Aerosol generation system

Abstract

A mouthpiece housing (110) having a length in the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece housing, a width in the mouthpiece housing, and a thickness in the mouthpiece housing, wherein the width in the mouthpiece housing is greater than the thickness in the mouthpiece housing; an air intake (148) and an aerosol outlet (114) having fluid communication with an aerosol outlet (114) that defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing (110); and a heater (139) disposed within the mouthpiece housing (110), wherein the heater ( A heater (139) extending along the long axis (500), comprising: a heating element (134) for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a porous body (132) for transporting the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element (134); a heater (139) having a heater length, heater width, and heater thickness in the long axis direction (500), wherein the heater width is greater than the heater thickness, and the heater (139) is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system. The present invention also relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation systems that heat a liquid aerosol generation substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user are known. Specifically, a handheld electrically operated aerosol generation system comprising a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion containing a source of the liquid aerosol generation substrate and an electrically operated heater configured to heat the liquid aerosol generation substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol is known. Such known handheld electrically operated aerosol generation systems also typically comprise a reusable aerosol generation device comprising a control circuit and a power source for supplying power to the electrically operated heater.

[0003] The electrically operated heater typically comprises a resistive heating element in the form of a coil of wire wound around an elongate core that conveys the liquid aerosol generation substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the coil of wire. In use, an electric current passes through the coil of wire to heat the liquid aerosol generation substrate and generate an inhalable aerosol that is drawn into the user's mouth by a mouthpiece.

[0004] In other known handheld electrically operated aerosol generation systems, the electrically operated heater comprises a resistive heating element located on a porous heating surface, which conveys the liquid aerosol generation substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the resistive heating element.

[0005] The handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating systems of the type described above have been found to have numerous drawbacks. One of these is "dry heating" or "dry fume extraction." To ensure that satisfactory aerosols are generated, it is preferable to maintain a sufficient supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate to the heating element during operation in order to keep the heating element moist. Dry heating occurs when current passes through the heating element when only an insufficient amount of liquid aerosol generating substrate is supplied to it. Dry heating can occur, for example, when the supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is depleted. Dry heating can lead to overheating of the heating element. This can lead to thermal decomposition of the liquid aerosol generating substrate. Thermal decomposition of the liquid aerosol generating substrate can produce undesirable byproducts. Thermal decomposition of the liquid aerosol generating substrate can result in the generation of unsatisfactory aerosols. When only an insufficient amount of liquid aerosol generating substrate is supplied to the heating element, continued operation of the aerosol generating system may result in a poor user experience.

[0006] In one known handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system of the type described above, there is a mouthpiece having a length along the long axis of the system, as well as a width and thickness, where the width is greater than the thickness. In this configuration, the inventors have identified that the mouthpiece is not mechanically strong and may deform along its thickness. This deformation may cause deterioration of any seal, potentially resulting in liquid leakage. If liquid leaks from the system, this may lead to system malfunction or an unsatisfactory user experience. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may extend along its long axis. The aerosol generating system may include a mouthpiece housing. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing length in the long axis direction. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing width. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing thickness. The mouthpiece housing width may be greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness. The aerosol generating system may include an air intake. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol outlet. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing. The aerosol generating system may include a heater. The heater may be disposed within the mouthpiece housing. The heater may include a heating element. The heating element may be for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The heater may include a porous body. The porous body may be for transporting the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. The heater may have a heater length in the longitudinal direction. The heater may have a heater width. The heater may have a heater thickness. The heater width may be greater than the heater thickness. The heater may be oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing thickness.

[0008] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generation system. The cartridge may include a mouthpiece housing. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing length in the longitudinal direction. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing width. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing thickness. The mouthpiece housing width may be greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness. The cartridge may include an air intake. The cartridge may include an aerosol outlet. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing. The cartridge may include a heater. The heater may be disposed within the mouthpiece housing. The heater may include a heating element. The heating element may be for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The heater may include a porous body. The porous body may be for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element. The heater may have a heater length in the longitudinal direction. The heater may have a heater width. The heater may have a heater thickness. The heater width may be greater than the heater thickness. The heater may be oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing thickness.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system extending along a long axis is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises a mouthpiece housing having a mouthpiece housing length, mouthpiece housing width, and mouthpiece housing thickness in the long axis direction, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness; an air intake and an aerosol outlet having fluid communication with an aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing; and a heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, comprising a heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, having a heater length, heater width, and heater thickness in the long axis direction, wherein the heater width is greater than the heater thickness, and the heater width is oriented such that it extends substantially in the same direction as the mouthpiece housing thickness.

[0010] A cartridge for a system of the first embodiment is provided, comprising: a mouthpiece housing having a mouthpiece housing length, mouthpiece housing width, and mouthpiece housing thickness in the longitudinal direction, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness; an air intake and an aerosol outlet having an air intake that is in fluid communication with an aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing; and a heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, comprising a heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, wherein the heater has a heater length, heater width, and heater thickness in the longitudinal direction, wherein the heater width is greater than the heater thickness, and the heater width is oriented such that it extends substantially in the same direction as the mouthpiece housing thickness.

[0011] In systems and cartridges with mouthpieces having a width greater than their thickness, providing a heater oriented such that the heater width extends across the mouthpiece thickness has the advantage of strengthening the mechanical strength of the mouthpiece along the mouthpiece thickness direction. This has the advantage of preventing the mouthpiece from deforming along the thickness direction.

