Aerosol material collection device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol material collection device and an aerosol material collection method for collecting an aerosol material sample. The aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure includes a circularly shaped sample cartridge holder containing a plurality of sample cartridges. Each sample cartridge includes a filter medium (filter element) for collecting an aerosol material sample. The aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure further includes a docking device for receiving an aerosol generating device. The docking device positions the aerosol generating device to engage with one of the plurality of sample cartridges. The aerosol material collection device further includes an aerosol inhalation device that inhales the aerosol material sample into the sample cartridge with an adjustable, predetermined puff volume to collect the aerosol material sample. The aerosol material collection device can be fully automated, and the aerosol material sample is collected on a puff-by-puff basis. The aerosol material collection device and aerosol material collection method are suitable for analyzing aerosols collected from non-combustion heated tobacco product devices, but can also be applied to testing smoking articles such as cigarettes and other devices or products that generate aerosols, such as e-cigarettes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 025,620, filed May 15, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, consumers have been moving away from traditional smoking articles that function by burning tobacco or other filling materials, such as cigarettes. A variety of different aerosol generating devices have been developed that generate aerosols without burning a substrate. Such devices include, for example, non-combustion heating devices and electronic cigarettes. In these devices, aerosols are generated by heating the substrate from which the aerosol is to be formed, instead of burning it. An aerosol is a mixture of gas (usually air) and solid particles and / or liquid droplets, which is inhaled by the user. The substrate from which the aerosol is formed can be solid and / or liquid. For example, in one embodiment, the substrate from which the aerosol is formed can be tobacco or a plant-derived material. In another embodiment, the substrate from which the aerosol is formed can be a solution containing nicotine and / or tobacco aroma and a plant extract. In yet another embodiment, the substrate from which the aerosol is formed can be a combination of a tobacco or plant-based substrate and a solution containing tobacco or a plant extract.

[0003] The aerosol generating device described above is capable of generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user while avoiding many of the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device contains low concentrations of various components, such as those produced by the combustion of substances such as tar. Furthermore, because no substrate is burned, the aerosol generating device operates without creating a significant fire hazard.

[0004] In view of the above, those skilled in the art have attempted to improve aerosol generating devices and substrates used therein to generate aerosols containing controlled amounts of several components. For example, one of the recurring problems in developing substrates used in aerosol generating devices and generating aerosols is whether the concentration of nicotine, tobacco, and botanical aromas in the aerosol in each puff can be precisely controlled. It is difficult to precisely control the concentration of nicotine, tobacco, and botanical aromas in the aerosol in each puff, and the amount of nicotine and other components contained in the aerosol in each puff can vary significantly from puff to puff. Specifically, in many of the above non-combustion heated tobacco products, the aerosol in the first puff may carry a significantly different amount of components from the aerosol in the last puff. In addition, the quality of the aerosol in each puff and / or the amount of components in the aerosol in each puff generally decreases over time as the substrate forming the aerosol is heated.

[0005] In view of the above, a test device is needed to test different aerosol generating materials or prototypes under different conditions in order to further improve the aerosol generating device. However, those skilled in the art have not been able to develop a suitable test device for collecting and testing aerosol material samples generated from an aerosol generating device. There are various test devices for collecting smoke samples generated by burning tobacco. However, these test devices are not suitable for aerosol generating devices. Specifically, the aerosol generated from an aerosol generating device is mainly composed of a mixture of gas and solid fine particles and / or liquid droplets, in contrast to solid particles such as carbon-based particles generated by burning tobacco.

[0006] Thus, different test equipment is required to collect and analyze aerosol material samples than the various test equipment used to collect smoke samples produced by the combustion of cigarettes.

[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for an aerosol material collection device that collects an aerosol material sample generated from an aerosol generating device. There is also a need for an aerosol material collection device that can collect an aerosol material sample for each puff so that a tester can compare the analysis of multiple puffs generated from the same aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, in addition to being able to collect an aerosol material sample for each puff, the aerosol material collection device can minimize the number of substrates, such as sticks, required for accurate analysis, unlike conventional devices where data collection is performed by analyzing accumulated puffs or by repeating the analysis of a single puff multiple times using expensive and time-consuming methods such as gas chromatography. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Generally, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol material collection device. The aerosol material collection device is particularly suitable for collecting aerosol material samples generated from non-combustion heated tobacco products and / or electronic cigarettes. The aerosol material collection device can individually and automatically collect puffs of aerosol generated from a single aerosol-forming substrate disposed in an aerosol generating device. The aerosol material samples are collected on filter pads (filter elements) disposed in individual sample cartridges.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol material collector. The aerosol material collector includes a sample cartridge holder for holding a plurality of sample cartridges. In one embodiment, the sample cartridge holder includes a rotatable wheel having an outer periphery. The sample cartridges are arranged along the outer periphery of the wheel. The sample cartridge holder is configured to hold 6 to 20 sample cartridges, particularly 10 to 15 sample cartridges. The sample cartridge holder includes a first outer cover and a second outer cover arranged opposite the first outer cover. The sample cartridges are arranged between the first outer cover and the second outer cover. The sample cartridge holder is configured to suppress the increase or decrease of moisture in a filter pad arranged in the sample cartridge holder (sample cartridge) before, during, or after a test.

