Cartridge containing multiple aerosol-generating granules

Abstract

A cartridge (10) for an aerosol generating system (1000), the cartridge (10) comprises a compartment (12) containing a first aerosol generating substrate (14), the compartment being a liquid or gel, a plurality of aerosol generating granules (16) comprising a porous carrier medium (18) defining a plurality of pores (19), and a second aerosol generating substrate (20) releasably held within the pores (19) of the porous carrier medium (18), wherein the second aerosol generating substrate (20) is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent, the compartment (10) contains the plurality of aerosol generating granules (16), and some or all of the plurality of aerosol generating granules (16) are dispersed within the first aerosol generating substrate (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge containing a plurality of aerosol generating granules for use in an aerosol generating system. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device configured to heat the cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating systems for delivering nicotine to a user are known, comprising an atomizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from a nicotine-containing substrate.

[0003] Portable electrically operated aerosol generating systems are known, comprising a cartridge including a storage portion containing a source of a liquid nicotine formulation, and an electrically operated heater configured to heat the liquid nicotine formulation to generate an inhalable aerosol. Such known portable electrically operated aerosol generating systems also comprise an aerosol generating device comprising a control circuit and a power source for supplying power to the electrically operated heater.

[0004] The electrically operated heater typically comprises a coil of conductive wire wound around an elongate wick, which conveys the liquid nicotine formulation from the storage portion of the cartridge to the coil of wire. In use, an electric current is passed through the coil of wire to heat the liquid nicotine formulation and generate an aerosol.

[0005] In other known portable electrically operated aerosol generating systems, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element including a conductive mesh in contact with a transport material that transports the liquid nicotine formulation from the storage portion to the conductive mesh. In use, an electric current is passed through the conductive mesh to heat the liquid nicotine formulation and generate an aerosol.

[0006] A cartridge containing a liquid nicotine dispenser and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid nicotine dispenser is sometimes referred to as a "cartomizer." The cartridge also typically includes a mouthpiece portion that the user inhales during use to capture the generated aerosol.

[0007] A handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system containing a gel-type nicotine preparation is also known.

[0008] Liquid and gel formulations used in aerosol generating systems typically contain one or more aerosol-forming agents, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and optionally water. These formulations also usually contain one or more flavorings. However, these flavorings can chemically interact with other components of the liquid or gel formulation. This can lead to the gradual chemical degradation of one or more components of the liquid or gel formulation over time. Such chemical degradation can negatively impact the overall performance of the cartridge containing the liquid or gel formulation. This can, unfortunately, shorten the cartridge's shelf life. For example, the gradual chemical degradation of one or more flavorings in a liquid or gel formulation over time can negatively affect the taste of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge containing the liquid or gel formulation.

[0009] Flavoring agents in liquid or gel formulations may evaporate, migrate, or sublimate over time. Evaporation, migration, and sublimation of flavoring agents may be exacerbated by high ambient temperature and humidity. Loss of flavoring agents during storage due to evaporation, migration, and sublimation may adversely affect the overall performance of cartridges containing liquid or gel formulations. This could, unfortunately, shorten the cartridge's shelf life. For example, the evaporation, migration, and sublimation of one or more flavoring agents in a liquid or gel formulation may adversely affect the taste of the inhalable aerosol produced by cartridges containing liquid or gel formulations.

[0010] Cartridges containing liquid or gel formulations are prone to leakage during storage, handling, and use. Leakage of liquid or gel formulations can be exacerbated by high ambient temperature and humidity. When liquid or gel formulations are lost from a cartridge due to leakage, the cartridge's lifespan may be shortened. Leakage of liquid or gel formulations from a cartridge can adversely affect the overall performance of the cartridge. For example, leakage of liquid or gel formulations from a cartridge can adversely affect the consistency of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge. Leakage of liquid or gel formulations from a cartridge may cause adverse damage or impair the function of other components of the aerosol generating system that includes the cartridge. For example, leakage of liquid or gel formulations from a cartridge may cause adverse damage or impair the function of the aerosol generating device.

[0011] In aerosol generating systems with cartridges containing liquid or gel formulations, a short delay may occur after the heater activates before the liquid or gel formulation is heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols. As a result, aerosol generation and delivery may be poor at the beginning of the user experience. As the user experience continues, the liquid or gel formulation in the cartridge will gradually be depleted. This depletion of the liquid or gel formulation may result in poor aerosol generation and delivery at the end of the user experience. Consequently, aerosol generation and delivery in aerosol generating systems with cartridges containing liquid or gel formulations may, unfortunately, be inconsistent throughout the user experience.

[0012] It is desirable to provide a cartridge containing a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substrate in which the chemical degradation over time of one or more components of the aerosol generating substrate is prevented or reduced compared to known cartridges.

[0013] It is desirable to provide a cartridge containing a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substrate in which the evaporation, migration, or sublimation of one or more components of the aerosol generating substrate over time is prevented or reduced compared to known cartridges.

[0014] It is desirable to provide a cartridge containing a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substrate in which leakage of the aerosol generating substrate during storage, handling, and use of the cartridge is prevented or reduced compared to known cartridges.

[0015] It is desirable to provide a cartridge that has a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substrate that enables more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user compared to known cartridges. [Overview of the project]

[0016] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The cartridge may include compartments. The compartments may contain a first aerosol generating substrate. The first aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid or a gel. The cartridge may include a plurality of aerosol generating granules. The plurality of aerosol generating granules may include a porous carrier medium that defines a plurality of pores. A second aerosol generating substrate may be releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium. The second aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid or a gel. The second aerosol generating substrate may include a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent.

[0017] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may comprise compartments. The compartments may contain a first aerosol generating substrate. The first aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid or a gel. The cartridge may comprise a plurality of aerosol generating granules. The plurality of aerosol generating granules may comprise a porous carrier medium that defines a plurality of pores. A second aerosol generating substrate may be releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium. The second aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid or a gel. The second aerosol generating substrate may comprise a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat the second aerosol generating substrate in the cartridge.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating system is provided, the cartridge comprising: a compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel; and a plurality of aerosol generating granules comprising a porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a plurality of aerosol generating granules comprising a second aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is also provided, comprising a cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate of the cartridge.

[0020] A cartridge according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first aerosol generating substrate and a plurality of aerosol generating granules, each containing a second aerosol generating substrate, which is releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium. The second aerosol generating material is immobilized within the pores of the porous carrier medium until the plurality of aerosol generating granules are heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the second aerosol generating substrate during use of the cartridge.

[0021] Advantageously, the physical and mechanical stability of the immobilized second aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium can be maintained even when the cartridge is exposed to external forces during storage and handling, such as impact forces from drops or centrifugal forces from shaking.

[0022] Advantageously, the physical and mechanical stability of the second aerosol-generating substrate, immobilized within the pores of the porous carrier medium, can be maintained even when the cartridge is exposed to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. For example, if the second aerosol-generating substrate is a gel, it may remain immobilized within the pores of the porous carrier medium when in a liquid state. This is advantageous because it can reduce the influence of environmental conditions on the performance of the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention compared to known cartridges.