[0012] Providing a heater oriented so that its width extends across the thickness of the mouthpiece has the advantage of providing a mouthpiece that is structurally stronger in the thickness direction and less prone to deformation. This reduces the possibility of deterioration of any seals in the system and also reduces the possibility of liquid leakage. If liquid leaks from the system, this can cause system malfunction or an unsatisfactory user experience. Thus, providing a heater oriented to reinforce the mouthpiece thickness direction can provide an improved user experience.

[0013] As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device that interacts with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0014] As used herein, the terms “cartridge” and “aerosol generating cartridge” refer to components that interact with a liquid aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generating cartridge contains, or is configured to contain, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] As used herein, the term "porous" refers to a component having multiple pores. At least some of the pores are open-cell pores. At least some of the pores are interconnected, thereby allowing liquids to pass through the porous component.

[0016] As used herein, the term “heating element” refers to a component that transfers thermal energy to a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material having the ability to release volatile compounds that can generate aerosols upon heating.

[0018] As used herein, the term “liquid aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a liquid substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0019] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe the dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or combinations of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include not only vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles, liquid droplets, or combinations of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating system according to a first aspect of the present invention and a cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] The systems and cartridges according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention have a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the cartridge during use. The cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end of the cartridge may also be called the oral end or downstream end. The distal end of the cartridge may also be called the upstream end.

[0022] As used herein, the term “fixed mounting” is used to describe a physical mounting that cannot be removed or disconnected by the user during normal use. Two parts or components may be directly fixedly mounted to each other, in which case they are in direct contact. Two parts or components may be directly fixedly mounted to each other, in which case they are connected via another intermediate component.

[0023] The terms “length,” “width,” and “thickness” are used to describe the dimensions relative to the overall length, width, and thickness of the system. The length of the system is the longest dimension of the system measured along the major axis from the proximal end to the distal end of the system. This may be the axis extending through the aerosol outlet at the proximal end of the system. The width and thickness dimensions of the system are measured at the aerosol outlet. The thickness direction, along which the thickness is measured, is perpendicular to the width direction, along which the width is measured. The major axis direction, along which the length is measured, is perpendicular to the width and thickness directions. For a system, the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness.

[0024] For any given dimension, the defined dimension is taken to represent the maximum dimension in a particular direction. For example, as used herein, the “length” of a porous body is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction of the system’s major axis; that is, the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction between the heated surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body, along the system’s major axis. Similarly, the “width” of a porous body is the maximum dimension of the porous body in the width direction of the system.

[0025] For any part or component of the system, its length, width, and thickness dimensions are measured relative to the longitudinal axis, width, and thickness directions set by the system. For any part of the system, its length may be less than its width or thickness.

[0026] The heater may be arranged to act as a structural beam across the mouthpiece housing. The heater may be configured to prevent the mouthpiece housing from being deformed or compressed in the direction of the heater thickness.

[0027] The heater width dimension may be at least 20% greater than the heater thickness, i.e., the heater width dimension may be at least 120% of the heater thickness dimension. The heater width may be at least 20% greater than the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least 50% greater than the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least 100% greater than the heater thickness, i.e., the heater width dimension may be twice the heater thickness dimension. The heater width may be at least three times the dimension of the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least four times the dimension of the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least five times the dimension of the heater thickness. The heater may be substantially elongated. The heater may substantially define a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The heater width may be substantially uniform along the heater length. The heater thickness may be substantially uniform along the heater length.

[0028] The mouthpiece housing may include an outer wall that defines an internal opening. The mouthpiece housing outer wall may be an annular or peripheral wall. The heater width may provide a structural bridge across the internal opening. The heater width may extend substantially across the internal opening. The heater width may extend completely across the internal opening from one side of the internal opening to the opposite side of the internal opening. The heater width may extend across the entire internal opening. Intermediate or support components, such as brackets, may be provided within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing. The heater width may extend completely across the internal opening of a bracket that may come into direct contact with the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing. The heater width may be configured to provide structural support to prevent the mouthpiece housing from deforming in the width direction of the heater.

[0029] The heater may be arranged such that the heater width forms a substantially right angle with respect to the length of the mouthpiece housing. The length of the mouthpiece housing may be measured along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece housing. The longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece housing may pass through the aerosol outlet. When the mouthpiece housing is provided as part of a cartridge within an aerosol generating system, the longitudinal axis may pass from the aerosol outlet end of the mouthpiece housing to the connection end of the cartridge.

[0030] The heater may be arranged such that the heater width forms a substantially right angle with respect to the width of the mouthpiece housing. Thus, the heater may extend along the thickness of the mouthpiece housing. The heater may be arranged such that the heater width is substantially parallel to the thickness of the mouthpiece housing. Thus, the heater may extend along the thickness of the mouthpiece housing. The heater may be arranged substantially centrally within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0031] The heating element may be arranged on the heating surface of the porous body. The heater may be arranged such that the porous body is between the heating element and the aerosol outlet. The heater may be arranged such that the heating surface faces away from the aerosol outlet. When the heater is provided within a cartridge, the heater may be arranged such that the heating element faces towards the connection end of the cartridge. When the cartridge is connected to the device, the heating element may face towards the device.

[0032] Compared with an arrangement having a heating surface of the heater facing the aerosol outlet and an air inlet located such that the air flow approaches the heater along the central longitudinal axis away from the device, the arrangement of the heater with the heating surface facing away from the aerosol outlet has the advantage that the air flow path can have fewer turning points adjacent to the heater. This allows for a smoother air flow and a more desirable aerosol as a result.