[0010] Each sample cartridge disposed in the sample cartridge holder includes a housing defining an internal chamber within which a filter member, such as a filter pad, is disposed, and the sample cartridge further includes an inlet corresponding to one side of the filter member and an outlet corresponding to the other side of the filter member.

[0011] The aerosol material collection device further includes a docking device for receiving an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The docking device is provided to be movable relative to the sample cartridge holder so that the aerosol generating device disposed in the docking device sequentially engages with the inlet of each sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder. For example, in one embodiment, the docking device is provided to be movable toward and away from the sample cartridge holder to sequentially engage with the sample cartridges. Meanwhile, the sample cartridge holder rotates in a circumferential direction so that the sample cartridges are sequentially positioned in front of the docking device.

[0012] The aerosol material collector further includes an aerosol inhaler disposed opposite the docking device and sequentially engaging with the outlet of each sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder, the aerosol inhaler inhaling a predetermined puff volume of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator received in the docking device, the predetermined puff volume of the aerosol passing through the sample cartridge such that the aerosol material sample is collected on the filter member.

[0013] The aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure further includes a controller including one or more microprocessors, the controller being in communication with the docking device and the sample cartridge holder to synchronously move the docking device and the sample cartridge holder, and the controller being in communication with the aerosol inhalation device to periodically inhale puffs of aerosol generated from an aerosol generating device disposed on the docking device.

[0014] In one embodiment, for example, the controller controls the docking device to automatically move so as to engage the docking device with a filter cartridge (sample cartridge) placed in the sample cartridge holder. The controller controls the aerosol inhalation device to inhale a puff of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device placed in the docking device. The puff passes through the sample cartridge so that the aerosol material sample is collected on the filter member. The controller then disengages the docking device from the sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder. The controller also moves the sample cartridge holder to align the subsequent sample cartridge with the docking device. By repeating the above method, the aerosol material sample is collected in each sample cartridge puff by puff.

[0015] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol material sample collection method for collecting an aerosol material sample generated from an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol from a substrate or material without burning the material. The method includes loading a substrate into the aerosol generating device for heating the substrate. The aerosol generating device is moved to engage a filter cartridge held in a sample cartridge holder. A predetermined puff volume is aspirated from an outlet of the sample cartridge to collect the aerosol material sample generated from the aerosol generating device on a filter pad disposed in the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge holder is moved so that a subsequent sample cartridge is aligned with the aerosol generating device. In the method, the aerosol material sample is collected puff by puff.

[0016] Other features and aspects of the present invention are described in detail below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, directed to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which takes into account the appended drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol material collection device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol material collection device shown in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating the docking device and the sample cartridge holder. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the docking apparatus and sample cartridge holder shown in FIG. 2, further showing a sample cartridge disposed in the sample cartridge holder. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sample cartridge used in an aerosol material collection device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the sample cartridge shown in FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of an aerosol inhalation device according to the present disclosure disposed opposite the sample cartridge holder shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhalation device according to the present disclosure including a distance sensor for monitoring and controlling puff volume according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] definition

[0020] As used herein, the term aerosol-forming substrate refers to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that forms an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid, a solid, or a combination of both. The aerosol is generated from the aerosol-forming substrate by heating or other suitable means. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or filled onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a stand-alone solid, a stand-alone liquid, a gel, or any combination or subcombination of the above.

[0021] Aerosol-forming substrates include a variety of chemical components and drugs. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine or tobacco or may be formed from tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may also be formed from a variety of other plants, including cannabis, and may contain CBD and / or THC.

[0022] As used herein, an aerosol-generating device refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate is part of the aerosol-generating device, such as a smoking device. The aerosol-generating device includes at least one arrangement for providing energy from a power source to the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0023] An aerosol generating device including a heater is referred to as a non-combustion heated aerosol generating device. The heater is preferably used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically heated aerosol generating device. The electrically heated aerosol generating device includes an electrically powered heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may also be a fuel heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol for direct inhalation through the mouth of the user into the lungs of the user. Examples of aerosol generating devices include eHTP devices, cHTP devices, aHTP devices, etc., as described in more detail below.

[0025] Electrically heated tobacco products (eHTPs) contain a tobacco substrate that is heated by an electric tobacco heating device (THD) without burning the tobacco to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol. The eHTP category includes products that contain a tobacco substrate and use an electric tobacco heating device (THD). Electric tobacco heating devices (THDs) are characterized by indirect heating of the tobacco by resistively or inductively generated heat, no combustion of the tobacco substrate, being battery powered, limited in number of puffs and / or puff duration by either a fixed size of the consumable (HTP) or a fixed size of the device hardware / software, and when used in combination with a THD, are called tobacco heating devices (THS). The eHTP category may also include products that have a consumable that includes tobacco wrapped in paper or other material to contain the tobacco substrate.

