Heater assembly for aerosol generation system

Abstract

A heater assembly (100) for an aerosol generating system (200), wherein the heater assembly (100) comprises a resistance heating element (102) for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body (104) for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element (102), the porous body (104) having a liquid absorption surface (104a) and a heating surface (104b), the resistance heating element (102) being located on the heating surface (104b) of the ceramic porous body (104), and the resistance heating element (102) containing a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly for an aerosol generation system. The present invention also relates to a cartridge comprising the heater assembly and an aerosol generation system comprising the cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation systems are known that heat a liquid aerosol generation substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user. In particular, a portable 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 portable 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] This electrically operated heater typically comprises a resistive heating element in the form of a coil of wire wound around an elongate core, the elongate core feeding 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 portable electrically operated aerosol generation systems, the electrically operated heater comprises a resistive heating element located on a heated surface of a porous body, the porous body feeding 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 puffing." To ensure satisfactory aerosol generation, it is preferable to maintain a sufficient supply of liquid aerosol generating substrate to the heating element during operation, keeping it moist. Dry heating occurs when current passes through the heating element when insufficient liquid aerosol generating substrate is supplied. 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, which 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 insufficient aerosol generation. Continuing to operate the aerosol generating system when insufficient liquid aerosol generating substrate is supplied to the heating element can result in a poor user experience.

[0006] In the handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating systems of the type described above, the resistive heating element is typically made of a conductive material such as an alloy. For example, the resistive heating element may be made of an iron alloy such as an iron-silicon alloy.

[0007] Chemical interactions between the liquid aerosol generating substrate and the resistance heating element may produce undesirable byproducts. These interactions may also impair or compromise the function of the resistance heating element. This can negatively affect the consistency of the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating system.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a heater assembly equipped with a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate, which enables more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user compared to known aerosol generating systems. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] The present invention relates to a heater assembly for an aerosol generation system. The heater assembly may include a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The heater assembly may include a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, and the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistance heating element may be located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body. The resistance heating element may contain a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 53% to 73% by weight silver. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 7% to 23% by weight palladium. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 1% to 7% by weight carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 3% to 17% by weight oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may contain impurities.

[0010] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generation system. The cartridge may include a heater assembly. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol generation substrate. The heater assembly may include a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generation substrate to a resistance heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, and the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistance heating element may be located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body. The resistance heating element may include a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 53 to 73 weight percent silver. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 7 to 23 weight percent palladium. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 1 to 7 weight percent carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may contain impurities. The liquid storage portion may be located near the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[0011] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include a cartridge. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include a heater assembly. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The heater assembly may include a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to a resistance heating element. The porous body may have a liquid absorption surface, and the porous body may have a heating surface. The resistance heating element may be located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body. The resistance heating element may include a silver-palladium alloy. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 53% to 73% by weight silver. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 7% to 23% by weight palladium. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 1% to 7% by weight carbon. The silver-palladium alloy may contain 3% to 17% by weight oxygen. The silver-palladium alloy may contain impurities. The liquid storage portion may be located near the liquid absorption surface of the porous body of the heater assembly. The aerosol generator may include a power supply for providing power to the heater assembly of the cartridge. The aerosol generator may include a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly of the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generator.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating system is provided, the heater assembly comprising a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element, wherein the porous body has a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistance heating element is located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body, and the resistance heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy containing 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, and 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating system is provided, the heater assembly comprising a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element, wherein the porous body has a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistance heating element is located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body, and the resistance heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy containing 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating system is provided, the heater assembly comprising a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element, wherein the porous body has a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistance heating element is located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body, and the resistance heating element contains a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating system is provided, the cartridge comprising a heater assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention and a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion is located near the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device which includes a cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention, a power supply for supplying power to a heater assembly of the cartridge, and a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating system.

[0017] The present invention provides a heater assembly comprising a resistance heating element located on a porous heating surface, wherein the resistance heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities, which can reduce or prevent chemical interactions between the resistance heating element and a liquid aerosol generating substrate. This can advantageously result in more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user.

[0018] As used herein, the term "heating element" is used to describe a component that transfers thermal energy to a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can generate aerosols when heated.

[0020] 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 or may not be visible. Aerosols may include not only substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, but also vapors of solid particles, or droplets, or combinations of solid particles and droplets.