[0033] Providing a heater positioned so as to face away from the aerosol outlet has the additional advantage that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is acted upon by gravity to transport the liquid towards the heater. This is particularly advantageous when the absorbent surface of the heater (i.e., the heater surface opposite to the surface where the heating element is located) directly faces the liquid storage area. The airflow path may be configured such that the generated aerosol rotates 180 degrees around the heater and passes towards the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing may be asymmetrical. The mouthpiece housing may be configured so that the airflow path is asymmetrical. The airflow path from the heater to the aerosol outlet may be positioned substantially away from the center of the mouthpiece housing.

[0034] The aerosol generating cartridge may have an air intake between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end. The air intake may be positioned in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal direction of the cartridge's connection end and the aerosol outlet. The air intake may be positioned so that the airflow path does not pass the cartridge's connection end in the longitudinal direction. The air intake may be closer to the aerosol outlet than to the cartridge's connection end.

[0035] Compared to an arrangement with an air intake positioned so that the airflow moves away from the device and approaches the heater in the longitudinal direction, providing the air intake between the aerosol outlet end and the cartridge connection end (i.e., on the system side) has the advantage that the airflow path can have fewer turning points adjacent to the heater. This allows for a smoother airflow and a more desirable resulting aerosol.

[0036] The heating element may be a heating track. The heating element may have a defined meandering shape. The heating element may be a film heating element, such as a thick film heating element. The heating element may contain metal or an alloy.

[0037] The porous body may be for drawing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. The porous body may have any suitable length. As used herein, as described above, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body in the longitudinal axis direction of the system; that is, the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction between the heating surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body along the longitudinal axis of the system.

[0038] The porous body may have a length of 0.5 millimeters or more. For example, the porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter or more, 2 millimeters or more, 3 millimeters or more, 4 millimeters or more, or 5 millimeters or more.

[0039] The porous body may have a length of 20 millimeters or less. For example, the porous body may have a length of 10 millimeters or less, 9 millimeters or less, 8 millimeters or less, 7 millimeters or less, or 6 millimeters or less.

[0040] The porous body may have a length of 0.5 mm to 20 mm. For example, the porous body may have a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, 0.5 mm to 9 mm, 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, or 0.5 mm to 6 mm.

[0041] The porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 9 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 7 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeter to 6 millimeters.

[0042] The porous body may have a length of 2 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 2 to 10 millimeters, 2 to 9 millimeters, 2 to 8 millimeters, 2 to 7 millimeters, or 2 to 6 millimeters.

[0043] The porous body may have a length of 3 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 3 to 10 millimeters, 3 to 9 millimeters, 3 to 8 millimeters, 3 to 7 millimeters, or 3 to 6 millimeters.

[0044] The porous body may have a length of 4 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 4 to 10 millimeters, 4 to 9 millimeters, 4 to 8 millimeters, 4 to 7 millimeters, or 4 to 6 millimeters.

[0045] The porous body may have a length of 5 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 5 to 10 millimeters, 5 to 9 millimeters, 5 to 8 millimeters, 5 to 7 millimeters, or 5 to 6 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 5 millimeters.

[0046] The porous body may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the porous body may be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0047] The cross-section of the porous body may be substantially constant along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous body.

[0048] The cross-section of the porous body may vary along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may differ from the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous body. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may be larger than the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous body.

[0049] The porous body may be substantially incompressible. The porous body may contain any suitable material. The porous body may contain a heat-resistant material. The porous body may contain a material that does not chemically interact with the liquid aerosol generating substrate. The porous body may be a porous ceramic body. As used herein, the term “porous ceramic body” is used to describe a porous body containing ceramic. The porous ceramic body may contain sintered ceramic. The porous ceramic body may contain any suitable ceramic.

[0050] Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of ceramic carbides, ceramic nitrides, ceramic oxides, and ceramic silicates. Suitable ceramics include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, aluminosilicate, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and zirconium oxide. Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of alumina (Al2O3), aluminosilicate, boride, silica (SiO2), silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia (ZrO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), and zirconia (ZrO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain silica (SiO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). Porous ceramic bodies may contain silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO).

[0051] The porous material may include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 10 gigapascals (GPa). The porous material may also include a material having a Young's modulus of at least 100 gigapascals (GPa).

[0052] The mouthpiece housing may accommodate a bracket. The bracket may be configured to support the heater within the outer wall. The mouthpiece housing may accommodate a base. The mouthpiece housing may accommodate at least one electrical connector which may be provided on the base. The electrical connector may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply. The electrical connector may be flexible so that it can be flexibly connected to the heating element.

[0053] The base may be configured to be fixedly attached to a bracket. The absorbent element may be provided near the heater. The absorbent element may be provided within the base. The absorbent element may contain cotton or consist of cotton.

[0054] The mouthpiece housing may be provided within the cartridge. The heater may be located at the connection end of the cartridge, or positioned toward the connection end.

[0055] A mouthpiece having a mouthpiece housing width greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness may be called a “flat” mouthpiece. The mouthpiece housing may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing thickness may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. Thus, the mouthpiece housing thickness may be smaller at the aerosol outlet than at a certain distance away from the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing width may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing width may gradually taper from the distal end of the mouthpiece housing to the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing. The taper of the mouthpiece housing thickness may be steeper than the taper of the mouthpiece housing width.

[0056] The system may include a power supply, which may be called the power supply. The mouthpiece and heater may be provided in a cartridge that is removablely mountable to the power supply. The power supply may be provided in the device housing. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the power supply such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the power supply. The system may include a control circuit. The mouthpiece and heater may be provided in a cartridge that is removablely mountable to the control circuit. The control circuit may be provided in the device housing. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device housing such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the device housing.

