may comprise a porous material, and the susceptor element may comprise a porous material. The porosity of the susceptor element may be at least in the same range as the porosity of the wick element. The porosity of the porous material comprising the susceptor element may be greater than the porosity of the porous material comprising the wick element.

[0028] As used herein, the term "porosity" is defined as the percentage of voids in a unit volume. Porosity may be derived using standard methods and formulas that provide a decimal value for porosity. By knowing the pore volume (Vp) of a given volume of material and its total volume (Vt), the porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percentage, simply multiply the decimal by 100%. For example, if Pt = 0.51, then 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

[0029] Better aerosolization results can be achieved when the porosity of the porous material constituting the susceptor element is greater than the porosity of the porous material constituting the wick element. The porosity of the susceptor element may be about 25% to 80%, preferably about 55% to 75%, and most preferably about 65% to 75%. The porosity of the wick element may be 10% to 60%, preferably 35% to 55%, and more preferably 40% to 50%, and may be smaller than the porosity of the susceptor element.

[0030] The heating assembly may include a hollow tubular distal sealing element disposed distally of the susceptor member. The distal sealing element may seal a distal portion of the internal airflow channel. The distal sealing element may help prevent the aerosol-forming substrate from accidentally escaping from the internal airflow channel at its distal portion.

[0031] The proximal sealing element may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material. The distal sealing element may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material. The non-ferromagnetic material may be a polymeric material, for example, an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be one or more of PTFE, nitrile, neoprene, EPDM rubber, and fluorocarbon.

[0032] At least a portion of the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may have a narrowed cross-section relative to the internal hollow channel of the susceptor member. At least a portion of the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may have a narrowed cross-section at a central portion thereof. The internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may have a concave shape along its longitudinal axis.

[0033] The constricted cross section may create a Venturi effect, and the aerosol volume or the aerosol precursor volume may expand downstream of the constricted cross section. Turbulence may be created. Mixing within the airflow channel may be improved.

[0034] The heating assembly may be attached to the interior of the internal airflow channel by a press fit. The press fit connection may be established by attaching one or both of the proximal and distal sealing elements to the interior of the internal airflow channel by a press fit.

[0035] The total length of the heating assembly may be 8 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8.7 mm to 9.3 mm. The outer diameter of the heating assembly may be 3.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 4.2 mm to 4.4 mm. The length of the susceptor member may be 3 mm to 4 mm, preferably 3.3 mm to 3.5 mm. The inner diameter of the susceptor member may be 0.8 mm to 1.4 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0036] The length of the proximal sealing element may be between 4 mm and 4.6 mm, preferably between 4.2 mm and 4.4 mm, and the length of the distal sealing element may be between 1.0 mm and 1.6 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm.

[0037] The fluid permeable wall portion of the cartridge may comprise a porous material, for example a porous ceramic.

[0038] The distal portion of the cartridge may have a circular cross-section. The proximal end of the cartridge may have a non-circular cross-section. The proximal end with the non-circular cross-section may be formed as a mouthpiece, which may facilitate aerosol uptake by a user.

[0039] The reservoir may be a liquid reservoir for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may be configured for use with a cartridge. The cartridge may include a heating assembly. The heating assembly may include a susceptor member. The heating assembly may be disposed within an internal airflow channel of the cartridge. The heating assembly may be slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operative position. The aerosol generation device may include a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The aerosol generation device may include an induction coil. The aerosol generation device may include a protruding element. The protruding element may extend from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity. The protruding element may be configured to urge the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealed position to the operative position when at least the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity, such that the induction coil of the aerosol generation device inductively heats the susceptor member of the cartridge when the heating assembly is urged into the operative position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device is configured for use with a cartridge. The cartridge includes a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes a susceptor member. The heating assembly is disposed within an internal airflow channel of the cartridge. The heating assembly is slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operative position. The aerosol generation device includes a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The aerosol generation device includes an induction coil. The aerosol generation device includes a protruding element. The protruding element extends from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity. The protruding element is configured to urge the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealed position to the operative position when at least the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity, such that the induction coil of the aerosol generation device inductively heats the susceptor member of the cartridge when the heating assembly is urged into the operative position.