[0026] Carbon heated tobacco products (cHTPs) include a tobacco base material that is heated by carbon smoldering to produce nicotine in the aerosol. The cHTP category includes tobacco base material in the consumable, indirect heating of tobacco by carbon smoldering, and limited number and / or duration of puffs per consumable. The cHTP category may also include disposable tobacco heating devices, carbon-based heat sources that initiate smoldering with fire, and the presence of combustion-related components (e.g., carbon monoxide) in the aerosol. The cHTP category does not include waterpipe products that heat tobacco by carbon smoldering. Current examples of cHTP products worldwide include Eclipse, Revo, Teeps, iQOS, Glo, Lil, MOK, Ploom S, and Pulze.

[0027] Aerosol heated tobacco products (aHTPs) include tobacco substrates that are heated by aerosols generated from an electric tobacco heating device (THD) without burning tobacco to produce nicotine-containing aerosols. The aHTP category includes products that include tobacco substrates and use electric tobacco heating devices (THDs). Electric tobacco heating devices (THDs) are characterized by heating the tobacco substrate by aerosols generated from an e-liquid-based consumable, not burning the tobacco substrate, being battery-powered, having a limited number of puffs and / or puff duration either by a fixed size of the consumable (HTP) or a fixed size of the device hardware / software, and when used in combination with a THD, are called tobacco heating devices (THS). The aHTP category may include having a tobacco-containing consumable packaged in paper or other material to contain the tobacco substrate, indirectly heating the tobacco by heat generated by resistance (or induction), and tobacco consumables being replaced more frequently than e-liquid-based consumables. The aHTP category does not include products that involve the combustion of any substance, including tobacco. aHTPs are often referred to as "hybrids" and examples of aHTP products currently on the market around the world include Ploom TECH, Ploom TECH+, iFuse, Glo Sens, and lil Hybrid.

[0028] Detailed Description

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] The present disclosure generally relates to an aerosol material collector. The aerosol material collector is suitable for collecting an aerosol material sample generated from an aerosol generating device. However, the aerosol material collector can also collect any kind of aerosol material or particulate matter of a smoke sample. For example, the aerosol material collector can be easily adapted to collect a smoke sample generated from a combustible product such as a cigarette. The following description is primarily concerned with collecting aerosol material samples generated from aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol-forming substrate is not combusted.

[0031] The aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure can automatically collect each puff of an aerosol material sample generated from an aerosol generating device into a corresponding sample cartridge, each of which includes a filter member, such as a filter pad, and can analyze the components of the aerosol material sample contained in each puff to determine the relative amounts of the components contained in the aerosol of each puff and how the amount of each component varies from puff to puff.

[0032] The aerosol material collection device includes a docking device that is movable and supports an aerosol generating device having an aerosol-forming substrate. The docking device is adjustable to various aerosol generating devices and substrate sizes included in the docking device. The docking device is configured to accommodate various non-combustion heating devices included in the aerosol generating device, and is configured to accommodate aerosol-forming substrates for various rod diameters, for example, when the aerosol-forming substrate is rod- or stick-shaped. The docking device holds the aerosol generating device and aligns the aerosol generating device with the sample cartridge holder.

[0033] The sample cartridge holder is in the form of a motorized wheel and supports a number of sample cartridges. Each sample cartridge includes a filter element and an inlet and an outlet for passing a puff through the sample cartridge to collect the aerosol collection material on the filter pad (filter element). The sample cartridge holder has a periphery and each sample cartridge is positioned along the periphery of the wheel. The position of the wheel, and therefore the position of the sample cartridge, is automatically controlled by a controller. The sample cartridge holder includes various sensor cells that indicate the position of the wheel. The sample cartridge may include a filter element appropriate for the test. In one embodiment, the sample cartridge includes a filter pad having a diameter of about 35 mm to about 50 mm.

[0034] The aerosol material collecting device further includes an aerosol inhalation device controlled by the controller. The aerosol inhalation device generates a suction force to suck in a puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device arranged in the docking device. In one embodiment, the aerosol inhalation device may be a pneumatic jack with a solenoid valve to generate a suction force and control the puff volume. To further control the puff volume, the aerosol material collecting device further includes a distance sensor, such as a laser distance sensor, arranged with the aerosol inhalation device. The distance sensor controls the displacement of the piston of the pneumatic jack, thereby repeatedly and precisely controlling the puff volume. The puff volume is also tracked by the controller during the puff, and any deviations in the puff volume from a defined limit or any malfunction of the aerosol generation due to the heating structure are immediately detected.