[0057] The system may have at least two air intakes. These air intakes, or each air intake, may be provided between the cartridge and the device housing. These air intakes, or each air intake, may be provided at the junction between the cartridge and the device housing. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that at least two air intakes are defined between the cartridge and the device housing. At least two of the air intakes may be separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0058] The system may include a power supply and a power supply housing, the power supply housing being fixedly attached to the mouthpiece housing.

[0059] The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the device. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that at least two air intakes are defined between the cartridge and the device, with each intake being provided between the cartridge and the device. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that at least two air intakes are defined between the cartridge and the device, with at least two of the air intakes being separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0060] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for the system of the first aspect is provided.

[0061] The cartridge may include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene fluoride propylene (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers such as Tritan®, which is made from three monomers: dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO). The cartridge housing may be formed from a durable material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a moldable plastic material.

[0062] The cartridge housing may be formed by any suitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, blistering, blow molding, extrusion, deep drawing, and injection molding. The cartridge may include a mouthpiece. The cartridge may have a connecting end at its distal end. The connecting end may be configured to connect the cartridge to an aerosol generator.

[0063] A cartridge may have one or more air intakes through which air may be drawn into the cartridge during use. A cartridge may have one or more aerosol outlets through which aerosol may be drawn out of the cartridge during use. A cartridge may have an aerosol outlet at its proximal end. If the cartridge includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may have one or more aerosol outlets through which aerosol may be drawn out of the mouthpiece during use. One or more aerosol outlets may be provided within the mouthpiece housing. One or more air intakes may be in fluid communication with one or more aerosol outlets to define an airflow path through the cartridge. A cartridge may have an enclosed airflow passage extending from one or more air intakes to an aerosol outlet. The enclosed airflow passage may extend from one or more air intakes, past a heater, to one or more aerosol outlets. The enclosed airflow passage may pass around the outer surface of the liquid storage portion. The enclosed airflow passage may pass through the liquid storage portion. For example, the liquid storage section may have an annular cross-section defining an internal passage, and the enclosed airflow passage may extend through the internal passage. The internal passage may extend from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing. The internal passage may extend only partway from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing.

[0064] The cartridge may include a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a resistance heater. The cartridge may include a second airflow path extending past a resistance heating element. The cartridge may include a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the resistance heater toward one or more aerosol outlets. The second and third airflow paths together may define a path passing around the heater. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first and third airflow paths. The cartridge may be configured such that the airflow passing over the heater carries a vaporized aerosol generating substrate.

[0065] The cartridge housing of the cartridge may define a liquid storage section. The cartridge housing may also be a mouthpiece housing. The cartridge housing and the liquid storage section may be integrally formed. The liquid storage section may be formed separately from the cartridge housing or disposed within the cartridge housing. The liquid storage section may be located closest to the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater. The liquid storage section may also be called a storage section. The liquid storage section may be asymmetrical. The liquid storage section may contain a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0066] The aerosol-generating substrate may contain therapeutic or medical compositions. The aerosol-generating substrate may also contain cannabis.

[0067] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine. As used herein, the term "nicotine" refers to nicotine, nicotine bases, or nicotine salts. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain natural nicotine. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol formizer. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine and an aerosol formizer. The aerosol formizer may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol formizer may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures typically reached during use of an aerosol generating system including a cartridge. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol), and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the aerosol-forming body may contain one or more polyhydric alcohols. More advantageously, the aerosol-forming body contains one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin.

[0068] The aerosol-forming body may contain one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin. The aerosol-forming body may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain water. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more flavoring agents. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more natural flavoring agents. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more synthetic flavoring agents.

[0069] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, or 1.5% by weight or more. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, or 3% by weight or less. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight to 5% by weight, or 0.5% by weight to 3% by weight. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% by weight to 5% by weight, or 1% by weight to 3% by weight. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% by weight to 5% by weight, or 1.5% by weight to 3% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0070] The cartridge may be designed to be discarded when the liquid aerosol generating substrate contained within the liquid storage section is depleted. The cartridge may also be designed to be refillable.

[0071] The aerosol generation system may be equipped with one or more air intakes. These one or more air intakes may be located at the junction between the cartridge and the aerosol generator.

[0072] The aerosol generating system may include an enclosed airflow passage extending from one or more air intakes to one or more aerosol outlets. The enclosed airflow passage may extend from one or more air intakes, past a heater, to one or more aerosol outlets.

[0073] The aerosol generating system may include a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a heater. The aerosol generating system may include a second airflow path extending past a resistance heating element. The aerosol generating system may include a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the heater toward one or more aerosol outlets. The second and third airflow paths together may define a path passing around the heater. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first and third airflow paths.

[0074] The aerosol generation system may be configured such that the airflow passing through the heater is accompanied by a liquid aerosol generating substrate vaporized by a resistance heating element.

[0075] The aerosol generator may include a device housing. The device housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, alloys, metals, and plastics (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP)). The device housing may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of a cartridge.

[0076] The aerosol generator may have a connection terminal configured to detachably connect to a cartridge.

[0077] The device may be equipped with a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery, such as a lithium cobalt oxide (CBO) battery, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, or lithium titanate (LTO) battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply may be a nickel-based battery. For example, the battery may be a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may be rechargeable. The power supply may be configured for numerous charge and discharge cycles. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for sufficient energy storage for one or more user experiences of the aerosol generating system. For example, the power supply may have a capacity that allows for continuous aerosol generation for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous startup of the aerosol generating system.

[0078] The aerosol generator may include an electrical connector configured to connect the aerosol generator to an electrical connector of an external power supply in order to charge the power supply of the aerosol generator.

