Aerosol generating cartridge

Abstract

A mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece housing (110) having an aerosol outlet end, a connection end, and a major axis extending between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, the mouthpiece housing length in the major axis direction, the mouthpiece housing width, and the mouthpiece housing thickness, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness, and a heater (139) disposed within the mouthpiece housing comprising: a heating element (139) for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, a porous body (132) for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element (139), the porous body (132) having a heating surface facing an air outlet, and the heating element (139) located on the heating surface of the porous body, The aerosol generating cartridge comprises an aerosol outlet (114) at the aerosol outlet end and an air intake (148) between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, wherein the air intake (148) is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet (114) and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, the airflow path extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge from the heating element (139) to the aerosol outlet (148), the heater (139) has a heater length (331), heater width (332), and heater thickness (333) in the longitudinal direction, the heater width (332) is greater than the heater thickness (333), and the heater is oriented such that the heater width (332) extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing width (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating cartridge. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge.

Background Art

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

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

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

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

[0006] In one known handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system of the type described above, there is a mouthpiece having a length along the long axis of the system, as well as a width and thickness, where the width is greater than the thickness. In this known system, the heater is a porous body having a heating element on a heating surface facing the air outlet. In this known system, the airflow path through the system is configured such that the airflow approaches the absorbent surface of the heater before passing around the heating surface, where the airflow entrains vapor before passing to the aerosol outlet. The inventors have found that in this known system, the vapor condenses only in an amount that provides an unsatisfactory user experience. The inventors have found that a system or cartridge with less condensation would provide an improved user experience. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating cartridge. The aerosol generating cartridge may have an aerosol outlet end. The aerosol generating cartridge may have a connection end. The aerosol generating cartridge may have a long axis extending between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end. The aerosol generating cartridge may have a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may have a mouthpiece housing. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing length in the long axis direction. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing width. The mouthpiece housing may have a mouthpiece housing thickness. The mouthpiece housing width may be greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness. The aerosol generating cartridge may have a heater. The heater may be disposed within the mouthpiece housing. The heater may have a heating element. The heating element may be for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The heater may have a porous body. The porous body may be for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element. The porous body may have a heating surface. The heating surface may face the air outlet. The heating element may be located on the heated surface of a porous body. The aerosol generating cartridge may have an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may be located at the aerosol outlet end. The aerosol generating cartridge may have an air intake between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path, which may also be called an airflow passage. The air intake may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing. The airflow path may extend from the heating element. The airflow path may extend from the heating element to the aerosol outlet. The airflow path may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge from the heating element to the aerosol outlet. The heater may have a heater length in the longitudinal direction. The heater may have a heater width. The heater may have a heater thickness. The heater width may be greater than the heater thickness. The heater may be oriented such that its width extends in substantially the same direction as the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0008] The present invention provides an aerosol generating cartridge. The aerosol generating cartridge includes a mouthpiece having an aerosol outlet end, a connection end, and a mouthpiece housing having a length in the longitudinal direction and a mouthpiece housing width and mouthpiece housing thickness in the longitudinal direction, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness; a heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, comprising a heating element for vaporizing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, having a heating surface facing the air outlet. The heater comprises a porous body and a heating element located on the heated surface of the porous body, an aerosol outlet at the aerosol outlet end, and an air intake between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, wherein the air intake is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, the airflow path extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge from the heating element to the aerosol outlet, the heater has a heater length, heater width and heater thickness in the longitudinal direction, the heater width is greater than the heater thickness and the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing width.

[0009] In a cartridge where the air intake is provided between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, the air passing through the airflow path from the inlet does not need to pass around the entire perimeter of the porous material, from the liquid-absorbing side of the porous material to the heated surface of the porous material. Instead, the airflow can approach the heater laterally from the side of the cartridge. This arrangement has fewer points of transition for the airflow adjacent to the heater. This arrangement provides a smooth airflow that can quickly entrain vapor and reduces the amount of condensation in the aerosol generation chamber, preventing large amounts of vapor from accumulating in the aerosol generation chamber. This provides a more appropriate aerosol at the aerosol outlet and an improved user experience.

[0010] In addition, providing a heating surface of the heater facing the aerosol outlet allows for a direct path of aerosols to the aerosol outlet. This reduces the amount of condensation and provides more appropriate aerosols at the aerosol outlet, resulting in an improved user experience.

[0011] As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device that interacts with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “cartridge” and “aerosol generating cartridge” refer to components that interact with a liquid aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generating cartridge contains, or is configured to contain, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] As used herein, the term "porous" refers to a component having multiple pores. At least some of the pores are open-cell pores. At least some of the pores are interconnected, thereby allowing liquids to pass through the porous component.

[0014] As used herein, the term “heating element” refers to a component that transfers thermal energy to a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material having the ability to release volatile compounds that can generate aerosols upon heating.

[0016] As used herein, the term “liquid aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a liquid substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe the dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or combinations of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include not only vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles, liquid droplets, or combinations of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0018] As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of the aerosol generating cartridge according to the present invention.

[0019] The system and cartridge have a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the cartridge or system during use. The cartridge has a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end of the cartridge may also be called the oral end or downstream end. The distal end of the cartridge may also be called the upstream end.

[0020] As used herein, the term “fixed mounting” is used to describe a physical mounting that cannot be removed or disconnected by the user during normal use. Two parts or components may be directly fixedly mounted to each other, in which case they are in direct contact. Two parts or components may be directly fixedly mounted to each other, in which case they are connected via another intermediate component.