[0035] The aerosol material collection device further includes a pneumatic linear table device that allows connection between the aerosol generation device, the sample cartridge disposed in the sample cartridge holder, and the aerosol inhalation device. The connection between the sample cartridge, the aerosol generation device, and / or the aerosol inhalation device includes suitable gaskets to prevent leakage of the generated and collected aerosol material sample puffs. The docking device, the aerosol generation device, and the sample cartridge are designed to ensure a minimum surface area that prevents the aerosol from condensing before contacting the filter member disposed in the sample cartridge.

[0036] The controller automatically executes the aerosol material collection method of the present disclosure using the aerosol material collection device. The controller may include one or more microprocessors such as one or more computers, and is configured to control the puff time, the puff interval, and the rotation of the sample cartridge holder in the aerosol material collection method for collecting an aerosol material sample. For example, in one embodiment, the controller moves the docking device to engage the aerosol generation device with a filter cartridge (sample cartridge) placed in the sample cartridge holder. For example, in one embodiment, the controller places an aerosol-forming substrate included in the aerosol generation device at an inlet of the sample cartridge placed in the sample cartridge holder. The controller then controls the aerosol inhalation device to inhale a puff of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generation device. The controller can adjust the puff volume. The puff passes through the sample cartridge so that the aerosol material sample is collected on the filter member. The controller then detaches the docking device from the sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder. The controller then moves or rotates the sample cartridge holder to align a subsequent sample cartridge with the docking device, and then repeats the method described above to generate a second puff of aerosol from the aerosol generating device and collect the aerosol material sample.

[0037] The aerosol material collection device suitably includes a counter for controlling the number of puffs produced and the number of aerosol-forming substrates heated per puff.

[0038] The aerosol material collection method and aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure can provide various advantages and benefits. For example, the sample cartridge holder can automatically generate a sample of the aerosol puff collected on the filter media (filter member) for further analysis. The collected aerosol material sample is a sample collected for each puff. However, in other embodiments, one sample cartridge may contain aerosol material samples collected from multiple puffs as needed. However, the aerosol material sample collected for each puff may be a sample for identifying the components contained in each puff, as well as a sample for a tester to compare different aerosol material samples to determine whether the components introduced during use of the aerosol generating device are changing. Furthermore, the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure can control and change various parameters. For example, the aerosol material collection device can control the puff volume, puff duration, puff interval, and the number of puffs to be collected from the aerosol-forming substrate during the test. Furthermore, the aerosol material collector is configured to suppress loss of components contained in the aerosol and increase or decrease of moisture contained in the filter sample during collection of the aerosol puff.

[0039] For example, referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of an aerosol material collection device 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the aerosol material collection device 10 includes a sample cartridge holder 12 for holding a number of sample cartridges. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample cartridge holder 12 is in the form of a wheel that rotates between a number of stations. Each station of the sample cartridge holder 12 holds a different sample cartridge.

[0040] A docking device 14 for receiving an aerosol generating device is disposed in front of the sample cartridge holder 12. The docking device 14 is configured to be movable so as to engage the aerosol generating device with a sample cartridge contained in the sample cartridge holder 12.

[0041] The aerosol material collection device 10 further includes an aerosol inhalation device 16 configured to generate a suction force to inhale a puff of aerosol from an aerosol generating device disposed in the docking device 14. The aerosol inhalation device 16 is disposed on the opposite side of the sample cartridge holder 12 from the docking device 14 and engages with a sample cartridge disposed in the sample cartridge holder 12.

[0042] 1, the aerosol material collection device 10 in this embodiment further includes a controller 18, shown as a computer or microprocessor with a touch screen 20. In one embodiment, the controller 18 accepts input from a user to automatically collect aerosol material samples. Using the touch screen 20, a user can input the puff volume, the number of aerosol material samples to be collected, the number of aerosol-forming substrates to be tested, etc.

[0043] 2 and 3, the sample cartridge holder 12 and the docking device 14 are shown in more detail. The sample cartridge holder 12 is wheel-shaped and rotatably supported by a frame 22. The sample cartridge holder 12 is connected to a motor for rotating the sample cartridge holder 12 during collection of an aerosol material sample. The sample cartridge holder 12 includes a first outer cover 24 and a second outer cover 26 spaced apart from the first outer cover 24. A rotatable cartridge engaging portion 50 is disposed between the first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge engaging portion 50 is configured to rotate between the two outer covers 24, 26 and holds a plurality of sample cartridges 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample cartridges 28 for collecting an aerosol material sample are disposed at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the cartridge engaging portion 50.