[0021] As used herein, the term “porous material” is used to describe a component that contains multiple interconnected pores. A porous material is configured to contain a liquid within its multiple pores.

[0022] As used herein, the term “heating surface” is used to describe the surface of a porous material on which a resistance heating element is located.

[0023] As used herein, the term “located on” is used to describe arrangements in which the resistance heating element is in direct contact with the heating surface of the porous material, and arrangements in which another component is positioned between the resistance heating element and the heating surface of the porous material.

[0024] As used herein, the term “liquid-absorbing surface” is used to describe a porous surface opposite to a heating surface. When in use, a liquid-absorbing surface may be configured to receive a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0025] As used herein, the term “long axis direction” is used to describe the direction between the heated surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous material. During use, the liquid aerosol generating substrate is drawn out in the long axis direction through the porous material from the liquid-absorbing surface to the heated surface.

[0026] As used herein, the term “transverse direction” is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Unless otherwise stated, references to “sections” of heater assemblies or components of heater assemblies refer to transverse sections.

[0027] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In particular, the term “aerosol generator” is used to describe a device that heats an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of a cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention.

[0029] A cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention has a proximal end through which an aerosol exits the cartridge during use. A cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention has a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cartridge may also be referred to as the mouth-side end or the downstream end. The distal end of the cartridge may also be referred to as the upstream end.

[0030] The silver palladium alloy preferably contains 60% to 70% by weight of silver.

[0031] The silver palladium alloy preferably contains 10% to 20% by weight of palladium.

[0032] The silver palladium alloy preferably contains 1% to 5% by weight of carbon.

[0033] The silver palladium alloy preferably contains 5% to 15% by weight of oxygen.

[0034] The silver palladium alloy preferably contains less than 1% by weight of impurities.

[0035] The elemental composition of the silver palladium alloy can be measured by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

[0036] The resistive heating element can have any suitable shape.

[0037] The resistive heating element can be a planar resistive heating element.

[0038] The resistance heating element may have tracks. The tracks may define paths across the heated surface of a porous material. The tracks may define curved paths across the heated surface of a porous material. The tracks may define meandering paths across the heated surface of a porous material.

[0039] The resistive heating element may comprise multiple tracks or track sections. Multiple tracks or track sections may be electrically arranged in parallel.

[0040] The resistance heating element may have any suitable thickness. As used herein, the term "thickness" is used to describe the maximum dimension of the resistance heating element in the longitudinal direction; that is, the maximum dimension of the resistance heating element lies in the direction between the heating surface of the porous body and the liquid-absorbing surface.

[0041] The resistive heating element may have a thickness of 2 micrometers or more. For example, the resistive heating element may have a thickness of 5 micrometers or more, 10 micrometers or more, or 15 micrometers or more.

[0042] The resistive heating element may have a thickness of 100 micrometers or less. For example, the resistive heating element may have a thickness of 50 micrometers or less, 30 micrometers or less, or 25 micrometers or less.

[0043] The resistance heating element may have a thickness of 2 to 100 micrometers, 2 to 50 micrometers, 2 to 30 micrometers, or 2 to 25 micrometers.

[0044] The resistance heating element may have a thickness of 5 to 100 micrometers, 5 to 50 micrometers, 5 to 30 micrometers, or 5 to 25 micrometers.

[0045] The resistance heating element may have a thickness of 10 to 100 micrometers, 10 to 50 micrometers, 10 to 30 micrometers, or 10 to 25 micrometers.

[0046] The resistance heating element may have a thickness of 15 to 100 micrometers, 15 to 50 micrometers, 15 to 30 micrometers, or 15 to 25 micrometers.

[0047] The thickness of the resistive heating element can be substantially constant along its length.

[0048] The thickness of the resistive heating element may vary along its length.