[0021] The terms “length,” “width,” and “thickness” are used to describe the dimensions relative to the overall length, width, and thickness of the system. The length of the system is the longest dimension of the system measured along the major axis from the proximal end to the distal end of the system. This may be the axis extending through the aerosol outlet at the proximal end of the system. The width and thickness dimensions of the system are measured at the aerosol outlet. The thickness direction, along which the thickness is measured, is perpendicular to the width direction, along which the width is measured. The major axis direction, along which the length is measured, is perpendicular to the width and thickness directions. For a system, the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness.

[0022] For any given dimension, the defined dimension is taken to represent the maximum dimension in a particular direction. For example, as used herein, the “length” of a porous body is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction of the system’s major axis; that is, the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction between the heated surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body, along the system’s major axis. Similarly, the “width” of a porous body is the maximum dimension of the porous body in the width direction of the system.

[0023] For any part or component of the system, its length, width, and thickness dimensions are measured relative to the longitudinal axis, width, and thickness directions set by the system. For any part of the system, its length may be less than its width or thickness.

[0024] The aerosol generating cartridge may include an enclosed airflow path extending from one or more air intakes to one or more aerosol outlets. The enclosed airflow path may extend from one or more air intakes, through a heater, to one or more aerosol outlets.

[0025] The cartridge may define an aerosol generation chamber. The aerosol generation chamber may be adjacent to the heating element. The aerosol generation chamber may be proximal to the heater. The aerosol generation chamber may be proximal to the heating element. The airflow path may be configured to approach the aerosol generation chamber in the width or thickness direction of the mouthpiece.

[0026] The air inlet may be disposed at a longitudinal position between the longitudinal position of the connection end of the cartridge and the aerosol outlet.

[0027] The air inlet may be positioned such that the airflow path does not pass through the connection end of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The air inlet may be closer to the aerosol outlet than the connection end of the cartridge.

[0029] The airflow path may include one or more bends. The airflow path may be configured such that from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet, the airflow path does not bend away from the aerosol inlet. The bend, or each bend, of the airflow path may be configured to allow air to either stay at the same longitudinal position or flow closer to the aerosol outlet.

[0030] The airflow path may be configured such that the heater is not directly between the aerosol outlet and any portion of the airflow path. The airflow path may be configured not to extend towards the distal surface of the heater. The airflow path may be configured not to surround the heater in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] The aerosol generating cartridge may include a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a heater. The aerosol generating cartridge may include a second airflow path extending past a resistance heating element. The second airflow path may extend through an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating cartridge may include a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the heater toward one or more aerosol outlets. The first airflow path may be in a plane aligned with the plane through which the second airflow path extends. The third airflow path may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first airflow path. The third airflow path may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second airflow path. The third airflow path may be an aerosol path. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first airflow path and the third airflow path.

[0032] The aerosol generation system may be configured such that the airflow passing through the heater is accompanied by a liquid aerosol generating substrate vaporized by a resistance heating element.

[0033] The mouthpiece may define an aerosol path from the heater to the aerosol outlet. The aerosol path may be substantially straight. The mouthpiece may define an aerosol path that goes directly from the heating element to the aerosol outlet. The aerosol path may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol path may be substantially symmetrical. The aerosol path may be aligned with the long axis of the system. The aerosol path may be aligned with the long axis of the cartridge. The aerosol path may be coaxial with the long axis of the system. The aerosol path may be coaxial with the long axis of the cartridge. The aerosol path may be substantially centrally located within the thickness of the mouthpiece. The aerosol path may be substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece.

[0034] The heater may be positioned such that its width is substantially perpendicular to the length of the mouthpiece housing. The length of the mouthpiece housing may be measured along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece housing. The longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece housing may pass through the aerosol outlet. If the mouthpiece housing is provided as part of a cartridge in an aerosol generating system, the longitudinal axis may pass from the aerosol outlet end of the mouthpiece housing to the connection end of the cartridge.

[0035] The heater may be positioned such that its width is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the mouthpiece housing. Alternatively, the heater may be positioned such that its width is substantially parallel to the width of the mouthpiece housing. In this way, the heater may extend along the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0036] The heater width may be at least 20% greater than the heater thickness, i.e., the heater width may be at least 120% of the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least 20% greater than the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least 50% greater than the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least 100% greater than the heater thickness, i.e., the heater width may be twice the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least three times the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least four times the heater thickness. The heater width may be at least five times the heater thickness. The heater may be substantially elongated. The heater may be substantially defined as a rectangular parallelepiped. The heater width may be substantially uniform along the heater length. The heater thickness may be substantially uniform along the heater length.

[0037] The heating element may be disposed on the heated surface of the porous body. The heater may be disposed such that the heating element is between the porous body and the aerosol outlet. The heater may be disposed such that its heated surface faces the aerosol outlet. If the heater is provided in a cartridge, the heater may be disposed such that the heating element faces away from the connection end of the cartridge. When the cartridge is connected to the device, the heating element may be on the heated surface of the porous body facing away from the device.

[0038] The heating element may be a heating track. The heating element may have a defined meandering shape. The heating element may be a film heating element, such as a thick film heating element. The heating element may contain metal or an alloy.

[0039] The mouthpiece may include a mouthpiece insert that defines the aerosol pathway. The mouthpiece housing may have an outer wall. The mouthpiece insert may be attached to the outer wall.