[0042] An aerosol generating device is provided that can reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generating device is provided that can avoid a separate disposable sealing means. An aerosol generating device is provided that can reduce the environmental burden. An aerosol generating device is provided that can improve the user experience. An aerosol generating device is provided that is more comfortable for users to handle. An aerosol generating device for an induction heated aerosol generating system is provided that has a cartridge sealing mechanism that can avoid or reduce inhibition of induction coil performance. An aerosol generating device for an induction heated aerosol generating system is provided that has a cartridge sealing mechanism that can enable desirable aerosolization and airflow characteristics when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0043] An aerosol generating device may be provided that has reduced complexity.An aerosol generating device may be provided that has reduced manufacturing costs.

[0044] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may be a heated chamber.

[0045] At least a portion of the protruding element may be surrounded by the induction coil. At least a portion of the protruding element that is surrounded by the induction coil may have a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally less than 1.

[0046] As used herein, the term "relative magnetic permeability" of a magnetic material is a measure of the relative ease with which the magnetic material conducts magnetic flux compared to the conduction of magnetic flux through air. Quantitatively, relative permeability is given by the ratio of the absolute magnetic permeability of the magnetic material to the absolute permeability of air or vacuum. "Relative magnetic permeability" and "relative permeability" are used synonymously.

[0047] The protruding elements may have a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally less than 1.

[0048] At least a portion of the protruding element surrounded by the induction coil may be non-magnetic.At least a portion of the protruding element surrounded by the induction coil may be made from a non-magnetic material.

[0049] The protruding elements may be non-magnetic. The protruding elements may be made from a non-magnetic material.

[0050] The term "non-magnetic material" is used herein to refer to a material that does not interact with a magnetic field and cannot be heated by the penetration of an alternating magnetic field. For example, the non-magnetic material may be a non-magnetic metal or alloy. For example, the non-magnetic material may be a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel. Suitable austenitic stainless steels include AISI 300 series stainless steels, such as AISI types 304, 309, and 316 stainless steel.

[0051] At least a portion of the protruding element that is surrounded by the induction coil may be made from a non-ferromagnetic material.The protruding element may be made from a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0052] The non-ferromagnetic material may be a polymeric material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0053] At least a portion of the protruding element that is surrounded by the induction coil may be made from an electrically insulating material.The protruding element may be made from an electrically insulating material.

[0054] Advantageously, an electrically insulating material can help minimize heat transfer from the susceptor member of the cartridge to components of the aerosol generating device, such as the support element. As used herein, an "electrically insulating" material has a thermal conductivity of about 1×10 at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). 6 Materials with volume resistivities greater than ohmmeters (Ωm) are typically around 1×10 9 Ohmmeter (Ωm) ~ approx. 1 x 10 21 It refers to a material that has a volume resistivity in ohm-meters (Ωm). Suitable electrically insulating materials include glass, plastics, and certain ceramic materials.

[0055] The aerosol generating device may be configured to have no susceptor material in the cavity when the cartridge is not received in the cavity. The aerosol generating device may be configured to have no susceptor that can be inductively heated by the induction coil. The protruding elements may be configured to be unable to be inductively heated by the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil during operation of the device. The protruding elements may be configured to have no susceptor material.

[0056] The induction coil may surround at least a portion of the cavity. The induction coil may surround at least a portion of the protrusion element disposed within the cavity. The induction coil may coaxially surround at least a proximal portion of the protrusion element.

[0057] The protruding elements may have a tubular shape with an internal airflow passage. The length of the protruding elements may be between 4 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 11 mm. The outer diameter of the protruding elements may be between 1.5 mm and 6.5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5.5 mm. The inner diameter of the protruding elements may be between 1.5 mm and 6.5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 6 mm.

[0058] The protruding element may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion. The inner diameter of the proximal portion may exceed the inner diameter of the distal portion. The outer diameter of the proximal portion may be between 2.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters.