[0049] The resistive heating element may have a resistance of 0.8 ohms or more, 0.85 ohms or more, or 0.9 ohms or more at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0050] The resistive heating element may have a resistance of 1.1 ohms or less, 1.05 ohms or less, or 1 ohm or less at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0051] The resistive heating element may have a resistance of 0.8 ohms to 1.1 ohms, 0.8 ohms to 1.05 ohms, or 0.8 ohms to 1 ohm at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0052] The resistive heating element may have a resistance of 0.85 ohms to 1.1 ohms, 0.85 ohms to 1.05 ohms, or 0.85 ohms to 1 ohm at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0053] The resistive heating element may have a resistance of 0.9 ohms to 1.1 ohms, 0.9 ohms to 1.05 ohms, or 0.9 ohms to 1 ohm at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0054] For example, a resistive heating element may have a resistance of 0.95 ohms at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0055] The resistance heating element may have a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 250 ppm or more per degree Celsius, or 300 ppm or more per degree Celsius, for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0056] The resistance heating element may have a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 450 ppm or less per degree Celsius, or 400 ppm or less per degree Celsius, for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0057] The resistance heating element may have a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 250 ppm to 450 ppm per degree Celsius, or 250 ppm to 400 ppm per degree Celsius, for a temperature range of 25 to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0058] The resistance heating element may have a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 300 ppm to 450 ppm per degree Celsius, or 300 ppm to 400 ppm per degree Celsius, for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0059] For example, a resistance heating element may have a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 350 ppm per degree Celsius over a temperature range of 25 to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0060] The resistance heating element may be pre-formed as a solid component and then attached to the heating surface of a porous body, or otherwise arranged.

[0061] A resistance heating element may be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material. As used herein, the term “deposited” is used to describe application as a layer or coating by a physical or chemical process, for example in the form of a liquid, plasma, or vapor, which subsequently forms a resistance heating element by concentrating or agglomerating.

[0062] A resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous body by any suitable process.

[0063] A resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by a printing process. For example, a resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, or screen printing.

[0064] A resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by a vacuum deposition process.

[0065] A resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by physical vapor deposition. For example, a resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by evaporation or sputtering.

[0066] A resistance heating element can be deposited on the heated surface of a porous material by chemical vapor deposition.

[0067] The resistance heating element can be directly deposited on the heating surface of the porous material. In such embodiments, the resistance heating element is in direct contact with the heating surface of the porous material.

[0068] The heater assembly may further include one or more electrical contacts connected to a resistive heating element. The electrical contacts may be configured to be connected to a control circuit for controlling the supply of power to the resistive heating element.

[0069] One or more electrical contacts may be located on the heated surface of the porous material.

[0070] One or more electrical contacts can be directly deposited on the heated surface of a porous material.

[0071] One or more electrical contacts may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, gold, silver, and zinc.

[0072] One or more electrical contacts may have higher conductivity than the resistive heating element.

[0073] The heater assembly may include a pair of electrical contacts. The pair of electrical contacts may be located on the opposite side of the heating surface of the porous body. A resistance heating element may extend between the pair of electrical contacts.

[0074] The resistance heating element may come into direct contact with the heated surface of the porous material.

[0075] A resistance heating element can be bonded to the heated surface of a porous material.

[0076] The heater assembly may include an insulating layer deposited between the resistance heating element and the heating surface of the porous material. The insulating layer may have lower thermal conductivity than the porous material. The insulating layer may be configured to reduce heat transfer from the resistance heating element to the porous material. The insulating material may have a larger porosity than the porous material.

[0077] The insulating layer has the advantage of completely separating the resistance heating element from the heating surface of the porous body, thereby preventing direct contact between the resistance heating element and the porous body.

[0078] A porous material may have multiple interconnected pores. These interconnected pores provide a fluid path for the liquid aerosol generating substrate through the porous material from the liquid absorption surface to the heating surface.

[0079] During use, the liquid aerosol generating substrate is drawn out along its long axis through the porous material, from the liquid absorption surface to the heating surface, via multiple interconnected pores. The liquid aerosol generating substrate can be transported through the porosity by capillary action.

[0080] A porous material can have any suitable porosity. The porosity of a porous material can be measured by mercury porosimetry according to ISO 15901-2:2022.

[0081] The porosity of the porous material may be 30 percent or more, 40 percent or more, or 50 percent or more.

[0082] The porosity of the porous material may be 80 percent or less, 70 percent or less, or 60 percent or less.

[0083] The porosity of the porous material can be 30 to 80 percent, 30 to 70 percent, or 30 to 60 percent.

[0084] The porosity of a porous material can be 40 to 80 percent, 40 to 70 percent, or 40 to 60 percent.