[0040] The outer wall of the mouthpiece may define an internal opening. The outer wall of the mouthpiece housing may be annular or peripheral.

[0041] The mouthpiece housing may include a bracket. The mouthpiece housing may accommodate the bracket. The mouthpiece housing may include an outer wall. The bracket may be configured to support a heater. The bracket may be configured to support the heater within the outer wall.

[0042] The mouthpiece housing may include a base. The mouthpiece housing may accommodate at least one electrical connector, which may be provided on the base. The electrical connector may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply. The electrical connector may be flexible so that it can be flexibly connected to the heating element. The base may be configured to be fixedly mounted to a bracket.

[0043] The heater may be located at the connection end of the cartridge, or positioned toward the connection end. The heater may be substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0044] The mouthpiece housing may be substantially symmetrical. The mouthpiece housing may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis in at least one plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece insert may be substantially symmetrical. The mouthpiece insert may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis in at least one plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The aerosol path through the mouthpiece may be substantially symmetrical. The aerosol path through the mouthpiece may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis in at least one plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

[0045] A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may be cylindrical. A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may be tubular. Thus, the aerosol pathway passing through the mouthpiece may be cylindrical. A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may be located in the center of the mouthpiece housing. A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may extend along the longitudinal axis of the system. A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may have a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the system. A portion of the mouthpiece insert defining the aerosol pathway may have a longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the system.

[0046] A mouthpiece with a mouthpiece housing width greater than its thickness may be called a "flat" mouthpiece.

[0047] The mouthpiece housing may be tapered. The mouthpiece housing may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing may be tapered such that the area at the aerosol outlet end is smaller than the area at the connection end. The thickness of the mouthpiece housing may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. Thus, the thickness of the mouthpiece housing may be smaller at the aerosol outlet than at a certain distance away from the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing may be tapered from a greater thickness at the connection end to a smaller thickness at the aerosol outlet end. The width of the mouthpiece housing may be tapered toward the aerosol outlet. The mouthpiece housing may be tapered from a greater width at the connection end to a smaller width at the aerosol outlet end. The width of the mouthpiece housing may be gradually tapered from the distal end to the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing.

[0048] The taper of the mouthpiece housing thickness may be steeper than the taper of the mouthpiece housing width.

[0049] The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the device. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that at least two air intakes are defined between the cartridge and the device, with each intake being provided between the cartridge and the device. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the device such that at least two air intakes are defined between the cartridge and the device, with at least two of the air intakes being separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0050] An aerosol generating system may be provided. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating cartridge and an aerosol generating device configured to supply power to a heater for the aerosol generating cartridge.

[0051] The aerosol generating system may have at least two air intakes. The air intakes, or each air intake, may be provided between the cartridge and the device. The air intakes, or each air intake, may be provided at the junction between the cartridge and the device housing. The at least two air intakes may be separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0052] The system may include a power supply, which may be called the power supply. The mouthpiece and heater may be provided in a cartridge that is removablely mountable to the power supply. The power supply may be provided in the device housing. The cartridge may be configured for mounting to the power supply such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the power supply. The system may include a control circuit. The mouthpiece and heater may be provided in a cartridge that is removablely mountable to the control circuit. The control circuit may be provided in the device housing. The system may include a power supply and a power supply housing, the power supply housing being fixedly mounted to the mouthpiece housing.

[0053] The porous body may be for drawing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. The porous body may have any suitable length. As used herein, as described above, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the porous body in the longitudinal axis direction of the system; that is, the maximum dimension of the porous body in the direction between the heating surface and the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body along the longitudinal axis of the system.

[0054] The porous body may have a length of 0.5 millimeters or more. For example, the porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter or more, 2 millimeters or more, 3 millimeters or more, 4 millimeters or more, or 5 millimeters or more.

[0055] The porous body may have a length of 20 millimeters or less. For example, the porous body may have a length of 10 millimeters or less, 9 millimeters or less, 8 millimeters or less, 7 millimeters or less, or 6 millimeters or less.

[0056] The porous body may have a length of 0.5 mm to 20 mm. For example, the porous body may have a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, 0.5 mm to 9 mm, 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, or 0.5 mm to 6 mm.

[0057] The porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 9 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 7 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeter to 6 millimeters.

[0058] The porous body may have a length of 2 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 2 to 10 millimeters, 2 to 9 millimeters, 2 to 8 millimeters, 2 to 7 millimeters, or 2 to 6 millimeters.

[0059] The porous body may have a length of 3 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 3 to 10 millimeters, 3 to 9 millimeters, 3 to 8 millimeters, 3 to 7 millimeters, or 3 to 6 millimeters.

[0060] The porous body may have a length of 4 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 4 to 10 millimeters, 4 to 9 millimeters, 4 to 8 millimeters, 4 to 7 millimeters, or 4 to 6 millimeters.

[0061] The porous body may have a length of 5 to 20 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 5 to 10 millimeters, 5 to 9 millimeters, 5 to 8 millimeters, 5 to 7 millimeters, or 5 to 6 millimeters. For example, the porous body may have a length of 5 millimeters.

[0062] The porous body may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the porous body may be circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

[0063] The cross-section of the porous body may be substantially constant along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the heating surface of the porous body.

[0064] The cross-section of the porous body may vary along its length. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may differ from the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous body. The surface area of ​​the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body may be larger than the surface area of ​​the heated surface of the porous body.