[0079] The aerosol generator may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to continuously supply power to the resistive heating element after the aerosol generator is started. The control circuit may be configured to intermittently supply power to the resistive heating element, such as after each smoke extraction, after the aerosol generator is started. The power may be supplied to the resistive heating element in the form of current pulses, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0080] The control circuit may include any suitable electronic components. The control circuit may include memory. The control circuit may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control.

[0081] The control circuit may include other electronic components. For example, the control circuit may include one or more of the following: a sensor element, a switch element, and a display element.

[0082] The aerosol generating system may include a smoke extraction detector. The smoke extraction detector may be configured to detect when a user inhales the aerosol generating system. The smoke extraction detector may be any suitable sensor capable of detecting when a user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the smoke extraction detector may be an airflow sensor. The control circuit may be configured to supply power to a resistance heating element when the smoke extraction detector detects that a user is inhaling the aerosol generating system.

[0083] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of any of the features described above, for example, one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0084] Example Ex1. An aerosol generating system extending along the longitudinal axis, A mouthpiece housing having a length in the longitudinal direction, a width in the mouthpiece housing, and a thickness in the mouthpiece housing, wherein the width of the mouthpiece housing is greater than the thickness of the mouthpiece housing, An air intake port and an aerosol outlet, wherein the air intake port is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, A heater installed inside the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and A heater comprising a porous body for transporting a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a heating element, The heater has a heater length in the longitudinal direction, a heater width, and a heater thickness, and the heater width is greater than the heater thickness. An aerosol generating system in which the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

[0085] Example Ex2. A system according to Ex1, wherein the mouthpiece housing has an outer wall defining an internal opening, and the heater width provides a structural bridge across the internal opening.

[0086] Example Ex3. A system according to Ex1 or Ex2, in which the heater is arranged such that the porous body is between the heating element and the aerosol outlet.

[0087] Example Ex4. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is disposed on the heating surface of a porous body, and the heater is positioned so that the heating surface faces away from the aerosol outlet.

[0088] Example Ex5. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially perpendicular to the length of the mouthpiece housing.

[0089] Example Ex6. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially perpendicular to the mouthpiece housing width.

[0090] Example Ex7. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially parallel to the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

[0091] Example Ex8. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the porous body includes a porous ceramic.

[0092] Example Ex9. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which the heater is substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0093] Example Ex10. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater width is substantially uniform along the heater length.

[0094] Example Ex11. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater thickness is substantially uniform along the heater length.

[0095] Example Ex12. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the porous body comprises a material having a Young's modulus of at least 10 gigapascals (GPa).

[0096] Example Ex13. A system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the porous body comprises a material having a Young's modulus of at least 100 gigapascals (GPa).

[0097] Example Ex14. A system according to any of Examples Ex2 to Ex13, wherein the mouthpiece housing is equipped with a bracket, and the bracket is configured to support the heater within the exterior wall.

[0098] Example Ex15. A system according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises a base having at least one electrical connector, the electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection between a heating element and a power supply.

[0099] Example Ex16. A system according to Example Ex15, dependent on Example Ex14, configured such that the base is fixedly attached to a bracket.

[0100] Example Ex17. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing is provided within the cartridge, and the heater is positioned at or toward the connection end of the cartridge.

[0101] Example Ex18. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

[0102] Example Ex19. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing thickness is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

[0103] Example Ex20. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

[0104] Example Ex21. A system according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising a power supply, wherein the mouthpiece and heater are provided in a cartridge that is detachably mounted to the power supply.

[0105] Example Ex22. The system according to Example Ex21, wherein the power supply is provided within the device housing, and the cartridge is configured for mounting to the power supply, thereby defining an air intake between the cartridge and the power supply.

[0106] Example Ex23. A system according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising a control circuit, wherein the mouthpiece and heater are provided in a cartridge that is detachably attached to the control circuit.

[0107] Example Ex24. A system according to Example Ex23, wherein the control circuit is provided within the device housing, and the cartridge is configured for mounting to the device housing, thereby defining an air intake between the cartridge and the device housing.

[0108] Example Ex25. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the system comprises at least two air intakes, each provided between the cartridge and the device housing.

[0109] Example Ex26. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a cartridge is configured for mounting to a device, thereby defining at least two air intakes between the cartridge and the device housing, and at least two of the air intakes are separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0110] Example Ex27. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a power supply and a power supply housing, wherein the power supply housing is fixedly attached to the mouthpiece housing.

[0111] Example Ex28. A mouthpiece housing having a length in the longitudinal direction, a width in the mouthpiece housing, and a thickness in the mouthpiece housing, wherein the width of the mouthpiece housing is greater than the thickness of the mouthpiece housing, An air intake port and an aerosol outlet, wherein the air intake port is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, A heater installed inside the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and A heater comprising a porous body for transporting a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a heating element, The heater has a heater length in the longitudinal direction, a heater width, and a heater thickness, and the heater width is greater than the heater thickness. A cartridge for the system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

[0112] Example Ex29. A cartridge according to Ex28, configured for mounting to a device, thereby defining an air intake between the cartridge and the device.

[0113] Example Ex30. A cartridge according to Ex28 or Ex29, wherein the cartridge is configured for mounting to the device, thereby defining at least two air intakes between the cartridge and the device, with each intake being provided between the cartridge and the device.

[0114] Example Ex31. A cartridge according to Ex28, Ex29, or Ex30, configured for mounting to a device, thereby defining at least two air intakes between the cartridge and the device, with at least two of the air intakes separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0115] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, although this is purely illustrative. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0116] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the components of an exploded embodiment of the system. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the cross-section of Figure 1A, passing through the system shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an assembled embodiment of the system. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the cross-section of Figure 1C, through the system shown in Figure 1C. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of the system's heater. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows an alternative schematic perspective view of the heater in Figure 2A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0117] Naturally, Figures 1A to 2B are schematic and simplified for clarity. As a result, some features may be omitted, and the features are not necessarily depicted in proportion to their actual size.