[0085] The porosity of a porous material can be 50-80 percent, 50-70 percent, or 50-60 percent.

[0086] For example, the porous material may be a ceramic porous material having a porosity of 50 percent to 60 percent.

[0087] A porous material may have any median pore size. As used herein, the term “median pore size” refers to the “D50 size.” The D50 size is the pore size that divides the distribution in half, with half of the pores being larger than the D50 size and the other half being smaller than the D50 size. The pore size distribution of a porous material can be measured by mercury porosimetry in accordance with ISO 15901-2:2022.

[0088] The porous material may have a median pore size of 5 micrometers or more, 10 micrometers or more, or 15 micrometers or more.

[0089] The porous material may have a median pore size of 35 micrometers or less, 30 micrometers or less, or 25 micrometers or less.

[0090] The porous material may have a median pore size of 5 to 35 micrometers, 5 to 30 micrometers, or 5 to 25 micrometers.

[0091] The porous material may have a median pore size of 10 to 35 micrometers, 10 to 30 micrometers, or 10 to 25 micrometers.

[0092] The porous material may have a median pore size of 15 to 35 micrometers, 15 to 30 micrometers, or 15 to 25 micrometers.

[0093] For example, the porous material may be a ceramic porous material having a median pore size of 19 micrometers to 22 micrometers.

[0094] The porous material may have any suitable shape.

[0095] A porous body may have any suitable length. As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body along its long axis; that is, the maximum dimension of the porous body lies in the direction between the heated surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body.

[0096] The porous material may have a length of 0.5 millimeters or more. For example, the porous material 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.

[0097] The porous material may have a length of 20 millimeters or less. For example, the porous material 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.

[0098] The porous material may have a length of 0.5 mm to 20 mm. For example, the porous material 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.

[0099] The porous material may have a length of 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous material 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.

[0100] The porous material may have a length of 2 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous material 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.

[0101] The porous material may have a length of 3 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous material 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The porous material may have a length of 5 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous material 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.

[0104] For example, the porous material may have a length of 5 millimeters.

[0105] A liquid-impermeable coating may be provided on the surface along the long axis of the porous material, extending between the liquid-absorbing surface and the heated surface of the porous material.

[0106] A porous material can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of a porous material may be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0107] The cross-section of a porous material may be substantially constant along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of a porous material may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous material.

[0108] For example, the porous body may be substantially cylindrical, and both the liquid-absorbing surface and the heating surface of the porous body may be substantially circular, or the porous body may be substantially cubic, and both the liquid-absorbing surface and the heating surface of the porous body may be substantially square.

[0109] The cross-section of a porous material may vary along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of a porous material may differ from the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous material. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of a porous material may be larger than the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous material.

[0110] Porous materials can be substantially incompressible.

[0111] The porous body may be made of any suitable material.

[0112] The porous material may contain heat-resistant material.

[0113] The porous material may include a material that does not chemically interact with the liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0114] The porous material may be a ceramic porous material. As used herein, the term "ceramic porous material" is used to describe a porous material that includes ceramics.

[0115] The porous ceramic material may include sintered ceramics.

[0116] The porous ceramic material may contain any suitable ceramic.

[0117] The porous ceramic material may contain one or more of the following: ceramic carbide, ceramic nitride, ceramic oxide, and ceramic silicate.

[0118] Suitable ceramics include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, aluminosilicate, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and zirconium oxide.

[0119] The porous ceramic material may contain one or more of the following: alumina (Al2O3), aluminosilicate, boride, silica (SiO2), silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia (ZrO2).

[0120] The porous ceramic material may contain one or more of the following: alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), and zirconia (ZrO2).

[0121] The porous ceramic material may contain silica (SiO2).

[0122] The porous ceramic material may contain silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3).

[0123] The porous ceramic material may contain silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO).

[0124] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating system is provided, the cartridge comprising a heater assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention and a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate, wherein the liquid storage portion is located near the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[0125] The cartridge may have any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical.

[0126] The cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge may be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0127] The cartridge can have any suitable size.

[0128] The cartridge may have a cartridge housing.

[0129] 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 (trademark) made from three monomers: dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The cartridge may have a mouthpiece at its proximal end.

[0133] 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.