[0023] By providing a plurality of aerosol-generating granules, each containing a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium, contact between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the first aerosol-generating substrate can be prevented or reduced. This can prevent or reduce chemical interactions between the components of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the components of the second aerosol-generating substrate during storage. Advantageously, this can prevent or reduce the progression of chemical degradation over time of the components of the first and second aerosol-generating substrates. Advantageously, this can extend the shelf life of the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention compared to known cartridges.

[0024] Preventing or reducing the progression of chemical degradation over time of the components of the first aerosol generating substrate and the components of the second aerosol generating substrate is advantageous in that it can improve the perceived quality and consistency of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention compared to known cartridges. For example, preventing or reducing the progression of chemical degradation over time of the flavoring agent of the second aerosol generating substrate is advantageous in that it can improve the perceived taste of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention compared to known cartridges.

[0025] By providing a plurality of aerosol-generating granules, each containing a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium, it is advantageous that the evaporation, migration, or sublimation of flavoring agents within the second aerosol-generating substrate over time can be reduced or prevented. This is advantageous that the shelf life of the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be extended compared to known cartridges.

[0026] By preventing or reducing the time-dependent evaporation, migration, or sublimation of flavorings in the second aerosol-generating substrate, the perceived quality and consistency of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be improved, advantageously compared to known cartridges. For example, by preventing or reducing the time-dependent evaporation, migration, or sublimation of flavorings in the second aerosol-generating substrate, the perceived taste of the inhalable aerosol produced by the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be improved, advantageously compared to known cartridges.

[0027] By providing a plurality of aerosol-generating granules, each containing a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium, it is advantageous that leakage of the second aerosol-generating substrate during storage, handling, and use of the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be reduced or prevented. This may extend the lifespan of the cartridge according to the present invention compared to known cartridges.

[0028] By reducing or preventing leakage of the second aerosol - generating substrate during storage, handling, and use, advantageously, compared to known cartridges, the consistency of the inhalable aerosol generated by the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be improved. By reducing or preventing leakage of the second aerosol - generating substrate during storage, handling, and use of the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention, advantageously, damage to other components of the aerosol - generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention can be reduced or prevented.

[0029] By providing a plurality of aerosol - generating granules comprising a second aerosol - generating substrate releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium, advantageously, it can be made easier to provide a first aerosol - generating substrate and a second aerosol - generating substrate having different aerosolization temperatures. The aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol - generating substrate may be lower than the aerosolization temperature of the first aerosol - generating substrate. As a result, during use of the cartridge, the second aerosol - generating substrate can be heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol at an earlier stage in the user experience than the first aerosol - generating substrate. As a result, the generation and delivery of the aerosol at the initial stage of the user experience can be improved. Alternatively, the aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol - generating substrate may be higher than the aerosolization temperature of the first aerosol - generating substrate. As a result, during use of the cartridge, the second aerosol - generating substrate can be heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol at a later stage in the user experience than the first aerosol - generating substrate and can continue to generate an aerosol after the first aerosol - generating substrate has been depleted. As a result, the generation and delivery of the aerosol at the end - stage of the user experience can be improved. By providing a cartridge comprising a first aerosol - generating substrate and a plurality of aerosol - generating granules comprising a second aerosol - generating substrate releasably held within the pores of a porous carrier medium, advantageously, compared to known cartridges, more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user can be achieved.

[0030] Advantageously, the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be manufactured using existing manufacturing equipment. Advantageously, the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention can be manufactured at a cost equivalent to that of known cartridges.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating substrate" is used to represent a substrate containing an aerosol generating material that can release a volatile compound that can generate an aerosol when heated.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to represent a dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The aerosol may or may not be visible to the eye. The aerosol may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid microparticles, or droplets, or a combination of solid microparticles and droplets.

[0033] As used herein, the term "aerosolization temperature" is used to describe the lowest temperature at which a measurable amount of aerosol is released from the aerosol generating substrate.

[0034] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that heats an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0035] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit any flow in the steady state.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "proximal", "distal", "upstream" and "downstream" are used to represent the relative positions of components or parts of components of the cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention and the aerosol generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0037] A cartridge includes a proximal end through which an aerosol exits the cartridge during use. The cartridge includes a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of a cartridge may also be referred to as the downstream end. The distal end of a cartridge may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of a cartridge may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal or downstream end and the distal or upstream end of the cartridge.

[0038] As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” is used to describe the direction between the proximal end and the opposite distal end of a cartridge or aerosol generating system, and the term “transverse axis” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0039] As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of a component or part of a component of a cartridge or aerosol generating system, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end opposite to the cartridge or aerosol generating system.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “height” and “width” are used to describe the maximum cross-sectional dimension of a component or part of a component of a cartridge or aerosol generating system, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system. If the height and width of a component or part of a cartridge or aerosol generating system are not the same, the term “width” is used to refer to the larger of the two cross-sectional dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substrate described herein are those of the cartridge before use.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol generating substrate described herein are based on the total weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0043] Unless otherwise stated herein, the term “section” refers to a cross section.

[0044] The first aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0045] The first aerosol generating substrate may be a gel-like aerosol generating substrate.

[0046] Advantageously, the first aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0047] As used herein, the term “nicotine” is used to mean nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt.

[0048] The first aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid nicotine preparation.

[0049] As used herein, the term “liquid nicotine preparation” refers to a liquid preparation containing nicotine.

[0050] The first aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel-type nicotine preparation.

[0051] As used herein, the term "gel nicotine preparation" refers to a gel preparation containing nicotine.

[0052] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain natural nicotine.

[0053] The first aerosol generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine.

[0054] The first 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.

[0055] The first 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.

[0056] The first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or 0.5% to 3% by weight.

[0057] The first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to 10% by weight. For example, the first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to about 5% by weight, or 1% to 3% by weight.

[0058] The first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to about 5% by weight, or 1.5% to 3% by weight.

[0059] For example, the first aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0060] Advantageously, the first aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol forming body.

[0061] Advantageously, the first aerosol-generating substrate may include nicotine and an aerosol-forming agent.

[0062] The aerosol-forming material can 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 the aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0063] 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 dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate); and combinations thereof.

[0064] Advantageously, the aerosol-forming body may contain one or more polyhydric alcohols.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The aerosol-forming material may contain either or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming material may consist of glycerin alone. The aerosol-forming material may consist of propylene glycol alone. The aerosol-forming material may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0067] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain water.

[0068] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain a flavoring agent.

[0069] The first aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more flavoring agents.

[0070] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more natural flavoring agents.

[0071] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more synthetic flavoring agents.

[0072] The first aerosol-generating substrate may contain any suitable flavoring agent. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, gamma octaractone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, ginger oil, and lemon oil.

[0073] Multiple aerosol-generating granules comprise a porous carrier medium defining multiple pores and a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0074] Unless otherwise stated, references to aerosol-generating granules in this specification refer to a combination of a porous carrier medium and an aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0075] Porous carriers can be chemically inert. Advantageously, a porous carrier is chemically inert to aerosol-generating substrates releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier. Advantageously, if some or all of the aerosol-generating granules come into contact with a first aerosol-generating substrate, the porous carrier is chemically inert to aerosol-generating substrates releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier.

[0076] The porous carrier medium may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures typically reached during use of an aerosol generating system including a cartridge. Advantageously, the porous carrier medium does not contribute to the aerosols generated during use of an aerosol generating system with a cartridge.