[0118] When describing the features shown in the diagram, references to orientation, such as proximal and distal, are not intended to imply any restrictions on the orientation of those features, but merely to indicate their relative spatial arrangement. Naturally, features may have different orientations when in use.

[0119] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the components of the disassembled aerosol generating system 100. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises a mouthpiece housing 110, a storage seal element 120, a bracket 130, a base 140, and a device body 150.

[0120] The mouthpiece housing 110, storage seal element 120, bracket 130, and base 140 may be assembled together to form a cartridge. The cartridge may be reversibly connected to the device body 150 via the base 140 to form an aerosol generating system.

[0121] Alternatively, system 100 may be provided as a single aerosol generator comprising all of the assembled mouthpiece housing 110, storage seal element 120, bracket 130, base 140, and device body 150, wherein the base 140 is not reversibly connectable and is instead fixedly attached to the device body 150 or formed together with the device body 150 as a single component.

[0122] The mouthpiece housing 110 comprises an outer wall and an insert 113. The outer wall is formed from a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG). The outer wall is a peripheral, annular outer wall. The outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110 partially defines a storage section 116 configured to contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The insert 113 defines an airflow passage 112 located within the storage section 116. The airflow passage 112 extends from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110 toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing 110. The airflow passage 112 extends only partway from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110 toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing 110. The insert 113 defining the airflow passage 112 is also formed from a polymer or copolymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG). The airflow passage 112 is configured to direct the fluid toward the aerosol outlet 114. The aerosol outlet 114 is defined at the proximal end of the airflow passage 112 and at the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0123] The aerosol generating system has a longitudinal axis 500. The mouthpiece housing 110 has a width and thickness that are both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 500. In Figure 1A, the mouthpiece housing width is in the plane of the paper, and the thickness is perpendicular to the plane of the paper. As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the mouthpiece housing 110 has a uniform width along its length. However, naturally, the mouthpiece housing 110 may have a varying width, for example, a tapered shape. In such embodiments, the mouthpiece housing width at the proximal end 118 of the mouthpiece housing 110 is smaller than the mouthpiece housing width at the distal end 119 of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0124] The insert 113 defining the airflow passage 112 is positioned substantially in the center within the mouthpiece housing 110 with respect to the thickness of the mouthpiece housing 110, but off-center with respect to the width of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0125] The storage compartment sealing element 120 is configured to be located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110. Specifically, the storage compartment sealing element 120 is configured to form a liquid-tight seal with the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, thereby defining the storage compartment 116. The storage compartment sealing element 120 contains or is made of silicone.

[0126] Bracket 130 comprises a bracket body formed from a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG). Bracket 130 is configured to support heater 139. Heater 139 comprises a porous body 132 and a heating element in the form of a heater track 134. The porous body 132 may be a porous ceramic body. The heater track 134 is disposed on the heating surface of the porous body 132. Heater 139 is disposed such that the heater track 134 faces away from the aerosol outlet 114. Heater 139 is disposed so as to face toward the apparatus body 150.

[0127] The heater 139 is illustrated in detail in Figures 2A and 2B. The heater 139 has a length 331, a width 332, and a thickness 333. In the heater illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the heater width 332 is greater than the heater length 331. In the heater illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the heater width 332 is greater than the heater thickness 333.

[0128] The porous body 132 substantially defines the shape of the heater 139. The porous body 132 is substantially elongated such that it has a width greater than its length and a width greater than its thickness.

[0129] The heater 139 is located within a heater cavity in the bracket 130. The heater 139 is positioned such that the width 332 of the porous body 132 is substantially perpendicular to the width 102 of the mouthpiece housing. The heater 139 is positioned such that the thickness of the porous body 132 is substantially perpendicular to the thickness 103 of the mouthpiece housing. The heater 139 is positioned in this manner so that, when the components of the cartridge are assembled, the heater 139 acts as a structural beam between opposing portions of the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110. The heater 139 further comprises a silicone sealing cover (not shown) that partially encloses the heater 139 when the heater 139 is located within the heater cavity and forms a liquid-tight seal with the bracket 130.

[0130] As can be seen in Figure 1B, the bracket 130 further comprises two bracket fluid channels 136. Each bracket fluid channel 136 extends from the proximal surface of the bracket 130 to the opposite end of the heater cavity. When the heater 139 is located within the heater cavity, each bracket fluid channel 136 extends from the proximal surface of the bracket 130 to the opposite end of the porous body 132 of the heater 139. As can be seen in Figure 1B, the two bracket fluid channels 136 are located between the proximal surface of the bracket and the porous body 132 of the heater 139.

[0131] Bracket 130 further includes a bracket air outlet 137, which is best shown in Figure 1A. The bracket air outlet 137 extends from the distal surface of bracket 130 to the proximal surface of bracket 130. The bracket air outlet 137 is positioned adjacent to the heater 139.

[0132] The base 140 includes a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG), or a base body made of the same.

[0133] The base 140 further comprises a base cavity 142. The base cavity 142 is defined by the base body and a base cavity opening on the proximal surface of the base 140. The base cavity 142 is configured to receive a portion of the bracket 130 when the base 140 is connected to the bracket 130. The base 140 is configured to be connected to the bracket 130 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0134] The base body includes an external base wall extending from the proximal surface of the base 140 to the distal surface of the base. A single base air intake 148 is defined within the external base wall and extends through the external base wall to the base cavity 142.