[0065] The porous body may be substantially incompressible. The porous body may contain any suitable material. The porous body may contain a heat-resistant material. The porous body may contain a material that does not chemically interact with the liquid aerosol generating substrate. The porous body may be a porous ceramic body. As used herein, the term “porous ceramic body” is used to describe a porous body containing ceramic. The porous ceramic body may contain sintered ceramic. The porous ceramic body may contain any suitable ceramic.

[0066] Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of ceramic carbides, ceramic nitrides, ceramic oxides, and ceramic silicates. Suitable ceramic examples include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, aluminosilicate, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and zirconium oxide. Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of alumina (Al2O3), aluminosilicate, boride, silica (SiO2), silicide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and zirconia (ZrO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain one or more of alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), and zirconia (ZrO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain silica (SiO2). Porous ceramic bodies may contain silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). The porous ceramic body may contain silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO).

[0067] The cartridge may include a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene fluoride propylene (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and copolymers such as Tritan®, which is made from three monomers: dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO). The cartridge housing may be formed from a durable material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a moldable plastic material.

[0068] The cartridge housing may be formed by any suitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, blistering, blow molding, extrusion, deep drawing, and injection molding. The cartridge may include a mouthpiece. The cartridge may have a connecting end at its distal end. The connecting end may be configured to connect the cartridge to an aerosol generator.

[0069] A cartridge may have one or more air intakes through which air may be drawn into the cartridge during use. A cartridge may have one or more aerosol outlets through which aerosol may be drawn out of the cartridge during use. A cartridge may have an aerosol outlet at its proximal end. If the cartridge includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may have one or more aerosol outlets through which aerosol may be drawn out of the mouthpiece during use. One or more aerosol outlets may be provided within the mouthpiece housing. One or more air intakes may be in fluid communication with one or more aerosol outlets to define an airflow path through the cartridge. A cartridge may have an enclosed airflow path extending from one or more air intakes to an aerosol outlet. The enclosed airflow path may extend from one or more air intakes, past a heater, to one or more aerosol outlets. The enclosed airflow path may pass around the outer surface of the liquid storage portion. The enclosed airflow path may pass through the liquid storage portion. For example, the liquid storage portion may have an annular cross-section defining an internal passage, and the enclosed airflow path may extend through the internal passage. The internal passage may extend from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing. The internal passage may extend only partway from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing.

[0070] The cartridge may include a first airflow path extending in a first direction from one or more air intakes toward a resistance heater. The cartridge may include a second airflow path extending past a resistance heating element. The cartridge may include a third airflow path extending in a second direction from the resistance heater toward one or more aerosol outlets. The second airflow path may provide a fluid connection between the first and third airflow paths. The third airflow path may be an aerosol path. The cartridge may be configured such that the airflow passing over the heater carries a vaporized aerosol generating substrate.

[0071] The cartridge housing of the cartridge may define a liquid storage section. The cartridge housing may also be a mouthpiece housing. The cartridge housing and the liquid storage section may be formed integrally. The liquid storage section may be formed separately from the cartridge housing or disposed within the cartridge housing. The liquid storage section may be located closest to the liquid-absorbing surface of the porous body of the heater. The liquid storage section may also be called a storage section. The liquid storage section may be symmetrical.

[0072] The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may contain a therapeutic composition or a medical composition. The aerosol generating substrate may contain cannabis.

[0073] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine. As used herein, the term "nicotine" refers to nicotine, nicotine bases, or nicotine salts. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain natural nicotine. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain synthetic nicotine. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol formizer. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine and an aerosol formizer. The aerosol formizer may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol formizer may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures typically reached during use of an aerosol generating system including a cartridge. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol), and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the aerosol-forming body may contain one or more polyhydric alcohols. More advantageously, the aerosol-forming body contains one or more polyhydric alcohols selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin.

[0074] The aerosol-forming body may contain one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin. The aerosol-forming body may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain water. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more flavoring agents. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more natural flavoring agents. The liquid aerosol-generating base may contain one or more synthetic flavoring agents.

[0075] The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, or 1.5% by weight or more. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, or 3% by weight or less. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 0.5% by weight to 5% by weight, or 0.5% by weight to 3% by weight. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1% by weight to 5% by weight, or 1% by weight to 3% by weight. The liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% by weight to 10% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 1.5% by weight to 5% by weight, or 1.5% by weight to 3% by weight. For example, the liquid aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 2 weight percent.

[0076] The cartridge may be designed to be discarded when the liquid aerosol generating substrate contained within the liquid storage section is depleted. The cartridge may also be designed to be refillable.

[0077] The aerosol generator may include a device housing. The device housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, alloys, metals, and plastics (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP)). The device housing may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of a cartridge.

[0078] The aerosol generator may have a connection terminal configured to detachably connect to a cartridge.

[0079] The device may be equipped with a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-based battery. For example, the power supply may be a lithium-ion battery such as a lithium cobalt oxide (CBO) battery, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, or lithium titanate (LTO) battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply may be a nickel-based battery. For example, the battery may be a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may be rechargeable. The power supply may be configured for numerous charge and discharge cycles. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for sufficient energy storage for one or more user experiences of the aerosol generating system. For example, the power supply may have a capacity that allows for continuous aerosol generation for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous startup of the aerosol generating system.

[0080] The aerosol generator may include an electrical connector configured to connect the aerosol generator to an electrical connector of an external power supply in order to charge the power supply of the aerosol generator.