[0077] The porous carrier medium is coated, impregnated, or otherwise supported with a second aerosol-generating substrate such that the second aerosol-generating substrate is releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0078] The porous carrier medium can be loaded with a second aerosol-generating substrate using existing methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0079] When the second aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, a preferred method may include the steps of: immersing the porous carrier medium in the second aerosol generating substrate; and immersing the porous carrier medium in the second aerosol generating substrate until the second aerosol generating substrate penetrates into the pores of the porous carrier medium and is adsorbed onto the vesicle surface of the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0080] The method may include stirring the porous carrier medium and the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0081] The method may further include drying a porous carrier medium loaded with a second aerosol-generating substrate at a low temperature, such as 50 degrees Celsius.

[0082] When the second aerosol generating substrate is a thermoreversible gel, a preferred method may include the steps of: heating the second aerosol generating substrate to liquefy it; immersing a porous carrier medium in the liquefied second aerosol generating substrate; immersing the porous carrier medium in the liquefied second aerosol generating substrate until the liquefied second aerosol generating substrate penetrates into the pores of the porous carrier medium and is adsorbed onto the vesicle surface of the pores of the porous carrier medium; and cooling the porous carrier medium loaded with the liquefied second aerosol generating substrate.

[0083] The method may include stirring the porous carrier medium and the liquefied second aerosol generating substrate.

[0084] The method may further include drying a porous carrier medium loaded with a liquefied second aerosol generating substrate at a low temperature, such as 50 degrees Celsius.

[0085] The second aerosol-generating substrate can be loaded and held within multiple pores of a porous carrier medium as a result of capillary action and surface tension phenomena.

[0086] The porous carrier medium may have a closed-cell structure. If the porous carrier medium has a closed-cell structure, the aerosol-generating substrate, which is releasably held in the pores of the porous carrier medium, can be loaded onto the outer surface of the porous carrier medium.

[0087] Porous carrier media may have an open cell structure. When a porous carrier media has an open cell structure, an aerosol generating substrate, which is releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier media, can be loaded into the open cell structure of the porous carrier media.

[0088] The porous support medium may be an inorganic porous support medium.

[0089] The porous carrier medium may contain one or more of aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and silicon.

[0090] The porous support medium may contain one or both of metal oxides and metalloid oxides. For example, the porous support medium may contain one or more of aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, iron oxide, magnesium oxide, and silicon dioxide.

[0091] The porous carrier medium may contain metal carbonates. For example, the porous carrier medium may contain one or more of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

[0092] The porous carrier medium may contain one or more of the following: metal oxides, metalloid oxides, and metal carbonates. For example, the porous carrier medium may contain one or more of the following: aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, iron oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate.

[0093] The porous support medium may contain one or both of metal carbides and metalloid carbides. For example, the porous support medium may contain silicon carbide.

[0094] The porous support medium may contain one or both of metal nitrides and metalloid nitrides. For example, the porous support medium may contain silicon nitride.

[0095] Advantageously, the porous support medium may contain silicon dioxide.

[0096] Advantageously, the porous carrier medium may include one or more of ceramics, igneous rocks, and sedimentary rocks.

[0097] Advantageously, the porous carrier medium may include one or more of igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks.

[0098] The porous carrier medium may include igneous rocks. For example, the porous carrier medium may include one or more of basalt, pumice, and scoria.

[0099] The porous carrier medium may include sedimentary rocks. For example, the porous carrier medium may include one or more of the following: expanded clay, limestone, and sandstone.

[0100] The porous support medium may include ceramics. For example, the porous support medium may include one or more of ceramic carbides, ceramic nitrides, ceramic oxides, and ceramic silicates.

[0101] The porous support medium may include sintered ceramics.

[0102] The porosity of the porous carrier medium may be 2 percent or more, 5 percent or more, 10 percent or more, 20 percent or more, or 30 percent or more.

[0103] The porosity of the porous support medium may be 85 percent or less, 70 percent or less, 60 percent or less, 50 percent or less, or 40 percent or less.

[0104] The porosity of the porous support medium can be 2% to 85%, 2% to 70%, 2% to 60%, 2% to 50%, or 2% to 40%.

[0105] The porosity of the porous carrier medium can be 5% to 85%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, or 5% to 40%.

[0106] The porosity of the porous carrier medium can be 10 to 85 percent, 10 to 70 percent, 10 to 60 percent, 10 to 50 percent, or 10 to 40 percent.

[0107] The porosity of the porous support medium can be 20 to 85 percent, 20 to 70 percent, 20 to 60 percent, 20 to 50 percent, or 20 to 40 percent.

[0108] The porosity of the porous support medium can be 30-85%, 30-70%, 30-60%, 30-50%, or 30-40%.

[0109] For example, the porous support medium may include ceramics having a porosity of 30 percent to 70 percent.

[0110] For example, the porous carrier medium may include igneous rocks having a porosity of 30 percent to 85 percent.

[0111] For example, the porous carrier medium may include sedimentary rocks having a porosity of 2 percent to 40 percent.

[0112] The porous carrier medium may be moderately porous. That is, the porous carrier medium may contain pores with a diameter of 2 nanometers to 50 nanometers.

[0113] The porous support medium can be macroporous; that is, the porous support medium may contain pores with a diameter of more than 50 nanometers.

[0114] Porous carrier media may include mesopores and macropores.

[0115] The porous support medium may have a minimum pore diameter of 50 nanometers or more, 1 micrometer or more, 2 micrometers or more, or 5 micrometers or more.

[0116] The porous support medium may have a maximum pore diameter of 200 micrometers or less, 100 micrometers or less, 50 micrometers or less, or 20 micrometers or less.

[0117] The minimum and maximum pore sizes of the porous support medium may be larger if the second aerosol-generating substrate is a gel.

[0118] For example, the porous support medium may be a ceramic having a pore size of 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers, or 2 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

[0119] The porosity and pore size distribution of the porous carrier medium can be advantageously selected to optimize the releaseable retention of the aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium. For example, the porosity and pore size distribution of the porous carrier medium can be selected based on the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substrate to optimize the releaseable retention of the aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0120] The porosity and pore size distribution of a porous carrier medium may be naturally occurring properties of the porous carrier medium. For example, if the porous carrier medium contains igneous or sedimentary rock, the porosity and pore size distribution of the porous carrier medium may be naturally occurring properties of the igneous or sedimentary rock.

[0121] The porosity and pore size distribution of a porous carrier medium can be manufacturing characteristics of the porous carrier medium. For example, if the porous carrier medium contains ceramics, the porosity and pore size distribution of the porous carrier medium can be controlled by the manufacturing process.

[0122] The porosity and pore size distribution of the porous support medium can be measured by one or more of the following methods: CO2 gas adsorption, N2 gas adsorption, and mercury porosimetry.

[0123] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a median particle size of 0.1 mm or larger, 0.3 mm or larger, or 0.5 mm or larger.

[0124] As used herein, the term “median particle size” refers to the “D50 particle size.” The D50 particle size is the particle size that divides the distribution in half, with half of the particles being larger than the D50 particle size and the other half being smaller than the D50 particle size. The particle size distribution can be determined by laser diffraction. For example, the particle size distribution can be determined by laser diffraction using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

[0125] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a median particle size of 3 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

[0126] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have median particle sizes of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0127] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a median particle size of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0128] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a median particle size of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0129] The median particle size of the aerosol-generating granules can be selected to provide a desired surface area-to-volume ratio.