[0059] The proximal portion may be configured to be press-fit into the distal portion of the internal airflow channel of the cartridge, such that the proximal portion may automatically move the heating assembly from the sealed position to the operative position when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, a friction fit may be established between the proximal portion and the internal airflow channel. Also, having a distal portion with a reduced diameter may reduce overall friction during cartridge insertion.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may include an air intake channel extending from the air intake port of the device through the internal airflow passage of the tubular projection element and into the cavity.

[0061] The air intake channel may comprise a thinned portion having an inner diameter of between 0.5 millimeters and 2.1 millimeters. The air intake channel may be configured to provide a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of between 10 millimeters and 65 millimeters of water column, optionally between 30 millimeters and 60 millimeters of water column.

[0062] The RTD of a sample is the static pressure difference across the sample when a 15°C air flow is traversed under steady state conditions with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec at the output end. The RTD of a sample can be measured with any ventilation shut off using the method specified in ISO standard 6565:2002.

[0063] The protruding element may be mounted on the support element. The protruding element and the support element may be formed as a pre-assembly. The pre-assembly may be formed by overmolding.

[0064] The protruding elements may be configured to be replaceable.The protruding elements may be configured to be replaceable together with the support element.

[0065] By providing a replaceable protruding element, an aerosol generating device is provided that can be configured for use with different types of cartridges, damaged protruding elements can be easily replaced, and the durability of the device can be improved.

[0066] The aerosol generating device may include a controller and a power source. The aerosol generating device may be a modular device, with the controller and power source being part of a removable module of the device. The module including the controller and power source may be removable from another module including the cavity, protruding element, and induction coil.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured for use with a cartridge as described herein, the aerosol generation device comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; an induction coil; and a protrusion element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity, the protrusion element configured to urge a heating assembly of the cartridge from a sealed position to an operative position when at least the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity, such that the induction coil of the aerosol generation device inductively heats a susceptor member of the cartridge when the heating assembly is urged into the operative position.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol generation device as described herein.

[0069] The protruding elements of the device may be configured to fit tightly into a distal portion of the internal airflow channel of the cartridge, thereby mechanically and sealingly securing the cartridge to the aerosol generation device. Additional mechanical fastening means may be provided by corresponding intruding and protruding elements on the aerosol generation device and cartridge, respectively.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "tubular," "tubular unit," "tubular component," "tubular element," and "tubular shape" refer to a three-dimensional object and a three-dimensional geometric shape comprising a bottom basal surface, a top basal surface, and a sidewall that encloses a hollow interior, where the sidewall is disposed between the bottom and top basal surfaces. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis of the tubular element between the bottom and top basal surfaces. The longitudinal axis may be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom and top basal surfaces.

[0071] The bottom base of the tubular element lies within the bottom base surface. The top base of the tubular element lies within the top base surface. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be circular. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be non-circular, such as, for example, oval, stadium-shaped, or rectangular. The bottom and top bases are at least partially open to provide an interior hollow passageway of the tubular element.

[0072] The tubular element may have the shape of a right circular hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a non-circular hollow cylinder, for example an oval hollow cylinder or a stadium-shaped hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a hollow cube.

[0073] The longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The central longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0074] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0075] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The liquid reservoir may contain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0076] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavorant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed within the liquid reservoir portion of the cartridge.

[0077] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0078] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of such compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin.

[0079] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, a cartridge may be an article that generates an inhalable aerosol by a user inhaling or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device, or directly at the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. A cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

[0080] As used herein, the terms "storage portion" and "liquid storage portion" refer to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0081] The reservoir may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The reservoir may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the reservoir may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the reservoir may be, for example, substantially circular, oval, square, or rectangular. The liquid reservoir may form part of a cartridge.

[0082] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-generating article and / or a cartridge.

[0083] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article, in which the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0084] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have a total length of 30 mm to 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0085] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of such materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and not brittle.

[0086] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include two or more air inlets.

[0087] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may comprise at least one induction coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

[0088] Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on / off button and maintained for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor that measures airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The start may also be detected when the user activates a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0089] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0090] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board power source within an electrically operated or electrically powered aerosol generating device.