[0134] A cartridge may have one or more air intakes through which air can be drawn into the cartridge during use. One or more air intakes may be provided within the cartridge housing.

[0135] A cartridge may have one or more aerosol outlets through which an aerosol can be drawn out of the cartridge during use. If the cartridge includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may have one or more aerosol outlets through which an aerosol can be drawn out of the mouthpiece during use. One or more aerosol outlets may be provided within the cartridge housing.

[0136] One or more air intakes can be in fluid communication with one or more aerosol outlets to define an airflow path through the cartridge.

[0137] The cartridge may have 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, through a heater assembly, to one or more aerosol outlets. The enclosed airflow passage may pass around the outer surface of the liquid storage section. The enclosed airflow passage may pass through the liquid storage section. 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.

[0138] The cartridge may have a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a resistance heater assembly. The cartridge may have a second airflow path extending through a resistance heating element. The cartridge may have a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the resistance heater assembly toward one or more aerosol outlets. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first airflow path and the third airflow path.

[0139] The cartridge may be configured such that the airflow passing through the heater assembly takes in the vaporized aerosol generating substrate.

[0140] The cartridge housing of the cartridge may define the liquid storage area.

[0141] The cartridge housing and the liquid storage section can be formed as a single unit.

[0142] The liquid storage section may be formed separately from the cartridge housing, or it may be located within the cartridge housing.

[0143] The liquid storage section is located near the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

[0144] The liquid storage section can be called the storage unit.

[0145] The liquid storage section can accommodate a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0146] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0147] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt.

[0148] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain natural nicotine.

[0149] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine.

[0150] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol forming body.

[0151] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine and an aerosol forming agent.

[0152] The aerosol-forming material may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol-forming material may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures typically reached during use of an aerosol-generating system including a cartridge.

[0153] Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate; and combinations thereof.

[0154] Advantageously, the aerosol-forming compound may contain one or more polyhydric alcohols.

[0155] More advantageously, the aerosol-forming body comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin.

[0156] The aerosol-forming material may contain one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming material may consist of glycerin. The aerosol-forming material may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming material may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0157] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain water.

[0158] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more flavoring agents.

[0159] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more natural flavoring agents.

[0160] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more synthetic flavoring agents.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to 5% by weight, or 0.5% to 3% by weight.

[0164] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to 5% by weight, or 1% to 3% by weight.

[0165] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to 5% by weight, or 1.5% to 3% by weight.

[0166] For example, a liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0167] The cartridge may be designed to be discarded once the liquid aerosol generating substrate contained within the liquid storage section is depleted.

[0168] Cartridges can be designed to be refillable.

[0169] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device which includes a cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention, a power supply for supplying power to a heater assembly of the cartridge, and a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating system.

[0170] The aerosol generation system may be equipped with one or more air intakes. The one or more air intakes may be located at the junction between the cartridge and the aerosol generator.

[0171] 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, through heater assemblies, to one or more aerosol outlets.

[0172] The aerosol generating system may include a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a heater assembly. The aerosol generating system may include a second airflow path extending through a resistance heating element. The aerosol generating system may include a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the heater assembly toward one or more aerosol outlets. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first airflow path and the third airflow path.

[0173] The aerosol generation system may be configured such that the airflow passing through the heater assembly takes in a liquid aerosol generating substrate vaporized by a resistance heating element.

[0174] The aerosol generator may include a device housing.

[0175] 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, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).

[0176] The device housing may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge.

[0177] The aerosol generator may have a connection terminal configured to detachably connect to a cartridge.

[0178] The power source may be any suitable power source. The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a lithium-based battery. For example, the power source 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 source 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 source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable. The power source may be configured for a large number of charge and discharge cycles. The power source 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 source may have a capacity that allows for continuous aerosol generation for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. The power source may have a capacity that allows for a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous startup of the aerosol generating system.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The control circuit may be configured to continuously supply power to the resistive heating element after the aerosol generator is started. Alternatively, 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. Power may be supplied to the resistive heating element in the form of current pulses, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] The aerosol generating system may be equipped with 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. [Examples]