[0081] The aerosol generator may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to continuously supply power to the resistive heating element after the aerosol generator is started. The control circuit may be configured to intermittently supply power to the resistive heating element, such as after each smoke extraction, after the aerosol generator is started. The power may be supplied to the resistive heating element in the form of current pulses, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0082] The control circuit may include any suitable electronic components. The control circuit may include memory. The control circuit may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control.

[0083] The control circuit may include other electronic components. For example, the control circuit may include one or more of the following: a sensor element, a switch element, and a display element.

[0084] The aerosol generating system may include a smoke extraction detector. The smoke extraction detector may be configured to detect when a user inhales the aerosol generating system. The smoke extraction detector may be any suitable sensor capable of detecting when a user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the smoke extraction detector may be an airflow sensor. The control circuit may be configured to supply power to a resistance heating element when the smoke extraction detector detects that a user is inhaling the aerosol generating system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0085] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the components of an exploded embodiment of the system. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the cross-section of Figure 1A, passing through the system shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an assembled embodiment of the system. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the cross-section of Figure 1C, through the system shown in Figure 1C. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of the system's heater. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows an alternative schematic perspective view of the heater in Figure 2A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0086] 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.

[0087] Example Ex1. Aerosol generating cartridge, The aerosol outlet end, the connection end, and the long axis extending between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, A mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece housing having a mouthpiece housing length in the longitudinal direction, a mouthpiece housing width, and a mouthpiece housing thickness, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness, A heater installed inside the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, A heater comprising: a porous body for transporting a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a heating element, having a heating surface facing an air outlet, and the heating element positioned on the heating surface of the porous body; An aerosol outlet at the aerosol outlet end and an air intake between the aerosol outlet end and the connection end, wherein the air intake is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, and the airflow path extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge from the heating element to the aerosol outlet, comprising an aerosol outlet and an air intake. An aerosol generating cartridge in which the heater has a heater length, heater width, and heater thickness in the longitudinal direction, the heater width being greater than the heater thickness, and the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing width.

[0088] Example Ex2. An aerosol generating cartridge according to Ex1, wherein the cartridge defines an aerosol generating chamber adjacent to the heating element, and the airflow path is configured to approach the aerosol generating chamber in the width or thickness direction of the mouthpiece.

[0089] Example Ex3. An aerosol generating cartridge according to Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the air intake is located in the longitudinal position between the longitudinal position of the heater and the aerosol outlet.

[0090] Example Ex4. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the air intake is positioned in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal direction of the heating element and the aerosol outlet.

[0091] Example Ex5. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece defines the aerosol path from the heater to the aerosol outlet, and the aerosol path is substantially straight.

[0092] Example Ex6. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece defines an aerosol path that passes directly from the heating element to the aerosol outlet.

[0093] Example Ex7. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece insert that defines an aerosol pathway, and the mouthpiece housing has an outer wall to which the mouthpiece insert is attached.

[0094] Example Ex8. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially perpendicular to the length of the mouthpiece housing.

[0095] Example Ex9. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the mouthpiece housing.

[0096] Example Ex10. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein the heater is arranged such that the heater width is substantially aligned with the mouthpiece housing width.

[0097] Example Ex11. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the porous body includes a porous ceramic.

[0098] Example Ex12. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises a bracket and an outer wall, and the bracket is configured to support a heater within the outer wall.

[0099] Example Ex13. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing comprises a base having at least one electrical connector, the electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection between a heating element and a power supply.

[0100] Example Ex14. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is located at or toward the connection end of the cartridge.

[0101] Example Ex15. An aerosol generating cartridge of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heater is substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

[0102] Example Ex16. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered such that the aerosol outlet end has a smaller area than the connection end.

[0103] Example Ex17. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered from a greater thickness at the connection end to a smaller thickness at the aerosol outlet end.

[0104] Example Ex18. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered from a wider width at the connection end to a narrower width at the aerosol outlet end.

[0105] Example Ex19. An aerosol generating cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cartridge is configured for mounting to a device such that an air intake is defined between the cartridge and the device.

[0106] Example Ex20. Aerosol generating system, Aerosol generating cartridge of any of the preceding embodiments, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device configured to supply power to a heater of an aerosol generating cartridge.

[0107] Example Ex21. An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex20, comprising at least two air intakes, each provided between the cartridge and the device.

[0108] Example Ex22. An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex21, wherein at least two air intakes are provided between the cartridge and the device and are separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

[0109] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, although this is purely illustrative.

[0110] Naturally, Figures 1A to 2B are schematic and simplified for clarity. As a result, some features may be omitted, and the features are not necessarily depicted in proportion to their actual size.

[0111] When describing the features shown in the diagram, references to orientation, such as proximal and distal, are not intended to imply any restrictions on the orientation of those features, but merely to indicate their relative spatial arrangement. Naturally, features may have different orientations when in use.

[0112] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the components of the disassembled aerosol generating system 100. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises a mouthpiece housing 110, a storage sealing element 120, a bracket 130, a base 140, and a device body 150.

[0113] The mouthpiece housing 110, the storage sealing element 120, the bracket 130, and the base 140 may be assembled together to form a cartridge. The cartridge may be reversibly connected to the device body 150 via the base 140 to form an aerosol generating system.

[0114] Alternatively, system 100 may be provided as a single aerosol generator comprising all of the assembled mouthpiece housing 110, storage sealing element 120, bracket 130, base 140, and device body 150, wherein the base 140 is not reversibly connectable to the device body 150.