[0044] 4A and 4B, an embodiment of the sample cartridge 28 is shown in more detail. The sample cartridge 28 includes a housing 30 that defines an internal chamber. An inlet 32 ​​is provided on one side of the housing 30, and an outlet 34 is provided on the other side of the housing 30. Disposed within the sample cartridge 28 is a filter member 36 made of a material suitable for collecting a sample of aerosol material. For example, in one embodiment, the filter member 36 may be a circular filter pad. In one aspect, the diameter of the filter pad may be about 30 mm to about 60 mm, covering a range of about 40 mm to about 48 mm. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the filter pad is about 44 mm. The filter pad is particularly suitable for collecting puffs of aerosol generated in the process.

[0045] The housing 30 is formed of two cooperating members that are separable from each other to allow the filter member 36 to be attached to and detached from the sample cartridge 28. For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, the housing 30 includes a first member 38 and a second member 40 that is detachably engageable with the first member 38. The engagement between the first member 38 and the second member 40 ensures a liquid-tight seal.

[0046] The sample cartridge 28 further includes a gasket made of a resilient material. For example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a first gasket 42 is disposed around the inlet 32, and a second gasket 44 is disposed around the outlet 34. The first gasket 42 ensures a liquid-tight seal between the sample cartridge 28 and the aerosol generator so that the aerosol puff flows into the sample cartridge 28 without leakage. Meanwhile, the second gasket 44 ensures a fluid-tight seal between the sample cartridge 28 and the aerosol inhalation device 16. The aerosol inhalation device 16 generates a suction force that causes the aerosol to pass through the sample cartridge 28 from the inlet 32 ​​to the outlet 34 with a predetermined puff volume so that the aerosol material sample is collected by the filter member 36.

[0047] The sample cartridge holder 12 is designed to hold a predetermined number of sample cartridges 28. For example, the sample cartridge holder 12 can hold between 4 and 40 sample cartridges 28 in increments. For example, the sample cartridge holder 12 can include more than 8 sample cartridges, such as more than 10 sample cartridges, such as more than 12 sample cartridges, such as more than 14 sample cartridges, such as more than 16 sample cartridges, such as more than 18 sample cartridges, such as more than 20 sample cartridges, etc. Also, the sample cartridge holder 12 can include less than 100 sample cartridges, such as less than 50 sample cartridges, such as less than 30 sample cartridges, such as less than 20 sample cartridges, such as less than 16 sample cartridges, etc.

[0048] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first outer cover 24 includes an opening 46 for inserting and removing the sample cartridge 28 into and from the sample cartridge holder 12. The opening 46 cooperates with the docking device 14 and is also used for inserting and removing the sample cartridge 28. The sample cartridge 28 is held by a suitable means in a cartridge engaging portion 50 disposed between the first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26 of the sample cartridge holder 12. In one embodiment, for example, each sample cartridge 28 includes a holder engaging portion 48 as shown in FIG. 4B. The holder engaging portion 48 is a protrusion or extension extending outward from the housing 30 of the sample cartridge 28. Meanwhile, the cartridge engaging portion 50 disposed between the first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26 is provided with openings spaced apart from each other. The holder engaging portion 48 of each sample cartridge 28 is formed to fit within the size of a corresponding opening in the cartridge engaging portion 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12. As the cartridge engaging portion 50 rotates between the first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26 , the opening of the cartridge engaging portion 50 cooperates with the aerosol inhalation device 16 .

[0049] The first outer cover 24 and the second outer cover 26 provide various advantages during collection of an aerosol material sample. For example, both outer covers 24, 26 cover the sample cartridge 28 in the sample cartridge holder 12. This prevents loss of components contained in the aerosol and prevents increase or decrease in moisture in the filter member 36 contained in the sample cartridge 28 during collection of an aerosol material sample. The first outer cover 24 is configured so that the opening 46 can be rotated manually to facilitate insertion and removal of the sample cartridge 28.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first outer cover 24 is disposed adjacent to a docking device 14 for holding and transferring an aerosol generating device. The docking device 14 has a tray 52 and an adjustable nozzle engagement device 54 including an adjustable opening 56 for receiving a nozzle of the aerosol generating device. The opening 56 is designed to engage different shapes and sizes of aerosol generating devices. For example, in one embodiment, a rod- or stick-shaped aerosol-forming substrate is loaded into the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, one end of the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the opening 56 of the nozzle engagement device 54.

[0051] In another embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating device includes a mouthpiece to be inserted into the opening 56 of the nozzle engagement device 54.

[0052] The docking device 14 is movable relative to the sample cartridge holder 12. For example, in one embodiment, the docking device 14 includes a linear actuator motor capable of moving an aerosol generating device disposed on the tray 52 in a direction toward and away from the sample cartridge holder 12. For example, the aerosol generating device is first disposed together with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device is then actuated to heat the aerosol-forming substrate without burning it. The mouth of the aerosol generating device, which includes a solid rod-shaped aerosol-forming substrate, is then inserted into the opening 56 of the nozzle engagement device 54. When the aerosol generating device is properly received in the docking device 14, the docking device 14 moves the aerosol generating device so as to engage with one of the multiple sample cartridges 28 held in the sample cartridge holder 12. In particular, the docking device 14 displaces the aerosol generating device from a non-engaged position to an engaged position by moving the aerosol generating device in a direction toward the docking device 14. The engagement position is a position where the mouth of the aerosol generating device received in the nozzle engagement device 54 engages with the inlet 32 ​​of the sample cartridge 28 held in the sample cartridge holder 12. As described above, the sample cartridge 28 includes a gasket (first gasket 42) for ensuring liquid-tightness with respect to the mouth of the aerosol generating device.