[0091] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of a cartridge, aerosol generating device, or system, or part or portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a cavity or heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the area nearest the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the area nearest the closed end.

[0092] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of a cartridge or aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user inhales into the aerosol generating device during use.

[0093] As used herein, the term "airflow path" refers to a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0094] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that generates heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is placed in thermal contact or thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate contained within an aerosol-generating device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol.

[0095] The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and characteristics regarding susceptors may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of a cartridge, the susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, and the susceptor of an aerosol-generating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials comprise metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, such as, for example, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material may be or comprise aluminum. The susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0096] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a layer of steel.

[0097] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core and a metallic layer disposed on the non-metallic core. The non-metallic core may be fluid permeable. The non-metallic core may be porous. For example, the susceptor material may comprise a metallic track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate. The ceramic core or substrate may be fluid permeable. The ceramic core or substrate may be porous.

[0098] The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel with a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0099] The intimate contact between the first and second susceptor materials may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, vapor-deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating, and cladding.

[0100] The aerosol generating device may include a power source to power the heating element. The power source may include a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

[0101] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter to convert the DC current provided by the DC power source into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

[0102] The power supply may be configured to power the induction coil and may be configured to operate at a high frequency. For high frequency operation, a class E power amplifier is preferred. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, and more preferably between 5 megahertz and 8 megahertz.

[0103] In alternative embodiments, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example, 100 kHz to 400 kHz. In embodiments where a class D or class C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

[0104] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the induction coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil, and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil.

[0105] A power supply and a controller may be connected to the induction coil.

[0106] The controller may be configured to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, so that the power supplied to the induction coil may be controlled by conventional duty cycle management methods.