[0115] The mouthpiece housing 110 comprises an outer wall and an insert 113. The outer wall is formed from a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG). The outer wall is a peripheral, annular outer wall. The outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110 partially defines a storage section 116 configured to contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The insert 113 defines an airflow passage 112 located within the storage section 116. The airflow passage 112 extends from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110 toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing 110. The airflow passage 112 extends only partway from the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110 toward the distal end of the mouthpiece housing 110. The insert 113 defining the airflow passage 112 is also formed from a polymer or copolymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG). The airflow passage 112 is configured to direct the fluid toward the aerosol outlet 114. The aerosol outlet 114 is defined at the proximal end of the airflow passage 112 and at the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0116] The aerosol generating system has a longitudinal axis 500. The mouthpiece housing 110 has a width and thickness that are both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 500. In Figure 1A, the mouthpiece housing width is in the plane of the paper, and the thickness is perpendicular to the plane of the paper. As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the mouthpiece housing 110 has a uniform width along its length. However, naturally, the mouthpiece housing 110 may have a varying width, for example, a tapered shape. In such embodiments, the mouthpiece housing width at the proximal end 118 of the mouthpiece housing 110 is smaller than the mouthpiece housing width at the distal end 119 of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0117] The insert defining the airflow passage 112 is positioned substantially in the center of the mouthpiece housing 110 relative to the width and thickness of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0118] The storage compartment sealing element 120 is configured to be located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110. Specifically, the storage compartment sealing element 120 is configured to form a liquid-tight seal with the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, thereby defining the storage compartment 116. The storage compartment sealing element 120 comprises a silicone body. The storage compartment sealing element 120 further comprises an airflow passage opening 122. The airflow passage opening 122 extends from a first side of the storage compartment sealing element 120 to a second side of the storage compartment sealing element 120. The airflow passage opening 122 is configured to receive the insert 113 when the storage compartment sealing element 120 is located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, so that at least a portion of the insert 113 is located within the airflow passage opening 122 when the storage compartment sealing element 120 is located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0119] The storage compartment sealing element 120 further comprises two substrate channel openings 124. Each substrate channel opening 124 extends from a first side of the storage compartment sealing element 120 to a second side of the storage compartment sealing element 120. The airflow passage opening 122 is located substantially between the two substrate channel openings 124. The two substrate channel openings 124 are substantially identical.

[0120] Bracket 130 comprises a bracket body formed from a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG).

[0121] Bracket 130 is configured to support heater 139. Heater 139 comprises a porous body 132 and a heating element in the form of a heater track 134. The porous body 132 may be a porous ceramic body. The heater track 134 is disposed on the heated surface of the porous body 132. Heater 139 is positioned so that the heater track 134 faces toward the aerosol outlet 114. Heater 139 is positioned so that the heater track faces toward away from the apparatus body 150.

[0122] The heater 139 is illustrated in detail in Figures 2A and 2B. The heater 139 has a length 331, a width 332, and a thickness 333. In the heater illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the heater width 332 is greater than the heater length 331. In the heater illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the heater width 332 is greater than the heater thickness 333.

[0123] The porous body 132 substantially defines the shape of the heater 139. The porous body 132 is substantially elongated such that it has a width greater than its length and a width greater than its thickness. The heater 139 is located within the heater cavity in the bracket 130. The heater 139 is positioned such that the width 332 of the porous body 132 is substantially parallel to the width 102 of the mouthpiece housing. The heater 139 is positioned such that the thickness of the porous body 132 is substantially parallel to the thickness 103 of the mouthpiece housing.

[0124] The heater 139 further comprises a silicone sealing cover (not shown) that partially surrounds the heater 139 when the heater 139 is located within the heater cavity and forms a liquid-tight seal with the bracket 130.

[0125] The bracket 130 further comprises two bracket fluid channels 136. Each bracket fluid channel 136 extends from the proximal surface of the bracket to the opposite end of the heater cavity. When the heater 139 is located within the heater cavity, each bracket fluid channel 136 extends from the proximal surface of the bracket to the opposite end of the porous body 132 of the heater 139.

[0126] The bracket 130 further comprises an aerosol generation chamber 133. The aerosol generation chamber 133 is defined by an opening in the proximal surface of the bracket and side walls that separate the aerosol generation chamber 133 from both bracket fluid channels 136. The aerosol generation chamber 133 is located adjacent to the heater cavity. When the heater 139 is located in the heater cavity, the heater track 134 is positioned facing and adjacent to the aerosol generation chamber 133. The aerosol generation chamber 133 further comprises two bracket air intakes 138. The two bracket air intakes 138 are located on the sides of the aerosol generation chamber 133 that are opposite to each other. The two bracket air intakes 138 extend from the aerosol generation chamber 133 through to the outer surface of the bracket 130.

[0127] Bracket 130 further comprises two bracket electrical contacts 135. Each of the two bracket electrical contacts 135 contacts both ends of the heater track 134. The two bracket electrical contacts 135 then extend through an opening in the bracket 130 to the outer surface of the bracket 130. The two bracket electrical contacts 135 extend to the distal surface of the bracket 130, which is opposite to the proximal surface of the bracket 130. The two bracket electrical contacts 135 contain copper with a gold coating.

[0128] The base 140 comprises a base body formed from a polymer such as polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG).