[0130] The median particle size of the aerosol-generating granules relative to the pore size distribution of the porous carrier medium can be selected to optimize the releaseable retention of the aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0131] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a specific surface area of ​​0.5 square meters or more per gram, 1 square meter or more per gram, 2 square meters or more per gram, 5 square meters or more per gram, or 10 square meters or more per gram. As used herein, the term "specific surface area" refers to the surface area determined by the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method in accordance with ISO 9277:2022.

[0132] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have a specific surface area of ​​1,000 square meters or less per gram, 800 square meters or less per gram, 500 square meters or less per gram, 200 square meters or less per gram, or 100 square meters or less per gram.

[0133] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have specific surface areas of 0.5 to 1000 square meters per gram, 0.5 to 800 square meters per gram, 0.5 to 500 square meters per gram, 0.5 to 200 square meters per gram, or 0.5 to 100 square meters per gram.

[0134] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have specific surface areas of 1 square meter / gram to 1000 square meters / gram, 1 square meter / gram to 800 square meters / gram, 1 square meter / gram to 500 square meters / gram, 1 square meter / gram to 200 square meters / gram, or 1 square meter / gram to 100 square meters / gram.

[0135] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have specific surface areas of 2 square meters / gram to 1000 square meters / gram, 2 square meters / gram to 800 square meters / gram, 2 square meters / gram to 500 square meters / gram, 2 square meters / gram to 200 square meters / gram, or 2 square meters / gram to 100 square meters / gram.

[0136] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have specific surface areas of 5 square meters / gram to 1000 square meters / gram, 5 square meters / gram to 800 square meters / gram, 5 square meters / gram to 500 square meters / gram, 5 square meters / gram to 200 square meters / gram, or 5 square meters / gram to 100 square meters / gram.

[0137] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have specific surface areas of 10 square meters / gram to 1000 square meters / gram, 10 square meters / gram to 800 square meters / gram, 10 square meters / gram to 500 square meters / gram, 10 square meters / gram to 200 square meters / gram, or 10 square meters / gram to 100 square meters / gram.

[0138] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may have any suitable shape.

[0139] Advantageously, the aerosol-generating granules are substantially spherical. Substantially spherical aerosol-generating granules have the maximum surface area for a given volume. This can be particularly advantageous when the porous carrier medium has a closed-cell structure.

[0140] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may include at least 5 aerosol-generating granules, at least 10 aerosol-generating granules, at least 25 aerosol-generating granules, or at least 50 aerosol-generating granules.

[0141] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may include 200 or fewer aerosol-generating granules, 150 or fewer aerosol-generating granules, or 100 or fewer granules.

[0142] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may contain 5 to 200 aerosol-generating granules, 5 to 150 aerosol-generating granules, or 5 to 100 aerosol-generating granules.

[0143] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may include 10 to 200 aerosol-generating granules, 10 to 150 aerosol-generating granules, or 10 to 100 aerosol-generating granules.

[0144] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may contain 25 to 200 aerosol-generating granules, 25 to 150 aerosol-generating granules, or 25 to 100 aerosol-generating granules.

[0145] Multiple aerosol-generating granules may contain 50 to 200 aerosol-generating granules, 50 to 150 aerosol-generating granules, or 50 to 100 aerosol-generating granules.

[0146] Some or all of the multiple aerosol-generating granules may come into contact with the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0147] Some or all of the multiple aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0148] If the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, some or all of the aerosol generating granules can be immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

[0149] If the first aerosol-generating substrate is a gel, some or all of the aerosol-generating granules may be embedded in the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0150] The average density of multiple aerosol-generating granules may be substantially the same as the density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. If the first aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid, this can advantageously facilitate the immersion of multiple aerosol-generating granules within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0151] Multiple aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed substantially uniformly within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0152] For example, the percentage difference between the average envelope density of multiple aerosol-generating granules and the density of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 10 percent or less, or 5 percent or less.

[0153] The ratio of the total envelope volume of the multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total envelope volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 0.25 or greater. For example, the ratio of the total envelope volume of the multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 0.5 or greater, or 1 or greater.

[0154] The ratio of the total envelope volume of the multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 5 or less. For example, the ratio of the total envelope volume of the multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 4 or less or 3 or less.

[0155] The ratio of the total envelope volume of multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate can be 0.25-5, 0.25-4, or 0.25-3.

[0156] The ratio of the total envelope volume of multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 0.5-5, 0.5-4, or 0.5-3.

[0157] The ratio of the total envelope volume of multiple aerosol-generating granules to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate can be 1-5, 1-4, or 1-3.

[0158] The ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol generating substrate may be 0.1 or greater. For example, the ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol generating substrate may be 0.25 or greater, or 0.5 or less.

[0159] The ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol generating substrate may be 4 or less. For example, the ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol generating substrate may be 3 or less, or 2 or less.

[0160] The ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol-generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate can be 0.1-4, 0.1-3, or 0.1-2.

[0161] The ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol-generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate can be 0.25-4, 0.25-2, or 0.25-2.

[0162] The ratio of the total volume of the second aerosol-generating substrate to the total volume of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be 0.5-4, 0.5-3, or 0.5-2.

[0163] The second aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0164] The second aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel-like aerosol-generating substrate.

[0165] The second aerosol generating substrate includes a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent.

[0166] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more flavoring agents.

[0167] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more natural flavoring agents.

[0168] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more synthetic flavoring agents.

[0169] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain any suitable flavoring agent. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, gamma octaractone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, ginger oil, and lemon oil.

[0170] The aerosol-forming material can 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 the aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0171] Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies include 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 dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate); and combinations thereof.

[0172] Advantageously, the aerosol-forming body may contain one or more polyhydric alcohols.

[0173] 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.

[0174] The aerosol-forming material may contain either or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming material may consist of glycerin alone. The aerosol-forming material may consist of propylene glycol alone. The aerosol-forming material may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0175] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain water.

[0176] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain a gelling agent.

[0177] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0178] The second aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid nicotine preparation.

[0179] The second aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel-type nicotine preparation.

[0180] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain natural nicotine.

[0181] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine.

[0182] The second 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.

[0183] The second 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.

[0184] The second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or 0.5% to 3% by weight.

[0185] The second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to 10% by weight. For example, the second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to approximately 5% by weight, or 1% to 3% by weight.

[0186] The second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to about 5% by weight, or 1.5% to 3% by weight.

[0187] For example, the second aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0188] The composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate may be advantageously selected to provide one or more physical properties that optimize the releaseable retention of the aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium. For example, the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate may be selected to provide a viscosity that optimizes the releaseable retention of the second aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous carrier medium.

[0189] The composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0190] The composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate may differ from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate. As described above, when the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate differs from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, the releaseable retention of the second aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous support medium can advantageously prevent or reduce chemical interactions between the components of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the components of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0191] The composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate can be selected to provide a desired aerosolization temperature. For example, the aerosol-forming material in the second aerosol-generating substrate can be selected to provide a desired aerosolization temperature.