[0107] [Example] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more features of which may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0108] Example 1: 1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an internal airflow channel extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge; a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; a fluid-permeable wall portion configured to allow fluid communication between the storage portion and the internal airflow channel; a heating assembly disposed within the internal airflow channel, the heating assembly including an airflow passage in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel; a heating assembly comprising a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element disposed proximal to the susceptor member; A cartridge in which a heating assembly is slidably movable along an internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operating position, wherein in the sealed position the fluid-permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member and in the operating position the fluid-permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member. Example 2: 10. The cartridge of example 1, wherein in the sealed position, the fluid-permeable wall portion is spatially separated from the susceptor member. Example 3: 3. The cartridge of example 2, wherein in the sealed position, the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the proximal sealing element. Example 4: 4. The cartridge of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein in the sealed position, the fluid-permeable wall portion is fluidly isolated from the susceptor member. Example 5: 5. The cartridge of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein in the operating position, the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the susceptor member. Example 6: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion and the susceptor member are coaxially disposed. Example 7: 7. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece located at a proximal end of the cartridge, and wherein the heating assembly is movable relative to the mouthpiece. Example 8: The cartridge of example 7, wherein the mouthpiece is integral with the reservoir. Example 9: 9. A cartridge as described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet located at a distal end of the cartridge and an air outlet located at a proximal end of the cartridge, and an internal airflow channel extends between the air inlet and the air outlet. Example 10: 10. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the internal airflow channel extends along the longitudinal central axis of the cartridge between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge. Example 11: 11. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the internal airflow channel and the heating assembly are coaxially disposed. Example 12: 12. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the reservoir portion at least partially surrounds the internal airflow channel, optionally wherein the reservoir portion coaxially surrounds the internal airflow channel. Example 13: 13. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the susceptor member comprises a tubular susceptor element, optionally at least a portion of a wall of the susceptor element being fluid permeable. Example 14: The susceptor element is a ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy, optionally 304 stainless steel or 410 stainless steel; Magnetic carbon-based materials, optionally irradiated graphite, nanocarbons, fullerenes, oxygen-containing carbons or graphene with point defects, and 14. The cartridge of example 13, comprising one or more of a carbon-based compound with a metal structure dispersion, optionally an Fe3O4-graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite. Example 15: The cartridge of example 13 or example 14, wherein the susceptor member comprises a wick element adjacent to at least a portion of the susceptor element, and optionally at least a portion of a wall of the wick element is fluid permeable. Example 16: 16. The cartridge of example 15, wherein the wick element has a tubular shape, and the wick element surrounds at least a portion of the susceptor element. Example 17: 17. The cartridge of example 16, wherein the wick element coaxially surrounds the susceptor element. Example 18: 18. The cartridge of any of Examples 15-17, wherein the wick element comprises a ceramic material, optionally a porous silica ceramic. Example 19: A cartridge described in any of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the wick element comprises a porous material and the susceptor element comprises a porous material, and optionally, the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element is greater than the porosity of the porous material of the wick element. Example 20: 20. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-19, wherein the heating assembly comprises a hollow tubular distal sealing element disposed distally of the susceptor member. Example 21: 21. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-20, wherein one or both of the proximal sealing element and, if present, the distal sealing element are made from a non-ferromagnetic, optionally polymeric, optionally elastomeric material. Example 22: 22. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-21, wherein at least a portion of the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element comprises a constricted cross-section relative to the internal hollow channel of the susceptor member. Example 23: 23. The cartridge of Example 22, wherein the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element comprises a concave shape along its longitudinal axis. Example 24: The cartridge of any of Examples 1-23, wherein the heating assembly is attached to the interior of the internal airflow channel by a press fit. Example 25: 25. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-24, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion of the cartridge comprises a porous material, optionally a porous ceramic. Example 26: 26. The cartridge of any of Examples 1-25, wherein a distal portion of the cartridge has a circular cross-section and a proximal end of the cartridge has a non-circular cross-section. Example 27: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the storage portion is a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 28: an aerosol generating device configured for use with a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a heating assembly including a susceptor member, the heating assembly being disposed within an internal airflow channel of the cartridge and being slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operative position; The aerosol generator a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; An induction coil; an aerosol generating device comprising: a protruding element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and configured to push a heating assembly of the cartridge from a sealed position to an operating position when at least a distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity; and an inductive coil of the aerosol generating device arranged to inductively heat a susceptor member of the cartridge when the heating assembly is pushed to the operating position. Example 29: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 28, wherein at least a portion of the protruding element is surrounded by an induction coil, and at least a portion of the protruding element surrounded by the induction coil has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally less than 1. Example 30: 30. An aerosol generation device according to example 28 or example 29, wherein the protruding elements have a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally less than 1. Example 31: 31. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 28 to 30, wherein the protruding elements are non-magnetic. Example 32: The protruding element is approximately 1 x 10 at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). 6 32. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 28 to 31, having a volume resistivity greater than ohm-meter (Ωm). Example 33: 33. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 28 to 32, wherein the protruding elements are made from a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally a polymeric material, optionally high density polyethylene (HDPE). Example 34: 34. The aerosol-generating apparatus of any one of Examples 28 to 33, wherein the aerosol-generating apparatus does not contain a susceptor material within the cavity. Example 35: 35. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 28 to 34, which does not include a susceptor that can be inductively heated by an induction coil. Example 36: 36. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 28 to 35, wherein the induction coil surrounds at least a portion of the cavity. Example 37: 37. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 36, wherein the induction coil surrounds at least a portion of the protruding element disposed within the cavity. Example 38: 38. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 37, wherein the induction coil coaxially surrounds at least a proximal portion of the projection element. Example 39: 39. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 28 to 38, wherein the protruding elements have a tubular shape with an internal airflow passage. Example 40: 39. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 39, wherein the protruding element has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the inner diameter of the proximal portion is greater than the inner diameter of the distal portion. Example 41: An aerosol generation device as described in Example 39 or Example 40, comprising an air intake channel extending from the air intake port of the device through the internal airflow passage of the tubular protruding element and into the cavity. Example 42: 42. The aerosol generation device of Example 41, wherein the air intake channel is configured to provide a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of between 10 millimeters of water column and 65 millimeters of water column, optionally between 30 millimeters of water column and 60 millimeters of water column. Example 43: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 28 to 42, wherein the protruding element is attached to the support element, and optionally the protruding element and the support element are formed as a pre-assembly, and optionally the pre-assembly is formed by overmolding. Example 44: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 28 to 43, wherein the protruding element is configured to be replaceable. Example 45: An aerosol generating device according to a combination of Examples 43 and 44, wherein the protruding element is configured to be replaceable together with the support element. Example 46: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 28 to 45, further comprising a controller and a power supply, and optionally, the device is a modular device, and the controller and power supply are part of a removable module of the device. Example 47: An aerosol generating device configured for use with the cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; An induction coil; an aerosol generating device comprising: a protruding element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and configured to push a heating assembly of the cartridge from a sealed position to an operating position when at least a distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity; and an inductive coil of the aerosol generating device arranged to inductively heat a susceptor member of the cartridge when the heating assembly is pushed to the operating position. Example 48: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 28 to 47.