[0129] The base 140 further comprises a base cavity 142. The base cavity 142 is defined by the base body and a base cavity opening on the proximal surface of the base 140. The base cavity 142 is configured to receive a portion of the bracket 130 when the base 140 is connected to the bracket 130. The base 140 is configured to be connected to the bracket 130 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0130] The base body includes an external base wall extending from the proximal surface of the base 140 to the distal surface of the base. Two base air intakes 148 are defined within the external base wall and extend through the external base wall to the base cavity 142. The base air intakes 148 are defined on the sides of the base 140 that are facing opposite directions from each other.

[0131] The base 140 further comprises an electrical connector 145. The electrical connector is configured for attachment to the base body. The electrical connector 145 is configured to be accessible from the distal surface of the base 140. The electrical connector 145 comprises two arms. Each arm is configured to contact a corresponding bracket electrical contact 135 when a portion of the bracket 130 is received within the base cavity 142. The arms of the electrical connector 145 may include a metal or alloy such as stainless steel 304H with a gold coating.

[0132] The apparatus body 150 includes an apparatus cavity 152. The apparatus cavity 152 is defined by the apparatus body 150 and the apparatus cavity opening on the proximal surface of the apparatus body 150. The apparatus cavity 152 is configured to receive a portion of the base 140 when the base 140 is connected to the apparatus body 150. The base 140 is configured to be reversibly connected to the apparatus body 150 by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0133] The shoulder portion is defined within the external base wall of the base portion 140, which corresponds to the shoulder portion defined on the device body 150. The two base air intake ports 148 are located on the shoulder portion defined within the external base wall.

[0134] The device body 150 further comprises two device electrical contacts 155 located on the distal surface of the device cavity 152. The device electrical contacts 155 are configured to contact an electrical connector 145 when the base 140 is connected to the device body 150. The device body 150 further comprises a control circuit 154. The device electrical contacts 155 are connected via wires to the control circuit 154, which may include a processor. The device body 150 further comprises a battery 156. The battery 156 may comprise a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) configured to be connected at the distal end of the device body 150. The battery 156 is connected via wires to the control circuit 154. The two device electrical contacts 155 may include a metal or alloy such as stainless steel 304H with a gold coating.

[0135] Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the disassembled system 100, taken from a side view perpendicular to the front view. The system 100 in Figure 1B is otherwise identical to that described with respect to Figure 1A.

[0136] Compared to Figure 1A, Figure 1B shows that the mouthpiece housing width 102 is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness 103. Also, in Figure 1A, the mouthpiece housing length 101 is greater than the mouthpiece housing width 102. Figure 1B also shows that the mouthpiece housing 110 is tapered, which causes the thickness of the mouthpiece body to decrease from the distal end to the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110. Due to this taper, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece housing 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 500 is smaller at the proximal end of the mouthpiece housing 110 than at the distal end.

[0137] Figure 1C shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an assembled embodiment of the system. System 100 in Figure 1C is otherwise identical to that described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B.

[0138] In Figure 1C, the storage sealing element 120 is located within the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110, thereby forming a liquid-tight seal with the inner surface of the outer wall of the mouthpiece housing 110. The insert 113 is received within the airflow passage opening 122 such that at least a portion of the insert 113 is located within the airflow passage opening 122. Thus, a further fluid-seal seal is formed between the insert 113 and the storage sealing element.

[0139] The bracket 130 is partially positioned within the mouthpiece housing 110, so that the proximal surface of the bracket 130 contacts the storage sealing element 120, forming a liquid-tight seal with the storage sealing element 120. Each of the two substrate channel openings 124 of the storage sealing element 120 aligns with the corresponding bracket fluid channel 136 of the bracket 130. Thus, the bracket fluid channel 136, the substrate channel openings 124, and the mouthpiece housing 110 define the outer surface of the storage section 116. The storage section 116 is shown filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate in Figure 1C.

[0140] In Figure 1C, the base 140 is connected to the bracket 130 by a snap-fit ​​connection. A portion of the bracket 130 is received within the base cavity 142. The bracket electrical contacts 135 contact the electrical connector 145. The base 140 is further connected to the mouthpiece housing 110 by a snap-fit ​​connection. The base is connected to the mouthpiece housing 110 so that the bracket 130 and the storage sealing element 120 are securely held in place within the mouthpiece housing 110.

[0141] The mouthpiece housing 110, the storage sealing element 120, the bracket 130, and the base 140 together form the cartridge of the system 100.

[0142] The cartridge is equipped with a cartridge airflow path. The cartridge airflow path extends from the base air intake 148 to the bracket air intake 138 through the space between the base 140 and the bracket 130, and from the bracket air intake 138 to the aerosol outlet 114 through the aerosol generation chamber 133 and the airflow passage 112.

[0143] As shown in Figure 1C, the cartridge can be connected to the main body 150 of the device. During use, the user can reversibly connect the cartridge to the main body of the device, and can also disconnect the cartridge from the main body 150, for example, when the liquid aerosol forming substrate in the storage unit 116 is empty.

[0144] When the base 140 of the cartridge is connected to the main body 150 of the device, a small gap exists between the base 140 and the main body 150, which allows air to enter the base air intake 148.

[0145] When connected to the main body 150, a portion of the base 140 is received within the device cavity 152, thereby causing the device electrical contact 155 to contact the electrical connector 145. Thus, a complete electrical path is formed from the device electrical contact 155 to the electrical connector 145, then to the bracket electrical contact 135, and subsequently to the heater track 134.