[0184] 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 other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0185] Example 1: A heater assembly for an aerosol generating system, wherein the heater assembly comprises a resistance heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element, the porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, the resistance heating element being located on the heating surface of the ceramic porous body, and the resistance heating element comprising a silver-palladium alloy containing 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, and 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen. Example 2: A heater assembly according to Example 1, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains impurities. Example 3: A heater assembly according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the silver-palladium alloy consists of 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities. Example 4: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains 60 to 70 percent by weight of silver. Example 5: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains 10 to 20 weight percent of palladium. Example 6: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains 1 to 5 percent by weight of carbon. Example 7: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains 5% to 15% by weight of oxygen. Example 8: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the silver-palladium alloy consists of 60 to 70 weight percent silver, 10 to 20 weight percent palladium, 1 to 5 weight percent carbon, 5 to 15 weight percent oxygen, and impurities. Example 9: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 2 to 8, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains less than 1 weight percent of impurities. Example 10: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 0.8 ohms or more at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 11: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 0.85 ohms or more at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 12: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 0.9 ohms or more at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 13: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 1.1 ohms or less at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 14: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 1.1 ohms or less at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 15: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 1.05 ohms or less at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 16: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 1 ohm or less at 25 degrees Celsius. Example 17: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the resistive heating element has a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 250 ppm or more per degree Celsius. Example 18: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the resistive heating element has a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 300 ppm or more per degree Celsius. Example 19: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the resistive heating element has a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 450 ppm or less per degree Celsius. Example 20: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the resistive heating element has a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 400 ppm or less per degree Celsius. Example 21: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 2 micrometers or more. Example 22: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 5 micrometers or more. Example 23: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 10 micrometers or more. Example 24: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 15 micrometers or more. Example 25: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 100 micrometers or less. Example 26: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 50 micrometers or less. Example 27: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 30 micrometers or less. Example 28: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the resistance heating element has a thickness of 25 micrometers or less. Example 29: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein a resistance heating element is deposited on the heating surface of a porous body by a vacuum deposition process. Example 30: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein a resistance heating element is deposited on the heating surface of a porous body by physical vapor deposition. Example 31: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein a resistance heating element is deposited on the heating surface of a porous body by chemical vapor deposition. Example 32: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the resistive heating element is a planar resistive heating element. Example 33: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the resistive heating element includes a track. Example 34: A heater assembly according to Example 33, wherein the track defines a path across the heating surface of a porous material. Example 35: A heater assembly according to Example 34, wherein the track defines a curved path across the heated surface of a porous material. Example 36: A heater assembly according to Example 34, wherein the track defines a meandering path across the heated surface of a porous material. Example 37: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the porous material has a void ratio of 30 percent or more. Example 38: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the porous material has a void ratio of 40 percent or more. Example 39: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the porous material has a void ratio of 50 percent or more. Example 40: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the porous material has a void ratio of 80 percent or less. Example 41: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the porous body has a void ratio of 70 percent or less. Example 42: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the porous body has a void ratio of 60 percent or less. Example 43: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 5 micrometers or more. Example 44: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 10 micrometers or more. Example 45: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 15 micrometers or more. Example 46: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 35 micrometers or less. Example 47: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 30 micrometers or less. Example 48: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 47, wherein the porous material has a median pore size of 25 micrometers or less. Example 49: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the porous material is a ceramic porous material. Example 50: The heater assembly according to Example 49, wherein the porous body includes fired ceramic. Example 51: A heater assembly according to Example 49 or Example 50, wherein the porous body comprises one or more of the following: ceramic carbide, ceramic nitride, ceramic oxide, and ceramic silicate. Example 52: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 51, wherein the porous material contains one or more of alumina, aluminosilicate, boride, silica, silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia. Example 53: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein the porous material contains silica. Example 54: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein the porous material contains silica and alumina. Example 55: A heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the porous material contains silica, alumina, and calcium oxide. Example 56: A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, the cartridge is A heater assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 55, It comprises a liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate, A cartridge in which the liquid storage section is located near the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous material of the heater assembly. Example 57: The cartridge according to Example 56, wherein the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol generating substrate. Example 58: The cartridge according to Example 57, wherein the liquid aerosol generating substrate contains nicotine. Example 59: The cartridge according to Example 57 or Example 58, wherein the liquid aerosol generating substrate includes an aerosol forming body. Example 60: Aerosol generation system, A cartridge described in any one of Examples 56 to 58, The aerosol generator comprises a power supply for supplying power to the heater assembly of the cartridge, and a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly of the cartridge, An aerosol generating system in which a cartridge can be detachably attached to an aerosol generator.