[0135] The base 140 further comprises an electrical connector 145. The electrical connector is configured for attachment to the base body. The electrical connector 145 is configured to be accessible from the distal surface of the base 140. The electrical connector 145 comprises two arms. Each arm is configured to contact the respective end of the heater track 134. The arms of the electrical connector 145 may include a metal or alloy such as stainless steel 304H with a gold coating.

[0136] The base 140 further comprises an absorbent element 149. The absorbent element 149 may contain cotton or be made of cotton. The absorbent element 149 is located at the distal end of the base 140. The portion of the electrical connector 145 is adjacent to the absorbent element 149. The absorbent element 149 is configured to absorb any liquid aerosol-forming substrate that may leak from the heater during use.

[0137] The apparatus body 150 includes an apparatus cavity 152. The apparatus cavity 152 is defined by the apparatus body 150 and the apparatus cavity opening on the proximal surface of the apparatus body 150. The apparatus cavity 152 is configured to receive a portion of the base 140 when the base 140 is connected to the apparatus body 150. The base 140 is configured to be reversibly connected to the apparatus body 150 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0138] The shoulder portion is defined within the external base wall of the base portion 140, which corresponds to the shoulder portion defined on the device body 150. The base air intake port 148 is located on the shoulder portion defined within the external base wall.

[0139] The device body 150 further comprises device electrical contacts 155 located on the distal surface of the device cavity 152. The device electrical contacts 155 are configured to contact an electrical connector 145 when the base 140 is connected to the device body 150. The device body 150 further comprises a control circuit 154. The device electrical contacts 155 are connected via wires to the control circuit 154, which may include a processor 154. The device body 150 further comprises a battery 156. The battery 156 may comprise a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) configured to be connected at the distal end of the device body 150. The battery 156 is connected via wires to the control circuit 154. The two device electrical contacts 155 may include a metal or alloy such as stainless steel 304H with a gold coating.

[0140] Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the disassembled system 100, taken from a side view perpendicular to the front view. System 100 in Figure 1B is otherwise identical to that described with respect to Figure 1A.

[0141] In Figure 1B, compared to Figure 1A, it can be seen that the mouthpiece housing width 102 is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness 103. Also, in Figure 1A, it can be seen that the mouthpiece housing length 101 is greater than the mouthpiece housing width 102. As shown in Figure 1B, the mouthpiece housing 110 is tapered, and as a result, the thickness of the mouthpiece housing 110 decreases from the distal end to the proximal end. Due to this taper, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece housing 110 perpendicular to the long axis 500 is smaller at the proximal end than at the distal end.

[0142] Figure 1C shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an assembled embodiment of the system. System 100 in Figure 1C is otherwise identical to that described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B.

[0143] In Figure 1C, the storage seal element 120 is located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, thereby forming a liquid-tight seal with the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0144] The bracket 130 is partially positioned within the mouthpiece housing 110, thereby contacting the storage seal element 120 and forming a liquid-tight seal with it.

[0145] The bracket air outlet 137 is aligned with and connected to the airflow passage 112 of the insert 113, forming a fluid seal between the bracket 1130 and the insert 113. Thus, the bracket air outlet 137 and the airflow passage 112 define an airflow path from the distal surface of the bracket 130 through the mouthpiece air outlet 114 to it.

[0146] Therefore, the proximal surfaces of the bracket 130, the storage seal element 120, and the mouthpiece housing 110 define the outer surface of the storage section 116. The storage section 116 is shown filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate in Figure 1C.

[0147] In Figure 1C, the base 140 is connected to the bracket 130 by a snap-fit ​​connection. A portion of the bracket 130 is received within the base cavity 142. The heater track 134 contacts the electrical connector 145. The base 140 is further connected to the mouthpiece housing 110 by a snap-fit ​​connection. The base is connected to the mouthpiece housing 110 so that the bracket 130 and the storage seal element 120 are held securely in place within the mouthpiece housing 110. The base 140 is connected to the bracket 130 so that the heater track 134 contacts the electrical connector 145. Specifically, when the base 140 is connected to the bracket 130, a portion of the heater track 134 contacts the electrical connector 145. The electrical connector 145 is flexible and sized to allow a reliable electrical connection to be formed between the heater track 134 and the electrical connector 145.

[0148] The base 140 is configured to be connectable to the bracket 130 such that the aerosol generating chamber 133 is defined between the base 140 and the bracket 130. The aerosol generating chamber 133 includes a base air intake 148 and a bracket air outlet 137. The aerosol generating chamber 133 is located adjacent to the heater cavity. The aerosol generating chamber 133 is configured so that when the heater 139 is located within the heater cavity, the heater track 134 can be positioned facing and adjacent to the aerosol generating chamber 133. Specifically, the heater track 134 faces away from the aerosol outlet 114 and away from the proximal end of the cartridge or system. The heater track 134 faces towards the distal end of the cartridge or system.

[0149] The mouthpiece housing 110, the storage seal element 120, the bracket 130, and the base 140 together form the cartridge of the system 100.

[0150] The cartridge is equipped with a cartridge airflow path. The cartridge airflow path extends from the base air intake 148 into the aerosol generation chamber 133, and from the aerosol generation chamber 133 through the bracket air outlet 137 and the airflow passage 112 to the aerosol outlet 114.

[0151] As shown in Figure 1C, the cartridge can be connected to the main body 150 of the device. During use, the user can reversibly connect the cartridge to the main body of the device, and can also disconnect the cartridge from the main body of the device 150, for example, when the liquid aerosol forming substrate in the storage unit 116 is empty.

[0152] When the base 140 of the cartridge is connected to the main body 150 of the device, a small gap exists between the base 140 and the main body 150, which allows air to enter the base air intake 148.