[0053] When the first puff of the aerosol collection material generated from the aerosol generating device passes through the sample cartridge 28, the docking device 14 displaces the aerosol generating device in a direction away from the sample cartridge holder 12, i.e., from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Then, the cartridge engaging portion 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12 is rotated so that the subsequent sample cartridge 28 held by the sample cartridge holder 12 is positioned so as to be aligned with the docking device 14. Then, the docking device 14 displaces the aerosol generating device again from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Then, a second puff of the aerosol collection material passes through the subsequent sample cartridge 28, thereby collecting a second aerosol material sample. The above method is repeated as many times as necessary until the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted or as long as the aerosol generating device is heated. In this way, each sample cartridge 28 can collect an aerosol collection material sample from a single puff of the corresponding aerosol.

[0054] 5 and 6, the aerosol inhalation device 16 is shown in more detail. The aerosol inhalation device 16 engages one of the sample cartridges 28 and collects an adjustable, predetermined volume of aerosol (i.e., a puff of aerosol collection material) generated from an aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14. The aerosol inhalation device 16 includes a suction nozzle 58 disposed on the opposite side of the sample cartridge holder 12 from the docking device 14, i.e., adjacent to the second outer cover 26 of the sample cartridge holder 12. The suction nozzle 58 is controlled by a distance sensor 62 and is in fluid communication with a cylinder 60 that generates a suction force.

[0055] For example, the cylinder 60 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that includes a plunger 64 within the cylinder 60. The plunger 64 is displaced in a direction that pulls it out of the cylinder 60, generating a suction force that is transmitted to the suction nozzle 58. The suction nozzle 58 is positioned in the sample cartridge holder 12 so as to align with the outlet 34 of the sample cartridge 28 that is in an engagement position with the aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14. As described above, each sample cartridge 28 that collects an aerosol collection material sample includes a gasket (second gasket 44) to ensure a liquid-tight seal with the suction nozzle 58. In one embodiment, the cylinder 60 is a pneumatic jack with a solenoid valve for aspirating and discharging a puff of aerosol. The distance sensor 62 controls the displacement of the plunger 64 to control a predetermined puff volume. For example, in one embodiment, the distance sensor 62 includes a laser that is positioned to contact the plate 66. The plate 66 is connected to the plunger 64 and moves back and forth in response to the displacement of the plunger 64. In this way, the laser included in the distance sensor 62 accurately measures the displacement of the plunger 64 in the direction of being pulled out of the cylinder 60 to control the amount of suction that the cylinder 60 supplies to the suction nozzle 58. This allows the volume of the aerosol puff to be collected from the aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14 to be controlled and set to a predetermined value.

[0056] For example, the aerosol inhalation device 16 can control the volume of the puff in the range of about 35 mL to about 100 mL in 0.2 mL increments. The predetermined puff volume may be uniform when collecting the aerosol material sample. The puff volume may be set based on the aerosol-forming substrate consumed, the type of aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14, or the test content desired by the tester.

[0057] 1, the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure has a controller 18 including a touch screen 20. The touch screen 20 accepts operations by a user to start the aerosol material collection device and to execute an aerosol material collection method according to parameters input by the user. For example, the touch screen 20 is operated to select an aerosol generation method, start a puff process, adjust the puff volume, and set a time interval between each process step.