[0186] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0187] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which includes the heater assembly shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0188] Naturally, Figures 1 and 2 are schematic and simplified for clarity. As a result, some features may be omitted, and the features shown are not necessarily depicted to scale.

[0189] When describing the features shown in the drawings, references to orientations such as vertical, horizontal, up, down, upward, and downward are not intended to imply any limitations on the orientation of those features, but simply to indicate their relative spatial arrangement. Naturally, features may have different orientations when in use.

[0190] Figure 1 shows a heater assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The heater assembly 100 comprises a resistance heating element 102 for vaporizing a liquid aerosol generating substrate and a porous body 104 for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element 102. The porous body 104 has a liquid absorption surface 104a and a heating surface 104b. The resistance heating element 102 is located on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 102.

[0191] The porous body 104 is an open-cell ceramic porous body. The porous body is formed from a suitable ceramic material such as alumina. The porous body 104 includes a network of interconnected pores extending between the liquid-absorbing surface 104a and the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the porous body 104 is substantially cylindrical. The liquid-absorbing surface 104a and the heating surface 104b are the end faces of the porous body 104. The porous body 104 has a curved surface 104c extending between the liquid-absorbing surface 104a and the heating surface 104b. A liquid-impermeable coating is provided on the curved surface 104c of the porous body 104.

[0192] The resistance heating element 102 comprises tracks arranged in a meandering pattern on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. The meandering arrangement of the tracks allows fluid to pass between adjacent portions of the resistance heating element 102. The resistance heating element 102 contains a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 60 to 70 weight percent silver, 10 to 20 weight percent palladium, 1 to 5 weight percent carbon, 5 to 15 weight percent oxygen, and impurities. The resistance heating element 102 is deposited on the heating surface 104a of the ceramic porous body 104 using a suitable physical vapor deposition process such as sputtering.

[0193] The heater assembly 100 further comprises electrical contacts (not shown) connected to the resistive heating element 102. The electrical contacts are located on the heating surface 104a of the porous body 104. The resistive heating element 102 extends between the electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are arranged to connect to a control circuit for controlling the supply of power to the resistive heating element 102. The electrical contacts are formed from a suitable material having higher conductivity than the resistive heating element, such as copper, gold, silver, or zinc.

[0194] In Figure 1, the liquid absorption surface 104a is shown as the lower surface of the porous body 102 in Figure 3, and the heating surface 104b is shown as the upper surface of the porous body 104. However, naturally, the orientation of these surfaces may differ when the heater assembly 102 is used in the aerosol generation system. As will be further explained below, during use, the liquid aerosol generating substrate in contact with the liquid absorption surface 104a of the porous body 104 is transported to the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 through the network of interconnected pores of the porous body 104. The resistance heating element 102 located on the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 heats the liquid aerosol generating substrate being transported to the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104. The aerosol generating substrate vaporized by the resistance heating element 102 can pass between adjacent portions of the resistance heating element 102 and be released from the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104.

[0195] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating system comprises two main components: a cartridge 300 and an aerosol generating device 400. The aerosol generating system 200 is portable and has a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The cartridge has a distal end 300a and a proximal end 300b. The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device 400. A mouthpiece is located at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300.

[0196] The cartridge 300 comprises a cartridge housing 302 that houses the heater assembly 100 shown in Figure 1, and a liquid storage portion 304 for holding the liquid aerosol generating substrate 30. In Figure 2, the orientation of the heater assembly 100 is reversed compared to Figure 1. As a result, the liquid absorption surface 104a of the porous body 104 faces upward and is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion 304, while the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104 where the resistance heating element 102 is located faces downward. The liquid aerosol generating substrate is transported downward from the liquid absorption surface 104a through the porous body 104 to the resistance heating element 102. When power is supplied to the resistance heating element 102, the vaporized aerosol generating substrate is released from the heating surface 104b of the porous body 104.