[0109] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0110] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0111] [Figure 1] Figures 1a and 1b show the cartridge and the aerosol generating device, respectively. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a projecting element of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] Figures 4a and 4b show the heating assembly of the cartridge. [Figure 5] Figures 5a and 5b show the cartridge and the aerosol generating device, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0112] 1a and 1b show cross-sectional views of a cartridge 10 and an aerosol generating device 100, respectively.

[0113] 1a shows a cartridge 10 for use with an aerosol generating device 100. The cartridge 10 includes an internal airflow channel 12 that extends between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16 of the cartridge 10. The internal airflow channel 12 extends along a longitudinal central axis 13 of the cartridge 10 between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16.

[0114] Cartridge 10 comprises a liquid reservoir portion 18 for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir portion 18 coaxially surrounds the internal airflow channel 12. Cartridge 10 comprises a fluid-permeable wall portion 20 configured to allow fluid communication between the reservoir portion 18 and the internal airflow channel 12. The fluid-permeable wall portion 20 of cartridge 10 comprises a porous material, preferably a porous ceramic.

[0115] The cartridge 10 includes a heating assembly 22 disposed within the internal airflow channel 12. The heating assembly 22 is mounted within the internal airflow channel 12 by a press fit. The internal airflow channel 12 and the heating assembly 22 are disposed coaxially.

[0116] The heating assembly 22 includes an airflow passage 24 in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel 12. The heating assembly 22 includes a susceptor member 26 and a proximal sealing element 28 disposed proximal to the susceptor member 26. At least a portion of the wall of the susceptor member 26 is fluid permeable. For example, the fluid permeability may be provided by one or more openings in the wall of the susceptor member. For example, the fluid permeability may be provided by the inherent porosity of the porous material of the susceptor member.

[0117] The heating assembly 22 is slidably movable along the internal airflow channel 12 between a sealed position and an operating position. In the sealed position shown in FIG. 1 a, the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is separated from the susceptor member 26. The fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is spatially separated from the susceptor member 26. The fluid-permeable wall portion 20 surrounds the proximal sealing element 28. The fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is sealed by the proximal sealing element 28. Thus, the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is fluidly separated from the susceptor member 26. In this configuration, the aerosol-forming substrate cannot move from the storage portion 18 through the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 to the susceptor member 26.

[0118] The cartridge 10 includes a mouthpiece 30 at the proximal end 14 of the cartridge 10. The heating assembly 22 is movable relative to the mouthpiece 30. The mouthpiece 30 is integral with the reservoir portion 18.

[0119] The cartridge 10 includes an air inlet 32 ​​located at the distal end 16 of the cartridge 10 and an air outlet 34 located at the proximal end 14 of the cartridge. An internal airflow channel 12 extends between the air inlet 32 ​​and the air outlet 34.

[0120] In the operating position (shown in FIG. 2), the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is in fluid communication with the susceptor member 26. In this configuration of FIG. 2, the aerosol-forming substrate can travel from the storage portion 18 through the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 to the susceptor member 26.