[0192] The aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as that of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0193] Advantageously, the aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol-generating substrate may differ from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate. As mentioned above, if the aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol-generating substrate differs from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate may generate aerosols earlier or later in the user experience than the first aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously enable more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user.

[0194] A plurality of aerosol-generating granules comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate may be a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules comprising a first porous carrier medium, and the cartridge may further comprise a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules comprising a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores and a third aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium, wherein the third aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid or gel, and the second aerosol-generating granules are different from the first aerosol-generating granules. That is, the cartridge may include: a compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel; a plurality of first aerosol generating granules comprising a first porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a second aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the first porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent; and a plurality of second aerosol generating granules comprising a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a third aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel, and the second aerosol generating granules are different from the first aerosol generating granules.

[0195] The plurality of second aerosol-generating granules may include any of the above-mentioned porous carrier media that are suitable for being contained within the plurality of first aerosol-generating granules.

[0196] The second porous carrier medium may have any of the properties described above for the first porous carrier medium.

[0197] The third aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0198] The third aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel-like aerosol-generating substrate.

[0199] The third aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming body.

[0200] The third aerosol generating substrate may include any of the above-mentioned aerosol forming bodies that are suitable for inclusion within the first aerosol generating substrate or the second aerosol generating substrate.

[0201] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain flavoring agents.

[0202] The third aerosol generating substrate may contain any flavoring agent that is suitable for inclusion within the second aerosol generating substrate.

[0203] The third aerosol-generating substrate may include a flavoring agent and an aerosol-forming agent.

[0204] That is, the cartridge may include: a compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel; a plurality of first aerosol generating granules comprising a first porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a second aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the first porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a first flavoring agent and a first aerosol forming agent; and a plurality of second aerosol generating granules comprising a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a third aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a second flavoring agent and a second aerosol forming agent, and the second aerosol generating granules are different from the first aerosol generating granules.

[0205] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain water.

[0206] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain a gelling agent.

[0207] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0208] A third aerosol-generating substrate could be a liquid nicotine preparation.

[0209] A third aerosol-generating substrate could be a gel-type nicotine preparation.

[0210] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain natural nicotine.

[0211] The third aerosol-generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine.

[0212] The third 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.

[0213] The third 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.

[0214] The third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% to approximately 5% by weight, or 0.5% to 3% by weight.

[0215] The third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to 10% by weight. For example, the third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% to approximately 5% by weight, or 1% to 3% by weight.

[0216] The third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to 10% by weight. For example, the third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% to approximately 5% by weight, or 1.5% to 3% by weight.

[0217] For example, the third aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0218] The composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be advantageously selected to provide one or more physical properties that optimize the releaseable retention of the aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the second porous carrier medium. For example, the composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be selected to provide a viscosity that optimizes the releaseable retention of the third aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the second porous carrier medium.

[0219] The second porous carrier medium of the second aerosol-generating granules may be substantially the same as the first porous carrier medium of the first aerosol-generating granules.

[0220] The second porous carrier medium of the second aerosol-generating granules may differ from the first porous carrier medium of the first aerosol-generating granules.

[0221] The composition of the second porous carrier medium may differ from that of the first porous carrier medium. For example, the second porous carrier medium may contain igneous rocks such as basalt, while the first porous carrier medium may contain sedimentary rocks such as limestone.

[0222] One or more physical properties of the second porous carrier medium may differ from one or more physical properties of the first porous carrier medium. For example, the second porous carrier medium may have a different porosity and / or a different median particle size compared to the first porous carrier medium.

[0223] The composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0224] Advantageously, the third aerosol-generating substrate may have a different composition from the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0225] The second aerosol-generating substrate may contain the first flavoring agent, and the third aerosol-generating substrate may contain the second flavoring agent, which may be different from the first flavoring agent. For example, the second flavoring agent may be menthol, and the first flavoring agent may be vanillin.

[0226] The second aerosol-generating substrate may include the first aerosol-forming body, and the third aerosol-generating substrate may include the second aerosol-forming body, and the second aerosol-forming body may be different from the first aerosol-forming body. For example, the second aerosol-forming body may be glycerin, and the first aerosol-forming body may be propylene glycol.

[0227] The second porous carrier medium of the second aerosol-generating granules may be substantially the same as the first porous carrier medium of the first aerosol-generating granules, and the third aerosol-generating substrate may have a different composition from the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0228] The second porous carrier medium of the second aerosol-generating granules may differ from the first porous carrier medium of the first aerosol-generating granules, and the composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0229] The second porous carrier medium of the second aerosol-generating granules may differ from the first porous carrier medium of the first aerosol-generating granules, and the third aerosol-generating substrate may have a different composition from the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0230] The composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0231] The composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate may differ from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate. When the composition of the third aerosol-generating substrate differs from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, the releaseable retention of the third aerosol-generating substrate within the pores of the porous support medium can advantageously prevent or reduce chemical interactions between the components of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the components of the third aerosol-generating substrate.

[0232] Advantageously, the compositions of the first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate, and the third aerosol-generating substrate can be different.

[0233] The aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as that of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0234] Advantageously, the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate may differ from that of the first aerosol-generating substrate. If the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate differs from that of the first, the third aerosol-generating substrate may generate aerosols earlier or later in the user experience than the first aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously enable more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user.

[0235] The aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially the same as that of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0236] Advantageously, the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate may differ from that of the second aerosol-generating substrate. If the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate differs from that of the second, the third aerosol-generating substrate may generate aerosols earlier or later in the user experience than the second aerosol-generating substrate. This advantageously may enable more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user.

[0237] Advantageously, the aerosolization temperatures of the first, second, and third aerosol-generating substrates can be different. For example, the aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol-generating substrate may be lower than that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate may be higher than that of the first aerosol-generating substrate. If the aerosolization temperature of the second aerosol-generating substrate is lower than that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosolization temperature of the third aerosol-generating substrate is higher than that of the first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate may generate aerosols earlier in the user experience than the first aerosol-generating substrate, and the third aerosol-generating substrate may generate aerosols later in the user experience than the first aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously enable more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to the user.

[0238] The cartridge includes a compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate. This compartment may be referred to as a storage compartment or storage section.

[0239] The compartment may contain multiple aerosol-generating granules. That is, the compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate and multiple aerosol-generating granules.

[0240] The section may have any preferred shape.

[0241] The compartment may be substantially cylindrical. The compartment may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0242] Some or all of the multiple aerosol-generating granules may come into contact within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0243] Some or all of the multiple aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0244] If the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, some or all of the aerosol generating granules can be immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

[0245] If the first aerosol-generating substrate is a gel, some or all of the aerosol-generating granules may be embedded in the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0246] Multiple aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed substantially uniformly within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0247] If the cartridge contains a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules, the compartment may contain one or both of the plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and the plurality of second aerosol-generating granules. That is, the compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate and a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules, or the compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules, or the compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate, a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules, and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules.