[0058] For example, in one embodiment, the sample cartridge holder 12, the docking device 14, and the aerosol inhalation device 16 can communicate with a controller 18 including one or more microprocessors. The controller 18 controls the movement of the docking device 14 and the movement of the cartridge engaging portion 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12 so that the docking device 14 and the sample cartridge holder 12 are synchronized. The controller 18 also communicates with the aerosol inhalation device 16 so that when the sample cartridge 28 is in a position aligned with the aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14, puffs of the aerosol collection material generated from the aerosol generating device received in the docking device 14 are periodically aspirated. For example, the controller 18 can communicate with the cylinder 60 and the distance sensor 62 to control and adjust the puff volume and the interval between puffs. For example, in one embodiment, when an aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol generating device is loaded into the aerosol material collecting device of the present disclosure and then engaged with the sample cartridge 28 of the sample cartridge holder 12, the controller 18 controls the aerosol inhalation device 16 to initiate a puff. The puff passes through the sample cartridge 28, whereby an aerosol material sample is collected. The time taken for one puff of aerosol to be collected is generally longer than about 1 second, for example longer than about 2 seconds, for example longer than about 3 seconds, generally shorter than about 6 seconds, and generally shorter than about 4 seconds. The most widely adopted puff duration is 2 seconds for heat-not-burn products such as eHTPs and cHTPs, and generally 3 seconds for electronic cigarettes and hybrid tobacco products. After the puff of the aerosol material sample is collected in the sample cartridge 28, the cartridge engaging portion 50 of the sample cartridge holder 12 is rotated. The controller 18 controls the time between puffs of the aerosol, depending on the movements of the various devices included in the aerosol material collecting device of the present disclosure and the puff interval defined for the aerosol generating method. Typically, the interval for collecting the aerosol material sample ranges from about 6 seconds to about 60 seconds. The controller 18 may include a counter for controlling the number of puffs generated from a single aerosol generating device.A counter may be included in the controller 18 to control the number of aerosol-forming substrates or sticks tested and the number of puffs of aerosol collected in each aerosol collection cartridge per puff. The controller 18 may also further include a counter to indicate when each sample cartridge 28 included in the sample cartridge holder 12 has collected a sample of aerosol material and the sample cartridge 28 can be removed from the sample cartridge holder 12.

[0059] Once the aerosol material sample has been collected on the filter element 36 of the sample cartridge 28, the filter element 36 is removed from the sample cartridge 28 and used for the appropriate analysis. For example, the various components contained in the aerosol material sample may be qualitatively analyzed and the amount of each component may be quantified. The aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure provides various advantages. For example, the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure can collect multiple aerosol material samples from a single aerosol-forming substrate without the use of additional equipment. Additionally, the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure is fully automated.

[0060] The aerosol material collection apparatus and method of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] The following example (Example 1) was conducted to demonstrate that the aerosol material collection device and aerosol material collection method of the present disclosure are as accurate as commercially available smoking devices.

[0063] In Example 1, a HEETS AMBER brand non-combustion heating stick provided by Philip Morris purchased in France was used. In the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure, an IQOS brand device was used as the non-combustion heating device used to test the non-combustion heating stick.

[0064] A stick of a non-combustion heated tobacco product was placed in the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure and in a commercially available linear smoking device, a Borgwaldt RM4. The settings of both devices were set according to Health Canada's definition of heavy smoking, with a puff volume of 55 mL, a puff duration of 2 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds.

[0065] Tests in the aerosol material collection device of the present disclosure were performed on 10 sticks of non-combustion heated tobacco products in the aerosol generating device, and the puffs were collected puff by puff, i.e., each puff was collected sequentially in a corresponding sample cartridge. Each sample cartridge collected one puff of each HTP stick, and at the end of the smoking period, a total of 10 puffs were collected. Tests in the commercial linear smoking device were performed on 3 sticks of non-combustion heated tobacco products in the aerosol generating device, and the puffs were collected collectively.

[0066] The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] As noted above, the results obtained using the aerosol material collection device and aerosol material collection method of the present disclosure were very similar to the results obtained using a commercially available linear smoking device.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] Example 2 illustrates various advantages and benefits of the aerosol material collection device and method.

[0071] The aerosol material collecting device of the present disclosure is used for the test using the HTP stick and the HTP device used in Example 1. The aerosol material sample generated from the HTP stick in the aerosol generating heating device was collected by the aerosol material collecting device of the present disclosure. The settings of the aerosol material collecting device of the present disclosure were set to a puff volume of 55 mL, a puff duration of 2 seconds, and a puff interval of 10 seconds. Ten non-combustion heating sticks were tested in a manner in which they were collected after each puff.

[0072] Each puff was analyzed for aerosol collection amount, nicotine, and glycerin, and the results are shown in Tables 2 to 4 below.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] [Table 3]

[0075] [Table 4]

[0076] As described above, the aerosol material collection device and aerosol material collection method of the present disclosure are capable of monitoring each puff produced by a non-combustion heated tobacco product.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be modified or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention as detailed in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above detailed description and examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol material collection device, comprising: a sample cartridge holder for holding a plurality of sample cartridges, each sample cartridge having a housing defining an internal chamber with a filter member therein, the sample cartridge having an inlet corresponding to one side of the filter member and an outlet corresponding to the other side of the filter member; a docking device for receiving the aerosol generating device such that the aerosol generating device is movable relative to the sample cartridge holder so as to sequentially engage the inlet of each of the sample cartridges held in the sample cartridge holder; an aerosol inhalation device disposed on the opposite side of the docking device and adapted to sequentially engage with the outlet of each of the sample cartridges held in the sample cartridge holder, thereby collecting a predetermined puff volume of an aerosol material sample generated by the aerosol generating device received in the docking device; The aerosol material collection device is adapted to pass the predetermined puff volume of the aerosol material sample through the sample cartridge so as to be collected on the filter member contained within the sample cartridge holder.