[0197] The cartridge 300 includes one or more air intake ports 306 formed within the cartridge housing 302 at positions along the length of the cartridge 300. The aerosol outlet 308 is located within the mouthpiece at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300. The one or more air intake ports 306 are in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet 308 to define the airflow path through the cartridge 300 of the aerosol generating system 200. The airflow path flows from the one or more air intake ports 306 to the heater assembly 100 in the airflow channel 310. The heater assembly 100 is positioned in fluid communication with the airflow path within the airflow channel 310. Air enters the one or more air intake ports 306, passes through the airflow channel, through the heater assembly 100, and flows in the mean airflow direction.

[0198] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the liquid storage section 304 has an annular cross-section and is arranged around a centrally sealed aerosol channel 312. Upon reaching the heater assembly 100, the airflow path is redirected upward around the side of the heater assembly 100 and flows through the aerosol channel 312 to the aerosol outlet 308.

[0199] The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 is detachably coupled to the connection end 400a of the aerosol generator 400. The distal end 300a of the cartridge 300 and the connection end 400a of the aerosol generator 400 each have electrical contacts or connectors (not shown) arranged to cooperate to provide an electrical connection between the cartridge 300 and the aerosol generator 400.

[0200] The aerosol generator 400 includes a device housing 402, which in this illustrated embodiment houses a power supply 404, which is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit 406.

[0201] The aerosol generating system 200 is configured such that a user can inhale or smoke aerosol into their mouth through an aerosol outlet 312 by inhaling or snoring through a mouthpiece located at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 300. When operating, if a user inhales through the mouthpiece, air is drawn in through one or more air intake ports 306, along an airflow path through an airflow channel 310, through and around the heater assembly 100, and then drawn in along an airflow path through an aerosol channel 312 to the aerosol outlet 308. When the aerosol generating system 200 is activated, the control circuit 406 controls the supply of power from the power supply 404 to the cartridge 300. This then controls the amount and characteristics of the vapor produced by the heater assembly 100. The control circuit 406 may include an airflow sensor (not shown), and the control circuit 406 may supply power to the heater assembly 100 when user inhalation is detected by the airflow sensor. This type of control arrangement is well established in aerosol generating systems such as inhalers and e-cigarettes. When a user inhales from the mouthpiece located at the proximal end 300b of the cartridge 202, the heater assembly 100 is activated to generate vapor, which is drawn into the air along the airflow path through the airflow channel 310. This vapor is cooled to form an aerosol, which is then inhaled into the user's mouth through the aerosol outlet 308.

[0202] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as 5 percent of A ± A. In this context, number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic modified by number A. In some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating system, wherein the heater assembly is A resistance heating element for vaporizing the liquid aerosol generating substrate, A porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol generating substrate to the resistance heating element, comprising a porous body having a liquid absorption surface and a heating surface, A heater assembly wherein the resistance heating element is located on the heating surface of a porous ceramic body, and the resistance heating element comprises a silver-palladium alloy consisting of 53 to 73 weight percent silver, 7 to 23 weight percent palladium, 1 to 7 weight percent carbon, 3 to 17 weight percent oxygen, and impurities.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the silver-palladium alloy comprises 60 to 70 weight percent of silver, 10 to 20 weight percent of palladium, 1 to 5 weight percent of carbon, 5 to 15 weight percent of oxygen, and impurities.

3. The heater assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silver-palladium alloy contains less than 1 weight percent of impurities.

4. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resistive heating element has a resistance of 0.8 ohms to 1.1 ohms at 25 degrees Celsius.

5. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resistive heating element has a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 250 ppm to 450 ppm per degree Celsius for a temperature range of 25 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

6. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resistance heating element is deposited on the heating surface of the porous body by physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition.

7. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the resistive heating element has a thickness of 5 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

8. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the resistance heating element includes tracks that define paths across the heated surface of the porous body.

9. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the porous body has a porosity of 40 percent to 70 percent.

10. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the porous body has a median pore size of 10 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

11. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the porous body is a ceramic porous body.

12. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the porous body comprises one or more of alumina, aluminosilicate, boride, silica, silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia.

13. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge is A heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, It comprises a liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol generating substrate, A cartridge in which the liquid storage portion is located near the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater assembly.

14. Aerosol generation system, The cartridge according to claim 13, The aerosol generator comprises a power supply for supplying power to the heater assembly of the cartridge, and a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly of the cartridge, An aerosol generating system in which the cartridge can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device.

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