[0121] 1b shows the proximal portion of an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is configured for use with a cartridge 10. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a cavity 110 for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge 10. The aerosol generating device 100 includes an induction coil 112. The induction coil 112 surrounds a portion of the cavity 110. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a protruding element 114. The protruding element 114 extends into the cavity 110 from a distal wall thereof. A proximal portion of the protruding element 114 is coaxially surrounded by the induction coil 112. At least the proximal portion of the protruding element 114 has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, preferably less than 1.

[0122] The protruding element 114 has a tubular shape with an internal airflow passage 116. The protruding element 114 includes a proximal portion 118 and a distal portion 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, the inner diameter of the proximal portion 118 exceeds the inner diameter of the distal portion 120. In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the proximal portion may be the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the distal portion.

[0123] The aerosol generating device 100 includes an air intake channel that extends from the air intake port 122 of the device 100 through the internal airflow passage 116 of the protruding element 114 and into the cavity 110 .

[0124] The protruding element 114 may be replaceable. The protruding element 114 is mounted on a support element 124. The protruding element 114 and the support element 124 may be formed by overmolding as a replaceable pre-assembly.

[0125] The aerosol generator includes a controller 126 and a power supply 128. The controller 126 is electrically connected to both the power supply 128 and the induction coil 112 by an electrical connection 130.

[0126] The protruding element 114 is configured to urge the heating assembly 22 of the cartridge 10 from the sealed position to the operative position when at least a distal portion of the cartridge 10 is inserted into the cavity 110, such that the induction coil 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 inductively heats the susceptor member 26 of the cartridge when the heating assembly 22 is urged into the operative position, as shown in FIG. 2a.

[0127] FIG. 2 shows the cartridge 10 of FIG. 1a mounted on the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1b. With the distal portion of the cartridge 10 inserted into the cavity 110, the heating assembly 22 is pushed into the operating position by the proximal portion 118 of the protruding element 114. A friction fit is established between the proximal portion 118 and the internal airflow channel 12. In the operating position, the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 coaxially surrounds the susceptor member 26. The induction coil 112 coaxially surrounds both the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 and the susceptor member 26 of the cartridge 10. The proximal sealing element 28 has slid proximally and no longer seals the fluid-permeable wall portion 20. Thus, a fluid connection is provided between the liquid storage portion 18 and the internal airflow channel 12 through the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 and the fluid-permeable portion of the susceptor member 26. This allows the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to move from the liquid storage portion 18 to the susceptor member 26 .

[0128] In use, an alternating current applied to the induction coil 112 induces current in the susceptor elements of the susceptor member 26, causing the susceptor elements to heat. The heat is distributed to the aerosol-forming substrate within or adjacent to the susceptor elements, causing the aerosol-forming substrate to vaporize. Ambient air entering through the air inlet 122 can pick up the vaporized substrate and further condense on its way to the air outlet 34 to form an aerosol, which may be inhaled by a user.

[0129] 3 shows in more detail the protrusion element 114 of FIG. 1b, having a proximal portion 118 and a distal portion 120, and the support element 124. Also shown is a thin portion 123 of the air inlet channel of the aerosol generation device 100. The inner diameter of the thin portion 123 of the air inlet channel may be selected such that the air inlet channel is configured to provide a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of between 10 and 65 millimeters of water column, optionally between 30 and 60 millimeters of water column.

[0130] Figures 4a and 4b show one embodiment of heating assembly 22. Figure 4a shows heating assembly 22 in a perspective view (left side) and a cross-sectional view (right side). Figure 4b shows only susceptor member 26 of heating assembly 22 in a perspective view (left side) and a cross-sectional view (right side).

[0131] The airflow passage 24 extends along the central longitudinal axis of the heating assembly 22. The susceptor member 26 includes a tubular susceptor element 36 that surrounds the airflow passage 24. At least a portion of the wall of the susceptor element 36 is fluid permeable. The fluid permeability of the susceptor element 36 may be provided, for example, by openings in the wall of the susceptor element or by porous material in the wall of the susceptor element.

[0132] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the susceptor member 26 further comprises a tubular wick element 38 adjacent to the susceptor element 36. The wick element 38 coaxially surrounds the susceptor element 36. The walls of the wick element 38 are fluid permeable. Preferably, the wick element 38 comprises a porous ceramic material, optionally a porous silica ceramic. In an alternative embodiment, the wick element may be omitted.