2. 2. The aerosol material collection device according to claim 1, the sample cartridge holder includes a wheel that is rotatable and has a periphery; A plurality of the sample cartridges are disposed along the periphery of the wheel.

3. The aerosol material collecting device according to claim 1 or 2, An aerosol material collection device, wherein the sample cartridge holder is configured to hold 6 to 20 of the sample cartridges, in particular 10 to 15 of the sample cartridges.

4. The aerosol material collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the docking device is movable toward and away from the sample cartridge holder to sequentially engage with the sample cartridges; The sample cartridge holder is movably mounted to sequentially position the sample cartridges in front of the docking device.

5. The aerosol material collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the sample cartridge holder includes a first outer cover and a second outer cover spaced apart from the first outer cover; The aerosol material collection device, wherein a plurality of the sample cartridges are disposed between the first outer cover and the second outer cover spaced apart from each other.

6. The aerosol material collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Further comprising a controller; The controller is in communication with the docking device and the sample cartridge holder to move the docking device and the sample cartridge holder in a synchronized manner.

7. 7. The aerosol material collection device according to claim 6, The controller is further capable of communicating with the aerosol inhalation device and controls the aerosol inhalation device to periodically collect puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device disposed in the docking device.

8. The aerosol material collecting device according to claim 6 or 7, The controller includes one or more microprocessors.

9. The aerosol material collecting device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The controller: (a) moving the docking device into engagement with the sample cartridge disposed in the sample cartridge holder; (b) controlling the aerosol inhalation device to collect a puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device disposed in the docking device, and controlling the puff of aerosol flowing into the sample cartridge to collect the aerosol material sample on the filter member disposed in the sample cartridge; (c) detaching the docking device from the sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder; (d) aligning a subsequent sample cartridge with the docking device by moving the sample cartridge holder; (e) an aerosol material collecting device configured to repeat operations (a) to (d) to sequentially collect the aerosol material sample in each of a plurality of the sample cartridges.

10. 10. The aerosol material collecting device according to claim 1, The aerosol inhalation device is configured to collect a puff of the aerosol material sample with a predetermined puff volume, and the aerosol material collection device is configured to adjust the predetermined puff volume.

11. An aerosol material collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The aerosol inhalation device includes a plunger movable within a cylinder, the plunger displacing within the cylinder to generate a suction force.

12. 12. The aerosol material collection device according to claim 11, The aerosol material collecting device, wherein the aerosol inhalation device further comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

13. 12. The aerosol material collection device according to claim 11, The aerosol material collection device further comprising a distance sensor that detects the distance the plunger is displaced to control the puff volume collected by the aerosol inhalation device.

14. 14. The aerosol material collection device according to claim 13, The distance sensor includes a laser that is used to measure the distance that the plunger is displaced.

15. 1. A method for collecting an aerosol material sample from an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol from a substrate without combustion, comprising: (a) introducing the substrate into the aerosol generating device so as to heat the substrate without burning it; (b) moving the aerosol generating device to engage with a plurality of sample cartridges held in a sample cartridge holder, the sample cartridge holder having a housing defining an internal chamber and a filter member disposed between an inlet corresponding to one side for receiving the aerosol generating device and an outlet corresponding to the other side; (c) generating a puff of the aerosol material sample from the aerosol generating device and aspirating a predetermined puff volume of the aerosol material sample through the outlet of the sample cartridge such that the aerosol material sample is collected by the filter member of the sample cartridge; (d) aligning a subsequent sample cartridge with the aerosol generating device by moving the sample cartridge holder; (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) to collect another sample of aerosol material.

16. 16. A method for collecting aerosol material according to claim 15, comprising the steps of: An aerosol material collection method, in which at least three puffs of the aerosol material sample generated from the aerosol generating device are collected in the corresponding sample cartridge, and depending on the concentration of the component to be quantified contained in each aerosol puff, preferably at least five puffs are collected in the corresponding sample cartridge, and more preferably at least 10 puffs are collected in the corresponding sample cartridge.

17. 17. A method for collecting aerosol material according to claim 15 or claim 16, comprising: A method of collecting aerosol material, wherein the sample cartridge comprises a rotatable wheel having a periphery, and a plurality of the sample cartridges are positioned along the periphery of the wheel.

18. 18. A method for collecting aerosol material according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising the steps of: The aerosol generating device is received in a docking device for disengageably moving the aerosol generating device relative to the sample cartridge held in the sample cartridge holder.

19. 19. A method for collecting aerosol material according to any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising the steps of: A method for collecting aerosol material, wherein the movement of the aerosol generating device and the sample cartridge holder is automatically controlled by a controller, which further controls an aerosol inhalation device to inhale a predetermined puff volume from the outlet of each sample cartridge.

20. 20. A method for collecting aerosol material according to claim 19, comprising: The method of aerosol material collection, wherein the controller controls and adjusts puff volume, puff duration, and interval between puffs.

Images