[0248] Some or all of the multiple first aerosol-generating granules may come into contact within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0249] Some or all of the multiple first aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0250] If the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, some or all of the multiple first aerosol generating granules can be immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

[0251] If the first aerosol-generating substrate is a gel, some or all of the multiple first aerosol-generating granules may be embedded in the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0252] Multiple first aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed substantially uniformly within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0253] Some or all of the multiple second aerosol-generating granules may come into contact within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0254] Some or all of the multiple second aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0255] If the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, some or all of the multiple second aerosol generating granules can be immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

[0256] If the first aerosol-generating substrate is a gel, some or all of the multiple second aerosol-generating granules may be embedded in the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0257] Multiple second aerosol-generating granules can be dispersed substantially uniformly within the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0258] A cartridge may contain multiple compartments.

[0259] The cartridge may include a first section and a second section.

[0260] The compartment containing the first aerosol generating substrate may be the first compartment, and the cartridge may further include a second compartment containing a plurality of aerosol generating granules. That is, the cartridge includes: a first compartment containing the first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel; and a second compartment containing a plurality of aerosol generating granules, comprising a porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a second aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent.

[0261] The first and second sections may be arranged in series within the cartridge. In other words, the first section may be upstream of the second section, or the first section may be downstream of the second section.

[0262] The first and second compartments may be arranged in parallel within the cartridge. The second compartment may be arranged alongside the first compartment. The second compartment may surround the first compartment, or the first compartment may surround the second compartment.

[0263] If the cartridge contains a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules, the first compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate, and the second compartment may contain a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules.

[0264] If the cartridge contains a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules, the first compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate, and the plurality of second aerosol-generating granules and the second compartment may contain a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules.

[0265] If the cartridge contains a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules, the first compartment may contain a first aerosol-generating substrate, and the second compartment may contain a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules. The plurality of first aerosol-generating granules and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules may be randomly dispersed within the second compartment.

[0266] The cartridge can have any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical.

[0267] 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.

[0268] The cartridge can be any suitable size.

[0269] The cartridge may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (such as Kapton®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluoroethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl resin, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and modified LCP (such as LCP containing graphite or glass fibers).

[0270] The cartridges may be formed by any suitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, blister molding, blow molding, deep drawing, extrusion, and injection molding.

[0271] The cartridge may include a cavity for receiving a heating element configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate.

[0272] If the cartridge comprises a third aerosol generating substrate, the cartridge may include cavities for receiving a heating element configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate, the second aerosol generating substrate, and the third aerosol generating substrate.

[0273] If the cartridge includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the cavity may, advantageously, be located between the first compartment and the second compartment.

[0274] Advantageously, the cavity extends along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0275] Advantageously, the cavity extends from the distal end of the cartridge at least partway along its length.

[0276] The cartridge may be equipped with a mouthpiece.

[0277] The mouthpiece may be equipped with a cooling chamber.

[0278] The compartment may be separated from the cooling chamber by a valve element. The valve element may allow aerosols to flow from the compartment into the cooling chamber. The valve element may prevent liquids from flowing from the compartment into the cooling chamber.

[0279] If the cartridge comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment may be separated from the cooling chamber by a first valve element. The first valve element may allow aerosol to flow from the first compartment into the cooling chamber. The first valve element may prevent liquid from flowing from the first compartment into the cooling chamber.

[0280] If the cartridge comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment may be separated from the cooling chamber by a second valve element. The second valve element may allow aerosol to flow from the second compartment into the cooling chamber. The second valve element may prevent liquid from flowing from the second compartment into the cooling chamber.

[0281] A cartridge may include one or more air intakes through which air can be drawn into the cartridge during use. If the cartridge has a mouthpiece with a cooling chamber, the cartridge may include one or more air intakes through which air can be drawn into the cooling chamber during use.

[0282] A cartridge may include one or more air vents through which an aerosol may be drawn out of the cartridge during use. If the cartridge includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may include one or more air vents through which air may be drawn out of the mouthpiece during use.

[0283] The cartridge may be designed to be discarded when the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate are depleted.

[0284] Cartridges can be designed to be refillable.

[0285] A second aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0286] The aerosol generator is configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate of the cartridge. If the cartridge includes a third aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generator may be configured to heat the third aerosol generating substrate.

[0287] Preferably, the aerosol generating system is a handheld aerosol generating system.

[0288] More preferably, the aerosol generating system is a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system.

[0289] The aerosol generator may include a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a cartridge.

[0290] The aerosol generator may include a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive a cartridge compartment.

[0291] If the cartridge includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the aerosol generator may include a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge.

[0292] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a heat-generating element.

[0293] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a resistance heating element.

[0294] The aerosol generator may include an induction heating element.

[0295] The aerosol generator may include a susceptor element.

[0296] As used herein, the term "susceptor element" is used to represent an element that includes a susceptor material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field or a fluctuating electromagnetic field, the susceptor element is heated by at least one of the hysteresis loss and eddy current induced in the susceptor element.

[0297] The aerosol generator may include an inductor coil.

[0298] The aerosol generator may include an external heating element. When the aerosol generator includes a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge, the external heating element may be positioned around the perimeter of the device cavity.

[0299] The aerosol generator may include an internal heating element configured for insertion into the cartridge. When the aerosol generator includes a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge, the internal heating element may be positioned within the device cavity.

[0300] The aerosol generator may include a power source. The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a rechargeable battery.

[0301] The aerosol generator may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating element.

[0302] The aerosol generator may include a battery and a control circuit.

Example

[0303] 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.