[0153] When connected to the main body 150 of the device, a portion of the base 140 is received within the device cavity 152, thereby causing the device electrical contact 155 to contact the electrical connector 145. Thus, a complete electrical path is formed from the device electrical contact 155 to the electrical connector 145 and then to the heater track 134.

[0154] During use, the user connects the cartridge to the device body 150 and presses a button (not shown) located on the side of the device body 150. The button is connected to a control circuit 154. The control circuit 154 is configured to control the supply of power from the battery 156 to the heater track 134 via the device electrical contacts 155 and the base electrical contacts 145. When the user presses the button, power is supplied from the battery to the heater track, causing the temperature of the heater track to rise. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the storage section 116 is drawn down from the bracket fluid channel 136 to the porous body 132 of the heater 139. The porous body 132 draws the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to its distal surface, where it is volatilized by the high-temperature heater track 134. This transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is illustrated in Figure 1D using the liquid aerosol-forming substrate transport arrow 171.

[0155] When the user inhales into the mouthpiece housing 110, air is drawn through the cartridge airflow path. Specifically, air is drawn into the base air intake 148 and into the aerosol generation chamber 133 between the base 140 and the bracket 130. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate condenses in the airflow through the aerosol generation chamber 133 and is drawn into the user's mouth through the airflow passage 112 and aerosol outlet 114. This airflow is illustrated using the airflow arrow 172 shown in Figure 1C.

[0156] The airflow 172 passes through the aerosol generation chamber 133, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 500. The longitudinal axis 500 is substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow from the aerosol generation chamber 133 through the airflow passage 112 and to the aerosol outlet 114.

[0157] Figure 1C also illustrates an absorbent element 149 positioned at the distal end of the base 140 such that the absorbent element 149 is on the opposite side of the aerosol generation chamber from the heat-generating element 139.

[0158] Figure 1D also shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the assembled system 100, but from a side view perpendicular to the front view. The assembled system 100 in Figure 1C is otherwise identical to the one described with respect to Figure 1C.

[0159] As illustrated in Figure 1D, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the storage section 116 is drawn out from the bracket fluid channel 136 into the porous body 132, as indicated by the liquid aerosol-forming substrate transport arrow 171.

[0160] As illustrated in Figure 1D, the two base electrical connectors 145 contact both ends of the heater track 134 when the bracket 130 is connected to the base 140.

[0161] As illustrated in Figure 1D, the heater 139 is positioned to act as a structural brace or beam between opposing portions of the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110. The heater 139 does not directly contact the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, but rather contacts a bracket 130 via a silicone sealing cover (not shown), which then contacts the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110 via a storage seal element 120. The porous body 132 of the heater 139 has high rigidity and strength, and as such, the assembled cartridge may be more resistant to deformation in the thickness direction.

[0162] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the heater schematic, and Figure 2B shows an alternative perspective view of the heater schematic.

[0163] The heater track 134 is illustrated as being disposed on the distal surface of the porous body 132. The heater track comprises two heater track electrical contacts 363 at both ends of the distal surface of the porous body 132. The two heater track electrical contacts 363 are configured to contact the arms of the electrical connector 145, as described above.

[0164] The heater track 134 further comprises a meandering heater track path 362 extending between two heater track electrical contacts 363. The meandering heater track path 362 is configured to be resistively heated as current passes through it. The heater track 134 is a metal track comprising a metal film. The two heater track electrical contacts 363 are integrally formed with the meandering heater track path 362.

[0165] Two liquid feed notches 364 are defined within the porous body 132. Each of the two liquid feed notches 364 is defined on the proximal surface and on one of the ends of the porous body 132. When the heater 139 is positioned within the bracket 130, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate flows from the bracket fluid channel 136 into the corresponding liquid feed notches 364 and then into the porous body 132.

[0166] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system extending along the longitudinal axis, A mouthpiece housing having the aforementioned length in the longitudinal direction, width, and thickness, wherein the width is greater than the thickness, An air intake port and an aerosol outlet, wherein the air intake port is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet, defining an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, A heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and A heater comprising a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, The heater has a heater length in the longitudinal direction, a heater width, and a heater thickness, wherein the heater width is greater than the heater thickness. An aerosol generating system in which the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises an outer wall defining an internal opening, and the heater width provides a structural bridge across the internal opening.

3. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the porous body includes a porous ceramic.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heater is substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

5. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises a bracket, and the bracket is configured to support the heater within the outer wall.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises a base having at least one electrical connector, and the electrical connector is configured to provide an electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mouthpiece housing is provided within the cartridge, and the heater is positioned at or toward the connection end of the cartridge.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thickness of the mouthpiece housing is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the width of the mouthpiece housing is tapered toward the aerosol outlet.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a power supply, wherein a mouthpiece and a heater are provided in a cartridge that is detachably attached to the power supply.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a power supply and a power supply housing, wherein the power supply housing is fixedly attached to the mouthpiece housing.

13. A mouthpiece housing having a length in the longitudinal direction, a width in the mouthpiece housing, and a thickness in the mouthpiece housing, wherein the width of the mouthpiece housing is greater than the thickness of the mouthpiece housing, An air intake port and an aerosol outlet, wherein the air intake port is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet, defining an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, A heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and A heater comprising a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, The heater has a heater length in the longitudinal direction, a heater width, and a heater thickness, wherein the heater width is greater than the heater thickness. A cartridge for the system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge is configured for attachment to a device, thereby defining the air intake between the cartridge and the device.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the cartridge is configured for mounting to a device, thereby defining at least two air intakes between the cartridge and the device, and at least two of the air intakes are separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

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