[0146] During use, the user connects the cartridge to the device body 150 and presses a button (not shown) located on the side of the device body 150. The button is connected to a control circuit 154. The control circuit 154 is configured to control the supply of power from the battery 156 to the heater track 134 via the device electrical contacts 155, the base electrical contacts 145, and the bracket electrical contacts 135. When the user presses the button, power is supplied from the battery to the heater track, causing the temperature of the heater track to rise. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the storage section 116 is drawn down from the bracket fluid channel 136 to the porous body 132 of the heater 139. The porous body 132 draws the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to its heated surface, where it is volatilized by the high-temperature heater track 134. This transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is illustrated using the liquid aerosol-forming substrate transport arrow 171.

[0147] When the user inhales into the mouthpiece housing 110, air is drawn in through the cartridge airflow path. Specifically, the air is drawn into the base air intake 148, then through the space between the base 140 and the bracket 130 to the bracket air intake 138, and from the bracket air intake 138 into the aerosol generation chamber 133. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate condenses in the airflow through the aerosol generation chamber 133 and is drawn into the user's mouth through the airflow passage 112 and the aerosol outlet 114. This airflow is illustrated using the airflow arrows 172 shown in Figures 1C and 1D.

[0148] Figure 1D also shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the assembled system 100, but from a side view perpendicular to the front view. The assembled system 100 in Figure 1C is otherwise identical to the one described with respect to Figure 1C.

[0149] As illustrated in Figure 1D, the airflow 172 enters the aerosol generation chamber 133 through a bracket air intake 138 which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 500. The longitudinal axis 500 is substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow from the aerosol generation chamber 133 through the airflow passage 112 and to the aerosol outlet 114. The aerosol generation chamber 133, the airflow passage 112, and the mouthpiece airflow outlet 114 are aligned in a straight line, so that the airflow path from the aerosol generation chamber 133 through the airflow passage 112 to the mouthpiece airflow outlet 114 is straight.

[0150] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the heater schematic, and Figure 2B shows an alternative perspective view of the heater schematic.

[0151] The heater track 134 is illustrated as being disposed on the heated surface of the porous body 132. The heater track 134 has two heater track electrical contacts 363 at both ends of the heated surface of the porous body 132. The two heater track electrical contacts 363 are configured to contact the bracket electrical contacts 135 as described above.

[0152] The heater track further comprises a meandering heater track path 362 extending between two heater track electrical contacts 363. The meandering heater track path 362 is configured to be resistively heated as current passes through it. The heater track 134 is a metal track comprising a metal film. The two heater track electrical contacts 363 are integrally formed with the meandering heater track path 362.

[0153] Two liquid feed notches 364 are defined within the porous body 132. Both of the two liquid feed notches 364 are defined within the distal surface of the porous body 132. The two liquid feed notches are defined at both ends of the porous body 132. When the heater 139 is positioned within the bracket 130, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate flows from the bracket fluid channel 136 into the corresponding liquid feed notches 364 and then into the porous body 132.

[0154] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating cartridge, The aerosol outlet end, the connecting end, and the long axis extending between the aerosol outlet end and the connecting end, A mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece housing having the aforementioned longitudinal mouthpiece housing length, mouthpiece housing width, and mouthpiece housing thickness, wherein the mouthpiece housing width is greater than the mouthpiece housing thickness, A heater disposed within the mouthpiece housing, A heat-generating element for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, A heater comprising: a porous body for transporting the liquid aerosol forming substrate to the heating element, having a heating surface facing the air outlet, wherein the heating element is located on the heating surface of the porous body; The aerosol outlet at the aerosol outlet end and the air intake port between the aerosol outlet end and the connecting end are provided, wherein the air intake port is in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet and defines an airflow path through the mouthpiece housing, and the airflow path extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge from the heating element to the aerosol outlet, and the aerosol outlet and air intake port are provided. An aerosol generating cartridge wherein the heater has a heater length, heater width, and heater thickness in the longitudinal direction, the heater width is greater than the heater thickness, and the heater is oriented such that the heater width extends in substantially the same direction as the mouthpiece housing width.

2. The aerosol generating cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge defines an aerosol generating chamber adjacent to the heating element, and the airflow path is configured to approach the aerosol generating chamber in the width direction or thickness direction of the mouthpiece.

3. The aerosol generating cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air intake port is positioned in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal direction position of the heater and the aerosol outlet.

4. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air intake port is positioned in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal direction position of the heating element and the aerosol outlet.

5. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mouthpiece defines an aerosol path from the heater to the aerosol outlet, and the aerosol path is substantially straight.

6. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mouthpiece defines an aerosol path that passes directly from the heating element to the aerosol outlet.

7. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece insert that defines the aerosol pathway, and the mouthpiece housing comprises an outer wall to which the mouthpiece insert is attached.

8. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the porous body includes a porous ceramic.

9. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heater is arranged at or toward the connection end of the cartridge.

10. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heater is substantially centrally located within the width of the mouthpiece housing.

11. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mouthpiece housing is tapered such that the aerosol outlet end has a smaller area than the connection end.

12. The aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cartridge is configured for attachment to the device such that the air intake port is defined between the cartridge and the device.

13. an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device configured to supply power to the heater of the aerosol generating cartridge.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, comprising at least two air intakes, each provided between the cartridge and the device.

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the at least two air intakes are provided between the cartridge and the device and are separated from each other by the width of the cartridge.

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