[0304] Example 1: A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, A compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or a gel, A cartridge comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating granules, each comprising a porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Example 2: The cartridge according to Example 1, wherein each compartment contains multiple aerosol-generating granules. Example 3: The cartridge according to Example 2, wherein some or all of the multiple aerosol-generating granules are dispersed within a first aerosol-generating substrate. Example 4: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, and some or all of a plurality of aerosol generating granules are immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate. Example 5: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a gel, and some or all of a plurality of aerosol generating granules are embedded in the first aerosol generating substrate. Example 6: The cartridge according to Example 1, wherein the first compartment is a compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, and the cartridge further comprises a second compartment containing a plurality of aerosol generating granules. Example 7: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate has a different composition from the first aerosol generating substrate. Example 8: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate comprises nicotine and an aerosol forming agent. Example 9: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the porous carrier medium has an open cell structure. Example 10: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the porous carrier medium has a closed cell structure. Example 11: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the porous carrier medium comprises one or more of ceramics, igneous rocks, and sedimentary rocks. Example 12: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the porous carrier medium comprises one or more igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks. Example 13: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the porous carrier medium comprises one or more of basalt, pumice, scoria, expanded clay, limestone, and sandstone. Example 14: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 2 percent or more. Example 15: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 5 percent or more. Example 16: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 10 percent or more. Example 17: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 20 percent or more. Example 18: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 30 percent or more. Example 19: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 85 percent or less. Example 20: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 70 percent or less. Example 21: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 50 percent or less. Example 22: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the porous carrier medium has a porosity of 40 percent or less. Example 23: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 0.1 millimeter or more. Example 24: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 0.3 millimeter or more. Example 25: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 0.5 millimeter or more. Example 26: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 3 millimeters or less. Example 27: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 1.5 millimeters or less. Example 28: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a median particle size of 1 millimeter or less. Example 29: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating particles have a minimum pore size of 1 micrometer or more. Example 30: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein multiple aerosol-generating granules have a minimum pore size of 5 micrometers or more. Example 31: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein multiple aerosol-generating granules have a maximum pore diameter of 100 micrometers or less. Example 32: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein multiple aerosol-generating granules have a maximum pore diameter of 20 micrometers or less. Example 33: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein multiple aerosol-generating granules are substantially spherical. Example 34: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein multiple granules include at least 10 aerosol-generating granules. Example 35: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein multiple granules include 150 or fewer aerosol-generating granules. Example 36: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the percentage difference between the average density of multiple aerosol-generating granules and the density of the first aerosol-generating substrate is 10 percent or less. Example 37: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate has a lower aerosolization temperature than the first aerosol generating substrate. Example 38: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate has a higher aerosolization temperature than the second aerosol generating substrate. Example 39: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating granules are a plurality of first aerosol generating granules comprising a first porous carrier medium, and the cartridge further comprises a plurality of second aerosol generating granules comprising a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores and a third aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium, the third aerosol generating substrate being a liquid or gel, and the second aerosol generating granules being different from the first aerosol generating granules. Example 40: The cartridge according to Example 39, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate comprises a first flavoring agent and a first aerosol forming body, and the third aerosol generating substrate comprises a second flavoring agent and a second aerosol forming body. Example 41: The cartridge according to Example 39 or 40, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate has a different composition from the second aerosol generating substrate. Example 42: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate has a lower aerosolization temperature than the second aerosol generating substrate. Example 43: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate has a higher aerosolization temperature than the second aerosol generating substrate. Example 44: A cartridge as described in any one of Examples 1 to 43, further comprising a mouthpiece. Example 45: The cartridge according to Example 44, wherein the mouthpiece includes a cooling chamber. Example 46: an aerosol generation system, A cartridge described in any one of Examples 1 to 45, and An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate and a second aerosol generating substrate. Example 47: The aerosol generating system according to Example 46, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with a heating element. Example 48: The aerosol generating system according to Example 47, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with a resistance heating element. Example 49: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 46 to 48, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with an induction heating element. Example 50: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 46 to 49, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a susceptor element. Example 51: The aerosol generating system according to Example 50, wherein the aerosol generating device includes an inductor coil. Example 52: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 46 to 51, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a cartridge. Example 53: The aerosol generating system according to Example 52, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an external heating element located around the periphery of the device cavity. Example 54: The aerosol generating system according to Example 52 or 53, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an internal heating element located within the device cavity and configured for insertion into a cartridge.

[0305] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, although this is purely illustrative. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0306] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic magnified view of the aerosol-generating granules in the cartridge shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to the first embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, which comprises the cartridge shown in Figure 1 and an aerosol generating device equipped with an external heating element. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, which comprises the cartridge shown in Figure 4 and an aerosol generating device equipped with an internal heating element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0307] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 10 according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. The cartridge 10 includes a cylindrical compartment 12 having a substantially circular cross-section. The compartment 12 contains a first aerosol generating substrate 14 and a plurality of aerosol generating granules 16. The first aerosol generating substrate 14 is a liquid. The plurality of aerosol generating granules 16 are immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate 14.

[0308] As shown in Figure 2, the plurality of aerosol-generating granules 16 comprises a porous carrier medium 18 defining a plurality of pores 19, and a second aerosol-generating substrate 20 releasably held within the pores 19 of the porous carrier medium 18. In Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of aerosol-generating granules 16 are shown as substantially spherical in shape. However, it will be understood that the plurality of aerosol-generating granules 16 may have any suitable shape.

[0309] The cartridge 10 comprises a mouthpiece 22. Compartment 12 is separated from the mouthpiece 22 by a valve element (not shown). The valve element allows aerosol flow from compartment 12 to the mouthpiece 22. The valve element prevents liquid flow from compartment 12 to the mouthpiece 22. The mouthpiece 22 comprises a cooling chamber 24. The cooling chamber 24 includes an air intake 26 into which air can be drawn into the cartridge 10 during use. The mouthpiece 22 includes an air outlet 28 into which aerosol can exit the cartridge 10 for delivery to the user during use. The air outlet 28 is located at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 22.

[0310] Figure 3 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system 1000 according to a first embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, comprising the cartridge 10 of Figure 1 and an aerosol generating device 100 configured to heat a first aerosol generating substrate 14 and a second aerosol generating substrate 20 housed in a compartment 12 of the cartridge 10.

[0311] The aerosol generator 100 comprises a housing that defines a substantially circular cylindrical device cavity 102 configured to receive a compartment 12 of the cartridge 10. The device cavity 102 has a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The compartment 12 of the cartridge 10 is inserted into the device cavity 102 of the aerosol generator 100 through the open proximal end of the device cavity 102. As shown in Figure 3, the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge 10 is not received into the device cavity 102 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0312] The aerosol generator 100 includes an external heating element 104. The external heating element 104 is a susceptor element. The external heating element 104 is positioned around the periphery of the device cavity 102. The external heating element 104 surrounds the compartment 12 of the cartridge 10 when the compartment of the cartridge 10 is received within the device cavity 102 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0313] The aerosol generator 100 includes an inductor coil 106. The inductor coil 106 is located around the periphery of the device cavity 102 and surrounds the external heating element 104. The aerosol generator 100 includes a power source in the form of a battery (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the power supply from the battery to the inductor coil 106.

[0314] The aerosol generating system 100 is configured such that when a compartment 12 of the cartridge 10 is inserted into the device cavity 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, the user can inhale or smoke through the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge 10, drawing the aerosol into their mouth through the air outlet 28 located at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 22. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge 10 during use, air is drawn into the cooling chamber 24 of the cartridge 10 through the air intake 26, as indicated by arrow 108, and then through the cooling chamber 24 to the air outlet 28. The control circuit of the aerosol generating device 100 controls the supply of power from the battery to the inductor coil 106 when the aerosol generating system 1000 is activated. The control circuit may include an airflow sensor (not shown), which can supply power to the inductor coil 106 when the airflow sensor detects the user's inhalation. This type of control arrangement is well known in aerosol generating systems such as inhalers and e-cigarettes. The inductor coil 106 generates a fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field within the device cavity 102. The fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil 106 induces eddy currents within the susceptor element, heating the external heating element 104. The first aerosol generating substrate 14 and the multiple aerosol generating granules 16 contained within the compartment 12 of the cartridge 10 are heated by conductive heat transfer from the external heating element 104. This aerosolizes the first aerosol generating substrate 14 and the second aerosol generating substrate 20. The aerosolized first aerosol generating substrate and the aerosolized second aerosol generating substrate are drawn from the compartment 12 into the cooling chamber 24 through a valve element, as indicated by arrow 110, where they are drawn into the air drawn through the cooling chamber 24. The aerosolized first aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosolized second aerosol-generating substrate are mixed, cooled, and condensed in the cooling chamber 24 to form an aerosol, which is then drawn into the user's mouth through the air outlet 28, as indicated by arrow 112.

[0315] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 30 according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The cartridge 30 includes a first compartment 32 and a second compartment 34. The first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 have substantially semi-annular cross-sections. The first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 are arranged around a cylindrical cartridge cavity 36 having substantially circular cross-sections. The cartridge cavity 36 is configured to receive an internal heating element of the aerosol generator, as shown in Figure 5.