[0133] The heating assembly 22 includes a tubular distal sealing element 40 disposed distal to the susceptor member 26. The proximal and distal sealing elements 28, 40 may prevent uncontrolled migration of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate proximal or distal to the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 into the internal airflow channel 12 when the cartridge 10 is attached to the aerosol-generating device 100 and in an operative position.

[0134] Proximal sealing element 28 and distal sealing element 40 are made from a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally from a polymeric material, optionally from an elastomeric material.

[0135] A portion of the airflow passage 24 is provided by the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element 28 and has a narrowed cross-section compared to another portion of the airflow passage 24 provided by the internal hollow channel of the susceptor element 36 of the susceptor member 26. According to the example shown in FIG. 4a (right side), the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element 28 may have a concave shape along its longitudinal axis. However, this particular shape is not required. The heating assembly 22 of FIGS. 4a and 4b may be used in the cartridge embodiment of FIG. 1a.

[0136] 5a and 5b show perspective views of an exemplary aerosol generation system including a cartridge 10 and an aerosol generation device 100. In this embodiment, the distal end 16 of the cartridge 10 has a circular cross-section. The proximal end 14 of the cartridge is formed as a mouthpiece having a non-circular cross-section. Alternatively, other shapes are possible, some of which are described above.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, said cartridge comprising: an internal airflow channel extending between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge; a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; a fluid-permeable wall portion configured to allow fluid communication between the storage portion and the internal airflow channel; a heating assembly disposed within the internal airflow channel, the heating assembly including an airflow passage in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel; the heating assembly comprising a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element disposed proximal to the susceptor member; A cartridge, wherein the heating assembly is slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operating position, wherein in the sealed position the fluid-permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member, and in the operating position the fluid-permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein in the sealed position, the fluid-permeable wall portion is spatially separated from the susceptor member, and in the sealed position, the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the proximal sealing element.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the operating position, the fluid-permeable wall portion at least partially surrounds the susceptor member.

4. 4. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the cartridge, the heating assembly being movable relative to the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece being integral with the storage portion.

5. 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the internal airflow channel extends along a central longitudinal axis of the cartridge between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge, the internal airflow channel and the heating assembly are coaxially disposed, and the storage portion coaxially surrounds the internal airflow channel.

6. 6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the susceptor member comprises a tubular susceptor element, at least a portion of a wall of the susceptor element being fluid permeable, the susceptor member comprises a wick element adjacent to at least a portion of the susceptor element, at least a portion of a wall of the wick element being fluid permeable, the wick element having a tubular shape, and the wick element coaxially surrounding the susceptor element.

7. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the heating assembly comprises a hollow tubular distal sealing element disposed distally of the susceptor member.

8. 8. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element has a narrowed cross-section relative to the internal hollow channel of the susceptor member, and the internal hollow channel of the proximal sealing element has a concave shape along its longitudinal axis.

9. an aerosol generating device configured for use with a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a heating assembly including a susceptor member, the heating assembly being disposed within an internal airflow channel of the cartridge and being slidably movable along the internal airflow channel between a sealed position and an operative position; The aerosol generating device comprises: a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; An induction coil; a protruding element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and configured to push the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealed position to the operating position when at least the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity, and arranged so that when the heating assembly is pushed to the operating position, the induction coil of the aerosol generating device inductively heats the susceptor member of the cartridge.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the protruding element is surrounded by the induction coil, and at least a portion of the protruding element surrounded by the induction coil has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally less than 1, and optionally the protruding element is non-magnetic.

11. The protruding elements have a thermal conductivity of about 1×10 at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). 6 11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10, having a volume resistivity greater than ohm-meter (Ωm).

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the protruding elements are made from a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally a polymeric material, optionally high density polyethylene (HDPE).

13. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the protruding element has a tubular shape with an internal airflow passage.

14. 14. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the protruding element is configured to be replaceable.

15. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8; An aerosol generating system comprising: the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

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