[0316] The first compartment 32 contains the first aerosol generating substrate 38. The first aerosol generating substrate 38 is a gel.

[0317] The second compartment 34 contains a plurality of first aerosol-generating granules 40 and a plurality of second aerosol-generating granules 42. The plurality of first aerosol-generating granules 40 each comprises a first porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores and a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the first porous carrier medium. The plurality of second aerosol-generating granules 42 each comprises a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores and a third aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium. The plurality of first aerosol-generating granules 40 and the plurality of second aerosol-generating granules 42 are mixed with each other in the second compartment 34. In Figure 4, the plurality of first aerosol-generating granules 40 and the plurality of second aerosol-generating granules 42 are shown as substantially spherical in shape. However, it will be understood that the plurality of first aerosol-generating granules 40 and the plurality of second aerosol-generating granules 42 may have any suitable shape.

[0318] The first porous carrier medium is the same as the second porous carrier medium.

[0319] Multiple first aerosol-generating granules 40 and multiple second aerosol-generating granules 42 are not in contact with the first aerosol-generating substrate 38.

[0320] The first aerosol generating substrate 38 may have a different composition from the second aerosol generating substrate. The first aerosol generating substrate 38 may have a different composition from the third aerosol generating substrate. The second aerosol generating substrate may have a different composition from the third aerosol generating substrate. The first aerosol generating substrate 38 contains nicotine and an aerosol forming agent. The second aerosol generating substrate contains the first flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent. The third aerosol generating substrate contains the second flavoring agent and an aerosol forming agent. The first flavoring agent is different from the second flavoring agent.

[0321] The cartridge 30 includes a mouthpiece 44. A first compartment 32 and a second compartment 34 are each separated from the mouthpiece 44 by a valve element (not shown). The valve element allows aerosol flow from the first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 to the mouthpiece 44. The valve element prevents liquid flow from the first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 to the mouthpiece 44. The mouthpiece 44 includes a cooling chamber 46. The cooling chamber 46 includes an air intake 48 into which air can be drawn into the cartridge 30 during use. The mouthpiece 44 includes an air outlet 50 into which aerosol can exit the cartridge 30 for delivery to the user during use.

[0322] Figure 5 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system 2000 according to a second embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, comprising the cartridge 30 shown in Figure 4, a first aerosol generating substrate 38 contained in a first compartment 32 of the cartridge 30, and an aerosol generating device 200 configured to heat a second aerosol generating substrate and a third aerosol generating substrate contained in a second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0323] The aerosol generator 200 comprises a housing that defines a substantially circular cylindrical device cavity 202 configured to receive the first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30. The device cavity 202 has a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30 are inserted into the device cavity 202 of the aerosol generator 200 via the open proximal end of the device cavity 202. As shown in Figure 5, the mouthpiece 44 of the cartridge 30 is not received within the device cavity 202 of the aerosol generator 200.

[0324] The aerosol generator 200 includes an internal heating element 204. The internal heating element 204 may be a resistance heating element. The internal heating element 204 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical pin with a substantially circular cross-section. The internal heating element 204 is located within the device cavity 204 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity 202. The internal heating element 204 is received in the cartridge cavity 36 of the cartridge 30 when the first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30 are received in the device cavity 202 of the aerosol generator 200.

[0325] The aerosol generator 200 includes a power source in the form of a battery (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the power supply from the battery to the internal heating element 204.

[0326] The aerosol generating system 2000 is configured such that when the first compartment 32 and the second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30 are inserted into the device cavity 202 of the aerosol generating device 200, the user can inhale or smoke through the mouthpiece 44 of the cartridge 30 and draw the aerosol into their mouth through the air outlet 50 located at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 44. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 44 of the cartridge 30 during use, air is drawn into the cooling chamber 46 of the cartridge 30 through the air intake 48, as indicated by arrow 206, and then through the cooling chamber 46 to the air outlet 58. The control circuit of the aerosol generating device 200 controls the supply of power from the battery to the internal heating element 204 when the aerosol generating system 2000 is operating and the internal heating element 204 is heated. The control circuit may include an airflow sensor (not shown), which may supply power to the internal heating element 104 when the user's inhalation is detected by the airflow sensor. This type of control arrangement is well known in aerosol generating systems such as inhalers and e-cigarettes. The first aerosol generating substrate 38 contained in the first compartment 32 of the cartridge 30 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 204. This aerosolizes the first aerosol generating substrate 38. The aerosolized first aerosol generating substrate is drawn from the first compartment 32 through a valve element into the cooling chamber 46, as indicated by arrow 208. Multiple first aerosol generating granules 40 and multiple second aerosol generating granules 42 in the second compartment 34 of the cartridge 30 are also heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 204. This aerosolizes the second and third aerosol generating substrates. The aerosolized second and third aerosol generating substrates are drawn from the second compartment 34 through a valve element into the cooling chamber 46, as indicated by arrow 210.The aerosolized first aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosolized second aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosolized third aerosol-generating substrate are mixed, cooled, and condensed in the cooling chamber 46 to form an aerosol, which is then drawn into the user's mouth through the air outlet 50 indicated by arrow 212.

[0327] 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, the digit A is understood as A ± 10 percent. In this context, the digit A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error to the measured value of the characteristic that the digit A modifies. In some instances as used in the appended claims, the digit A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, A compartment containing a first aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or a gel, A plurality of aerosol-generating granules comprising a porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores, and a second aerosol-generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the porous carrier medium, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid or gel containing a flavoring agent and an aerosol-forming agent, A cartridge in which the compartment contains the plurality of aerosol generating granules, and some or all of the plurality of aerosol generating granules are dispersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate is a liquid, and some or all of the plurality of aerosol generating granules are immersed in the first aerosol generating substrate.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first aerosol generating substrate comprises nicotine and an aerosol forming body.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the porous carrier medium comprises one or more of ceramics, igneous rocks, and sedimentary rocks.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the porous carrier medium comprises one or more of basalt, pumice, scoria, expanded clay, limestone, and sandstone.

6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of aerosol-generating granules have a median particle size of 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of aerosol-generating granules have a pore size of 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers.

8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate has a lower aerosolization temperature than the first aerosol generating substrate.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating granules are a plurality of first aerosol generating granules comprising a first porous carrier medium, and the cartridge further comprises a plurality of second aerosol generating granules comprising a second porous carrier medium defining a plurality of pores and a third aerosol generating substrate releasably held within the pores of the second porous carrier medium, wherein the third aerosol generating substrate is a liquid or gel, and the second aerosol generating granules are different from the first aerosol generating granules.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the second aerosol generating substrate comprises a first flavoring agent and a first aerosol forming body, and the third aerosol generating substrate comprises a second flavoring agent and a second aerosol forming body.

11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a mouthpiece.

12. The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a cooling chamber.

13. Aerosol generation system, A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device configured to heat the first aerosol generating substrate and the second aerosol generating substrate.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge.

15. The aerosol generator, External heating elements positioned around the periphery of the device cavity, The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, comprising one or both of the following: an internal heating element located within the device cavity and configured for insertion into the cartridge.

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